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I visited San Francisco in June 2025.
My itinerary was packed and here are places I ate and recommended in San Francisco.
First, as always, I'll list my itinerary I had down below, but obviously it was packed and you don't have to follow it perfectly. I will be splitting my recommendations based on the days I was there. I will also let you know what places that you should skip.
This was my itinerary below
13th Friday
- land 6 pm
- Pier 39 - boudin bakery chowder (CAN SKIP)
- 10 pm four kings
14th Saturday
- Bread belly (breakfast sandwich and Kaya toast) closes at 2 pm
- San tung chicken wings (11 am opens, get here at opening).
- Pineapple king bakery
- California academy of sciences 2 hours
- Rest hotel
- Plan for dinner
- Dumpling home (has better reviews than dumpling time) closes 8:15 , may have long wait
15th Sunday
- Opens at 11 Mission district
- START La Taqueria- carne asada,
- Next la taqueria farolito
- Garden creamery( garden creamery was good but in the mission)
- La taqueria Cancun (pastor))
- Maybe stone hill matcha
- Finally CIOPPINO AT ANCHOR oyster bar (opens at 2) both next to each other
- SAN HO WAN 9 pm
16th Monday
- Arsicault bakery - get here early 10am
- Japan town (jina bakery (closed at 4) , SKIP JINAs
- Udon Mugizo for lunch - explore Japan town)
- China town
- IF THERES TIME- modern art museum or exploratorium ferry building
- 7:45 -FLOUR AND WATER
17th Tuesday
- pallete tea reserved for 11:30
- molinari ( Italian sub closed at 5:30- just to grab quick sub , golden boy pizza nearby for a quick slice )
- Gardens of Golden Gate Park (conservatory of flowers, botanical garden, Japanese tea garden)
- Tartine open till 6 reserve bread
- Rintaro 8:45 SKIP
We traveled with a baby and used a combination of Ubers and public transportation. We stayed at Pier 39 area which was touristy but well connected with bus stops.
Day 1 Friday
Pier 39
We landed a bit late that day, so we only had time for dinner. We headed to Pier 39 to check out the famous sea lions lounging on the docks.
Boudin Bakery
Nearby, we stopped by Boudin Bakery to try their well-known sourdough bread and clam chowder in a bread bowl. The chowder was tasty, but we weren’t big fans of the sourdough—it tasted a bit stale. Overall, it felt a little gimmicky and touristy, but still worth a quick visit if you're in the area.
Four Kings
For dinner, we checked out a restaurant called Four Kings, which is notoriously difficult to book. They're known for their unique Hong Kong fusion cuisine, and reservations sell out quickly. I managed to snag one online by setting an alarm, and even then, the only available time was 9 PM for a group of six. Reserve on Open Table.
The must-try dishes included the mapo bolognese, tomato egg pork cutlet, mango pudding dessert, and the escargot with milk bread. We also tried their famous squab, served in a style reminiscent of roast duck, though we found the gaminess a bit overpowering.
The space is quite small—while walk-ins might be possible, you'd likely have to line up hours in advance.
Day 2
Bread Belly
We woke up early to check out Butter & Crumble in San Francisco, but the line was already almost an hour long, so we decided to go elsewhere. We ended up at Bread belly, which was also on my list.
We ordered their famous Kaya toast and Shrimp Sandwich, which reminded us of the one from McDonald’s, along with an assortment of pastries—all of which were really delicious. What you have to try here, though, are their drinks. They offer unique, Asian-inspired options like a black sesame cappuccino. They also had Mexican chocolate milk, and a refreshing blueberry lassi.
We had pre-ordered online, but you can also order in person—just be prepared to wait in line. Seating is limited, so keep that in mind.
Santung
Santung is famous for their chicken wings—almost every travel guide online recommends stopping here just for those. We arrived right when they opened, perfectly timed after finishing up at Breadbelly. Note: they only seat complete parties, so plan accordingly.
In addition to the wings, their black bean noodles come highly recommended. We ordered both. The noodles were quite thick—even thicker than the Korean version—and definitely benefited from a generous splash of vinegar to balance the richness.
The wings themselves were really tasty—crispy, flavorful, and more on the dry side, without a sauce or rub. You could call them “naked wings,” but in a good way. While they weren’t exactly life-changing, they’re definitely worth a try if you’re in the area.
