Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.




Top 25 Restaurants in San Francisco to Eat at Right Now

Visitors and locals flock to Kin Khao for seasonal and fiercely authentic Thai cuisine

Where to Eat in San Francisco


This undisputed food city is buzzing with everything from casual hot spots to upscale modern newcomers. With so many options, it can be hard to decide where to go. To help you out, presented in alphabetical order, here is GAYOT's guide to the 25 hottest restaurants in San Francisco.


Check out the current list of GAYOT's Top 25 Restaurants in San Francisco to Eat at Right Now 

Aatxe
— Castro District

Aatxe is the charmingly modern, ground-floor Basque restaurant in San Francisco's iconic Swedish American Hall


Basque small plates along with fun cocktails and a hopping scene in the Castro's Swedish American Hall.



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AL's Place
— Mission

At AL's Place, chef Aaron London presents elevated garden fare


Elevated garden fare with a side of (beef) cheek, courtesy of Aaron London.



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Black Bark BBQ
— Fillmore District

Tender, 12-hour beef brisket is one of the specialties at Black Bark BBQ


Masterful brisket, spare ribs and pulled pork, with classic Southern sides.

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Buckeye Roadhouse
— Mill Valley

Buckeye Roadhouse features a vaulted ceiling, a massive stone fireplace and huge windows looking out onto green wilderness


California-American comfort food with creative twists is served in an elegant ski lodge-like setting.



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Cadence
— Mid-Market

Enjoy classy New American fare in the heart of mid-market at Cadence


EDITOR'S NOTE: THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Classy New American fare in the heart of mid-market, from the team behind Maven.


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Californios
— Mission

Californios offers a unique modern Mexican dining experience in an unexpected corner of the Mission


Chef-owner Val M. Cantu presents a multi-course tasting of Mexican fare in the Mission district.

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Dirty Habit
— Union Square

Craft cocktails and an exceptional spirits list make this spot an optimal after-work habit


Craft cocktails and an exceptional spirits list make this spot an optimal after-work habit; food is offered as well.



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Fiorella
— Richmond District

Fiorella's saucy Neapolitan pies rightly favor the garden


Wood-fired pizza and deft pairings in an upmarket scene that welcomes families.



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Garaje
— SoMa

Garaje's tacos use organic corn tortillas and come with a range of flavorful meats, fish and seafood


Taqueria, burger joint and much more, Garaje offers a variety of Mexican and other flavors with pretense-free, old-school appeal.

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Homestead
— Oakland

Homestead's cuisine draws on the freshest local components


A confident, cozy, rustic restaurant soothes patrons while stimulating taste buds with inventive seasonal specialties.



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Kin Khao
— Union Square

Visitors and locals flock to Kin Khao for seasonal and fiercely authentic Thai cuisine


Spicy, seasonal Thai food and a modern, busy scene keep the crowds coming to this downtown spot.



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Lazy Bear
— Mission

Lazy Bear is a veritable temple to modern cooking and chef culture juxtaposed with rustic cabin chic


A veritable temple to modern cooking and chef culture juxtaposed with rustic cabin chic carves out a unique niche in the Mission.

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Little Gem
— Hayes Valley

Little Gem wants to be your go-to meal in Hayes Valley


This welcoming, fast-casual retreat wants to be your go-to meal in Hayes Valley.

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Loló
— Mission

Loló offers a splash of personality and a riot of color to diners seeking a fun night out


This creative Mission restaurant offers fun, color and plenty of personality.

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Mister Jiu's
— Chinatown

At Mister Jiu's, chef Brandon Jew takes inspiration from Chinese cooking traditions


Chef Brandon Jew offers a menu that takes inspiration from Chinese cooking traditions, as well as California's sustainable and seasonal ethos.



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Okane
— SoMa

Okane is predominantly an izakaya, focusing on small plates meant to be shared and enjoyed with drinks


San Francisco izakaya and sushi spot delivers delicate delectables.



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Omakase
— SoMa

Omakase has a sushi bar that seats 14 and a duo of two-tops, so reserve well in advance


Intimate sushi spot offering a chef's choice menu of exceptional cuts.



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Mr Holmes Bakehouse
— Tenderloin

Cruffins are the signature pastry at Mr Holmes Bakehouse


Indulgent pastries emerge from this alleged birthplace of the croissant/muffin "cruffin."

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Parada
— Walnut Creek

Tuck up inside chef Carlos Altamirano's bright Peruvian restaurant in Walnut Creek


Inviting, invigorating Peruvian repast just a stone's throw from the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART.



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The Progress
— Fillmore District

Curved wood-slated walls, rough timber planks and a small upstairs balcony give almost the feeling of dining below deck on a whaling ship


A follow-up from the team behind State Bird Provisions.

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Sabio on Main
— Pleasanton

At Sabio on Main, chef Francis Hogan applies serious intent to playful dishes


Upscale, contemporary dining from Francis Hogan in Pleasanton.

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Maybeck's (Formerly Spaghetti Bros.)
— Marina

Spaghetti Bros. serves up a simple menu of very well-executed Italian standards


Smokey renditions of Italian standards and a steak well worth the spend. Negroni, too.



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Urbano Latino
— Oakland

Boisterous, happy noise rises to the rafters in this rustic room outfitted in reclaimed barn wood


Inviting neighborhood restaurant and bar serving up generously portioned Latin-influenced food for young and old alike.

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Village Sake
— Fairfax

Chef Scott Whitman's memories of living in Japan helped inspire Village Sake


Exciting Japanese pub food from a renowned chef, with sushi and much more.

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Whitechapel
— Tenderloin

Whitechapel's hefty cocktail menu guides imbibers through the origins of gin


This surreal gin joint is worth a visit for the vibe alone, if not the incredible cocktails.

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