• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • ABROAD
    • Destinations
    • Itineraries
    • City Guides
    • Resources
  • AT HOME
    • San Francisco
    • Freelance Life
  • CONTACT
  • SHOP

Part-Time Traveler

Find your balance of travel and home.

Home » At Home » San Francisco » Best Places to Eat in San Francisco, Vol. 7

Best Places to Eat in San Francisco, Vol. 7

May 28, 2019 Food and Wine, San Francisco

A Korean American Diner, Hyper-Local Sushi & Sake, and more

Hello and welcome! I’m a San Francisco food and travel writer who loves exploring and sharing the dynamic SF culinary scene. Each month I’ll highlight five spots — a list of where to eat in San Francisco that I’m truly loving in this moment.

They’ll be a combination of what’s new and exciting in the SF restaurant scene  (because let’s face it, I probably went there to try it and I probably have some opinions,) as well as some classic places that I either went back to for the hundredth time or finally got around to.

My hope is that this series will be a regular answer to the question “Where should I eat in San Francisco?” whether you’re a local or a visitor to my fine city!

Where to Eat in San Francisco

The Best San Francisco Restaurants, beloved by this local

Volume 7

Written May 2019 | Updated July 2021

Art’s Cafe

Korean American Diner // Inner Sunset
747 Irving Street

Ah in a city of ever-changing winds, I am more thankful than ever for places like Art’s Cafe. As the no-nonsense service, the limited counter seating, the old-school diner crowded with locals, Art’s is the American diner with a Korean twist you never knew you needed in your life.

Whether you want a classic diner breakfast of three eggs and bacon plus toast and coffee, or you want to venture into the land of amazingness that is Korean fusion breakfast…Art’s will taste and feel like the neighborhood joint you wish you lived next door to. A classic, not-to-be-missed…a breath of fresh air.

Menu Highlights: Don’t miss anything with the bulgogi in it (they call it teriyaki beef on the menu) — whether an omelet (the Samurai,) sandwich, or rice bowl. The true menu winner here though is the hash brown sandwich — like a sandwich but with hash browns where the bread would be. It’s so brilliant I don’t know. I waited so long to eat one, yet at the same time so obvious I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of it sooner myself.

Please note this fine establishment is cash only. *Update 2021: Art’s is under new management although thankfully still in operation!

Ichido + Sequoia Sake Company

Japanese Omakase // Bayview
50 Apparel Way

Many of the most memorable meals I’ve been having in San Francisco haven’t been in restaurants at all. As you may recall, I’ve reviewed a few pop-ups that have been truly outstanding (see here) which is surprising given just how many great restaurants in San Francisco there are.

So when asked to guess for a special occasion where I might be dining — clues were Japanese food in Bayview and need to wear socks — I couldn’t have guessed that Ichido, run by the chef behind Pläj, who forages and fishes for most of what he serves would be my new favorite food experience.

Set up at Sequoia Sake Company, which itself alone is worth a visit, you arrive to what is a truly unique experience combining what’s fresh and local from the bay (you will likely feast your eyes on the very fish you dine on,) with the art and mastery of Japanese omakase. Pair that with some local SF sake also made in Japanese tradition, and you’ve got something quite special.

Menu Highlights: The whole experience is an omakase (set menu,) so you don’t have to worry about what to order. Since the chef’s menu changes so regularly based on what is seasonal and freshly caught, your best bet is to go with the flow and enjoy whatever he serves you (you won’t be disappointed!)

Sam’s Anchor Cafe

Seafood Restaurant // Tiburon (Marin)
27 Main Street, Tiburon

I have some of my fondest memories of any restaurant in the Bay Area on Sam’s patio on a sunny day.

So of course, the true test of their staying power for me was a trip to dine inside (their newly renovated space!) on a particularly rainy day. Located just across the bridge (yes, that one) in the tiny town of Tiburon, Sam’s Cafe has long been a local favorite for fresh seafood, classic cocktails, and incredible bay views.

I’m happy to report that the food and drink was as fantastic as I recalled, and that the new atmosphere they’ve spruced up — while it retains its classic feel — is an additional draw to enjoy the restaurant even if the glorious patio is not an option.

