3 Restaurants You Must Try In San Francisco

There’s plenty of sights to see in the busy city of San Francisco, but you may just miss them all with these delicious restaurants enticing you to stay. We’ve partnered with traveler Erin Bender of Travel With Bender as she covers three must eat places in the Golden City.

Stunning San Francisco, spread over 49 square miles, is home to world-renowned icons such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Painted Ladies (colorful Victorian houses), the most crooked street in the world (Lombard Street), and historic cable cars.

However, it’s also the genesis for far reaching creative culinary delights such as the fortune cookie, Mission burrito, and a more recent rising star – the delicious sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder. San Francisco offers more hipster hole-in-the-wall eateries than you can poke a fork at. But if you want to satisfy your tastebuds with something a little more conventional, these three very different options will not disappoint your tastebuds.

Glamorous Greek at Kokarri

Voted by numerous experienced food writers as their favorite place to eat in San Francisco. Our dining experience at Kokkari Estiatorio was like stepping off a ferry and onto a sun-drenched Greek island.

Restaurant décor is a fusion of rustic Mediterranean country inn, complete with roaring fire and hand-made pottery, and a touch of modern California. Similarly, its food takes a parallel attitude, with classic Greek dishes uplifted with a contemporary twist.

Enjoy hearty lamb dishes, tangy homemade yogurt, grandmother’s-style moussaka and mouth-watering Greek salad beside a roaring wood-fired oven dispensing warmth and a cozy atmosphere.

Be prepared to pay top dollar for this culinary experience, but enjoy every moment of it. It’s worth it!

Reimagined History at Fog City

Fog City’s location on Battery Street has been wrapped in history from the Gold Rush through World War II and beyond. The latest incarnation of Fog City is a newly renovated, modern restaurant in one of the best locations in San Francisco, right along the Embarcadero.

You can’t go past a Sunday brunch or lunch with the family. Choose from eclectic Californian inspired dishes, like the huevos rancheros and fabulous hand-cut furikake fries. But save room for dessert, with my favorite decadent French cruller doughnuts. Yum!

Family Fun at Players Sports Grill & Arcade

If you are looking for something a little livelier for the family, then look no further than Pier 39 and the Players Sports Grill & Arcade. It’s home to San Francisco’s only waterfront tiki bar and the perfect entertainment venue for the whole family.

Whether you are there to watch the big game on any of the 35 HDTVs, or sit on the pier soaking up the sunset over the San Francisco Bay, or to just enjoy a quiet fuss-free meal while the kids play arcade games — there is something for everyone.

Cuisine ranges from American favorites like burgers, pizza and steak, to the popular clam chowder as well as a detailed menu for children.

Our kids relished over 85 arcade games, while we got to chill by the tiki bar sipping cocktails and watching the sunset sky over Alcatraz Island. Our kids loved it so much, they begged to go back the following night.

Bonus: Quick & Hearty at Chowders

If you are looking for something a little faster, but avoiding the typical fast food options, then pop into Chowders on Pier 39. Here you will find chunky sourdough bread bowls filled with pipping hot clam chowder or a serving of delicious fresh fish and chips. Whichever you choose, two things are guaranteed: It comes out fast and it comes out good.