The 15 Best Lunch Restaurants in SF
San Francisco is the pride and joy of most Californians. Imagine, all in one place, you have the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Rice-a-Roni, breathtaking coastal and bay views, and even a touch of historical ambiance. Other than all of that, San Francisco is also the home to the best restaurants, bars, and cafes that offer more-than-delicious food and fine dining. It is a must-visit city and while you’re there, don’t ever miss the opportunity to taste different varieties of restaurants that are scattered all over the place.
If you are on vacation in the Bay Area, a lunch date with a loved one or with your family is one thing that you should be looking forward to because guess what? San Francisco has one of the best diners and restaurants that serves the perfect lunch meal.
So here are 15 of our favorite lunch restaurants in San Francisco that will serve you the most memorable meal you can imagine. And if you’re craving burgers, hot dogs, or high tea, we have great suggestions for you too.
1. Donburi Ya
Price Range: $$ | Hours: Mon - Sat 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Open During COVID for: Delivery, Takeout
Address: 764 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: (415) 896-2288
Most Popular Items:
Craving for Japanese-styled rice bowl dishes otherwise known as donburi? Well look no further with Donburi Ya. Their name literally means "Donburi House", much to our delight, they are known for their variety of Japanese-styled dishes ranging from the all time favorite Katsu-Dons, to Mapo Tofu dishes.
They are still serving amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, though only through contactless deliveries and take-outs.
2. Kokkari Estiatorio
Price Range: $$$ | Hours: Mon - Fri 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:30 - 11 PM, Sat 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Sun 5:00 PM - 10 PM
Open During COVID for: Delivery, Takeout
Address:200 Jackson Street (at Front St.) San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: (415) 981-9083
Most Popular Items:
Kokkari Estiatorio, named after a the Greek village of Kokkari on the island of Samos, serves classy food in a rustic setting. Despite being unable to experience it in full due to the restaurant being unable to accommodate dine-in customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their Greek-inspired dishes still capture in full the wonders of ages past.
They serve dishes ranging from Mezethes (Appetizers), Soupes & Salates (Soups & Salads), and Kyrios Piato (Main Dishes).
3. Café Bastille
Price Range: $$ | Hours: Mon - Fri 11:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Open During COVID for: Delivery, Takeout
Address: 22 Belden Pl, San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: (415) 986-5673
Most Popular Items:
Known for their French dishes such as Nicoise Salad and Beef bourguignon, this restaurant offers some of the arguably best French dishes we've seen despite also not being that well known. They serve Full-course meals ranging from Salads, Hors D'Oeuvres, Entrees, and their specialty desserts; Crepes.
They are still currently operational amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, available through curbside-pickup, take-outs, and deliveries.
4. Barney's Gourmet Hamburger
Price Range: $$ | Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Open During COVID for: Delivery, Takeout
Address:4138 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone:
(415) 282-7770
Most Popular Items:
All the burger lovers out there! Hear this. Barney's Gourmet Hamburger serves dozens of burgers, including beef, turkey, vegetarian, and chicken versions, with your choice of toppings. Never miss out as they offer a great lunch meal to every customer.
You have the option for fresh fruits and vegetables like pineapple, spinach, sprouts, mushrooms, and traditional lettuce and tomato, or choose your sauce of choice with options like barbecue, pesto, sour cream, or teriyaki. Love cheese? Pick between American, feta, or jack. Of course, a hamburger meal is not complete without its side dishes such as a big basket of onion rings or curly fries. Have it all in Barney’s.
5. Sotto Mare Oysteria & Seafood
Price Range: $$ | Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Closed: Sun-Mon)
Open During COVID for: Curbside Pickup, Contactless Delivery.
Address: 1512 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709
Phone: (415) 398-3181
Most Popular Items:
A fresh addition to this menu and a purely seafood restaurant- Sotto Mare has a huge variety of seafood-based dishes that almost never fails to satisfy. Their dishes vary from Smoked Salmon, Risotto with Seafood, to their popular Cracked Crabs.
They are currently only able to cater for take-out customers as well as delivery and curbside-pickup.
6. Wayfare Tavern
Price Range: $$ | Hours: Wed - Sat 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Open During COVID for: Outdoor Dining, Takeout
Address: 558 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: (415) 772-9060
Most Popular Items:
Home to one of "San Francisco's Best Burgers", The Tavern Burger, Wayfare Tavern does not disappoint when it comes to both their Lunch and Dinner menus at all. It is also not a surprised that the establishment is owned by the celebrity chef and television host, Tyler Florence.
