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The Best Restaurants to Take Your Parents in San Francisco

These places are certain to please even the most discerning mom or dad

by Daisy Barringer and Ellen Fort Updated May 8, 2019, 9:38am PDT

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by Daisy Barringer and Ellen Fort Updated May 8, 2019, 9:38am PDT

Waterbar

Whether your parents live nearby or are only able to visit once every couple of years, the question of where to eat somehow always seems to be the most important one whenever the family gets together. The restaurant can't be too loud or too dark or too "specific." And it needs to have comfy seats, exceptional service, take reservations, and also be reasonably priced (for SF anyway).

Even in a city with as many restaurants as San Francisco, it can be hard to find a place that fits all of that criteria. Luckily, these 16 spots exist, all of which are certain to please even the most discerning mom or dad. From safe spots like classic steakhouses and bustling French bistros to something slightly outside the comfort zone such as all-vegetarian fare or some raw fish, all of these places are ready to charm your parents.

Have a spot you fall back on when mom or dad are in town? Let us know in the comments.

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Chez Panisse Cafe

Even if your mom and dad aren't food-obsessed, there's a good chance they'll appreciate a meal at Alice Waters' legendary restaurant — even more so if they're not paying the downstairs restaurant's prix fixe prices. The upstairs cafe is a little more inviting anyway thanks to the casual vibe and a la carte menu that changes daily, but always has something tempting for every palate. (If they are food-obsessed and are footing the bill: opt to check the downstairs tasting menu off their bucket list.)

1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709

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Scoma's Restuarant

An SF classic, Scoma’s is a seafood wonderland of white tablecloths and waiters in vests. There’s plenty of familial history, since it’s been owned by the Scoma family since 1965. It has great views, signature dishes like cioppino and crab louie, and classic cocktails. It also takes reservations (recommended), and the noise levels are consistently manageable in the carpeted dining room.

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1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133

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Greens Restaurant

Greens may be all vegetarian, but between the sweeping views of the Bay and the creative and sophisticated dishes, carnivorous parents might not even notice. It’s classic San Francisco, with a menu that’s a laundry list of the best produce the Bay Area has to offer. Stop by for brunch, lunch, and dinner for meyer lemon fettuccine or asparagus pizza with green garlic pesto.

Building A, San Francisco, CA 94123

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Cotogna

Quince’s low-key restaurant next door is an excellent place to take parents (or anyone). For their dining purposes: it takes reservations, isn’t too loud, has a menu of rustic Italian dishes from pizza to pasta, and offers a very approachable wine list. Service is welcoming and prompt, so they’ll leave feeling warm, fuzzy, and glad you’re their child.

490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

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Cotogna

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La Mar

This Peruvian restaurant on the Embarcadero delivers everything a parent could want: beautiful views, outdoor seating (make sure mom brings a light sweater), gorgeous cocktails, impeccable service, and stunning dishes that taste as good as they look. Don't miss the ceviche, which is some of the best in town, or the empanada sampler.

Pier 1½, San Francisco, CA 94111

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Terzo

This Cow Hollow spot is definitely a favorite among locals who live nearby, but sometimes a neighborhood spot is the best way to give an out-of-towner a glimpse of what life in SF is really like. The space feels dark when you walk in, but there's enough light that no one will need a flashlight to read the Mediterranean tapas-style menu. One of your family members not into sharing? There's a good selection of large plates, like Niman Ranch pork shoulder or a fish of the day. Hopefully they're into wine because Terzo's wine selection is top notch.

Open in Google Maps

3011 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94123

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Kokkari Estiatorio

Kokkari has everything parents love: white tablecloths, chairs with backs, attentive service, and a bonus fireplace that makes the whole room warm and cozy. The menu includes Greek staples like dolmathes and moussaka, and wood-grilled meats and seafood. Another bonus: reservations are available for a leisurely lunch or elegant dinner.

200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111

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Trestle

Located at the cusp of North Beach and the Financial District, Trestle presses all the parental buttons. Excellent, approachable food at reasonable prices — $39 for a three-course prixe fixe — and attentive service will please the pickiest of parental units.

