A Bay Area Babe from birth, I’m Shauna Saneinejad (@joon.eats). Not a food critic, not an Instagram “foodie influencer,” just a hungry gal that has been behind the scenes of some of THE most San Francisco of things. I produced your favorite festivals at Noise Pop for almost 6 years (sorry for all of the Deep Eddy), and played many roles at Delfina Restaurant group starting as a young 21-year-old host, to runner, server, and finally returned as a manager to dip my toes back in the food world.
Bittersweetly, I am now saying goodbye, during the most uncertain of times to try my luck in NYC. One thing that is certain? San Francisco (and the Bay Area) is one of the most delicious places on earth, and that is what I will miss the most. I am bidding farewell to my favorite spots. Some known, some less so, some best for hangovers, some best for ingredients, and some are just... home. All are meant to be shared with friends and family, so please, dine outside safely and to-go your heart out at these spots. They need to be around when I return!
All-Time Favorite Spots
(3621 18th St // Mission)
No, not the pizza- the original. This often-overlooked gem is the reason that farm to table, fancy-but-casual restaurants exist in San Francisco. Ditch the white tablecloths and servers in button-ups, and be served by some of the most well-educated food and wine artists around. From menu staples like addictive spaghetti and buttery roasted chicken (with the world’s most insane mashed potatoes), to the seasonal classics you never forget: freshly cured anchovies nostrano and tagliatelle pasta with chanterelles. This is a place that I (and so many other regulars) consider home.
(3123 Clement St // Outer Richmond)
The best-kept secret, no more! Found at the end of Clement, this very normal-seeming spot has some of the best sushi you will ever find with your basic sushi prices. Masa, the owner from Osaka, runs the show along with his family. The kids play while the mom hosts and, Masa pats nigiri after nigiri to perfection. Be it fish from Japan or a local catch, it is all buttery bliss. Their chef special for 2 ($80) is a steal for the quality, but don’t forget their karaage and special rolls to seal the deal.
(577 Valencia St // Mission)
Fried quail legs, vermicelli bowls, and beef salad... sorry I can’t choose. This is THE Vietnamese spot when you aren’t feeling in a pho mood. Best vermicelli bowls in town, they have the fixins' and marinated meats down. And little did I know, their beef salad is a low-key gem. The server told me to trust her, and she was right.
(3120 16th St // Mission)
We go way back. Back to the days before I even lived in SF. This was the only place a young thang like me could afford to eat out with $10 happy hour pitchers of sangria to get us going. Picaro is still one of the most affordable spots in SF. Their tapas are addictive and they prep you with bread and orange sauce. No joke, we kept ordering more bread, and for the last batch they sent us sliced wonder bread... Got the picture and paid our bill. Always respect sly signs TGTFO.
(1802 Balboa St // Richmond)
Korean BBQ may not be the same for a while, but thank god Han Il Kwan has the lunch specials to get you through. $16.99 for marinated short ribs, all the banchan, tofu soup, and rice? It's a steal. On a hungry day, I can eat it all, but there’s nothing wrong with saving the leftovers for later. Hot tip: walk to Golden Gate Park and eat in the trees.
(Pacific Heights / Mission / Palo Alto / Burlingame / Marine Pop-Up)
The original restaurant is my home, but the Pizzeria is everyone else’s home. A place flooded with regulars, seasonal pies, and salads that will blow your mind. The Tuna Conserva is something you might glance over, but their house poached olive oil tuna and marinated beans is a salad I could eat every day. They have a ton of new menu items and meal kits available for these pandemic vibes.
(3565 20th St // Mission)
Ever walk past that tiny corner restaurant with the “Records” neon out front? Peak in the window — the interior decorating will make you drool. And guess what? So will their wine and snacks. With dining that has taken over the 20th/Lexington corridor, absorb some of the best wine and deviled eggs! This was my last SF dining experience and it was perfect. Red wine, orange sunset, best friends, jah bless.
(501 Clement St // Inner Richmond)
Best whole roast duck = $21.99. Basically priceless.
(Everywhere, CA)
Do I need to explain? Here are some secrets for folks that still question In-N-Outs greatness: 1. You can order your fries light or well done to get them to your perfect crispness, 2. Whole grilled onions (they'll grill your onions fresh to order) 3. Chopped chilies can be added to any burger to make it hot, 4. Pickles. If you haven’t noticed, you have to ask for pickles, 5. Side patty for your dogchild.
