The first thing that comes to mind when people think about San Francisco is, surprisingly, not food. However, San Francisco is far and away the most sophisticated dining spot on the west coast. Being a cosmopolitan hub, San Francisco has food for everyone, no matter what you’re in the mood for or how much you feel like spending. There are literally hundreds of great restaurants in the city – these five are mere examples of some of the types of restaurants you can find in San Francisco.

La Taqueria

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If you’re on a budget, the best place to go would be La Taqueria. Set in the colorful Mission district, you can’t miss it. La Taqueria is surrounded by murals depicting Mexican cultural treasures and icons, and the inside is lively and fun.

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La Taqueria is only slightly more expensive than the cheap taco joints you’ll find around town, but the quality of food is infinitely greater. For instance, they use top sirloin steak to fill their tacos, and carnitas are shredded from only the finest pork, slow-cooked and marinated in special sauces. The care they give their food is exceptional given the price, and all the salsas and guacamoles receive the same attention.

Swan Oyster Depot

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The Swan Oyster Depot is a staple around San Francisco. As the best restaurant, hands down, for shelled seafood like crab, lobster, mussels, and of course oysters, the Oyster Depot has been in business for nearly a hundred years, and they haven’t lost their touch. Be sure to try the shrimp salad, tossed with fresh vegetables and Thousand Island dressing, or if you’re in the mood for crab legs, make sure you ask for the special Dijon-butter-mayo sauce.

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The Depot serves up simple, hearty seafood meals. They are only open for lunch, so make sure to include that in your itinerary. Once you finish your meal, make sure to check out See’s Candy next door for some delicious desserts. These two funky shops epitomize old-school San Francisco.

COI Restaurant

Looking for swanky? COI Restaurant on a peaceful stretch of Broadway could be just the ticket for you. With its blend of high class and relaxed air, it perfectly embodies the food scene in San Francisco. It also has the added benefit of being two restaurants in one – you can go inside the immaculately decorated room with crystal chandeliers and earth tones and marble floors, or you can choose to hang out and eat your dinner in the lounge, a laid-back, pub-like atmosphere.

Food is the same throughout though, and the offerings range from simple, hearty French-style roast chicken to the experimental: sweetbread mushroom ravioli served with essential herb oils to rub on your wrists. They say that smell and taste are one and the same, after all. (Images by COI Restaurant)

The Slanted Door

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This funky Vietnamese restaurant is a favorite among locals for its unique design, great views of the bay, and fabulous spicy-sweet barbecued ribs. This blend of mouth-watering traditional Asian vendor food and the hearty fare that is Northern California cuisine is sure to leave your mouth watering and your belly full.

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The Slanted Door is so popular that you probably have to book a few months in advance if you want to get in. They reserve fifty seats for walk-in dining, but with all the demand, you aren’t assured a seat that way.

Range

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The Range restaurant holds the honor of also being one of the best bars in California. With cocktails made from such diverse elements as sage leaves, allspice, cloves, and pineapple cordial, and food options that include coffee-rubbed pork, you definitely won’t be bored trying out the different food and drinks. Cocktails change frequently, so make sure you check out their website to see what they’re serving when.

So foodie, don’t just stay, book your hotel in San Francisco and get out to have a blast.

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