San Francisco

Ebiko SushiFinancial District, North Beach locations

Best sushi takeaway I've ever eaten. Their omakase set of seven nigiri is under $20 and ideal for a picnic in one of the nearby outdoor spaces.

Kuma SushiPolk St

Some of the most creative rolls I've ever tried.

Ace Wasabi SushiMarina

Has a great happy hour, and I have fond memories of their "sushi bingo happy hour," which they still do on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Wayo SushiVan Ness

A one-man operation that requires reservations. Unpretentious with excellent, fresh fish and good prices.

This might just be my favorite restaurant in SF

Hook Fish Co.Outer Sunset

This might just be my favorite restaurant in SF—Hook Fish is known for excellent fish burritos, fish and chips, and poke. The SF location is just a block or two from the ocean—a long bike ride followed by a burrito at the beach makes a perfect day!

↳ also in Gifts to Bring Home: the hot sauce

Palm City WinesOuter Sunset

Despite the name, Palm City is most famous for their massive sandwiches. I've tried their shrimp and cauliflower hoagies, and both were some of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten.

Cafe IsabellaNob Hill

Excellent breakfast burritos.

Sandy'sHaight Ashbury

Specializes in just a few items and most known for their New Orleans-style Muffulettas (both meat and vegan options).

Blue BarnPolk St, Marina, Cole Valley, etc.

If you're looking for a $20 salad, look no further. While expensive, their salads are massive and excellent.

There's no shortage of gourmet burger spots if you'd like to spend $20 on a burger. Try Gott's (Ferry Building), Roam (Union Street), or Rad Radish (Vegan, Hayes Valley) for high-quality options.

TrestleFiDi

Offers an excellent three-course meal for under $50. The menu changes weekly and usually includes two options for each course, with an optional pasta add-on for $12.

Original Joe'sNorth Beach

This is a great place to visit for the vibes—in the heart of North Beach, Original Joe's has leather booths, a lively atmosphere, and great food/drinks. If you're looking for a similar atmosphere but different food, try Little Original Joe's (Marina) for pizza or Elena's (West Portal) for excellent Mexican food.

LoloMission

Unique Mexican tapas in a lively and colorful setting.

Coffee MovementNob Hill

Known for tastings and unique brewing techniques, it's a must-visit for coffee lovers.

Cafe MeuseNob Hill

Generous pours of interesting wines at reasonable prices, plus excellent food like tuna tartare and a generous $15 cheese plate.

Golden SardineNorth Beach

Tiny wine bar featuring wine and tinned fish. A fun spot to read a book with a cool second floor that overlooks the street below.

Tonga RoomNob Hill

An incredible tiki-style bar with a floating stage in the middle of a pool. It's in the basement of the Fairmont hotel. While the drinks are overpriced, it's worth doing once.

↳ upstairs: The Fairmont (Stay)

Martuni'sMission

Excellent sweet martinis and live, classy karaoke with a pianist.

PolkchaPolk Gulch

Designed like an Asian night market, this bar offers creative drinks with unique liqueurs.

Golden Gate Park

This massive park has plenty to do. Some highlights include:

• Visit the Japanese Garden, the Botanical Gardens, or the Conservatory of Flowers.
• Walk down John F. Kennedy Drive (recently closed for cars, so it's all walkers/bikers) to the ocean and grab a meal at Hook Fish Co.
• Relax in the Shakespeare Garden.
• Find a quiet nook—even on a busy day, you can find an entire field to yourself.

Presidio Tunnel Tops

This park offers incredible views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. On weekends, you'll find food trucks and drinks at Il Canto.

Ina Coolbrith ParkRussian Hill

This "park" is more of a viewing area, offering some of the best views of San Francisco with plenty of benches to soak it all in.

Page Street

During COVID, SF introduced Slow Streets, which are generally closed to traffic. Walking from Hayes Valley to Golden Gate Park on Page Street is a favorite route.

JFK Drive

Recently closed to cars, JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park is a delight to walk down.

The Great Highway

If you're looking for an oceanside walk, it's hard to do better than the Great Highway, now closed to cars.

Other streets to explore with lots of shopping and restaurants:

• Chestnut Street (Marina)
• Union Street (Cow Hollow)
• Valencia Street (Mission)
• Hayes Street (Hayes Valley)

Hotel MajesticPacific Heights

This historic hotel is where my parents stayed the first time they came to San Francisco! It's one of the few buildings to survive the San Francisco fire in the early 1900s. It's not at all a luxury property, but it feels very "San Francisco" and is located in Pacific Heights, walking distance to Fillmore Street and Japantown—two of my favorite areas to explore.

InterContinental Mark HopkinsNob Hill

Located on top of Nob Hill, this iconic hotel offers incredible views and is close to both Grace Cathedral and the cable cars.

The FairmontNob Hill

Another iconic Nob Hill property, right next to the Mark Hopkins. It offers rich history and dining options, including the legendary Tonga Room.

↳ downstairs: Tonga Room (Drink)

Kimpton BuchananJapantown

I haven't stayed here myself, but I've heard good things about this boutique hotel in Japantown, which offers great access to one of the city's most unique neighborhoods.

Hook Fish Co. Habanero Carrot Hot Sauce

Really excellent hot sauce.

Anything from the Ferry Building

There are a bunch of permanent small/local vendors at the Ferry Building, and then dozens more come for the Friday/Saturday farmers markets.

Acme Bread

Great place to pick up a loaf of SF sourdough.

Coffee Beans

Grab a bag from Ritual, Sightglass, or Coffee Movement.

The Epicurean Trader

Pricey but has an excellent selection of locally made gourmet goods. Locations all over the city.