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SF restaurants locals love
10 items
By
Julia Tinstin
Neighborhood spots I would send a friend to. All picks are from the SF Chronicle Top 100 for 2026.
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Map
Daytime spot at the edge of the Inner Sunset. Get the tamal bowl and hang out in the parklet.
Yo También Cantina
Cozy Mission spot for pasta and crudo. You can usually get a last-minute table, which is rare for this kind of place.
Itria
Modern Chinese in Hayes Valley from a chef trained in Michelin kitchens in Hong Kong and Tokyo. Come for the dim sum.
The Happy Crane
Chef Pim Techamuanvivit's Thai spot near Union Square, holding a Michelin star since 2015. Still one of the best meals downtown.
Kin Khao
Inner Richmond Turkish spot with warm service and a wine list that restaurant people love.
Kitchen Istanbul
The Bay Area smashburger. Started as an East Bay popup, now a counter in the Saluhall food hall on Market.
Smish Smash
Nearly 50 years on Market Street and still the city's favorite. Order the roast chicken for two and a Caesar, and sit by the big windows.
Zuni Café
Brandon Jew's modern Chinese spot on Waverly Place in Chinatown, now 10 years in. Grab a seat at the bar if you can't get a table.
Mister Jiu's
50+ years in the Mission and still no rice in the burritos. Order yours dorado style and expect a line out the door.
La Taqueria
Chef Ravi Kapur brings Oahu to Sutter Street: tuna poke, fried rice with housemade Spam, and Mom's butter mochi for dessert.
Liholiho Yacht Club
