California Travel Guide: Where to Eat in San Francisco

The latest crop of can€™t-miss rooms in the most enjoyable restaurant city in America.

Is there a better American city to eat in than San Francisco? New York may have the market cornered on luxe, and Chicago has its celebrity chefs. But San Fran’s vibe is that rare combination of top food served by unpretentious cooks and an experimental attitude that creates such wonderful oddities as a restaurant that serves nothing but variations on bread pudding (the newly opened Schulzies Bread Pudding). The only downside? New places open so quickly that the list of can’t-miss spots is always changing. And while recent stars (Commonwealth, Mission Chinese Food) are still packed and worth a visit, here are this year’s candidates for MVP.

The Best Food in San Francisco

State Bird Provisions. Forget just San Fran—this small, relaxed room in the Western Addition neighbourhood may be the most enjoyable restaurant in the country right now. Relatively low prices, a small, excellent wine list and two chefs/owners who seem to pour their passion into every dish make this the must visit spot of the year. Elsewhere, the dim sum-style service of non-Chinese food would seem like a gimmick. Here, it’s inspired.statebirdsf.com

SF isn’t exactly Memphis, but there are few more pleasurable (and, frankly, thrifty) options than pushing to the back of North Beach’s Amante bar to discover the takeout counter for Chubby Noodle. Korean tacos, tiger milk ceviche and amazing buttermilk-brined fried chicken with a side of poached eggs—the menu defies description, but it’s currently the city’s best takeout. Beware: parking is a nightmare in this area.thechubbynoodle.com

The still (barely) grungy Mission is now hipster central in large part due to the gentrifying influence of places like Salumeria/Central Kitchen, the hyper-local provisions store and restaurant brought to you by the team behind the trailblazing pizza joint Flour + Water. The just-opened cocktail spot Trick Dog makes 20th Street one-stop nourishment. 20thstreet corridor.wordpress.com 

Cool Food Trend

San Fran is leading a national ice cream renaissance, and the two brightest lights are Bi-Rite Creamery (pumpkin ice cream between gingersnaps) andHumphry Slocombe (try the Secret Breakfast: bourbon and cornflakes).biritecreamery.com, humphryslocombe.com