My rating: 1-5 on taste, atmosphere, and service

Best of SF

Brunch 

Healthy

Asian

Burgers

Mexican 

Brunch

Brenda’s French Soul Food (Tenderloin) Southern comfort food with Creole and French influence. It is a very popular spot so go early or get Philz Coffee (around the corner) while you wait. You have to order the beignet flight (chocolate, apple, crab, and traditional). The savory crab and traditional were my favorite. Most breakfast dishes are served with creamy grits or potatoes. I ordered the creamy grits but wished I had ordered the potatoes. The grits are extremely rich (loaded with butter and cream) so it is hard to eat more than half of the heaping bowl they give you. The portions are large—no one finished their meal. Overall the food was very tasty but a little too heavy for me. Recommend: pulled pork eggs Benedict or goat cheese omelet. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

The Mill  (Alamo Square) Café with fresh bread and four barrel coffee. I ordered whole wheat poppy seed bread with house-made pear blueberry jam and butter. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 4 service)

El Techo (Mission) On a nice day you have a beautiful view of the city—unfortunately it was raining when we went. The food is great. I ordered the Chorizo Scramble with roasted veggies and potatoes. The potatoes were amazing but I was not a fan of the chorizo. I preferred my friend’s Techo Rancheros (tortilla, pork, fried eggs, salsa, and beans). Recommend: Techo Rancheros and the fresh squeezed OJ. (4 taste, 5 service, 5 atmosphere)

Grove (Pac Heights) Casual and reasonably priced brunch. Great pies too! I ordered the avocado toast and my friend ordered the breakfast sandwich. The rosemary potatoes were disappointing but overall I would recommend this place to someone looking for a casual and reasonably priced brunch place. The service is a little slow. You order at the counter then find a seat (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 3 service)

East Side West (Marina) A fun place to come with friends. Very lively. Recommend: Dirty Hippy. Click here for my review and pictures. (3 taste, 5 atmosphere, 3 service)

Home Plate (Marina) I came here at 7:30 am (it opens at 7) and it was already busy. It is extremely crowded by 9. They serve complimentary carrot potato latkes and scones. The coffee is good too.  Recommend: The New Yorker (salmon and avocado scramble) and The Eggs Benedict.Click here for my review and pictures. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

Café Roses (Marina) A simple Italian brunch spot in the Marina. They use fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. Recommend: Crescenza-Stuffed Focaccia breakfast pizza with an egg. Click here for my review and pictures. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Sweet Maple (Low Pac Heights) I arrived at 9:30 am on a Saturday with 3 three friends and there was already a 45 minute line. But don’t worry they serve complimentary coffee while you wait. Recommend: the Millionaire’s Bacon (bacon cooked in brown sugar), Salmon Open Face (a poached egg and avocado on garlic sourdough), and Millionaire’s Melt (egg sandwich with bacon and gouda aioli). Click here for my review and pictures. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 3 service)

Frog Hollow (Financial District) Farm-to-table breakfast/lunch place in the Ferry Building. Recommend: Avocado Toast (best in the city!). (4 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Blackwood (Marina) Traditional American breakfast with Asian flair. My favorite brunch place in the Marina. They serve excellent dinner as well. Same owners as Sweet Maple and Kitchen Story. There is always a wait on the weekend and they do not take reservations for brunch (like most popular brunch places). I recommend the BQ Scramble (chicken apple sausage, carrots) and the eggs Benedict with millionaire’s bacon. (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 3 service)

Don Pistos (North Beach) Popular Mexican brunch place. Recommend: Huevos Rancheros and the tamales. The waiters are extremely attentive and friendly. The owner even sent out free drinks. Recommend: Huevos Rancheros.Click here for my review and pictures. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Belga (Cow Hollow) Sophisticated European style café with dishes ranging from French Croque Madame to German sausages. They also offer brunch and happy hour. They have fun drink options like Devil’s Advokaat (brandy, egg, lemon, & nutmeg) or Oude Cobbler (aged genever, vermouth, lemon, sugar, sherry, berries). They have the best cinnamon brioche beignets served with whipped crème fraiche. Recommend: Veggie Frittata (squash and goat cheese) or flat bread with shaved brussels sprouts and a fried egg. (4 taste, 5 atmosphere, 4 service)

Jane on Fillmore (Pac Heights) Small bustling cafe with light and creative breakfast options, Stumptown coffee, and homemade baked goods. They offer a simple and healthy menu. Some options include avocado toast, chia seed parfait, and gluten-free pastries. It gets crowded on the weekends but they are pretty quick. (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

The Dorian (Marina) A posh and elegant brunch scene. Recommend: Scones, Ribeye breakfast flat bread, and sweet potato hash. (5 taste, 5 service, 5 atmosphere).