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531 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133

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Trestle

Slanted Door

The wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bay are the first show stopper of this eatery that is still trendy after all these years. But the Vietnamese dishes made with the freshest local ingredients are the real hero. The menu is quite extensive, but the friendly servers can help you navigate since everything's meant to be shared. That being said, you'll definitely want to order the crispy imperial rolls and cellophane crab noodles. Just know: it can get a little loud in here, so if noise is a concern, stop by for lunch before you give your parents a tour of the Ferry Building.

1 Ferry Building #3, San Francisco, CA 94111

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Boulettes Larder + Boulibar

Located conveniently within in the Ferry Building — a bonafide visiting parent magnet — this duo of restaurants is owned and operated by a pair of chefs firmly rooted in the canon of Bay Area cuisine and with experience at Chez Panisse, Stars, and more. Head to Boulette’s Larder for lovely breakfast and lunch, or grab cocktails, snacks, and supper at adjacent Boulibar, both influenced by cuisines of the Mediterranean, North Africa, Greece, Japan, and Eastern Europe.

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1, Ferry Building, #48, San Francisco, CA 94111

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Boulette’s Larder

Wayfare Tavern

The masculine vibe, complete with taxidermy animal heads, exposed brick, and dark wood, will make dad feel right at home, and mom will also be wowed by Tyler Florence's creative comfort food and the lively scene. It can get a little loud when things really get hopping, which makes this another spot on the list that is perfect for lunch.

558 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111

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Boulevard

Boulevard continues to represent classic San Francisco fare. Longtime SF chef Nancy Oakes offers something for everyone with her refined plates of fish, like halibut and salmon, along with pork chops, lamb, and soft shell crab in a classy restaurant setting that will make you forget you live in a land of hoodies and t-shirts. This is definitely the place to take the fussiest of diners

1 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

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Also featured in:

Waterbar

Yes, Waterbar can be a little touristy, given it’s Embarcadero location. But the fresh-caught seafood — all of which is sustainably-sourced and beautifully-prepared — means it is in no way a tourist trap. Like the name says, the restaurant is located on the water and has spectacular views of the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island. Between the food, the views, and the dollar oysters (until 5:30 p.m.), this is the perfect place for a family celebration.

399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105

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Also featured in:

SPQR

The chef's counter is the place to be at this cozy restaurant that boasts one Michelin star, but there's really not a bad seat in the house, especially once the insanely delicious pasta dishes start arriving at the table. This is a great place to take parents who appreciate thoughtful Italian wines and don't mind paying a bit more for dishes that are creative and made with the best ingredients available.

1911 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115

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Also featured in:

Marlowe

This bustling SoMa spot has a quirky butcher shop atmosphere, but in a totally cool way even your parents will appreciate. It can get a little loud in here, so if mom or dad prefer a quiet meal, head in on the earlier side (or go for lunch). The burger is, of course, a standout, but truthfully, you can't go wrong with any of the dishes on the menu, all of which feel a bit like comfort food, but without leaving you too full.

500 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94107

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Also featured in:

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

You'll want to reserve a table in the charming dining room of this French and Northern Italian-influenced brasserie, as most parents might find the bar area a little too cramped and loud. The cocktail menu is impressive, but the sommelier also does a great job of explaining and selling the extensive wine list, so maybe start with the former and go from there. There's something for everyone on the menu, as long as "everyone" enjoys indulgent fare like oysters and Absinthe's classic coq au vin. (Though, if not, the hamburger never disappoints.)

398 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

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Also featured in:

Zuni Cafe

Zuni is a true SF classic that opened its doors in 1979 and will probably still be serving Judy Rodgers' famous roast chicken for two come 2079. There's no doubt about what your parents need to order: the chicken is a must, as is the Caesar salad. Ask for a seat upstairs for a more intimate (and quieter) experience with good views of the downstairs diners.