Pineapple King
The next stop on our food crawl was Pineapple King, best known for their signature pineapple bread. They offer a wide variety of flavors, but we decided to stick with the classic and also picked up one filled with guava butter. The bread was fantastic—light, fluffy, and topped with a sweet, crackly crust. Despite the name, pineapple bread doesn’t actually contain any fruit; the sugary topping simply creates a golden, pineapple-like pattern. It’s a staple in Chinese bakeries and also goes by the name melon bread in Japan. Pineapple King keeps things simple with a walk-up window, making it the perfect quick stop for a grab-and-go treat.
California Academy of Sciences
Taking a break from food, we stopped by the California Academy of Sciences. Tickets are on the pricey side at just over $50 per adult, but the museum packs in a lot with its aquarium, planetarium, rainforest dome, and natural history exhibits. We only had time for a quick walk through the aquarium. Even though the space isn’t huge, everything is thoughtfully designed and engaging. If you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend setting aside at least a couple of hours to explore—and definitely try to catch a planetarium show. You can read more here.
Dumpling Home
Our last stop of the day was Dumpling Home, a spot I kept seeing recommended in multiple guides as having the best soup dumplings in California—even better than Din Tai Fung. They don’t take reservations, so we waited about an hour for a table. Once seated, we ordered an assortment: pork and leek boiled dumplings, pan-fried soup dumplings, their signature crab soup dumplings, and of course, the classic pork soup dumplings.
I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious everything was. The soup dumplings were especially impressive—flavorful broth, thin yet sturdy pleating, and great texture overall. Honestly, they may have been some of the best I’ve had, though they still don’t quite top Din Tai Fung in Taiwan. That said, they definitely beat out most dumplings I’ve tried in the U.S. The boiled dumplings were also a standout—perfectly balanced and comforting.
Prices here run a little higher than your typical dumpling spot, but the quality makes it worth the splurge. If you’re a dumpling lover, Dumpling Home is absolutely worth a visit.
Day 3
La Taqueria
This spot is arguably the most famous destination in the Mission District for a true Mission burrito. We arrived right at opening and still found a small line already forming. Seating is communal and first come, first served, adding to the lively, casual vibe.
We went with their classic steak burrito ($14), which came loaded with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo—surprisingly, no rice—with the option to have it toasted. The open-air kitchen lets you watch (and smell) the carne asada sizzling on the grill, which immediately sets the tone for what’s to come.
The burrito itself was fantastic: flavorful, juicy steak wrapped in a perfectly balanced package. I wasn’t a huge fan of the salsa served on the side, but the burrito alone was one of the best I’ve had anywhere. My only critique is that it felt a bit small for the price compared to other burritos we tried on this trip. Still, the quality of the meat more than made up for it
Taqueria El Farolito
At this next stop, we decided to try a combo burrito with al pastor and steak, ordering one with rice and one without. The first thing you notice here is the sheer size—these burritos are massive, easily one of the biggest we had, and at just $9–10 each, they’re also one of the best deals.
That said, the rice version was a bit of a letdown, with some crunchy grains that distracted from the overall flavor. The rice-free version, on the other hand, was much better—juicy, flavorful, and easier to enjoy without filler. The only downside was that the meat quality didn’t quite measure up to the previous spot we visited, though it was still satisfying.
Despite that, this taqueria remains a local favorite, and many people swear by it as their go-to spot for Mission burritos in San Francisco.
Garden Creamery
On the way to our next stop, we made a quick detour for ice cream at the famous Garden Creamery. They’ve got Hawaiian-inspired and Asian flavors, which immediately caught my eye. I’d say go for the lime Thai sorbet and the salty kaya since those are their most popular. The sorbet honestly blew me away—super refreshing and kind of life-changing. Plus, the staff was really kind, which made the whole experience even better. Definitely worth stopping by if you’re in the area
Taqueria Cancun
This spot might have actually been my favorite of our Mission burrito crawl. I went with a mix of al pastor and steak, and while it was bigger than the first burrito we tried, everyone in my group still agreed that La Taqueria is the ultimate winner. That said, the meat here was perfectly seasoned, and I loved the crispy tortilla. We got ours without rice, and it was still super juicy and flavorful. Definitely a great stop—especially if you’re looking for a late-night Mission burrito fix
Stone Hill Matcha
Everyone and their mom recommended Stonehill Matcha, so of course we had to check it out. The matcha here was solid—smooth, strong, and exactly what you’d expect from a place dedicated to matcha. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a quick stop.
