San Francisco Guide

Eat

• Angler (opens in a new tab)

  Seafood · Embarcadero

  On our list: wood-fired seafood on the Embarcadero from the Saison team, with views over the bay. Tip from my mate Harry.

• Burma Superstar (opens in a new tab)

  Burmese · Inner Richmond

  'Go here for outstanding Asian flavours,' says a mate. Grab a drink at The Bitter End up the street while you wait for a table.

• Che Fico (opens in a new tab)

  Italian · NoPa · Reopened 18 Oct 2026

  On our list: Italian on Divisadero and a tough table to get, so book ahead. I really want to smash some pasta here in winter with a glass of red. Tip from my mate Harry.

• China Live (opens in a new tab)

  Chinese · Chinatown

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

• Cotogna (opens in a new tab)

  Italian · Jackson Square

  Rustic Italian from the team behind Quince, with wood-fired cooking and handmade pasta. Tip from a mate.

• Flour + Water (opens in a new tab)

  Italian · Mission

  On our list: Jax has wanted to eat here for years and we keep missing it. Italian with a Northern Californian twist, so book ahead.

• Foreign Cinema (opens in a new tab)

  Californian · Mission

  Dinner in an old cinema courtyard with films playing while you eat. Seasonal Californian-Mediterranean food and a fun night out.

• Hook Fish Co (opens in a new tab)

  Seafood · Outer Sunset

  They sell fresh fish and seafood to cook yourself, and there's a dine-in menu too.

• Kin Khao (opens in a new tab)

  Thai · Union Square

  On our list: Michelin-starred Thai with a small, simple menu (I like that). Tip from my mate Harry.

• La Taqueria (opens in a new tab)

  Mexican · Mission

  A classic Mission burrito and taco spot. Cheap eats done right.

• Lolinda (opens in a new tab)

  Argentinian Steakhouse · Mission

  A beast of an Argentinian steakhouse cranking out chargrilled, wood-fired food. The steak was unreal, the octopus was off the charts (I always order octopus) and it was much better value than I expected.

• Nob Hill Cafe (opens in a new tab)

  Italian · Nob Hill

  A cosy neighbourhood Italian. Get the penne Bettola, and grab a drink to have on the street while you wait, as it's walk-ins only. Tip from a mate.

• Outerlands (opens in a new tab)

  Breakfast & Lunch · Outer Sunset

  A breakfast and lunch spot built on local, organic, small producers. Tip from my mate Jordan Miller.

• Taqueria La Cumbre (opens in a new tab)

  Mexican · Mission

  One of the original Mission burrito and taco spots. Cheap, cheerful and exactly what you want after a big day.

• Tony's Pizza Napoletana (opens in a new tab)

  Pizza · North Beach

  We filmed here and were so well looked after. The setting, pizzas and drinks were unreal, and they run seven different ovens for all the different pizza styles.

Drink

• Cold Drinks Bar at China Live (opens in a new tab)

  Cocktail Bar · Chinatown

  A sweet little bar upstairs at China Live with some very cool cocktails.

• Peacekeeper (opens in a new tab)

  Cocktail Bar · Lower Nob Hill

  Good vibes, a retractable roof and reasonably priced, tequila-heavy cocktails, plus a great beer and wine list. Tip from a mate.

• The Bitter End (opens in a new tab)

  Pub · Inner Richmond

  A neighbourhood bar and grill on Clement St, handy for a drink while you wait for a table at Burma Superstar. Tip from a mate.

• Vesuvio Cafe (opens in a new tab)

  Historic Bar · North Beach

  A historic, art-filled bar on Jack Kerouac Alley. Grab an upstairs window seat and soak up the old-school North Beach vibe.

Coffee

• Tartine Bakery (opens in a new tab)

  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.

Do

• Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center (UCSF) (opens in a new tab)

  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.

• Golden Gate Bridge (opens in a new tab)

  Landmark · Presidio

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

Stay

• Hotel Spero (opens in a new tab)

  Hotel · Union Square

  Where I stayed on a work trip. Clean, cool, freshly done rooms, and I'd happily stay again.

Tips