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14 Unique Restaurants in San Francisco | Great Dining Experiences

Looking for some unique restaurants in San Francisco? This city was always known for sourdough bread, clam chowder and of course, Ghiradelli chocolate.  I’ve put together some of the most popular spots in San Fran just for you.

These days, it is one of the hottest food destinations in the world, championing new trends and trialing new concepts. So, if you spend an entire weekend in San Francisco, you’re in for a treat.

There are fun restaurants in San Francisco, as well as cool restaurants in San Francisco with fine dining restaurant options in the Bay Area as well as food trucks. You can expect dim sum, ice cream and so many other exciting places that make for a unique experience from the Mission District to North Beach. There are also plenty of restaurants overlooking the water where you can catch a fantastic San Francisco sunset if it is a special occasion.

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 I have decided to take a broad definition of the word restaurant and to include a mix of kitsch, Michelin stars and cutting edge – I do love a silly eating experience as much as a fancy one. So if you’re in the mood to find out about all the most unique restaurants in San Francisco, then keep reading to find out where you should be dining for your next foodie experience.

Here is my guide to the Unique Restaurants in San Francisco you must visit – from the classics to the latest. 

Things to Book Before You Leave Home
Few things are more frustrating on vacation than missing out on that amazing hotel or tour because it is sold out. Here are our top things to book before your vacation.

🍷Most Popular Tours in San Francisco:
1. Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bay Cruise -my top pick – Alcatraz always sells out
2. Napa and Sonoma Day Tour – 3 Boutique Winery Visits 
3. Big Red Bus Hop On/Hop Off tour -my favorite way to get a feel for a new city

🛏️Where to Stay in San Francisco:
1. Hotel G -stylish boutique hotel 2 minutes walk from Union Square
2. The Inn at the Presidio – California style with a military flavor and Golden Gate Bridge Views

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17 Unique Restaurants in San Francisco

1. The Meatball Bar

The Meatball Bar formalizes meatball consumption – which means table service for a unique dining experience. It’s all about handmade meatball extravaganzas from lamb to chicken to vegetarian (eggplant and zucchini) and sauces from truffle fondue to Korean. The mouth watering experience will take you on a tasting journey to some of the best places in Korea.

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 The Meatball Bar has a very relaxed air. I went for happy hour. During this time there are beer/wine and meatball deals on offer. I ordered the three meatballs and wine option and was able to try three different meatballs – the Italian classic, turkey and lamb – plus some of their delicious tomato sauce. 

This is one of the best value quirky restaurants San Francisco has on offer. The first Meatball Bar opened in the Financial District in May 2017 and a new branch opened in Hayes Valley in February 2018. If you’re on the look out for unique San Francisco restaurants, this should be high on your list of places to check out.

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⇒ Planning a trip to Napa? Read my review of the fantastic restaurant Solbar and the Solage Spa & Hotel 

2. The Progress

The Progress was one of my favourite meals in San Francisco! This lovely relaxed restaurant and dining room is located on Fillmore Street and specializes in doing innovative things with local ingredients. 

The menu at The Progress changes regularly and is designed to be shared – with lovely wines. The night I went we enjoyed everything from dumplings to filet mignon. This has to be one of the best places to eat in San Francisco. The interior of the restaurant is also exceptionally beautiful and could classify this location as one of the more unique dining experiences in San Francisco.

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3. Mezcalito

Mezcalito bar and restaurant themed around mezcal with mezcal-focused cocktails plus pork belly benedict with corn hollandaise, gouda burgers, taco Tuesday and a generally Mexican-themed menu. The interior might even remind you of some of the resort towns in Mexico. This makes it one of the really cool places to eat in San Francisco.

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4. Manufactory Food Hall (San Francisco International Airport, Boarding Area A)

 When have you read about a great restaurant recommendation that is at an airport? Exactly! Well, four of San Francisco’s favourite chefs  Pim Techamuanvivit of Kin Khao, Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson of Tartine, and Gabriela Cámara of Cala—have joined forces to change that.

