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18 Classic Restaurants Every San Franciscan Must Try

The most colorful old-school dining establishments in San Francisco

by Lauren Saria and Eater Staff Updated Oct 21, 2022, 1:42pm PDT

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by Lauren Saria and Eater Staff Updated Oct 21, 2022, 1:42pm PDT

1 comment / new

Photo By Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Though San Francisco is a city focused on the next big new thing, it's also a place that clings tight to its history, packing its longest-standing restaurants even as buzzier, hotter places come and go.

For this list, some ground rules were established: Each spot must be a full restaurant (no bars or one-item spots like ice cream places or coffee shops), each must have opened before 2000, and each must offer something special (a significant bit of history, a spectacular view, or a standout dish, for example). In the end, there’s a classic San Francisco restaurant for every mood, ranging from seafood joints, diners, taquerias, clubby wood-paneled rooms, and anything else a lover of old-school dining could want.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Scoma's Restaurant

Whether it’s your first visit to Fisherman’s Wharf or your first this week, there’s no better bayside dining experience to be found in the infamously tourist-clogged destination than Scoma’s. The long dining rooms are bedecked in warm woods and leather, with low slung ceilings making it feel like you’re deep in the belly of a boat. On the menu expect San Francisco classics including cioppino, local King salmon, and notoriously strong Manhattans.

1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133

Visit Website

A plate of Dungeness crab

Also featured in:

Greens

The landmark vegetarian restaurant opened in 1979 as part of the SF Zen Center. Not only is Greens a California classic, it’s a big and beautiful space, with views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Since the beginning the restaurant’s had a long history of women leaders including founding chef Deborah Madison, Annie Somerville, and current executive chef Katie Reicher, who continues the legacy of showcasing seasonal vegetables grown on nearby farms.

Open in Google Maps

Fort Mason Center, Landmark Building A, 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123

Visit Website

The dining room at Greens

Also featured in:

17 San Francisco Restaurants With Spectacular Views

The Buena Vista

Though mostly (and justly) known for its Irish coffees, the Buena Vista Cafe also has a decent breakfast and lunch offering, with views of the Bay. It’s right off the Powell/Hyde cable car’s last stop, making it a tourist destination for many. Locals, however, still flock there regularly for a boozy, caffeinated pick-me-up, clam chowder in bread bowls, and old-school fare purveyed by white-jacketed bartenders. (It opened in 1916, though its famous beverage didn’t come along until 1952, according to the restaurant.)

Open in Google Maps

2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Visit Website

Balboa Cafe

There’s no denying Balboa Cafe’s place in San Francisco history: in its more than 100 years in business this Cow Hollow restaurant and bar has been the venue for countless first dates, celebrations, and, most recently, rowdy nights out for youthful Marina residents. So, if you don’t mind that these days it’s owned by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s PlumpJack Group, then Balboa Cafe is indeed a venerable place to grab an excellent burger or belly up to the well-worn wooden bar to chat with a bartender over a nitro espresso martini.

Open in Google Maps

3199 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Visit Website

Balboa Cafe

Also featured in:

Tosca Cafe

Tosca may have new owners and fresh damask, but make no mistake: this more-than-100-year-old joint is still every bit as dimly lit and historic as ever. The gold-lettered double doors swung back open in mid 2021 after two years of pandemic-era closures, meaning SF residents and tourists can once again belly up to the bar for a house cappuccino (no coffee involved) and a plate of pasta with a side of house made focaccia. The parklet is a superb setting for outdoor dining but be sure to step inside to get a peek at the iconic red-and-black floors.

242 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Visit Website

The interior of Tosca Cafe with red-and-black floors and art hanging on the walls

Also featured in:

Kokkari Estiatorio

Since 1998, this FiDi staple has been spinning roasted meats over open flames. The atmosphere is ski-cabin-meets-San-Francisco-chic, and you’ll know the restaurant by the smell of fresh lemon and spiced lamb wafting through the room. For either a power lunch or a romantic night out (make sure to sidle up to the fireplace for the full effect), pair Greek classics like dolmathes and moussaka with a glass of crisp white wine.

200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Visit Website

Also featured in:

House of Prime Rib

No San Francisco carnivore has truly lived before eating a juicy slice of prime rib off the cart in this '50s throwback, where the cocktails come with their own shakers, the salad is spun tableside, and the baked potatoes are always at least 50 percent sour cream. Open since 1949, the House of Prime Rib stretches across five rooms and 148 seats, and serves more than 500 diners a night.