Tipsy Pig (Marina) A bar at night and a trendy brunch tavern by day. It was one of the best brunch experiences I’ve had in the city. We enjoyed sitting on the back patio. . The Bloody Marys are excellent. I recommend the regular, not the extra spicy one. My friend and I shared the Dutch pancake with candied bacon and ricotta cheese and the goat cheese-chive scramble with asparagus and prosciutto. Recommend: Goat Cheese- Chive Scramble, Dutch Pancakes, and the regular Bloody Mary. (5 taste, 5 service, 5 atmosphere)

Causwells (Marina) Another great brunch spot in the marina. We sat outside on a perfect sunny afternoon. I ordered the omelet of the day, which was Canadian bacon, arugula, caramelized onions, sweet potatoes, and Parmesan cheese. A perfect combination. Recommend: Pork Hash and Daily Special Omelet. (5 taste, 5 service, 5 atmosphere)

Outerlands (Outer Sunset) Locally sourced and organic. The menu changes seasonally. One of my favorite brunches in the city but it gets very crowded. Be prepared to wait at least an hour on the weekends. (5 taste, 5 service, 5 atmosphere)

Mission Beach Cafe (Mission) Healthy California-style cafe. Menu changes seasonally. Vegan and vegetarian options. (4 taste, 4 service, 4 atmosphere)

Chez Maman (Hayes Valley) Casual French bistro serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. Very fast service. Highly recommend! (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Starbelly (Castro) Trendy Cafe with cute outdoor patio open for brunch through dinner. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Perry’s (Cow Hollow and Financial District) The food is decent and you get what you expect.  They do not try to experiment with unique flavors or spices or combinations. It’s a perfect go-to restaurant to bring your non-adventurous/picky friend who is visiting. Recommend: California Eggs Benedict (comes with avocado, tomato, and spinach). (3 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

Pescatore (North Beach) Cute and reasonably priced Italian restaurant. I’ve only been for brunch but they also serve lunch and dinner. Not the most trendy brunch place in town but it is a perfect place to bring your relatives. It is in the Best Western Hotel. Great service. They brought my friends and I each a complimentary pancake! Recommend Veggie Frittata. Click here for my review and pictures. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

Caffe Sapore (North Beach) Neighborhood coffee shop serving hearty and satisfying bagel sandwiches. Recommend: Bagel and loxs. Click here for my review and pictures. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Lovejoy’s Tea Room (Noe Valley) A flowery and eclectic tea house with mismatched furniture and nick-nacks. A fun place to come with a group of girlfriends. We ordered the high tea special which comes with 2 sandwiches, scones, salad, chocolate biscuits, and unlimited tea. Recommend: Chestnut black tea. Click here for my review and pictures. (4 taste, 5 atmosphere, 4 service)

Craftsman and Wolves (Mission) Famous for their egg-filled muffin

To go:

Farmerbrown (Union Square/ Tenderloin)

Maven (Haight)

Plow (Potrero Hill)

MyMy (Nob Hill)

Park Tavern (North Beach)

Straw (Hayes Valley) Carnival-themed brunch. Some items on the menu include a doughnut burger, a waffle sandwich, and steak sundae.

Kitchen Story (Castro)

Asian

Ichi Sushi + Ni Bar (Bernal Heights) Upscale sushi. Their Miso asari clams are featured on the 7X7 Big Eat List. The nigiri is amazing and will melt in your mouth. The waiter goes through the origin of each piece of fish and how it is marinated/prepared. Everything is great so I would leave it up to the chef. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Elephant Sushi (Russian Hill) We ordered the salmon nigiri, Ya Man Roll (salmon, avocado, scallion, fried red onion chips, pesto, and ponzu sauce), and the sizzling mango sea bass. The sea bass comes out wrapped in tinfoil that they light on fire at your table. It cooks for ~5-7 minutes then the waiter unwraps the beautiful roll. Absolutely delicious. You do not eat this roll with soy sauce because it will ruin the flavors, which you will want to experience in full. They also have $2 sake bombs. I was very impressed with their ginger—it’s served in a mason jar and tastes homemade. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Chubby Noodle (Marina and North Beach) Modern Asian food with a trendy atmosphere. Small portions and high-quality. Recommend: Spicy Garlic Noodles, Tuna Poke, Korean Pork Tacos (best thing on the menu), Kung Pow Wings, and Garlic Green Beans. They also have good sake. Click here for my review and pictures. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Blackwood (Marina) Thai-American fusion. Great brunch and dinner. Recommend: Pad Kee Mow, Spicy Eggplant, Dinner Stone Pot, and Chilean Prom.Click here for my review and pictures. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service).

