San Francisco is a dream destination for food lovers. With its iconic dishes (hello, sourdough!), and diverse neighborhoods, there are so many delicious restaurants to enjoy. With so many delicious options to choose from, planning the perfect weekend in San Francisco can be overwhelming. To help you navigate all of the daunting deliciousness, we’ve curated an itinerary fit for foodies. To truly go behind the scenes and taste the best of SF, consider booking one of the best San Francisco food tours for a truly immersive and memorable experience.
Friday: Mission District
Morning
If you’re lucky enough to start your weekend on Friday morning, early, head to SF classic Tartine Bakery in the Mission District. Their freshly baked morning buns and artisanal coffee are the perfect way to energize for the day ahead.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon wandering around the Mission, admiring all of the incredible street art and murals. When you’re ready for a break, sit down for a relaxed, light lunch at El Techo, a rooftop eatery with stunning views and delicious small plates, like aguachile and elotes. Oh, and don’t forget to order one of their refreshing margaritas!
Evening
For dinner, head to Beretta, a cozy spot known for its flavorful Italian dishes and craft cocktails. We recommend the Bartender’s Pizza and the Lasagna Bolognese. Still have room for a final sweet treat? End your day with gelato from Bi-Rite Creamery, a local favorite just a short walk away. Their Salted Caramel was voted one of the top 5 desserts in the US!
Saturday: North Beach & Beyond
Morning
We hope you got a nice rest because today’s another jam-packed day of eating and enjoying! Speaking of jam, start your morning with breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square, where the homemade jam and Dungeness crab omelet are worth the wait.
Then burn off breakfast and get your steps in with a walk along The Embarcadero.
Afternoon
For a late lunch, treat yourself to a culinary experience with the best North Beach food tour. This guided, progressive meal will take you through iconic North Beach to 3 different restaurants where you’ll enjoy authentic cioppino, woodfired pizza, handmade pasta, classic cannoli, rich gelato, and more. Your guide will also provide fascinating stories as you discover both hot spots and hidden gems in this historic neighborhood.
Evening
Cap off your day with a chinese mai tai at Li Po Cocktail Lounge, a long-standing, no frill, all fun bar in the heart of Chinatown. If you need a little something to soak up the mai tais, head to one of the many dim sum restaurants nearby.
Sunday: Japantown & the Ferry Building
Morning
Spend your final morning in Japantown, starting with coffee and pastries at Benkyodo Company, a historic spot famous for its handmade mochi. Then, explore the neighborhood’s shops for unique snacks and gifts.
Lunch
Head to the Ferry Building for a true food lover’s paradise. Sample artisanal cheeses at Cowgirl Creamery, fresh oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co., and craft chocolates from Recchiuti Confections. Don’t forget to grab a few things to take home for fun souvenirs!
Dinner
Grab a seat at Boulevard, an upscale Michelin Guide restaurant near the Ferry Building, for a memorable lunch of contemporary Californian cuisine. Get the lobster bisque to start and don’t skip the inventive Cobb salad. Who are we kidding, everything will knock your socks off!
Final Thoughts on Perfect Foodie Weekend in SF
San Francisco’s culinary scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods. Although it’s impossible to experience all SF has to offer in a single weekend, this itinerary will give you a good taste (pun intended). For those looking to dig deeper into a single neighborhood, we recommend booking a food tour. Food tours not only give you the opportunity to eat delicious food, but great tour guides can provide rich history and fascinating stories to help enhance your experience.
We hope you enjoy your trip to San Francisco. Happy eating!
