Hayden Quinn COOK · TV PRESENTER · FOOD ADVENTURER

United States

San Francisco Guide

Mission burritos, a few big meals, and spots still on the list.

Updated October 2026

Fort Mason looking towards the Golden Gate Bridge

Hayden's must-try

China Live

This place was heaving. We filmed here and were made so welcome. The roast suckling pig, the duck and the dumplings were the stars. Go easy when ordering, as US portions are big.

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Places

23 spots. Filter them, save the map, or take a clean list with you.

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Eat

Drink

Coffee

  • Bakery · Mission

    On our list: somehow I miss it every trip! My mate Jordan Miller, now Head of Bakery Operations and Director at Sonoma in Sydney, says it's a must if you love bread and baked goods, and they roast their own coffee.

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Do

  • Gym & Pool · Mission Bay

    Straight off the flight from Sydney, I came here to shake off the jet lag before hotel check-in: outdoor pool, sauna, showers and towels. Check the current day-pass price.

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  • Landmark · Presidio

    The bridge, obviously! Walk or ride across for the views, and bring a jacket, as the wind and fog roll in fast.

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Stay

Fort Mason looking towards the Golden Gate Bridge

Below you will find a selection of my (Hayden Quinn) favourite spots, hidden gems and best eats in San Francisco.

This page, map and information will be constantly updated as new trips take place and more hot tips come in from our friends, plus you guys (if you have anything you think MUST be on the list, send me a DM on Instagram!) so be sure to check back frequently and share with your friends…

san francisco

FOOD

Taqueria la Cumbre - Mission District - Cheap Eats - burrito and taco spot. One of the originals in the Mission District.

La Taqueria - Mission District - Cheap Eats - burrito and taco spot.

Foreign Cinema - restaurant set in an old cinema, plays old films while you eat. Modern American style food.

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana - we filmed here and we were so well looked after! Setting, pizza’s and drinks were unreal. Legit stuff. They have seven different pizza ovens on the premises used to cook all the different types of pizza.

Nob Hill Cafe - a suggestion from a mate who recommended the Penne Bettola. Make sure you book as there is generally a wait, one bonus is that you can order a drink while you wait and have it in the street.

Cotogna - Italian. A suggestion from a mate.

Lolinda - Argentinian Steak House - a beast of a place cranking out char grilled and wood fired foods with Argentinian flair. The steak was unreal and the octopus was off the chart (I always order octopus!). A bonus was, I thought this place was going to be super expensive. It wasn’t bad at all to be honest, we ate a heap, had some good drinks and it was all very reasonable. Great veg options also!

Flour + Water - Mission District - Jax really wants to go here, it was on our list but didn’t make it first (or second) time around. Italian / Northern Californian fare. I would look to book?

Tartine Bakery - a must visit if you ask my mate Jordan Miller, Head of Bakery Operations and Director at Sonoma here in Sydney The problem is, every time I have been back to SF I haven’t managed to make it to check it out. It is high on the list for the next visit. If you like bread and baked goods then this is the spot for you. Plus great coffee (they have their own roastery).

Angler - a recommendation from my mate Harry - we didn’t get a chance to eat here but looks the goods. All about seafood.

Che Fico - Italian - a recommendation from my mate Harry - we didn’t get a chance to eat here but he recommended getting a reservation as a booking can be hard to score. I really want to get in here and smash some pasta, especially in winter over a glass of red wine!

Kin Khao - Thai - a recommendation from my mate Harry - we didn’t get a chance to eat here but looks pretty damn good with a small and simple menu (i like that). Making a decision should be easy!

China Live - Chinatown - this spot was heaving! We filmed here when we were in town and we were very well looked after and made to feel very welcome in what was a busy and fun restaurant. The highlights were the whole roast suckling pig and also the duck. So good. Plus there were some dishes on the menu which were nice and spicy and didn’t hold back which I like. Also, the dumplings are off the hook! (I also ordered too much, don’t forget, in the US the portions are much larger than you expect!). They also have a very cool and funky bar upstairs, plus a retail store.

Burma Superstar - a great suggestion from a mate who said “go here for outstanding Asian flavours”.

Hook Fish Co - these guys supply fresh fish and seafood to cook yourself, along with menu items to dine in.

Outerlands - a suggestion from Jordan Miller, he makes the bread for these guys. Local, organic, small producers. Breakfast / Lunch spot.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE

Vesuvio - Chinatown - historical nightspot.

China Live Cold Drinks Bar - located just above the China Live Restaurant itself, sweet little spot with some very cool cocktails!

Peace Keeper - good vibe, new venue with retractable roof, reasonably prices tequila centric cocktails and a great selection of beer and wines - a great suggestion from a mate.

The Bitter End - a good spot to have a drink while waiting for table at Burma Superstar - Irish Bar - suggestion from a mate.

SITES & ATTRACTIONS

COMING SOON (THE BRIDGE OBVIOUSLY)

fITness

UCSF Fitness Center - I went here straight off the flight from Sydney, I couldn’t check into my hotel right away and I needed to do some fitness to help shake off the jetlag and burn some time before I could get into my hotel, this looked like the best option as they had an outdoor pool (I always travel with my sluggo’s and goggles) plus the showers and towels (perfect for after a long flight). Casual entry was $25USD so not cheap but I think it was worth it and for that money you could use all the facilities in the gym. They also have a sauna and lockers for your valuables.

hotels

Hotel Spero - this is where I stayed when we were in town for work. Prior to this we had stayed with Jax family friends so don’t really have any other reconmends. This spot was great, clean, cool rooms (seemed like they had just been re-done). I would stay here again. I am not sure on the $$$ as it was a work trip.

From my Instagram

  • China Live

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Tips

Getting there and around

Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Money and tipping

  • Tipping works the same way as New York.
  • It is how a lot of service staff get paid.
  • Be as generous as you can.

One beer at the bar, tip US$1. That figure moves.

  • Sitting down with good service, double the first two numbers of the bill.
  • A bill of US$236.75 is a US$46 tip.
  • Add more if it was amazing.
  • If it wasn't, say something during the meal.

Tip in cabs and the bellhop, and leave something for housekeeping on a long stay.

Menu and shelf prices do not include tax. It is added when you pay.

Etiquette

Keep right.

Look right, then left, when you cross the road.

Safety

  • There are a lot of people sleeping rough in San Francisco.
  • I have rarely felt unsafe, but you do have to be on your toes, the same as any city at the wrong time.

Keep your wallet in a front pocket and don't carry a lot of cash.

  • If someone is working a scam, don't make eye contact, don't engage, and don't take anything that is handed to you.
  • A firm no is enough if they follow you.