Anchor Oyster Bar
Anchor Oyster Bar came highly recommended when we were searching for the best cioppino in San Francisco. Fun fact: cioppino was actually invented here in SF, so it only felt right to try it. We got there a little over an hour after they opened and still ended up waiting outside for 2.5 hours—it’s a tiny spot with very few tables, so be prepared (and maybe bring snacks for the line). Also, it’s perched on top of a hill, so keep that in mind if you’re walking.
Once we finally sat down, we went all in: fresh oysters, steamed clams, garlic bread piled with parmesan, a Caesar salad topped with fresh crab, and of course, their famous large cioppino ($85, big enough to share). And let me tell you—it lived up to the hype. The cioppino was rich, tomatoey, packed with herbs, and overflowing with fresh seafood. On a chilly SF day, it was basically the perfect meal. Honestly, this was one of the best seafood dinners I’ve ever had.
San Ho Wan
San Ho Won came recommended by a few friends when we were in SF, and it definitely stood out. The restaurant has a Michelin star for its Korean food, which I found funny because they market themselves as ‘casual eats’—but the vibe felt way more polished and upscale to me. You can choose between a set course menu or order a la carte, and we decided to go with the latter.
We tried their long dumplings, which were packed with flavor, and the galbi—served with big bones but with incredibly tender, juicy meat. To finish, we had their vegetarian bibimbap topped with a perfectly runny egg. Everything was delicious, though on the pricier side for what we ordered. Still, we all agreed it was worth the splurge. Bonus: reservations were super easy to make online.
Day 4
Arsicault Bakery
We woke up early the next day to visit Arsicault Bakery, which is arguably the most popular bakery in San Francisco. They’re famous for their croissants and puff pastries, and while there was a line, it moved quickly and wasn’t anything too crazy.
We grabbed an assortment of croissants to try a little bit of everything. The ham and cheese was phenomenal, the chocolate almond was a personal favorite, and the almond croissant was packed with almond paste in every bite. Honestly, everything we tried was solid. If you’re a pastry lover, this spot is absolutely worth the stop
Japan Town
Kissako Tea
For this stop, we headed over to Japantown in SF. First up was Kissako Tea, where we tried their made-to-order rice balls. Each one came with warm, fluffy rice wrapped in crispy nori—we got the spicy tuna, eel, and spicy salmon. They were simple but so satisfying, especially after loading up on croissants earlier in the day. The fillings were generous, the rice was perfectly warm, and at just $3 each, they felt like a steal.
After that, we grabbed some matcha next door at Maiko Matcha Café before making our way to our second lunch of the day.
Jina Bakes
Next, we stopped by Jina Bakes, which is right next to Kissako Tea. Unfortunately, this one was a bit of a letdown. Even though we arrived early, many of the pastries looked like they had been sitting out for a while, and a few tasted a little stale. The concept is fun—Korean-inspired croissants—but overall, it didn’t quite deliver. I wouldn’t call it a must-stop, though if you’re already in the area, it might be worth checking out for yourself
Udon Mugizo
Udon Mugizo ended up being one of the best meals we had in SF. It’s tucked upstairs in the same Japantown shopping center, and honestly worth seeking out. We went all in and ordered 3 different udons.
The nabeyaki came loaded with assorted seafood tempura on top of a steaming bowl of noodles, while the Niku Udon (dry style) came with sukiyaki beef and a silky onsen egg. We also tried the Mentai Cream Udon, which was the star of the meal—rich, perfectly emulsified, creamy but not overly heavy, and topped with salty mentaiko. Hands down, this one is a must-order. Their tempura was also solid and paired perfectly with the noodles.
If you’re an udon fan, this spot is must.
China Town
Next, we made our way over to Chinatown, which ended up being one of the most beautiful Chinatowns I’ve ever visited. Our first stop was the Fortune Cookie Factory—a quick visit, but definitely worth it to see the women hand-making the cookies. You can tip them for their work, and they even hand out free samples.
Nearby, we swung by Good Mong Kok for some dim sum. Heads up: it’s cash only, the staff can come off a bit brisk, and they mainly speak Chinese—but honestly, the dim sum was fantastic and totally worth it.
We also stumbled across a gem of a bookstore on Waverly, which is dedicated entirely to Asian children’s books—the first of its kind I’ve seen. Between the food, culture, and energy, Chinatown was such a fun stop and absolutely worth a visit.
Flour + Water
If you only have one meal in SF, make it Flour + Water. I’ve eaten pasta all over the U.S., and this was hands down the best pasta I’ve ever had in my life. We basically went all out—ordered almost every pasta on the menu plus a few apps. They offer both a la carte and a course menu, and I actually found this spot through a local SF food blogger (I’ll tag her here).