Tamashisoul (Marina) Good reasonably priced sushi. Recommend: Crazy Love Roll (salmon tempura and avocado, topped with torched spicy tuna).Click here for my review and pictures. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

Happy Shabu Shabu (Lower Pac Heights/ Japan Town) Japanese shabu-shabu. You cook your own meat and veggies at the table in broiling broth. I came here for the all-you-can-eat deal with a group of friends. Tip: If it’s your birthday your meal is free. Recommend: All-you-can-eat deal. It’s $40 for unlimited meat, sake, and beer. Click here for my review and pictures. (4 taste, 5 atmosphere, 4 service)

Saiwalks (Marina) Casual Vietnamese food. Best Pho in the neighborhood.  Recommend: Pork Shrimp spring rolls and Pho Comfort. Click here for my review and pictures. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

The Mission Chinese (Mission) Trendy casual Chinese food. Don’t go here if you’re looking for authentic Chinese food. Recommend: Egg Noodle, Sinful Fried Rice, and Broccoli Beef Brisket. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

Chotto (Marina) Trendy Japanese small plates

To go:

Tao Sushi (Outer Mission)  All-you-can-eat sushi + sake. You can make reservations.

Mexican/ Spanish

Loló (Mission)  Mexican tapas. Colorful walls and décor. There is a recorded bird chirping in the bathroom. The tacos and ceviche are the best options. My favorite was the tuna and fish taco. Good margaritas and sangria too. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 4 service)

Garaje (SoMa) ) Casual and trendy Mexican food. Your order at the counter and find a table. Go early or late to avoid the crowds. They open at 11:30. We showed up at 12 and only waited 7-10 minutes. Even their chicken is flavorful. Recommend: Ahi tuna sandwich (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Tacko (Marina) Nautically-themed taco joint. $2 tacos and beer on Tuesdays. Recommend: Their famous fish tacos. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Nick’s Crispy Tacos (Russian Hill) Great Taco Tuesday deals. $5 for 2 large and delicious tacos. Be sure to get them “nick’s way” which adds guacamole and a crispy taco inside your taco. This is a pretty lively and rowdy Taco Tuesday scene. Recommend: Any taco nick’s way. Click here to see my review and photos. (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Mamacita (Marina) A trendy and upscale Mexican restaurant. Click here to see my review and photos. Recommend: Veggie and Carne Asada tacos. (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

El Farolito (Mission) Best burritos in the city. Very satisfying. The meat is flavorful and juicy. It is not in the nicest area—there are a lot of homeless people walking around. I wouldn’t recommend sitting at the Bart station across the street, where we mistakenly chose to sit. The ambiance will not ruin your experience though. You will not be disappointed. (5 taste, 2 atmosphere, 3 service)

La Taqueria (Mission) Great tacos and burritos. Gives El Farolito a run for it’s money. Recommend: Carne Asada (4 taste, 3 atmosphere, 3 service)

Taqueria Cancun (Mission) Simple burritos and tacos. I prefer El Farolito. Recommend: Chicken burrito. Make it super if you’re feeling ambitious. Click here to see my review and photos.  (3 taste, 3 atmosphere, 3 service).

Casual

Glaze (Lower Pac Heights and Marina) Casual chicken teriyaki bowls. The plates come with a generous portion of chicken, rice, and salad (with homemade dressings). The food is decent but it is exactly what you expect. All the options are a variation of chicken (breast, thigh, etc). I would classify it as up-scale fast food. Perfect for a lazy night when you do not want to cook but want something relatively healthy and satisfying. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

Tony’s Pizza (North Beach) Delicious sandwiches and pizza. Sit down restaurant and take-out. It gets very crowded on the weekends. (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Pizza Orgasmica (Financial District and Marina) It gets a bit rowdy late at night but everything is delicious. Can’t go wrong. Warning: they charge 6o cents for ranch. (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Slider Shack (Financial District) Food truck that serves Hawaiian burritos and sliders. They use 100% grass fed meat. They slow cook their beef for 10 hours until the meat falls apart. The servers are very enthusiastic and eager to talk about the menu. Recommend: BBQ Pulled Pork. Click here to see my review and photos. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