 On offer will be tacos and breakfast Tortas, great Thai and morning buns and seasonal tarts from Tartine’s. All at the  Manufactory Food Hall – Boarding Area A at the International Airpot. While this may not be where your mind goes, it certainly is one of the more unique places to eat in San Francisco.

cowgirl Creamery store at the San Francisco Ferry Building

5. Eight Tables by George Chen 

This restuarant in Chinatown is based on Si Fang Cai or the private chateau cuisine of the Chinese elite. That means a 10-course tasting menu that starts after you cross a gold-threaded welcome mat into a private elevator and are whisked up to your own private club. Eight Tables by George Chen is one of the top restaurants in San Francisco.

Much of what you see in this restaurant won’t remind you of the famed Chinese landmarks, but the food sure has the signature taste of China. If you’re looking for unique SF restaurants, this fine dining option should be a strong contender.

6. Dumpling Time

For one of the most fun places to eat in San Francisco head to Dumpling Time. You can watch cooks prefer the dumplings in front of you. Make sure you order the King-Dum – the largest soup dumpling you have seen in some time that comes with a straw.

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 Noodle ingredients at Dumpling Time San Francisco included everything from roasted pork belly to peanut butter. There are also noodles on offer if you are a complete freak and don’t like dumplings  (does anyone not like dumplings??). 

These dumplings are a must-eat in San Francisco. This is one of the most fun San Francisco restaurants so be sure to give it a try. You won’t regret visiting one of the most interesting restaurants San Francisco has to offer. 

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7. Foreign Cinema

Foreign Cinema combines amazing locally sourced food with classic films. This restaurant is very much known for its food – particularly its fried chicken. 

They have an art gallery and a VIP lounge. Foreign Cinema is one of the more unique dining experiences in San Francisco. 

⇒ Las Vegas is known as a great fun place to visit – but even if you’re not a gambler there are so many fantastic things to do in Vegas besides gamble 

Inside the Ferry Building San Francisco

8. Urban Putt

 Who hasn’t wanted a fantastic dining experience pre or post-playing mini-golf? And wouldn’t it be better if you could play mini-golf to say 11 pm or midnight indoor? 

Well, Urban Putt heard about these desires and combined food and mini-golf. Urban Putt San Francisco has two restaurants – one for bites and one for some great California eating that goes far beyond the usual putt putt kiosk. 

And have a drink at the Copper Bar first featuring many exciting craft brews. All of this makes for one of the most unique restaurants in the bay area.

Colourful buildings on the streets of San Francisco

⇒ Yosemite Valley is one of the most stunning places in California – check out my guide to Yosemite in One Day 

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⇒ Calistoga is a gorgeous town in the nearby Napa Valley – 14 Great Things to do in Calistoga California 

9. The Tonga room 

 If you’re looking for the most fun restaurants in San Francisco head no further. I loved The Tonga Room. This classic San Francisco restaurant is located in the beautiful Fairmont Hotel in the heart of San Francisco. 

One of the things which makes this one of the most unique restaurants San Francisco has on offer is that it has a 75-metre swimming pool in the middle of the restaurant. 

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The swimming pool at the Tonga Room San Francisco also has a little boat in it that appears to be for a DJ. Best of all it actually rains inside the restaurant over the pool. I have never seen anything like this in a restaurant before. 

There is a great bar as well as a restaurant which has its tables clustered around the pool. The theme is Asian fusion with a bit of Tahiti and Hawaii. I enjoyed some fantastic ahi poke tuna tacos.

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 The Tonga Room is one of those restaurants that has a sense of an occasion about it. It has fantastic fun and an upbeat atmosphere that is detectable from the moment you walk in. Put the Tonga Room high on your list for fun San Francisco restaurant options. To date, this is one of the most unique places to eat San Francisco provides.