Menu Highlights: Loved the cioppino and the sand dabs — those would be my top picks. Ah and the Old Bay fries with Dungeness crab are a must! They also have some awesome drink specials on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday if you’re able to get over there early on in the week.

Chavni Eatery

Indian Food // Mid Market
1063 Market Street

From time to time, I walk into a restaurant I’ve never been in before and I feel as if I have stumbled upon something magical.

This humble Indian restaurant that’s almost hidden despite being directly on Market Street would be easy to miss or even write off from the looks of it. Yet once you step inside and are greeted by the friendliest staff, sit down with a plate or two of their fantastic curries and naan fresh from the oven, and glance up at the Bollywood films playing on screens, you may start to see why I love this place so much.

Even if you don’t get as excited as I do about a decent curry and some loud Hindi music, this place has that elusive combination of great flavor, service, and price point that makes many a frequent customer.

Menu Highlights: All of their curries I’ve tried have been delicious, and I love that you still get free chai here with your meal. If you happen to find yourself on Market at lunchtime, their lunch plate is one of the best deals (and meals) in the city. ($9.95 for three entrees, plus rice, naan, salad, and chai.)

True Laurel

Cocktail Bar // Mission
753 Alabama Street

With its Mid-century modern decor, trendy clientele, and Instagram worthy bars, True Laurel almost appears too good, well, to be true. Yet each concoction served up at the bar seemed to impress more than the last, making this one of my new favorite San Francisco staples.

Everything from drinks to food is artfully presented and makes use of local and seasonal ingredients — perhaps even more so than is the norm in this city. It’s a fun place to be out on the town and has a bit of a neighborhood vibe despite at first seeming somewhat “scene-y.”

They also serve brunch on the weekends and late-night eats until 11pm (limited food menu.)

Menu Highlights: Their cocktail menu changes regularly, but out of the several I’ve sampled I’d say choose your desired spirit and you’re in good hands. Especially interesting was ‘The Fungus Among Us,’ a truffle vodka-based cocktail.

As for food, we had heard that the Patty Melt was excellent — and it was. The other small bite choice was something seasonal, and for springtime the sugar snap pea tostada couldn’t have been better.


That’s it for this month! Who has tips for where I should check out next? Thoughts? Feelings? Opinions? Let’s hear ’em!

<< Read More SF Food Posts >>

1 Comment

SHARE
« Where to Stay in Sicily
Around the World: Best Skin Care Products from My Travels »

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

  • Best Cheap Eats San Francisco
  • Matcha soft serve Uji TimeBest San Francisco Food, Vol. 8
  • Verjus San Francisco wine barBest Places to Eat in San Francisco, Vol. 6
  • Seattle for Foodies

Want to travel more while still keeping a home base?

Sign up for exclusive content:

 

Winner of Gold and Silver 2019 Solas Awards for Best Travel Writing.

About Anne

Anne Lowrey is an award-winning travel writer based in San Francisco.

After spending a year in the world, she insisted on building a life at home she loved as much as she loves travel. The result was a move to SF, which she affectionately calls her “soul city.” She believes in the balance of and connection between time spent at home and abroad.

Trackbacks

  1. Best Places to Eat in San Francisco: July 2019 says:
    July 11, 2019 at 4:33 pm

    […] Best Places to Eat in San Francisco: May 2019 […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I’m Anne! I spend part of my time traveling the world and the other part living in my soul city, San Francisco.

I have a love for all things travel. I also have a love for nesting. I do NOT believe the two have to be mutually exclusive. If you seek that balance…you’ve come to the right place.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Where Am I?

Last: Greece (Santorini, Milos, Crete) and Northern Italy (Piemonte, Lombardia, and Emilia Romagna.)

Next: Michigan lake summer

Now: At home in San Francisco

POPULAR POSTS

30 Life Lessons I Learned From Travel (And How They’re Making Me Happier At Home)

Nan: The Quieter Version of Thailand

san francisco restaurants

The Side of San Francisco Most Tourists Don’t See

“If travel is like love, it is mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.” – Pico Iyer

Plan a Trip

PLAN A TRIP

 

I’ve got…

PLAN A TRIP

  • One Day
  • One Week
  • Two+ Weeks

JOIN THE LIST

Find your balance between home and travel.

