Burma Superstar

Burmese place that is one of my favorites in SF. Better for lunch maybe, there can often be a wait but if you call ahead during dinner you can get on the list for the Richmond neighborhood location. There is also a location in Oakland and in the Mission District.

Hong Kong Lounge II Dim Sum

Really enjoyed the dim sum at this place, excellent baked pork buns, sticky rice, and all the other favorites.

Deli Board sandwiches

In SOMA so a little further away. A Cleveland-style sandwich place, with some of the best quality meats and brown Cleveland stadium mustard. Get the Carzle.

Tony's Pizza

They have a ton of different ovens for pizza. My favorites are the Detroit style and New York style. But it's my favorite pizza place on earth. Another crowded place, so you might want to plan on getting on the list, then doing something else for 90 minutes. It's in North Beach.

Swan Oyster

Another place that is fantastic. If you go, try the italian crudo that isn't on the menu, raw fish with olive oil in addition to the oysters. Another place that's a shlep though, long lines and small counter place. When I go I get there right when it opens at 9:30, but that might be a little early for seafood for sane people. Closes at 3.

El Farolito and La Taqueria burritos

El Farolito is my personal favorite burrito place on earth. I really enjoy the Al Pastor. La Taq is more famous now, their burritos don't have rice which some people enjoy more. The carnitas is best there

Lers Ros Thai

The original is in the Tenderloin, a gross neighborhood. But it's probably the best version of their food. They have other outlets in nicer neighborhoods though. Northern Thai cuisine. Anything with red curry, duck larb salad, coconut soup, pork shoulder appetizer are my favorites.

Zuni

Their huge chicken for 2 is a SF classic dish, as is their late night burger.

State Bird Provisions

Very tough to get into, but worth it. They serve dishes dim sum style by bringing them around. Worth checking out.

Griddle Fresh

In my friend Brian's neighborhood, Noe Valley. It’s up there for best breakfast in the city and isn’t crowded on the weekdays.

Tartine

Actually have never been, but considered an amazing bakery.

Liholiho Yacht Club

James Beard award winner, I actually didn't think it was that amazing personally but everyone else seems to love it. Hawaiian themed cuisine.

Kokkari Estiatorio

Some of the best Greek food you'll have

Off the Grid food trucks

I'm not sure where they are at various times during the week, you'll have to check the website, but it's definitely fun to grab a few items from the different trucks and share.

Nopalito

Very solid and creative modern Mexican food. Ask for sides of some of their salsas, the habanero (it's pink) in particular. It's not crazy spicy but might be my favorite salsa that I've had. Run by same people as Nopa

NOPA

A classic SF new American restaurant in…..NOPA

Marufuku Ramen

Considered by most the best ramen place in the city.

La Ciccia

Sardinian food, meaning lots of great seafood pasta. Another small restaurant but they do at least take reservations.

Roli Roti food truck

If you’re in the city on Saturday they’re at the Ferry building. This is the best Porchetta sandwich I've had.

Bi-Rite

Famous ice cream in the Mission across from Dolores Park. Nowhere to sit here though, but you can bring your ice cream across the street to Dolores Park.

The Chairman

Formerly a food truck, now has a bricks and mortar store. Just outstanding baked or steamed buns. I prefer the baked personally, and consider the pork belly and braised beef to be the best.