San Francisco, a city celebrated for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, is equally renowned for its distinctive culinary scene. For those in the know, certain iconic food items are not just commonplace but deeply ingrained in the city’s identity. Some of these culinary staples trace their origins back to the Gold Rush era, while others emerged later, shaped by waves of immigration and the bounty of the Pacific Ocean.
Visitors exploring San Francisco’s gastronomic offerings for the first time, or returning for a second helping, are in for a treat. Expect to encounter unique flavors and the freshest ingredients, expertly prepared by skilled culinary artisans. From savory seafood stews to decadent chocolate creations, San Francisco’s food scene is as diverse and captivating as the city itself. Here are some must-try foods that San Francisco is famous for.
Ghirardelli Chocolate
When it comes to chocolate, San Francisco means Ghirardelli. Domingo Ghirardelli established his chocolate-making business in Ghirardelli Square in 1893, and it has been a San Francisco institution ever since. The glowing “Ghirardelli” sign at Fisherman’s Wharf is a beacon for chocolate enthusiasts from around the globe.
Ghirardelli chocolate’s distinctive intense flavor comes from the Broma process, a technique pioneered by Ghirardelli chocolatiers. During a visit to Ghirardelli Square, you can witness antique chocolate-making machinery and learn about the history of these pioneering confections.
The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Store is a must-visit, offering a comprehensive tasting experience of Ghirardelli’s signature SQUARES. Indulge in the rich chocolate shell and discover creamy fillings like Dark Chocolate and Raspberry, or savor the satisfying crunch of solid squares such as Peppermint Bark. And for the ultimate treat, don’t miss the opportunity to relish an ice cream sundae topped with Ghirardelli’s legendary handmade hot fudge.
San Francisco Sourdough Bread
San Francisco’s iconic fog, often rolling in from the Bay, is not just atmospheric; it’s also a crucial ingredient in the city’s famous sourdough bread. The fog creates the ideal conditions for Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis, a unique bacterium that is key to Boudin sourdough’s distinctive character. This “magical” ingredient gives the bread its signature crunchy golden-brown crust and dense, chewy, sour interior.
Boudin Bakery, a San Francisco institution, has been using the same “mother dough” starter, cultivated from wild yeast, since the Gold Rush era of 1849. At Boudin’s Fisherman’s Wharf location, you can observe bakers in action, demonstrating each stage of the bread-making process. Afterwards, treat yourself to some of the finest sourdough bread San Francisco has to offer, whether in a clam chowder bread bowl, a sandwich, or simply a loaf – it’s guaranteed to be delicious.
Clam Chowder Bread Bowl
Enjoying a steaming bowl of clam chowder served inside a sourdough bread bowl is a quintessential San Francisco dining experience, particularly around Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. This is what locals simply call “grabbing a bread bowl.” While New England clam chowder is an East Coast classic, serving it in a hollowed-out sourdough loaf is distinctly San Franciscan.
Numerous waterfront restaurants across San Francisco offer their take on this soul-warming dish, perfect for a sit-down meal or a quick bite on the go. Historic Fisherman’s Wharf is particularly known for its bustling sidewalk chowder stands, where you can readily find this creamy, comforting clam chowder served with a dunkable sourdough bread lid. Don’t hesitate to join the clamor and order your own bread bowl today!
Cioppino
Another seafood specialty that San Francisco is famous for is cioppino, a robust tomato-based seafood stew. This flavorful dish was born in the mid to late 1800s, created by Italian immigrant fishermen who plied their trade in the San Francisco Bay. Cioppino was originally conceived as a communal stew, designed to utilize the day’s catch of various fish and shellfish.
When you order cioppino in San Francisco, especially in the Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach neighborhoods, you’ll discover a rich medley of seafood and slight variations in ingredients depending on the restaurant. Scoma’s, a renowned Fisherman’s Wharf establishment, features Dungeness crab meat, scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, and market fish in their cioppino. They offer it “Lazy Man” style, where all the seafood is conveniently shelled for you. However, if your cioppino arrives with shells intact, be sure to use the bib provided by your server – things are about to get deliciously messy!
Dungeness Crab
Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is synonymous with delectable Dungeness crab. Local crab boats venture into the Pacific Ocean to harvest these prized crustaceans during crab season, which typically runs from mid-November through spring. Freshly caught Dungeness crabs are then brought back to the city, boiled to perfection, and sold whole or prepared as part of various dishes in local restaurants.
If you decide to order a whole cooked crab, don’t be intimidated by its many legs. Restaurant staff are usually happy to guide you on how to access the sweet, succulent crab meat within. The process starts with removing the top shell to reveal the “crab body.” If you encounter a yellow substance, known as “crab butter,” it’s a delicacy to be savored. Next, break the body in half and use a slim crab fork to extract the meat from the body sections. Finally, detach each leg and claw, breaking them at the joints and cracking each section with a crab cracker or small mallet to reach the flavorful meat inside. Enjoy it dipped in butter or simply as is.
Pacific Oysters
Fresh, locally sourced Pacific oysters are a true San Francisco delight – soft, easily slurpable, and bursting with flavor. Tomales Bay, located just north of San Francisco, is a prime oyster harvesting region, supplying the city’s oyster bars with fresh shellfish year-round.
For an engaging and educational experience, take a seat at an oyster bar. You’ll find yourself in a convivial atmosphere, chatting with fellow oyster lovers and learning about the different oyster varieties and preparation methods from the knowledgeable seafood experts behind the counter. Whether you prefer your oysters raw or cooked, you’re guaranteed to find some of the best available at renowned purveyors like Hog Island Oyster Co. at the Ferry Building or Anchor Oyster Bar in Castro.
For the adventurous palate, consider trying a San Francisco oyster shooter. This unique cocktail combines a raw oyster with a mix of ingredients such as Bloody Mary mix, lime juice, hot sauce, horseradish, and a shot of vodka – a truly memorable savory sensation.
Mission-Style Burrito
For a meal that’s both satisfying and substantial, grab a Mission-style burrito. These oversized burritos, often large enough for two meals, are definitively a food San Francisco is known for.
Originating in the Mission District in the 1970s, the Mission-style burrito has become a lasting culinary icon. Both La Cumbre and El Faro taquerias lay claim to being the originators of this popular on-the-go dish. Today, nearly every taqueria in San Francisco, from small restaurants to food trucks serving authentic Mexican cuisine like tacos and enchiladas, offers these generously filled burritos.
The beauty of the Mission-style burrito lies in its customizability. Start with a warm flour tortilla and choose your filling of finely chopped, grilled meat such as steak, chicken, or shrimp. Then, select pinto or black beans and your preferred salsa heat level, from mild to caliente. Top it off with melted cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. The burrito is then expertly folded and wrapped in aluminum foil, ensuring all the delicious components stay together – creating the perfect Mission-style burrito experience.
