Yes, there’s excellent dim sum to be had in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, right in the heart of Ghirardelli Square, from the team behind Koi Palace and Dragon Beaux. Tourists or not, the Instagram-savvy crowd is almost certain to order a steamer of the multi-colored xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and, why not, the fried taro puffs crafted to resemble black swans. But you can also rely on Palette’s pedigreed dim sum chefs to put out solid versions of all the classics, from har gow and barbecue pork buns to pan-fried radish cakes.

The Buena Vista has that old-time charm that only comes with century-old bars. (It has existed in San Francisco since 1916.) Here, the famous Irish Coffee has been a thing since it was first concocted in 1952. Allegedly, they’ve served the exact same recipe of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and aged cream ever since. Obviously it is delicious if it’s lasted this long.

This longtime fine-dining institution near Ghirardelli Square continues to offer four-course tasting menus to-go, which include the restaurant’s famed risottos as well as decadent desserts. When it reopens for dine-in, head to the bar and order a la carte from the menu: the cheese cart, trio of creme brulee, and souffle are all best in class. Level up with caviar service, which is decadent and traditional.

Enjoying the distinction of being the only In-N-Out within San Francisco city limits often makes this location the sole reason for locals to go to the Wharf. It’s a constantly bustling environment, filled with hungry tourists from all over the world, and locals from all walks of life. Check out a typical afternoon at California’s favorite burger chain, and head down for a double double.

Literally sitting on the dock of the bay, Scoma’s is a San Francisco gem. It’s been around since 1965. They have their own fishing boat for salmon and crabs. And they’ve upgraded their cocktail program and menu quite a bit. If you’ve got to have a sit-down fancy-ish dinner somewhere on Fisherman’s Wharf, this is the place. (Check out the making of their “lazy man’s cioppino” here.)

Tanguito is about the last thing you’d expect to find in San Francisco’s most notorious tourist trap: an Argentinian food truck (slash empanada counter) that serves some of the area’s tastiest and most reasonably priced food. It’s best known for its flaky, Argentinian-style baked empanadas and its massive, chimichurri-topped burger (low-key one of the better burgers in the city), but you can also grab a seat in the little covered dining area and enjoy a heartier sit-down dinner — say, a grilled steak over saffron rice.

England-born Suzanne Acevedo knows her way around a fryer. She founded this humble trailer in 2011 because she missed the fish ‘n’ chips from her homeland. Now she’s serving some of the best food on the Wharf, and some of the best fish tacos in San Francisco.

One of the few stand-alone Krispy Krunchy locations that isn’t embedded inside a gas station convenience store, this Southern-style fried chicken chain has been a welcome addition to the Wharf. Well-seasoned, unfailingly crunchy skin — hence the name — and sweet honey biscuits are the hallmarks here.