(3814 Noriega // Outer Sunset)
This hidden garage restaurant on the outskirts of town is (in the before times) also open till 2 am. All I want? Fried chicken wings and a side of kimchi fried rice. This classic sponge meal will absorb every last bit of your booze. Or.. just add a bottle of soju to the mix. Take yourself home with leftovers, and throw a fresh egg on it for breakfast.
(4348 California St // Inner Richmond)
Burmese — a huge thing in the Richmond District. But how do you choose between the 5? Mandalay is the original Burmese spot and it has the decorations to prove it. Nothing like a server dressed in traditional wears and a headset to keep up with the action. Everything on the menu is all so good, but I go for the Khao Soi and leave with Balada flatbread, tea leaf salad, and… any one (or twenty) of their many yummy items.
(3176 17th St // Mission)
Mission Bowling club is, well, for bowling.. BUT in the before times their fried chicken and burgers were top notch. Although bowling is on pause, their kitchen is still rolling out patio dining and to-go food with a special popup Voodoo Love. Creole Nouveux cuisine to keep you home-y and warm this fall.
Best NOODS
(Richmond // Tenderloin // SoMa)
Hangover? You got one? Well, this will cure it. Turtle Tower, the best Hanoi Pho you’ll have outside of Hanoi. What is Hanoi Pho? Chicken Pho Ga. The noodles are thick, and while plum sauce is not a thing, you won’t miss it. This Pho ga is sure to cure any hangover or creeping winter cold.
(2337 Irving St // Sunset)
Duck Noods! Nothing more delicious than a perfectly roasted or bbq duck, glazed over with crispy skin and fat nibs. Some might freak at this description, but if you actually love food, you will get yourself over here to have a duck leg laid on a bed of egg or rice noodles. Served dry or in a piping hot broth of love, this spot is iconic!
(1581 Webster St // Japantown)
Hidden in the Japantown Mall, Udon Muguzo is another umami bomb noodle shop. Their menu is one of those tricky ones because you want everything. Noodles made fresh in house, Mugizo is on point. Niku Bukkake Udon is perfect for Indian Summer (haha yes, BUKKAKE): cold noodles, sweet and tender beef with all the right toppings. Their special stars are the westernized udon with parmesan, cream sauces, fish, etc. So rich and delish.
Dim Sum
(5322 Geary Blvd Inner Richmond)
Sadly, I haven’t ordered from here since the pandemic began. For me, this is the spot for dumplings and classic dim sum fare. All experiences come with a heavy dose of chandeliers. Normally, you would cringe at this much bright light, but these epic sparklers make you feel like you are in a dim sum dream. Their soup and veggie dumplings are the stars for me, but it is hard to find something you don’t like. And if you’re not sure what to order, just glaze over their TV screen menu ads. Sea cucumber perhaps?
(736 Clement St // Inner Richmond)
Do I have to explain? We've all seen the line. To-go, insanely cheap, ready to eat on the street. And I’m not kidding- I’ve downed a bag of these dumps while waiting for the bus, and the vinegar soy sauce dripping down my hand was worth every bite.
(1039 Stockton St // Chinatown)
For a famous Chinatown spot, go here. Like Good Luck, it is a to-go spot, but their offerings go even further. So many breads, buns, mixtures to choose from, it’s a kid in a candy shop type experience.
Soup
(4627 Geary Blvd // Inner Richmond)
If you haven’t taken yourself to try Soondubu Jjigae (Korean tofu soup), get there. The best part of a Korean meal is the extra banchan side dishes that come your way. This spot makes soup worthy of an entire meal, and you get to crack your own egg into the pot! Yolk it up.
(3150 24th St // Mission)
Jewish deli. Need I say more? Their matzo ball soup has cured me of everything including the common cold. Jewish Penicillin they say. The trick is to get an extra side of broth to sip. Their latkes and bagels don’t fall short either, belly-warming and partnered with their delish house toppings.
(436 Balboa St // Inner Richmond)
To tell you the truth, I lived near this spot for 7 years and only just started going during the pandemic. But hey-- I'm happy it finally happened! Classic Russian fare and famous pelmeni’s, but it is their soups that will steal the show. Beet soup? Yums. Lamb soup? Yums. They have a big outdoor seating setup, a weekday brunch or lunch is the perfect time to avoid big lines and snag a table.
