Iconic Foods of San Francisco: Restaurants with Authentic Local Flavor
From the freshest Pacific Coast seafood to the satisfying chewiness of just-baked sourdough bread, San Francisco's legendary cuisine sets it at the top of world food destinations. You can feast on foods from around the world all across the Bay Area, but don't leave the city without trying a few of these signature treats. Discover the finest foods that exemplify the city's style and the best San Francisco restaurants where you can enjoy a memorable meal.
Savory Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl
Perhaps no dish is as emblematic of San Francisco as piping hot, creamy clam chowder that's served in a sourdough bread bowl. It's a heartwarming comfort food that always goes down smooth. Chock full of tender clams with a cream base, the filling soup also features tender potatoes, celery, and onions. Buttery and rich, clam chowder tastes best in a freshly baked bowl of San Francisco's famous sourdough bread.
Cioppino: Fully Loaded Pacific Coast Seafood Stew
San Francisco's spectacular seafood selection shows up again in cioppino, an Italian-American fish stew that was invented in North Beach in the late 1800s. Italian immigrants from Genoa who fished off the neighborhood wharf would often chip in their fresh catch to a community soup, which usually had a little bit of anything and everything in it. Today, the tomato-based stew is a staple at restaurants in San Francisco, Italian or otherwise. It's a true showcase for the Bay Area's brilliant seafood, and may include shrimp, prawns, clams, crab, scallops, squid, mussels, and fish. Everything is cooked in wine and often served with toasted French bread or sourdough. This savory seafood dish is best enjoyed on a foggy day.
Big, Beautiful Mission-Style Burritos: Time for Lunch
First introduced in the city's Mission District in the 1960s (and also called the San Francisco burrito), the Mission-style burrito is set apart from its cousins by its brawn and its bulk. Larger than most burritos you may have encountered, the local treasure is packed full of extras: guacamole, sour cream, salsa, beans, meat, and cheese. It's a full meal right in the palm of your hand, quick and easy for a lunch on the run between sightseeing or business meetings.
Incredibly Fresh Sushi: Give In to Your Cravings
San Francisco is known for its amazing sushi restaurants, one of the many gifts brought to the city by Japanese immigrants. Whether you are hungry for yellowtail nigiri, a spicy crab roll, or an indulgent omakase experience at the height of sensory perfection - you'll find delectable choices throughout the Bay Area. The city's best chefs offer innovative culinary experiences that pair the freshest-ever seafood with contemporary techniques and traditional character. Find sleek sushi bars, casual lunch lounges, and fabulously delicious fish during your stay.
Experience True San Francisco Flavor at Hotel Nikko
From the enticingly fresh, creative cuisine at ANZU to the chic Asian-inspired accommodations, Hotel Nikko offers an only-in-San-Francisco experience that speaks to the soul of the city. Relax into the vibrant culture of life around Union Square, where you're steps away from unique diversions: theater shows, amazing shopping, and incredible San Francisco restaurants. Discover exceptional luxuries at our boutique hotel, including a glass-enclosed swimming pool and a dog run for pet-lovers. Stay inspired. Stay in the heart of the city. Stay just where you want to be at Hotel Nikko.
From the freshest Pacific Coast seafood to the satisfying chewiness of just-baked sourdough bread, San Francisco's legendary cuisine sets it at the top of world food destinations. You can feast on foods from around the world all across the Bay Area, but don't leave the city without trying a few of these signature treats. Discover the finest foods that exemplify the city's style and the best San Francisco restaurants where you can enjoy a memorable meal.
Savory Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl
Perhaps no dish is as emblematic of San Francisco as piping hot, creamy clam chowder that's served in a sourdough bread bowl. It's a heartwarming comfort food that always goes down smooth. Chock full of tender clams with a cream base, the filling soup also features tender potatoes, celery, and onions. Buttery and rich, clam chowder tastes best in a freshly baked bowl of San Francisco's famous sourdough bread.