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

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Also featured in:

Foreign Cinema

Even if your parents aren't the most adventurous duo out there, this SF fixture is a good way to introduce them to the Mission. It's hipster, but possibly in a way only a parent would recognize. Still, dining al fresco under twinkling lights while an old movie plays on the wall never stops feeling a little magical, especially since the California-Mediterranean fare is always spot on. And it's worth noting that although Foreign Cinema feels especially special at night, the brunch is also phenomenal.

2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

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Chez Panisse Cafe

1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709

Even if your mom and dad aren't food-obsessed, there's a good chance they'll appreciate a meal at Alice Waters' legendary restaurant — even more so if they're not paying the downstairs restaurant's prix fixe prices. The upstairs cafe is a little more inviting anyway thanks to the casual vibe and a la carte menu that changes daily, but always has something tempting for every palate. (If they are food-obsessed and are footing the bill: opt to check the downstairs tasting menu off their bucket list.)

1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709

Visit Website

Scoma's Restuarant

1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133

An SF classic, Scoma’s is a seafood wonderland of white tablecloths and waiters in vests. There’s plenty of familial history, since it’s been owned by the Scoma family since 1965. It has great views, signature dishes like cioppino and crab louie, and classic cocktails. It also takes reservations (recommended), and the noise levels are consistently manageable in the carpeted dining room.

Open in Google Maps

1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133

Visit Website

Greens Restaurant

Building A, San Francisco, CA 94123

Greens may be all vegetarian, but between the sweeping views of the Bay and the creative and sophisticated dishes, carnivorous parents might not even notice. It’s classic San Francisco, with a menu that’s a laundry list of the best produce the Bay Area has to offer. Stop by for brunch, lunch, and dinner for meyer lemon fettuccine or asparagus pizza with green garlic pesto.

Building A, San Francisco, CA 94123

Visit Website

Cotogna

490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Quince’s low-key restaurant next door is an excellent place to take parents (or anyone). For their dining purposes: it takes reservations, isn’t too loud, has a menu of rustic Italian dishes from pizza to pasta, and offers a very approachable wine list. Service is welcoming and prompt, so they’ll leave feeling warm, fuzzy, and glad you’re their child.

490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Visit Website

Cotogna

La Mar

Pier 1½, San Francisco, CA 94111

This Peruvian restaurant on the Embarcadero delivers everything a parent could want: beautiful views, outdoor seating (make sure mom brings a light sweater), gorgeous cocktails, impeccable service, and stunning dishes that taste as good as they look. Don't miss the ceviche, which is some of the best in town, or the empanada sampler.

Pier 1½, San Francisco, CA 94111

Visit Website

Terzo

3011 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94123

This Cow Hollow spot is definitely a favorite among locals who live nearby, but sometimes a neighborhood spot is the best way to give an out-of-towner a glimpse of what life in SF is really like. The space feels dark when you walk in, but there's enough light that no one will need a flashlight to read the Mediterranean tapas-style menu. One of your family members not into sharing? There's a good selection of large plates, like Niman Ranch pork shoulder or a fish of the day. Hopefully they're into wine because Terzo's wine selection is top notch.

Open in Google Maps

3011 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Visit Website

Kokkari Estiatorio

200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Kokkari has everything parents love: white tablecloths, chairs with backs, attentive service, and a bonus fireplace that makes the whole room warm and cozy. The menu includes Greek staples like dolmathes and moussaka, and wood-grilled meats and seafood. Another bonus: reservations are available for a leisurely lunch or elegant dinner.

200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Visit Website

Trestle

531 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Located at the cusp of North Beach and the Financial District, Trestle presses all the parental buttons. Excellent, approachable food at reasonable prices — $39 for a three-course prixe fixe — and attentive service will please the pickiest of parental units.

Open in Google Maps

531 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Visit Website

Trestle

Slanted Door

1 Ferry Building #3, San Francisco, CA 94111

The wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bay are the first show stopper of this eatery that is still trendy after all these years. But the Vietnamese dishes made with the freshest local ingredients are the real hero. The menu is quite extensive, but the friendly servers can help you navigate since everything's meant to be shared. That being said, you'll definitely want to order the crispy imperial rolls and cellophane crab noodles. Just know: it can get a little loud in here, so if noise is a concern, stop by for lunch before you give your parents a tour of the Ferry Building.