Mexican
(Clement Street Farmers Market)
Ok, let’s talk about special tacos. I am not a corn tortilla fan, but this farmers market pop up makes the best tacos on some fly corn tortillas. With all the pickled veg topping and killer red salsa, this place is a star. It's family-run and they also have a food truck over in Oakland for a more permanent option. Big menu, but tacos every time. Disclaimer: I asked for extra pickles with this order, please don’t expect the same without asking!
(2406 Bryant St // Mission)
Don’t come for the burritos, stay for the plates. Their beans, their rice, their enchiladas — amazing... but then head to their salsa bar. They have all the options: red, spicy red, tomatillo, spicy tomatillo, pico de gallo with cucumbers, and cantaloupe(?) The fruity or cucumber twist may sound odd but I eat it with a spoon.
(2884 24th St // Mission)
The kid-in-a-candy-store vibes strike again! This Mexican market has the best carne asada in town, and the fact that flour tortillas are an option has me hailing them. Answer to my prayers! I’ll order one giant taco with a pack of fresh tortillas to-go for tomorrow’s breakfast.
(2288 Mission St // Mission)
Taqueria Cancun is in my late-night blood. Tacos and burritos with fresh slices of avocado? We all know that’s what we want, and we want it at 1:45 am. Crack open a Mexican coke, Cancun is the late-night belly you’re happy to have.
Breakfast and Brunch
(NoPa / Tenderloin / Oakland)
Another classic that shines through my early SF memories. Brenda’s, southern fare deserving of the line out the door. Their original location on Polk is my favorite, but Meat and Threes on Divis and the Oakland location are proper substitutes. For me, it’s all about the fried chicken or burger, with an extra heaping side of pickled watermelon rinds. Mmmmmm.
(6134 Geary Blvd // Outer Richmond)
No frills, under $8 breakfast of everything you want: 2 eggs, hashbrowns, toast, and bacon or something sweet with the pancake combo option. The classic hash browns are perfectly crisp and buttery (I usually down 2 orders). But the best parts are the bar-style seating, counter coffee refills, and meals cooked by the chef/owner himself. This is a family establishment not to miss. Even the piles of supplies and ingredients lining the walls are a part of this small diners charm.
(397 Arguello Blvd // Inner Richmond)
Y’all know what they are famous for. And if you don’t, read more food articles. Their croissants are argued better than Paris, and, I don’t not agree. A ham and cheese croissant with a side of chocolate croissant please. I’ll regret it when I’m dead.
Coffee
(Mission / Sunset / Seoul / LA)
Coffee, bread, treats, more bread (can you tell I love gluten?) It is the best in the world. I think it’s better than in France! I said it. But we all know it — The bread so good it jumped continents. An SF staple, but now LA and Seoul get to share the love.
(3049 20th St // Mission)
This spot has held its ground on 20th Street through all of the changes. Across from the “craft everything” block, Atlas has a normal priced cup of joe, a bomb egg sandwich, and fast, easy basic cafe menu items to get you through the day. Atlas is a community spot, with live shows and comedy at night. Sure a great neighbor!
(736 Divisadero // NoPa)
I’m sorry, but they're cute and their menu is based on bread! Their daily changing veggie sandwiches are the only veggie sandos I go for, and their pizza is bomb + affordable. The Mill was the perfect spot to hit before a show down the block at the Indy... Oh, those were the days.
Dinner Dates
(1529 Fillmore St // Fillmore)
Once, it was my birthday. I had a few celebratory drinks, and the drunchies were on. Servers stopped by with trays of the finest farm to table tapas. You can’t choose, so you don’t. You order every dessert on the menu because it’s your birthday. That peanut butter milk! And then, you realize the party’s over because you decided to tap out on food bliss. The end.
(871 Sutter St // Tenderloin)
Beef Ribs. BEEEEF Ribs. I mean so many other good dishes. But.. Beef Ribs.
(2401 Harrison St // Mission)
Flour + Water has ruled 20th St. for years. With baby sister-restaurants, Flour + Water Pizzeria, Central Kitchen, and now Central Kitchen Wine Bar, the group knows their Italian. Their seasonally designed, fresh pastas are addictive and inspiring. Every day they branch California and Italy into pasta artwork. Hot tip: Their pasta tasting menu is one not to miss.