- Where to Eat Clam Chowder in San Francisco: You'll find clam chowder stands up and down Fisherman's Wharf, a good choice for a casual meal in the open air - complete with barking sea lions, seagulls overhead, and boats sailing by. For the real deal, head to Boudin Bakery, the oldest business in the city. They perfected their sourdough bread recipe in 1849, and you still experience the magic today.
Cioppino: Fully Loaded Pacific Coast Seafood Stew
San Francisco's spectacular seafood selection shows up again in cioppino, an Italian-American fish stew that was invented in North Beach in the late 1800s. Italian immigrants from Genoa who fished off the neighborhood wharf would often chip in their fresh catch to a community soup, which usually had a little bit of anything and everything in it. Today, the tomato-based stew is a staple at restaurants in San Francisco, Italian or otherwise. It's a true showcase for the Bay Area's brilliant seafood, and may include shrimp, prawns, clams, crab, scallops, squid, mussels, and fish. Everything is cooked in wine and often served with toasted French bread or sourdough. This savory seafood dish is best enjoyed on a foggy day.
- Where to Eat Cioppino in San Francisco: Opened in 1849, Tadich Grill is the oldest restaurant in California, and their cioppino is prime. Savor cioppino with water views at Fisherman's Wharf restaurants like Alioto's, Scoma's, and of course - Cioppino's. For cioppino with an Asian twist, the stew at ANZU features a tantalizing miso tomato broth with snow crab, black cod, salmon belly, and scallops. Sop up the flavors with the furikake brioche.
Big, Beautiful Mission-Style Burritos: Time for Lunch
First introduced in the city's Mission District in the 1960s (and also called the San Francisco burrito), the Mission-style burrito is set apart from its cousins by its brawn and its bulk. Larger than most burritos you may have encountered, the local treasure is packed full of extras: guacamole, sour cream, salsa, beans, meat, and cheese. It's a full meal right in the palm of your hand, quick and easy for a lunch on the run between sightseeing or business meetings.
- Where to Eat Mission-Style Burritos in San Francisco: Travel to the source, the Mission District. The neighborhood's Central American roots still keep many of the burrito's original taquerias open and humming with business. For real local flavor, try Mission District favorites like La Taqueria, El Farolito, El Faro, or Taqueria Cancun.
Incredibly Fresh Sushi: Give In to Your Cravings
San Francisco is known for its amazing sushi restaurants, one of the many gifts brought to the city by Japanese immigrants. Whether you are hungry for yellowtail nigiri, a spicy crab roll, or an indulgent omakase experience at the height of sensory perfection - you'll find delectable choices throughout the Bay Area. The city's best chefs offer innovative culinary experiences that pair the freshest-ever seafood with contemporary techniques and traditional character. Find sleek sushi bars, casual lunch lounges, and fabulously delicious fish during your stay.
- Where to Eat Sushi in San Francisco: For creative, crave-worthy sushi with exquisite flair and unparalleled flavor, make reservations at ANZU Restaurant & Bar. Steps away from Union Square, ANZU offers one of the city's most acclaimed dining experiences. Treat yourself to an unforgettable omakase meal or sample the mouthwatering rolls with ingredients like Maine lobster and hotate scallops. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this elegant restaurant features a raw bar and an imaginative menu of cocktails.
Experience True San Francisco Flavor at Hotel Nikko
From the enticingly fresh, creative cuisine at ANZU to the chic Asian-inspired accommodations, Hotel Nikko offers an only-in-San-Francisco experience that speaks to the soul of the city. Relax into the vibrant culture of life around Union Square, where you're steps away from unique diversions: theater shows, amazing shopping, and incredible San Francisco restaurants. Discover exceptional luxuries at our boutique hotel, including a glass-enclosed swimming pool and a dog run for pet-lovers. Stay inspired. Stay in the heart of the city. Stay just where you want to be at Hotel Nikko.