We started with the koshihikari arancini (so good), the summer squash and little gem salad, and the halibut crudo (honestly, you can skip this one). We also tried their Neapolitan-style pizza, which was solid but not the star—it’s definitely more of a knife-and-fork pizza.
The pastas, though, were on another level. The saffron soprese with clams was insanely good—perfectly made pasta with a buttery, briny sauce. The ramp caramelle, little pasta pockets stuffed with ricotta, were amazing. They were also running a rainbow scarpinocc special, my first time seeing rainbow pasta, and it was not just pretty but perfectly sauced. The ricotta gnocchi with lamb was rich and comforting, while the asparagus cappelletti with brown butter and preserved lemon was probably my least favorite—but still really tasty and well-balanced. The porcini mushroom pasta rounded things out, and like everything else here, it was fantastic.
For dessert, we finished with their olive oil cake, which came out warm and fluffy—simple but perfect. On top of all that, the service was wonderful. The staff was super kind and accommodating, especially with my baby, which made the whole experience even better.
Bottom line: if you’re a pasta lover, this place is a must. Make a reservation.
Salt + Straw
If you’re looking for a late-night dessert spot, Salt & Straw is always a solid choice. Originally from Seattle, they’ve built a reputation for making some of the best ice cream in the world. I usually sample just about everything (because why not), but I always come back to their classic flavors. It’s one of those places I make a point to visit whenever I’m in the area.
Day 5
Palette Tea House
After our amazing pasta dinner the night before, we were craving some dim sum and decided to check out Palette Tea House, which a local food blogger recommended. It’s tucked into the touristy Ghirardelli Square, but totally worth it. We got there right when they opened. The space is beautiful—ample seating, elegant decor, and even a fountain.
Everything is a la carte, and dim sum is the main attraction. When you sit down, they give you a palette-shaped plate for dipping sauces, which is a fun little touch. We went all in and ordered pretty much every dim sum we love. Must-orders include the green veggie dumplings (they look like little money pockets), the swan-shaped taro puffs, the tasting xiaolongbao (five different kinds!), the koi dumplings, and a delicious rice roll dish.
We also tried the typhoon crab (honestly, you can skip this) and the durian bao (definitely unique), but steer clear of the egg tarts—they were overcooked and more like scrambled eggs than the crisp, flaky treat you’re hoping for.
Golden Gate Park + Botanical Garden + Japanese Tea Garden
We made a quick detour to the Golden Gate Botanical Garden and the nearby Japanese Tea Garden. One thing to note: tickets are separate, so it can get a bit pricey. We really enjoyed the Japanese Tea Garden—it’s beautiful, and there’s a tea house inside with tea and small pastries. Definitely worth a stop. You can buy tickets here or walk up for tickets.
The Botanical Garden was a little sparse and not as colorful as other gardens I’ve visited, but I went during the cooler part of the year, so that might have been why. Still, it was a nice way to spend some time outdoors
If you're on the Bus there's also a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge Visitor center for quick photos.
Molinari
Next, we headed to Little Italy to check out Molinari, an Italian grocery store known for its charcuterie, sweets, and sandwiches. We tried their Italian sub on Dutch crunch bread, but I wasn’t a fan of the mayo and mustard—it’s not what I expect from a traditional Italian sub.
The standout for me was the Luciano special, which is basically a pressed panini with meat and sun-dried tomatoes. It was so delicious, I couldn’t stop eating it
Golden Boy Pizza
Sadly, I don’t have a photo of the pizza we grabbed at Golden Boy Pizza, but it’s right next to Molinari. I recommend the garlic and lamb clam pizza and the classic pepperoni. The crust is thick like Detroit-style, but airy and crunchy at the same time. It’s a perfect late-night stop—window service only, so you grab your pizza and go. There’s a bar nearby if you want to sit down, but honestly, it’s a quick stop and the pizza is delicious.
Tartine
A close walk to Rintaro with Multiple locations. Make sure to grab some sourdough to take on the flight with you home!
Rintaro
Lastly, we tried Rintaro, an izakaya spot that ended up being a bit of a miss. Most of the dishes didn’t hit, and it was pretty pricey. We ordered an udon tossed with egg and bonito flakes, and that was about it. The negima yakitori skewers used yellow onion instead of green onion. The katsu was not crisp. The service during the meal wasn’t great, but when I let the manager know we weren’t satisfied, they were very kind and took care of it. Unfortunately, the food just didn’t live up to expectations
Thanks for the read!