Markets
It’s grocery time. To me, you cannot be a foodie in SF without reaping the benefits of our local markets.
This city is made for cooking.
(707 Clement St // Inner Richmond)
Ok, this place is unlike anywhere you’ve ever been. Really, it’s all of Asia in one grocery store. If you think there’s no place to find the ingredients you saw abroad, you are wrong. Walls, I mean WALLS, of fresh Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese noodles. There are so many options that you end up walking down the aisles for 10 minutes each (especially after a doob). Sauces, herbs, spices, pickles, fresh fish, meat, veggies, drinks, dishes-- I meant it when I said they have it all.
(831 Clement St // Inner Richmond)
They've been running the block since 1986 and they have the merch to prove it. This place is a sea of dreams! Seafood Center has all the whole fish options, filets, scallops, and it’s all so fresh! Ceviche it up or grill a whole guy. They close really early, so make sure to stop in before 4 pm. Better wake up with dinner in mind.
(Richmond District)
This is the best farmers market the city has to offer. No tourists, amazing vendors, good prices, and really good street food. This is where Tacos Martha’s hangs every Sunday and I got them every Sunday since lockdown began. Go to farmers' markets to peruse and have a vendor for each item you are looking for: Shao Shin farms for rare Asian crops, Fifth Crow for greens and seasonal veg plus some of the prettiest flower bouquets, Rodriguez for carrots and other general needs, mushroom guy, tomato guy, it goes on. Hot tip: the berry guy on the last row before Arguello has the berry best deals! Those are some notable vendors but there are SO many more. And.. don’t forget the fucking tacos. For those of you on Cal Fresh, the market will match your cash up to $10, so you get a little extra to get a lot better ingredients.
(2687 Mission St // Mission)
The original seafood emporium. Also full of whole guys and filets, Sun Fat’s star is their oyster selection. Have a shucking party or maybe it’s the sushi-grade cuts and fixins'. You can usually slip in the door after work ends, but it’s a tight window, so again, watch out for closing times.
(3930 Judah St // Outer Sunset)
This co-op is under the radar. Farmer’s market quality vegetables, beans, and grains. This little spot will inspire your salad and more. Did I mention their natural wine selection? It’s another best-kept secret. A quality selection with affordable options. The rarity of finding a crave-worthy, funky $14 bottle of natural wine!
(490 Taraval St // Inner Parkside)
Been slicin' up meats n things in the Sunset since 1954. They are a real hotlink deal. They have a huge selection of meats + cured options. Steak night at home has never been so damn delicious.
(Haight, Mission, Sunset, Mission Bay)
If you don’t know the Gus’s chain yet. Wake up! The Vardakastanis family have created a community of eaters. Quality better than whole foods, prices less than Bi-Rite, this really is the best local big grocery store you can find. I remember the days when Gus himself would hand you a shopping cart as you walked in the door. RIP Gus. His family carries on the tradition!
(2214 Clement St // Outer Richmond)
I’m biased. This is 3 blocks from my old house, but in a neighborhood full of independent, small markets, this one is still my favorite quick stop. Persian cucumbers and fresh feta in brine are the reasons I keep coming back for more. And the prices are unbeatable. Sure, it’s not always the most organic, farmers market grade but they are quality, and $5 can get you a big old bag of health.
Things I Never Tried
(But Wish I Had)
Clancey's — Ragin' Cajun Sandwich
(3960 Irving St // Outer Sunset)
(782 Arguello Blvd // Inner Richmond)
(617 Clement St // Inner Richmond)
Eko Kitchen — Rice + Beans w/ Plantains & Chicken Stew
(130 Townsend St // Hayes Valley)
(3435 Mission St // Mission)
Fable — ½ lb. Double Cheeseburger w/ House-Cut French Fries
(558 Castro Street // Castro)
Cafe Ethiopia — Tsehbi (wat) Meat & Veggie Combo
(878 Valencia St // Mission)
(4101 Judah St // Outer Sunset)
(4055 Irving St // Outer Sunset)
(28 Waverly Pl // Chinatown)
Words & Photos by Shauna Saneinejad
