You'll find cafes, bars, and restaurants in every neighborhood of the city. But most of them are located where the tourists are - in Union Square, Mission, Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf. Here you will be offered to taste both traditional American food and exotics - national dishes of Nicaragua, Mexico, Guatemala, China and other countries. And, of course, California delicacies (for 5-6 USD and more expensive).
Savings on food in Bay City can be made thanks to happy hours. This is the afternoon when cafes and restaurants offer discounts to diners. A sign out front will say "Happy hours" and indicate the promotional period. A large sandwich, for example, in such a place will cost only 4–6 USD + tip (10-15%).
There are more than 3,000,000 eating establishments in the city. It would take you 10 years to eat at least once at each of them and decide on the best cafes and restaurants in San Francisco. Spend that time doing other things! And for lunch, come to the cafes and restaurants in San Francisco, which, according to reviews, tourists consider a must visit.
Kokkari Estiatorio
This San Francisco restaurant, with its luxurious Greek-style interior, will appeal to lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. Its signature dishes include grilled lamb, octopus with orange sauce, and moussaka. The average bill per person is 50–60 USD.
Crab House
This themed restaurant on Pier 39 is a must-visit to taste freshly caught Dungeness crab and other seafood delicacies. You won’t have any trouble with the menu — it’s available in seven languages.
The specialty can be ordered as crab soup in a bread plate, crab cakes, etc., or as a whole crab baked in garlic sauce. But remember: Crab House is not one of San Francisco's inexpensive restaurants. You will be charged 25 USD for a half crab and 39 USD for a whole crab. If you pay such a price, it should be for the most delicious crabs. And they're served from September through April.
Cliff House
“Cliff House” is located at the northern end of Ocean Beach. From its windows, you can enjoy a stunning view of the ocean with dolphins, seals, and other local wildlife. The restaurant serves the city’s best seafood stew made from giant crab, fish, shellfish, garlic, and tomato broth. The price for this dish at Cliff House is 35–45 USD.
Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is a must-visit spot. One of the chain’s restaurants is located on the rooftop of Macy’s department store. It’s always crowded, as the view from above is spectacular. People come here not only to enjoy a delicious meal (around 30 USD on average) but also to take great photos. The standard cheesecake portion is huge, but before 5:00 p.m., you can order a smaller lunch-size option.
The Rotunda
Visit this restaurant after shopping at Union Square. It’s located under the glass dome of the Neiman Marcus department store. You’ll appreciate its elegant atmosphere, discreet service, panoramic views, and diverse menu. Try the chicken salad — it’s as excellent as the prices at The Rotunda. The average check per person is 40 USD.
Top of The Mark
This legendary establishment is located in the Mark Hopkins Hotel. Sometimes you need to book a table several months in advance to get in. If you’re visiting San Francisco, don’t miss their Sunday brunch. Admission for adults is 95 USD, and for children aged 4–12 — 55 USD. They serve delicious cocktails, and the sunset views from the windows are breathtaking.
