SF’s 9 Legendary Restaurants to Try Before You Die
Cliff House is one of SF’s 9 Legendary Restaurants to Try Before You Die.

1. Cliff House

1090 Point Lobos (at Great Hwy), San Francisco, CA
Ristorante americano · 141 consigli e recensioni

PureWowPureWow: Perched high on a cliff above Ocean Beach, this restaurant dating back to 1858 has resurfaced after explosions, fires and earthquakes over the years. Come for the view of the Pacific and Sutro Baths. Leggi tutto.

Tosca Cafe is one of SF’s 9 Legendary Restaurants to Try Before You Die.

2. Tosca Cafe

8.4
242 Columbus Ave (at Pacific Ave), San Francisco, CA
Ristorante italiano · North Beach · 119 consigli e recensioni

PureWowPureWow: Order a big pasta dinner and save room for the famous house “cappuccino,” a hot chocolate with brandy, that nods back to Prohibition days. (Bonus: Tosca has been a favorite among celebs.) Leggi tutto.

Tadich Grill is one of SF’s 9 Legendary Restaurants to Try Before You Die.

3. Tadich Grill

8.6
240 California St (btwn Battery & Front St), San Francisco, CA
Ristorante di pesce · Financial District · 164 consigli e recensioni

PureWowPureWow: California’s oldest restaurant is where the Financial District crowd goes for three-martini lunches served by white-coated waitstaff. Stick with the classics here: cioppino and a strong drink. Leggi tutto.

Zuni Café is one of SF’s 9 Legendary Restaurants to Try Before You Die.

4. Zuni Café

8.7
1658 Market St (at Rose St), San Francisco, CA
Nuovo ristorante americano · Civic Center · 318 consigli e recensioni

PureWowPureWow: The only thing you need to know about this food star is what to order: the roast chicken for two with bread salad and a good bottle of wine. It’s perfect for every occasion. Leggi tutto.

Original Joe's is one of SF’s 9 Legendary Restaurants to Try Before You Die.

5. Original Joe's

8.1
601 Union St (at Stockton St), San Francisco, CA
Ristorante · North Beach · 107 consigli e recensioni

PureWowPureWow: Another oldie but goodie, Joe’s moved from its Tenderloin location to North Beach after a fire in 2007. Its high-rolling spirit is still alive and well. Leggi tutto.

Chez Panisse is one of SF’s 9 Legendary Restaurants to Try Before You Die.

6. Chez Panisse

8.8
1517 Shattuck Ave (btwn Cedar & Vine St), Berkeley, CA
Nuovo ristorante americano · Gourmet Ghetto · 134 consigli e recensioni

PureWowPureWow: When Alice Waters opened Chez Panisse in 1971, she introduced the concept of California cuisine to the world. The rest is history. Book a spot at the more casual café upstairs to save some money. Leggi tutto.

Big 4 Restaurant is one of SF’s 9 Legendary Restaurants to Try Before You Die.

7. Big 4 Restaurant

8.5
1075 California St (at Taylor St), San Francisco, CA
Ristorante americano · Nob Hill · 56 consigli e recensioni

PureWowPureWow: The old-school gem survived the recent renovation of the adjoining Scarlet Huntington hotel. Lucky for us, this place, where you go for a burger at the bar and live piano music, still has an old soul. Leggi tutto.

Hayes Street Grill is one of SF’s 9 Legendary Restaurants to Try Before You Die.

8. Hayes Street Grill

5.5
320 Hayes St (at Franklin St.), San Francisco, CA
Ristorante di pesce · Civic Center · 14 consigli e recensioni

PureWowPureWow: This Hayes Valley staple has been attracting the pre-symphony, early-bird crowd since 1979. Known for fresh fish, be sure to order up whatever’s on that day, from smoked trout to salmon. Leggi tutto.

House of Prime Rib is one of SF’s 9 Legendary Restaurants to Try Before You Die.

9. House of Prime Rib

8.9
1906 Van Ness Ave (btw Jackson & Washington), San Francisco, CA
Bisteccheria · Polk Gulch · 314 consigli e recensioni

PureWowPureWow: Indulging in a big slab of prime rib might as well be a rite of passage for every local. And while the decor screams ’50s throwback, it perfectly suits the old-school tableside service. Leggi tutto.