How to Eat Your Way Through San Francisco's Mission District

buddy

Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and thoughtfully curated menu, Buddy offers a delightful dining experience that captures the heart and soul of San Francisco's culinary scene. Their wine bar is a standout feature, boasting an impressive selection of natural and biodynamic wines from around the world. Stop in, try something new, and enjoy quintessential SF vibes. 

Craftsman and Wolves

Craftsman and Wolves is known for its innovative approach to traditional baked goods. Established by renowned pastry chef William Werner in 2012, it quickly became a beloved destination for both locals and visitors seeking unique and artfully crafted pastries. Stop by their location on Valencia Street or find them at many local stores, cafes, and restaurants that feature their iconic pastries. 

Delfina

A long-standing San Francisco classic for Cal-Italian, Delfina offers dishes that follow the Italian culinary ideology: simply prepared and letting the ingredients stand on their own. The spaghetti, trippa alla fiorentina (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!), and hanger steak are all local faves, but the seasonal dishes really shine. The city’s best panna cotta awaits at the end of your meal. Next door, you’ll find the much-adored Pizzeria Delfina (Neapolitan-style heaven), and on Valencia Street is Locanda, their Roman-inspired restaurant with a full bar.

flour + water

Wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta (from eggplant tortellini to hen polpettini) are the heart of the menu at this simple yet stylish Italy-meets-Northern California eatery. Pasta-making classes and culinary education events happen frequently at flour + water which lets you watch your meal being prepared while you down fine Italian vino and awesome antipasto.

Foreign Cinema

One of the most atmospheric venues in the city, Foreign Cinema has a huge patio where films are screened on the back wall while you dine. The industrial chic interior still impresses after more than 15 years. The Cal-Med menu includes quality charcuterie, oysters, and their incredible fried chicken. The weekend brunch is one of the city’s best (they do magical things with eggs) and their Bloody Mary's have a cult following.

Lolinda

This spacious restaurant is built for groups and birthdays, and the dim lighting makes it right for a date, too. The Argentine steakhouse menu at Lolinda features a variety of meats and cuts from the grill (including the 26 oz "Gaucho" ribeye), with salads, Latin American small plates, and good cocktails as well.

Penny Roma

This casual offshoot from the popular Flour + Water restaurant group makes a huge statement! This chic restaurant and pasta shop is the perfect spot for everything from date night to weeknight dinners. Relax on their plant-filled patio and devour delicious hand-crafted pasta bowls, or try one of their mouthwatering mains, like their stripped seabass or braised pork shoulder. 

At The Story of Ramen, you'll find a unique culinary experience that not only lets you make your own ramen noodles but also teaches you about the culture, technique, and history of this tasty bowl of soup. Book a class with friends and enjoy this interactive food experience, perfect for a cold SF night or rainy day. 

Tacolicious

This is a Valencia Street spot that’s popular with a younger crowd (it gets boisterous, especially around happy hour). Weekend brunch is also a scene. Tacolicious offers well-crafted margaritas to go with a variety of tacos (like beef short rib, Baja-style fried Pacific cod, or potato and chorizo), chile con queso, and other playful Mexican and Mexican-inspired dishes.

La Taqueria

Anyone who comes to San Francisco and doesn’t experience one of the (off-menu) “tacos dorados” at this benchmark taqueria is missing out. A crispy taco comes wrapped in a soft one, stuffed with your meat of choice. Get their superlative carnitas or carne asada, and whether you want it "super" or not is up to your appetite. Their atomic salsa verde is pure magic. Pro tip: You can also get any of their burritos “dorado” style as well.