Open in Google Maps

1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

Visit Website

Far East Cafe

This century-old Chinatown stalwart is one of the area’s last remaining banquet halls, an enduring dinner option, event venue, and dim sum destination on Grant Avenue. The owners nearly shuttered the business in 2020, citing financial struggles related to the pandemic, but in March 2021 confirmed the restaurant would remain open at least for now.

Open in Google Maps

631 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108

Visit Website

The facade of Far East Cafe

Red's Java House

There's nothing quite like a burger and a beer at this outdoor spot on the Embarcadero (since 1955), preferably consumed before heading over to the ballpark for a Giants game. Red’s Java House is not to be confused with the similar, equally historic Java House, which is also worth a visit.

551 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105

Visit Website

Also featured in:

John's Grill

A setting in The Maltese Falcon and a favorite for politicos, the wood-paneled walls of John’s Grill will transport you to an earlier era. Order up some petrale sole, chicken Jerusalem, or the Sam Spade special (chops, baked potato, sliced tomato) and soak it all in.

63 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Tommy's Joynt

The California hofbrau may soon be a lost tradition but for now, Tommy’s Joynt carries the torch on the corner of Van Ness and Geary. It’d be hard to miss the restaurant’s vibrant and sprawling signage, which advertises everything from “world famous” sandwiches to satellite TV to cheap beers. Open since 1947, Tommy’s continues to be a destination for meaty meals like carved-to-order hot pastrami sandwiches, an impressive selection of imported beers, and a lively late-night dining scene.

1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94109

Visit Website

Tommy Joynt, at Van Ness and Geary, on Route 101, San Francisco, California

Also featured in:

Where to Eat Out on Thanksgiving in San Francisco

Mandalay Restaurant

San Francisco is home to an impressive number of Burmese restaurants but the first and, therefore, oldest is Mandalay, the Richmond District institution that opened in 1984. It changed owners (within the same family) but continues to offer Southeast Asian specialties including mango chicken, Burmese curry beef, and fish chowder. The must-order item at the no-frills, yellow-walled restaurant is the tea leaf salad, a textural delight made with fermented tea leaves, fried garlic, dried shrimp, sesame seeds, lemon, green pepper, and roasted peanuts.

Open in Google Maps

4348 California St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Visit Website

Lahpet thoke at Mandalay

Also featured in:

Tú Lan

Since 1977, this cash-only Vietnamese spot has served Sixth Street locals, tourists, industry veterans, and luminaries like — this has been verified — Julia Child. Health code violations prompted the spot’s closure for nearly a year back in 2012, and when it reopened with a freshened-up facade and dining room, its lengthy lines returned as well.

Open in Google Maps

8 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Visit Website

Tommy's Mexican Restaurant

Since 1965, Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant has been owned by the Bermejo family, who are always quick with a warm welcome. It’s home to the Tommy’s margarita and the city’s best tequila selection, but this Richmond District favorite also puts out solid Yucatecan fare.

5929 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

Visit Website

Exterior neon sign of Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in the Richmond neighborhood

Also featured in:

Khan Toke Thai House

Open since 1976, Khan Toke says that it’s one of San Francisco’s first Thai restaurants. It’s also one of the city’s fanciest, as diners are required to remove their shoes before they’re led to low, hand-carved tables. The menu’s got over 100 items, so savvy diners ask the white-jacketed waiters “what’s good tonight?” to make sure they get the kitchen’s best and brightest.

Open in Google Maps

5937 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

Visit Website

Zuni Cafe

Zuni Cafe began in 1979 as a Southwestern-themed restaurant, but became a Cal-cuisine icon under the leadership of the late Judy Rodgers, who entered its kitchen in 1987. She built Zuni’s reputation with her burgers, Caesar salad, bloody Marys, and of course, the famous roast chicken for two with bread salad. It's still one of the city's most beautiful and delightful rooms to while away an afternoon.

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Visit Website

Also featured in:

El Faro

Burrito historians claim that the first-ever Mission-style burrito was assembled in 1961 at El Faro, then a grocery store owned by Febronio Ontiveros. It’s since evolved into a fairly standard taqueria, albeit one that claims that it invented the Super Burrito, among other landmarks. It’s worth a trip, just to say that a visit has been made to where it all (allegedly) began.

