An 18-seat counter on Polk Street since 1912 — James Beard America's Classics Award winner that hasn't changed its formula in over a century. No website, no reservations, cash only, line forms at 7:45...
94
2
Anchor Oyster Bar
Seafood · Castro
A Castro institution since 1977, operated by Roseann Grimm for its entire lifespan. Fresh raw oysters, Dungeness crab, and housemade cioppino at a simple counter — no website, no reservations, no pret...
87
3
Nopalito
Mexican · NoPa
Chef Gonzalo Guzman's James Beard-nominated celebration of his mother's Veracruz kitchen, built on organic masa, house-made chorizo, and ingredients that wouldn't embarrass any taquería in Mexico City...
87
4
San Tung
Chinese · Inner Sunset
Est. 1986, this Inner Sunset staple is renowned citywide for its cult-favorite dry fried chicken wings and handmade Northern Chinese dumplings — rated Top 21 Best Wings in America, drawing weekend wai...
87
5
Pizzetta 211
Pizza · Inner Richmond
Fourteen seats, a wood-fired oven, and a biweekly-rotating menu built entirely around what's best at the farmers' market. Pizzetta 211 is one of the Outer Richmond's most beloved institutions: no rese...
86
6
Saigon Sandwich
Vietnamese · Tenderloin
The Tenderloin's legendary Vietnamese bánh mì counter — authentic, filling, and $5.50. Over 40 years of roast pork and roast chicken sandwiches, stuffed with pickled daikon and carrot, cilantro, jalap...
86
7
Taqueria Cancun
Mexican · Mission
A Mission District taqueria legend since 1991 — consistently ranked among SF's finest burrito makers across three locations. The O.M.G. Burrito Mojado and Super Burrito are the standard against which ...
85
8
Saru Sushi Bar
Sushi · Noe Valley
A minimalist sushi bar in Noe Valley operating in SF's oldest Japanese restaurant space since 2012 — walk-in only, no reservations. Spicy tuna on seaweed crackers, seared ankimo, halibut tartare with ...
85
9
Ebisu
Japanese · Inner Sunset
Family-owned Inner Sunset sushi institution for 40+ years, celebrated for ultra-fresh fish, a long specialty roll menu, and consistently lively lines that move fast — no reservations required.