San Francisco is a food lover's dream. There are far too many wonderful restaurants for me to tackle on this site, so the list below is really just my top list of favorites right now. I urge readers to do a little independent research using the following resources as well:
The 38 Essential San Francisco restaurants ("the Eater38") updated regularly to keep tabs on restaurant openings, closings, and changes. When traveling, I consult the Eater 38 list for other cities in the US before booking dinner reservations.
San Francisco Chronicle's Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants list (updated annually)
San Francisco Chronicle's Inside Scoop blog
What I think is very now:
Coqueta - Spanish cuisine from Michael Chiarello in a warm, energetic space with a scenic, waterfront setting
Kin Khao - Terrific Thai food from pioneering food blogger Pim Techamuanvivit in the Parc 55 Hotel
Lazy Bear - Adventurous, communal dining awarded with a Michelin star; read about my visit here
State Bird Provisions - Internationally influenced, California cuisine served dim sum style
The Progress - Fun, family style dining from the State Bird owners
When I want a classic San Francisco dining experience:
Boulevard - One of the best places to take visitors for an upscale dining experience followed by a Bay Lights viewing
Da Flora - North Beach restaurant owned by my siblings-in-law serving delicious Italian food in an intimate setting
Frances - Intimate atmosphere in a sliver of a space in the Castro from Chef Melissa Perello
Kokkari - Incredible Greek cuisine served in a very warm and comfortable Jackson Square space
Rich Table - Innovative yet familiar cuisine served in a naturally warm, wood-laden dining room
Slanted Door - Refined Vietnamese food served in a stylish and scenic Ferry Building location
Yank Sing - This is my favorite place to go for upscale dim sum
Zuni Cafe - Casual but sexy, rustic yet refined, and always in fashion
When I want nostalgia and old school offerings:
Tadich Grill - The place to go for classic cocktails, Crab Louie, and traditional seafood fare
House of Prime Rib - Go hungry and enjoy everything in this classic SF restaurant fit only for meat eaters
Swan Oyster Depot - Prepare to stand in line outside but the wait is worth it for this tiny, casual, counter seating-only joint
Tony's Pizza Napoletana - Great pizza and Italian fare in a casual environment in North Beach
When I want to do lunch and shop or stroll the neighborhood:
Hayes Valley: Lers Ros (Thai), a Mano (Italian), Souvla (fast casual Greek), or Absinthe (chic brasserie in sultry setting). The Riddler champagne bar is a must for bubble lovers.
Mission: Beretta (Cal-Ital), Papalote (mole burrito), Curry Up Now (Paneer Tikka Masala burrito), Bar Tartine (Cal chic)
Pacific Heights: Woodhouse Fish Co. (lobster rolls & other seafood); Out the Door (Slanted Door's casual kin)
Union Square: The Cavalier (fried brussels sprouts chips); Blue Bottle Coffee (coffee & sweets); 54 Mint (stylish Italian)
When I want to grab a quick coffee or snack on the go:
Anthony's Cookies - Grab a glass of milk and prepare to dunk these delicious, warm cookies
Sightglass Coffee - Industrial chic SOMA roastery serving delicious Hooker's Treats salted caramels
Dandelion Chocolate - Designer chocolate worth every penny and its cafe offerings are also delicious
Smitten Ice Cream - Made to order, impossibly creamy ice cream from the original Hayes Valley kiosk
When I want brunch:
Brenda's French Soul Food - classic Southern food in the Tenderloin
Foreign Cinema - Cal-Med cuisine served in a groovy space surrounding an outdoor patio
Little Skillet - Order at the street-side counter, pull up a crate, and gobble up chicken & waffles or Andouille & grits
Rocco's Cafe - My old neighborhood joint for great breakfast and really comforting Italian classics
Tartine - The best bakery in San Francisco on an idyllic SF residential area between Dolores Park and the Mission