Factoring in a little one has both changed and rei Factoring in a little one has both changed and reinforced how I travel. For so long accommodations have been “just a place to sleep” for me, so I could prioritize my time and money elsewhere.

Now, whether it’s nap schedules or simply the ability for my husband and I to relax longer on a given afternoon, it’s great to be able to experience a destination right from the front step (or even better, from bed.) 🌄

What’s stayed the same, of course, is that a change of place and pace is incredibly restorative and energizing — and you don’t have to go far to get that.

Thank you to @innabovetide for the perfect weekend stay right on the bay. It was just what our family needed 🤍 #parttimetraveler #sausalito #besthotels
Thinking back to my last trip before taking my nex Thinking back to my last trip before taking my next one (with baby!) and wishing I could transport here for a cornetto and cappuccino ☕️

Meanwhile, please send any and all tips for traveling with a five-month-old. (Also, send coffee. All the coffee.)
—
 #parttimetraveler #piedmonte #italianlife #caffè #pasticeria
After the rain. 🌁 #alwaysSF #goldengatebridge After the rain.
🌁 

#alwaysSF #goldengatebridge
Walks around the city look a bit different these d Walks around the city look a bit different these days 🤍

It’s been three months now since I became a mama. It’s the single greatest life transition I’ve ever undergone.

The amount of love I have for my son is immeasurable. But being a new mother is not easy — no matter how well you heal, how much (or really, how little) you sleep, or how much you love your babe. For me it is humbling how challenging it can be and, at the same time, how happy it can make you.

Mamas, I see you. What a profound thing it is to care for a new life.
—
#citybaby #fourthtrimester #newmama
Mendocino moments ✨ Just a few hours drive up t Mendocino moments ✨

Just a few hours drive up the coast from SF, being here always feels like a breath of fresh air (maybe because it is?) The redwood-lined drive in alone puts me instantly at ease. (Balm for this tired new mama’s soul.) 

Even better we were able to visit with baby and dog in tow 🤍 Have you been? 

Don’t miss walking the trail along the headlands, hiking, biking, or canoeing Big River, and the wonderfully fresh seafood and/or produce.

 #parttimetraveler #mendocino #weekendgetaway #dogfriendly
Introducing my son, Luca. He entered this world a Introducing my son, Luca. He entered this world a mere six weeks ago and he is everything 🤍

His name means “bringer of light” and he is the light of our lives. And while we are currently cocooning in the comfort of our family and our home, I can’t wait to take him on adventures and show him the beauty of this world.
One year as man and wife 🤍 highly recommend bot One year as man and wife 🤍 highly recommend both city hall weddings and marrying your favorite person. 15/10, would marry again (I’d choose you over and over and over.)
📷: @amandaweiphoto 

#happyanniversary #myperson #weddingday #sfcityhallwedding
Waiting for baby 💛 I’ve dreamt of becoming a Waiting for baby 💛 I’ve dreamt of becoming a mother as long as I can remember. I stand here, in the final weeks before birth, in some pain and discomfort (the end of pregnancy is no joke,) but mostly in awe of the female body and this experience of growing a life that’s about to enter this world. 

We are beyond excited to meet you, little  one!✨#37weekspregnant #selfportrait #maternityphotos #almostbabytime
Like all of us, the past few years has meant a lot Like all of us, the past few years has meant a lot less part-time travel and a lot more…full-time homebody. I haven’t shared much about my own house in San Francisco, but perhaps it’s time for that to change!

My husband and I merged existing furniture and styles before we were even in this space. And as we prepare to welcome baby, the nesting urge is strong (plus we’ll be spending even more time in our home!) So it feels like a good time to refresh our space to suit both of us cohesively.

Although I already had a plan in mind for the nursery design, when @thehavenly reached out to work together I knew our living room, the heart of our home, could use some fine tuning. I’ve independently used them before to affordably design our home office (soon-to-be nursery or I’d share!) and loved it, so I jumped at the chance to be a #Havenly ambassador. 

I’m working 1:1 with a talented designer now (stay tuned!) and will also share a 25% off discount soon if you’d like to do the same. They also have a fun design quiz (linked in bio) to help you figure out your style. 
More to come! 💛
Load More... CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM

© 2022 PART-TIME TRAVELER         Privacy Policy + Terms of Use          Subscribe

THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS