San Francisco’s food scene is one of the most rich and diverse in the world. With so much to choose from, deciding where to go can be tough. This is where the city’s food bloggers come in. They know where to go and are more than happy to share their favourite spots with you.
A stone’s throw away from the famous Alamo Square with its beautiful painted ladies is Hayes Valley: a small neighbourhood full of quaint boutiques and trendy restaurants. Blogger Kelly Huibregtse from A Side of Sweet takes you to her favourite spots in this hip and happening neighbourhood.
The Riddler Champagne Bar in the Hayes Valley neighbourhood of San Francisco might be the city’s classiest venue. With over 100 types of champagne and sparkling wine on their menu and delicious bites like tater tot waffles, they have something for everyone. Add in the wonderful decor with French vibes, lush greens and charming details… can we talk about me moving in? It’s definitely a San Francisco gem.
Kelly Huibregtse lives in San Francisco together with her husband Pat and her dog Maddie. Her blog A Side of Sweet is a mix of recipes, DIY ideas, and thoughts on style, travel, fitness, and design. And of course the best foodie tips for San Francisco!
The Riddler tater tot waffle is not only photogenic but also extraordinarily delicious. It doesn’t get more luxurious than a waffle topped with lox and caviar! Other highlights include popcorn and their Chocolate Grand Marnier Pots de Crème with chocolate pearls that look like caviar. The popcorn flavours change frequently and are free to enjoy while you sip your champagne. The Riddler Champagne Bar uses homemade salts and seasonings like cinnamon toast crunch and white truffle.
Fact – French macarons are delicious! They are also finicky little buggers to make. I tried numerous times and always swear I’ll never do it again, especially when there are so many great places to find French macarons in San Francisco. My absolute favourite is Chantal Guillon. They have two beautiful locations in San Francisco – a small charming shop in Hayes Valley and a larger cafe location in SoMa. They definitely have the largest selection of macaron colours and flavours that I’ve ever seen.
You have to try the Grand Macaron – two large macaron shells filled with buttercream frosting and a truffle centre. It’s also decorated with edible gold in a pattern that was inspired by Louis Vuitton. Talk about heaven with every bite!
I absolutely adore Souvla. Their elevated Greek food manages to be the perfect mix of fresh, healthy, colourful and delicious. Former First Lady Michelle Obama even ordered food from Souvla on a recent flight home from San Francisco to Washington D.C. Yes, it’s that good!
I love ordering my gyro to takeaway and eating it in the pretty little park right around the corner. Don’t forget to finish your meal with a cup of their amazing frozen Greek yoghurt topped with baklava crumbles and honey.
Potrero Hill is full of little surprises. This neighbourhood in the southeast of the city has its own microclimate, making it one of the most pleasant and warm spots in San Francisco. Besides that, the views from this hilltop hood are breathtaking. Food blogger Leslie takes you to her favourite Potrero places.
Leslie Santarina is a freelance photographer and the editor of Spotted SF. She features local neighbourhood gems in San Francisco and from her travels, including new shops, cafés, restaurants, makers and other fun finds along the way. She is also the author of the upcoming book 500 Hidden Secrets of San Francisco, which debuts May 2018. For more of her finds, check out her Instagram.
Whatever you decide to order here, save room for doughnuts: mini buckwheat bites with whiskey crème Anglaise. The perfect way to end your meal.
A warm, inviting neighbourhood spot with some real solid, tasty comforting dishes. Like the 225g, 29-day aged juicy beef burger (with crispy whole fingerling fries) and a smoked duck noodle soup in the most delicious habanero duck broth. The team includes founder and master sommelier Paul Einbund and chef Gavin Schmidt, who hail from local favourite restaurants Frances and Coi.
Plow is arguably one of the top spots for a weekend brunch or breakfast in San Francisco—and rightfully so. Breakfast here is so good it’s served all day throughout the week. Queues form during peak times but it’s worth the wait. You won’t be disappointed.
I highly recommend the breakfast sandwich which comes with two soft fried eggs, aioli, cheddar, frisée, and for an additional charge, bacon. Also try the lemon ricotta pancakes, they are quite delicious!
Enjoy the flavours and aromas of their iconic Junípero Gin and Old Potrero whiskies.
This penthouse tasting room is one of the few places you can sip spirits on an open rooftop garden while enjoying incredible views of San Francisco. Reservations are highly recommended before you go. Fun fact: America’s first craft gin post-prohibition was created right here just over 10 years ago. It was a top secret project in the making by founder, Fritz Maytag, who was also the former owner of Anchor Brewing Company in the same building.