Open in Google Maps

2399 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110

The Old Clam House

San Franciscans nearly lost this more-a-century-old institution during the pandemic, but now the Old Clam House is back and serving boatloads of fresh seafood on Bayshore Drive. The restaurant, which was founded in 1861, has now fallen into the same hands that own North Beach’s Mona Lisa restaurant and they’ve smartly left the classic alone, for the most part, keeping all of the familiar favorites on the menu. You’ll never go wrong with a bowl of clam chowder and a fishwich.

Open in Google Maps

299 Bayshore Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94124

Also featured in:

Where to Eat Out on Thanksgiving in San Francisco

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Scoma's Restaurant

1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133

Whether it’s your first visit to Fisherman’s Wharf or your first this week, there’s no better bayside dining experience to be found in the infamously tourist-clogged destination than Scoma’s. The long dining rooms are bedecked in warm woods and leather, with low slung ceilings making it feel like you’re deep in the belly of a boat. On the menu expect San Francisco classics including cioppino, local King salmon, and notoriously strong Manhattans.

1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133

Visit Website

A plate of Dungeness crab

Greens

Fort Mason Center, Landmark Building A, 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123

The landmark vegetarian restaurant opened in 1979 as part of the SF Zen Center. Not only is Greens a California classic, it’s a big and beautiful space, with views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Since the beginning the restaurant’s had a long history of women leaders including founding chef Deborah Madison, Annie Somerville, and current executive chef Katie Reicher, who continues the legacy of showcasing seasonal vegetables grown on nearby farms.

Open in Google Maps

Fort Mason Center, Landmark Building A, 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123

Visit Website

The dining room at Greens

The Buena Vista

2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Though mostly (and justly) known for its Irish coffees, the Buena Vista Cafe also has a decent breakfast and lunch offering, with views of the Bay. It’s right off the Powell/Hyde cable car’s last stop, making it a tourist destination for many. Locals, however, still flock there regularly for a boozy, caffeinated pick-me-up, clam chowder in bread bowls, and old-school fare purveyed by white-jacketed bartenders. (It opened in 1916, though its famous beverage didn’t come along until 1952, according to the restaurant.)

Open in Google Maps

2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Visit Website

Balboa Cafe

3199 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123

There’s no denying Balboa Cafe’s place in San Francisco history: in its more than 100 years in business this Cow Hollow restaurant and bar has been the venue for countless first dates, celebrations, and, most recently, rowdy nights out for youthful Marina residents. So, if you don’t mind that these days it’s owned by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s PlumpJack Group, then Balboa Cafe is indeed a venerable place to grab an excellent burger or belly up to the well-worn wooden bar to chat with a bartender over a nitro espresso martini.

Open in Google Maps

3199 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Visit Website

Balboa Cafe

Tosca Cafe

242 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Tosca may have new owners and fresh damask, but make no mistake: this more-than-100-year-old joint is still every bit as dimly lit and historic as ever. The gold-lettered double doors swung back open in mid 2021 after two years of pandemic-era closures, meaning SF residents and tourists can once again belly up to the bar for a house cappuccino (no coffee involved) and a plate of pasta with a side of house made focaccia. The parklet is a superb setting for outdoor dining but be sure to step inside to get a peek at the iconic red-and-black floors.

242 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Visit Website

The interior of Tosca Cafe with red-and-black floors and art hanging on the walls

Kokkari Estiatorio

200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Since 1998, this FiDi staple has been spinning roasted meats over open flames. The atmosphere is ski-cabin-meets-San-Francisco-chic, and you’ll know the restaurant by the smell of fresh lemon and spiced lamb wafting through the room. For either a power lunch or a romantic night out (make sure to sidle up to the fireplace for the full effect), pair Greek classics like dolmathes and moussaka with a glass of crisp white wine.

200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Visit Website

House of Prime Rib

1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

No San Francisco carnivore has truly lived before eating a juicy slice of prime rib off the cart in this '50s throwback, where the cocktails come with their own shakers, the salad is spun tableside, and the baked potatoes are always at least 50 percent sour cream. Open since 1949, the House of Prime Rib stretches across five rooms and 148 seats, and serves more than 500 diners a night.

Open in Google Maps

1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

Visit Website

Far East Cafe

631 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108

This century-old Chinatown stalwart is one of the area’s last remaining banquet halls, an enduring dinner option, event venue, and dim sum destination on Grant Avenue. The owners nearly shuttered the business in 2020, citing financial struggles related to the pandemic, but in March 2021 confirmed the restaurant would remain open at least for now.