⇒ If you love finding hidden gem wine areas and California check out my Livermore Wine Tasting Guide 

10. Asia SF

 If you are looking for fun places to eat in San Francisco look no further! The Asia SF restaurant is fully staffed by fabulous transgender ladies. Not only do these lovely ladies serve you food and drinks they also perform hourly on the Red Dragon Runway Bar.

Dinner shows happen nightly and the food has a good reputation. When it comes to candidates for the best dining experience in San Francisco Asia SF fits the bill and provides you with the opportunity to witness things unique to Asia.

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11. Burma Superstar

 I visited Myanmar/Burma a few years ago and fell in love with the food. I became particularly obsessed with their salads. The dressings feature a unique mix of sour and sweet flavours that take a tomato and, particularly aubergine salads to a whole new level. 

However, there are very few good Burmese restaurants around – they tend to be more casual. I had to include Burma Superstar in this article as I know this is difficult to find cuisine. The menu is classic Burmese and best sampled and shared. If quirky restaurants in San Francisco is what you’re after, then don’t miss out on a visit to Burma Superstar during your time in San Fran.

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12. Forage SF

Forage SF is both a restaurant, Wild Kitchen, and an experience. You can choose to do one of their amazing food-foraging classes and get involved in farm to table first hand – from urban sea foraging to wild food walks. 

If you are too hungry to forage yourself Wild Kitchen is a roving underground supper club that brings 100 diners together for an 8-course meal. This is one of the opportunities that won’t be found regularly elsewhere in the world, so hop on this chance to have one of the most interesting dining experiences San Francisco has to offer.

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13. Eno Wine Bar

 This super cute little wine Bar was virtually next door to the Hotel G, my boutique hotel of choice on my last visit to San Francisco. Eno Wine Bar features an extensive menu of wine flights. I love wine flights. 

From Mission Impossible (featuring the mission grape) to Faux Bordeaux it is going to be a big night when you hit Eno Wine Bar San Francisco. 

They also serve wine, cheese and chocolate from local providers that constantly varies based on what is in season – which just allowed me to classify this as a restaurant as you can have the equivalent of a meal here. 

It’s not one of the best restaurants in San Francisco but it is a great place for drinks and snacks.

eno wine bar white wine flight 6 glasses

14. The Ferry Building

 I have saved the best to last. I completely fell in love with the Ferry Building on my last visit to San Francisco. It is an artisanal food heaven – if that is such a thing. 

Multiple food and wine providers are in one place – from stalls to full-on restaurants. There is a fantastic outdoor seating area as well. I went on a San Francisco food tour that covered the Ferry Building and then went back again the next day. 

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 Everywhere here is good – from the amazing Acme bread (one of the local favorites) to Blue Bottle Coffee (you’ll know when you have found it from the queue). 

Frog Hollow Farm has fantastic local produce and does a great brunch. Fantastic Vietnamese is on offer at The Slanted Door – and I love the name of its takeaway area – Out the Door.

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 The Ferry Building is home to some of the most interesting restaurants in San Francisco and quirky new food concepts. On my most recent visit, I was delighted to discover Humphrey Slocombe ice cream

This ice cream stall was named after two characters from the classic British comedy Are You Being Served. 

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 Their speciality is unique flavours. I enjoyed some very delicious Vietnamese coffee ice cream at Humphrey Slocombe. This was probably the least adventurous flavour on offer that day – I did try the pumpkin but it didn’t quite work for me. 

There are then a variety of toppings available. I tried the bourbon caramel which was full-on – and hardened on top of my ice cream for some textural contrast for your taste buds. 

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 Humphrey Slocombe also sells its products in tubs so you can take some back to your hotel – of course, you will have to eat it all to ensure that it doesn’t melt. When it comes to where to eat in San Francisco, The Ferry Building is at the top of my list.

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 The other highlight for me at The Ferry Building is the Cowgirl Creamery. Firstly – great name! Secondly wow cheese heaven. Then there is the menu – cheese toasties, grilled cheese of the day, Macaroni & Cheese – really it covers every cheese base. 

Cowgirl Creamery cheese is a must eat in San Francisco. 