Biergarten (Hayes Valley) Outdoor beer garden serving German beer and pretzels at communal tables. Social and lively atmosphere. Their beer menu changes but I usually order whatever dark beer they have on tap. Recommend: Bratwurst with potatoes. Click here to see my review and photos.  (4 taste, 5 atmosphere, 4 service)

Roam Burger (Marina and Lower Pac Heights) Artisan burgers. A little pricey ($11 for just a burger, no fries). Recommend: French and Fries Burger (a burger with parmesan truffle fries, gruyere cheese, avocado, and caramelized onions).Click here to see my review and photos. (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

The Brick Yard (Marina) Upscale bar food and appetizers. Their burger was featured on the 7×7 list. (4 taste, 3 atmosphere, 4 service)

Gott’s (Ferry Building) Upscale diner food. Recommend: Burger and fish tacos. Click here to see my review and photos. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Chez Maman (Hayes Valley) Casual French bistro serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. Very fast service. Highly recommend! (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Starbelly (Castro) Trendy Cafe with cute outdoor patio open for brunch through dinner. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Schmidt’s (Mission)

Burma Superstar (Inner Richmond)

Souvla (Hayes Valley) Greek

To go:

The Flying Falafel (SoMa)

Healthy

Seed + Salt (Marina) Gluten-free and vegetarian café on Chestnut St. in the marina. They have delicious walnut toast with savory and sweet spreads ($4 each). Everything is fresh and simple—wraps, salads, and sandwiches. I enjoy working on my blog here. They have free wifi and endless cucumber water. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

Sol Food (Marin)  Healthy Peruvian food. You order at the counter then find a table. We ordered the bistec platter, bistec sandwich, veggie sandwich, and fried plantain chips. I recommend ordering half regular plantains and half garlic plantains. They also make their own limeade. It is the kind of food where you feel satisfied and full but not uncomfortable. It is very colorful and lively inside with large communal tables. Great food and company. It’s hard not to enjoy yourself here. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Plant (Marina and Financial District) Casual local and organic cafe serving healthy dishes and fresh juices. Recommend: Shiitake Spring Rolls, Udon Noodles, and Full Belly Salad. Click here for my review and photos. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

HayDay (Financial District) Healthy Sandwiches and sides. I come here frequently for lunch. Recommend: Moroccan Chickpea Salad, Smoked Rainbow Trout, and Roasted Sweet Potato and Romaine Salad.Click here for my review and photos. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Focaccia (Financial District) Healthy sandwiches, salads, and soups. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service).

Blue Barn (Marina and Polk St.) Sandwiches and salads. They also have seasonal soups. There is always a line and the food takes a while to prepare. Recommend: Winter salad and truffle sandwich.Click here for my review and photos. (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 3 service)

Breaking Bread  (Financial District) Made-to-order sandwiches and salads. (4 taste, 4 atmosphere, 4 service)

Gracias Madre (Mission) Plant-based 100% organic Mexican food. (4 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Seed + Salt (Marina) Vegan and gluten-free cafe offering creative and healthy options like collard falafel wraps and buffalo cauliflower bites. (4 taste, 5 atmosphere, 4 service)

To go:

Greens (Marina) Upscale vegetarian restaurant with a beautiful view of the bay.

Nice 

Ozumo (Financial District) Upscale and trendy sushi restaurant. Recommend: Black Cod and all their desserts. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Town Hall (Financial District) Upscale southern comfort food. My company took me here for lunch. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Epic (Financial District) Steakhouse with beautiful views of the water. (4 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

Boulevard (Financial District) Upscale American restaurant. My manager took my team out to lunch here. Recommend: Stuffed Squash Blossoms, Spicy Sesame Ahi Tuna Tartare, Seared Sea Scallops, and the Sticky Carmel Toffee Pudding. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

The House (North Beach) Innovative Asian-American food. Restaurant is very small so make reservations. Recommend: Ahi tuna tartare, chicken with truffle sauce, and the ribs. (5 taste, 4 atmosphere, 5 service)

Pabu (Financial District) Upscale sushi. Our waiter was very passionate and enthusiastic about the food. Recommend: Happy Spoon Oysters, Chicken Meatballs, Squid Okonomiyaki1 (Squid Pancake with an egg on top), and Blue Ocean roll. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

A16 (Marina) Delicious pasta and pizza. I came here on Easter with a group of friends. Recommend: Strapazzette pizza and Cavatelli pasta. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 4 service)

Flour + Water (Mission) Chef Evan Allumbaugh. Great pasta and pizza. (5 taste, 5 atmosphere, 5 service)

To go:

Wayfare Tavern (Financial District)

Foreign Cinema (Mission)

State Bird Provisions (Pac Heights)