Open in Google Maps

631 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108

Visit Website

The facade of Far East Cafe

Red's Java House

551 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105

There's nothing quite like a burger and a beer at this outdoor spot on the Embarcadero (since 1955), preferably consumed before heading over to the ballpark for a Giants game. Red’s Java House is not to be confused with the similar, equally historic Java House, which is also worth a visit.

551 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105

Visit Website

John's Grill

63 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102

A setting in The Maltese Falcon and a favorite for politicos, the wood-paneled walls of John’s Grill will transport you to an earlier era. Order up some petrale sole, chicken Jerusalem, or the Sam Spade special (chops, baked potato, sliced tomato) and soak it all in.

63 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Visit Website

Tommy's Joynt

1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94109

The California hofbrau may soon be a lost tradition but for now, Tommy’s Joynt carries the torch on the corner of Van Ness and Geary. It’d be hard to miss the restaurant’s vibrant and sprawling signage, which advertises everything from “world famous” sandwiches to satellite TV to cheap beers. Open since 1947, Tommy’s continues to be a destination for meaty meals like carved-to-order hot pastrami sandwiches, an impressive selection of imported beers, and a lively late-night dining scene.

1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94109

Visit Website

Tommy Joynt, at Van Ness and Geary, on Route 101, San Francisco, California

Mandalay Restaurant

4348 California St, San Francisco, CA 94118

San Francisco is home to an impressive number of Burmese restaurants but the first and, therefore, oldest is Mandalay, the Richmond District institution that opened in 1984. It changed owners (within the same family) but continues to offer Southeast Asian specialties including mango chicken, Burmese curry beef, and fish chowder. The must-order item at the no-frills, yellow-walled restaurant is the tea leaf salad, a textural delight made with fermented tea leaves, fried garlic, dried shrimp, sesame seeds, lemon, green pepper, and roasted peanuts.

Open in Google Maps

4348 California St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Visit Website

Lahpet thoke at Mandalay

Tú Lan

8 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Since 1977, this cash-only Vietnamese spot has served Sixth Street locals, tourists, industry veterans, and luminaries like — this has been verified — Julia Child. Health code violations prompted the spot’s closure for nearly a year back in 2012, and when it reopened with a freshened-up facade and dining room, its lengthy lines returned as well.

Open in Google Maps

8 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Visit Website

Tommy's Mexican Restaurant

5929 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

Since 1965, Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant has been owned by the Bermejo family, who are always quick with a warm welcome. It’s home to the Tommy’s margarita and the city’s best tequila selection, but this Richmond District favorite also puts out solid Yucatecan fare.

5929 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

Visit Website

Exterior neon sign of Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in the Richmond neighborhood

Khan Toke Thai House

5937 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

Open since 1976, Khan Toke says that it’s one of San Francisco’s first Thai restaurants. It’s also one of the city’s fanciest, as diners are required to remove their shoes before they’re led to low, hand-carved tables. The menu’s got over 100 items, so savvy diners ask the white-jacketed waiters “what’s good tonight?” to make sure they get the kitchen’s best and brightest.

Open in Google Maps

5937 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

Visit Website

Related Maps

Zuni Cafe

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Zuni Cafe began in 1979 as a Southwestern-themed restaurant, but became a Cal-cuisine icon under the leadership of the late Judy Rodgers, who entered its kitchen in 1987. She built Zuni’s reputation with her burgers, Caesar salad, bloody Marys, and of course, the famous roast chicken for two with bread salad. It's still one of the city's most beautiful and delightful rooms to while away an afternoon.

1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Visit Website

El Faro

2399 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Burrito historians claim that the first-ever Mission-style burrito was assembled in 1961 at El Faro, then a grocery store owned by Febronio Ontiveros. It’s since evolved into a fairly standard taqueria, albeit one that claims that it invented the Super Burrito, among other landmarks. It’s worth a trip, just to say that a visit has been made to where it all (allegedly) began.

Open in Google Maps

2399 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110

The Old Clam House

299 Bayshore Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94124

San Franciscans nearly lost this more-a-century-old institution during the pandemic, but now the Old Clam House is back and serving boatloads of fresh seafood on Bayshore Drive. The restaurant, which was founded in 1861, has now fallen into the same hands that own North Beach’s Mona Lisa restaurant and they’ve smartly left the classic alone, for the most part, keeping all of the familiar favorites on the menu. You’ll never go wrong with a bowl of clam chowder and a fishwich.

Open in Google Maps

299 Bayshore Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94124

Related Maps