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 There are so many amazing, unique and cool restaurants in San Francisco. It has become such a foodie city. 

I think it is almost impossible to nominate the best dinner in San Francisco California or even the best restaurants in the Bay Area – there are too many options.

I would love to hear about your San Francisco eating experiences – please do email and let me know.

For all of the above, it is always a good idea to book before you go. I use Open Table. Their website also has some good maps and directions and is the best way to make bookings. Also, check out websites like Eater San Francisco and Time Out before you go to find out the latest openings. 

2 Fantastic San Francisco Boutique Hotels

Hotel G is a stylish boutique hotel with a fantastic location only one block from Union Square. The rooms have a chic Scandinavian feel, with lots of plump white duvets, sheets, and darker oak. Great value and style. 

⇒ Check Prices and Availability for Hotel G

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 For amazing views and a bit of military history check out The Inn at the Presidio. This is particularly good for runners and outdoor enthusiasts as it is located in the large park area that is the Presidio. 

The stylish design mixes with military memorabilia. My room was lovely with a very comfortable bed and a fantastic shower. And don’t miss the big European breakfast. 

⇒ Book Check Prices and Availability for The Inn at the Presidio

For a complete rundown from a local check out this fantastic post on Where to Stay in San Francisco.

Alcatraz island seen from the ferry

 If you would like to be as close as possible to the famous Golden Gate Bridge then Cavallo Point may be for you. This also has a military background – it was former military quarters. It is located in the charming area of Sausalito which is literally just over the bridge from San Francisco. 

⇒ Check Prices and Availability for Cavallo Point

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 For those of you who are into high tech and hip, Hotel Zetta could be a great choice. The hotel is super close to shopping district Union Square and has one of the hottest restaurants in town inside. You can also bring your dog.

⇒ Check Prices and Availability for Hotel Zetta

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Getting to San Francisco

⇒ Flights to San Francisco 

There are some weekends away from San Francisco – from head south down to LA to drive around the Napa Valley. 

⇒ Deals on Car Hire 

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Tours Around San Francisco

 Whatever you do make sure you book Alcatraz before you leave home. If possible book it quite sometime before you leave home – particularly if you are heading over in the North American summer. 

If it is booked out there are some extra tickets on the day but they go fast. Alcatraz tickets sell out fast. As soon as you have booked your flights book your Alcatraz Tickets. If Alcatraz tickets are sold out check out tours that have something else combined with Alcatraz. 

Often tour companies buy up the tickets and then put them with something else eg a food tour and then sell them together at a higher price. This is what I did – and I got a fantastic food tour as well as a visit to Alcatraz! A good time plus good food!

There are so many options for tours in San Francisco! From boat cruises to food tours to helicopter trips as well as day trips to the Napa Valleyyosemite and so much more. 

⇒ Check out San Francisco Tours 

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Who Paid for What in this Post

 I paid all the costs associated with this coolest restaurants in San Francisco post – from restaurant meals to flights to the hotels. This post does contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on them and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. Just wanted to make sure that you were aware of this. 

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Virginia Brewer

Wednesday 13th of November 2019

WOW, these are so awesome, thanks for sharing this with us.

Denny George

Monday 5th of March 2018

My wife keeps visiting San Francisco - her employer has an office there. I'm planning to accompany her sometime this year. As a self declared foodie, this list would come in extremely handy.

Liz Gen

Sunday 4th of March 2018

How I wish it's easy for us to travel to the states because if we do I'll definitely try these restaurants. Their offerings looks very yummy! :-)

LaiAriel R. Samangka

Sunday 4th of March 2018

Wow, I love food a lot and I've been trying to lose weight, but I can't resist to the temptation that the food brings. Anyway, I haven't been to San Francisco and these beneries will surely be penned on my bucket list. The food looks so luscious and would love to try them all. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

My Travelogue by Bhushavali

Sunday 4th of March 2018

The various platters at Progress look yumm. Like the concept of employment in Asia SF. Pool in the middle of the restaurant? Take me there...

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