1 Ferry Building #3, San Francisco, CA 94111

Visit Website

Boulettes Larder + Boulibar

1, Ferry Building, #48, San Francisco, CA 94111

Located conveniently within in the Ferry Building — a bonafide visiting parent magnet — this duo of restaurants is owned and operated by a pair of chefs firmly rooted in the canon of Bay Area cuisine and with experience at Chez Panisse, Stars, and more. Head to Boulette’s Larder for lovely breakfast and lunch, or grab cocktails, snacks, and supper at adjacent Boulibar, both influenced by cuisines of the Mediterranean, North Africa, Greece, Japan, and Eastern Europe.

Open in Google Maps

1, Ferry Building, #48, San Francisco, CA 94111

Visit Website

Boulette’s Larder

Wayfare Tavern

558 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111

The masculine vibe, complete with taxidermy animal heads, exposed brick, and dark wood, will make dad feel right at home, and mom will also be wowed by Tyler Florence's creative comfort food and the lively scene. It can get a little loud when things really get hopping, which makes this another spot on the list that is perfect for lunch.

558 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Visit Website

Boulevard

1 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Boulevard continues to represent classic San Francisco fare. Longtime SF chef Nancy Oakes offers something for everyone with her refined plates of fish, like halibut and salmon, along with pork chops, lamb, and soft shell crab in a classy restaurant setting that will make you forget you live in a land of hoodies and t-shirts. This is definitely the place to take the fussiest of diners

1 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Visit Website

Waterbar

399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105

Yes, Waterbar can be a little touristy, given it’s Embarcadero location. But the fresh-caught seafood — all of which is sustainably-sourced and beautifully-prepared — means it is in no way a tourist trap. Like the name says, the restaurant is located on the water and has spectacular views of the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island. Between the food, the views, and the dollar oysters (until 5:30 p.m.), this is the perfect place for a family celebration.

399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105

Visit Website

SPQR

1911 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115

The chef's counter is the place to be at this cozy restaurant that boasts one Michelin star, but there's really not a bad seat in the house, especially once the insanely delicious pasta dishes start arriving at the table. This is a great place to take parents who appreciate thoughtful Italian wines and don't mind paying a bit more for dishes that are creative and made with the best ingredients available.

1911 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Visit Website

Marlowe

500 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94107

This bustling SoMa spot has a quirky butcher shop atmosphere, but in a totally cool way even your parents will appreciate. It can get a little loud in here, so if mom or dad prefer a quiet meal, head in on the earlier side (or go for lunch). The burger is, of course, a standout, but truthfully, you can't go wrong with any of the dishes on the menu, all of which feel a bit like comfort food, but without leaving you too full.

500 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Visit Website

Related Maps

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

398 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

You'll want to reserve a table in the charming dining room of this French and Northern Italian-influenced brasserie, as most parents might find the bar area a little too cramped and loud. The cocktail menu is impressive, but the sommelier also does a great job of explaining and selling the extensive wine list, so maybe start with the former and go from there. There's something for everyone on the menu, as long as "everyone" enjoys indulgent fare like oysters and Absinthe's classic coq au vin. (Though, if not, the hamburger never disappoints.)

398 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Visit Website

Zuni Cafe

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Zuni is a true SF classic that opened its doors in 1979 and will probably still be serving Judy Rodgers' famous roast chicken for two come 2079. There's no doubt about what your parents need to order: the chicken is a must, as is the Caesar salad. Ask for a seat upstairs for a more intimate (and quieter) experience with good views of the downstairs diners.

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Visit Website

Foreign Cinema

2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Even if your parents aren't the most adventurous duo out there, this SF fixture is a good way to introduce them to the Mission. It's hipster, but possibly in a way only a parent would recognize. Still, dining al fresco under twinkling lights while an old movie plays on the wall never stops feeling a little magical, especially since the California-Mediterranean fare is always spot on. And it's worth noting that although Foreign Cinema feels especially special at night, the brunch is also phenomenal.

2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Visit Website