Currently, the restaurant only serves outdoor diners as well as cater to take-outs due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
7. La Mediterranee Café
Price Range: $$ | Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Open During COVID for: Delivery, Takeout
Address:2210 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone:
(415) 921-2956
Most Popular Items:
If you are looking to check off all of these: quick service, delicious food, and reasonable prices, La Mediterranee Café is your best bet. What's highly recommendable in this café is their baked four different fillo pastries, especially their chicken Cilicia with peas, almonds, spices, currants, and the spinach and feta variety. They also serve visitors with Hummus and baba ghanoush. Looking for fresh air? The cafe has outside seating where you can sightsee and enjoy the San Francisco scene.
8. Spruce
Price Range: $$ | Hours: Mon - Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Open During COVID for: Curbside Pickup, Contactless Delivery
Address:3640 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: (415) 931-5100
Most Popular Items:
Spruce is a San Francisco favorite due to the variety in their menu, ranging from their specialty Beignets to their Butter-Poached Lobsters. Spruce is a popular spot for both lunch and dinner, which we daresay, never fails to disappoint their customers with their incredible cuisine. They also cater towards vegetarians, with their selection of various salads.
9. Bette's Oceanview Diner
Price Range: $$ | Hours: 7:00am - 2:00pm
Open During COVID for: Delivery, Takeout
Address: 2274 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone:
(415) 922-4663
Most Popular Items:
If you are looking for fluffy made pancakes and real maple syrup, don't waste your time and try to visit Bette's Oceanview Diner. You can enjoy their German-style potato pancakes, which are grated to order, so they are super fresh.
10. Zazie
Price Range: $$ | Hours:
Mon - Thurs 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM, Fri - Sun 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Open During COVID for: Takeout, Delivery
Address: 941 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: (415) 564-5332
Most Popular Items:
Longing for a popular brunch-spot with highly Instagrammable food? Well look no further than the French-themed bistro Zazie. They serve dishes ranging from simple but delicious scrambled eggs, to delicacies such as Truffle Raviolis. This addition to our list will surely not disappoint.
11. Mersea Restaurant and Bar
Price Range: $$ | Hours:
Open During COVID for: Delivery, Takeout
Address: 699 Ave Of The Palms, San Francisco, CA 94130
Most Popular Items:
To enjoy lunch, there is nothing more perfect than having spectacular views, a great vibe, and excellent food to match! Mersea Restaurant and Bar is a gem, and the heart and soul are found in Treasure Island, San Francisco. The restaurant and bar serves outstanding dishes like their clam chowder and fish and chips.
The restaurant has outdoor seating so you can enjoy the views while having a great lunch. Mersea Restaurant offers daily specials, which are good for takeout or for dining in! You must try their double-stacked cheeseburger, crispy tacos, fish and chips, French fries, dessert, and floats. The restaurant also serves beverages!
12. Molinari Delicatessen
Price Range: $$ | Hours: 7:00am - 2:00pm
Open During COVID for: Delivery, Takeout
Address: 2274 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone:
(415) 922-4663
Most Popular Items:
A special diet dish is good for lunch, and Molinari Delicatessen makes it possible for you! Molinari Delicatessen is an old-school Italian deli serving locals and visitors with their special cuisines, including artisanal meats, cheeses, and bread, with takeaway sandwiches and fare. The restaurant also serves fresh salads: potato and egg, fresh Greek salad, Macaroni, Homemade Chicken salad, Olive bar, Garlic mushrooms, and more.
This place is the best of the best when it comes to Italian food. You must try their popular dishes: Molinari Special “Italian Combo” Sandwich, Basil Turkey Special Sandwich, Renzo Special Sandwich, Luciano Special Sandwich, and South Beach Special Sandwich.
13. Chez Maman
Price Range: $$ | Hours: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Open During COVID for: Delivery, Takeout
Address:1401 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone:
(415) 655-9542
Most Popular Items:
The best French food served in San Francisco is in Chez Maman. The restaurant serve high-quality and consistently good delicacies. They have an excellent wine list as well! You must try their classic French Nicoise salad with beans, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, etc. The restaurant is also serving roasted chicken, roasted duck, and hamburgers.
Highly recommended dishes that will surely blow your mind away are beef tartare as an appetizer, followed by mushroom crepes. Although the restaurant is quite small, the food and service are very excellent. One of the best-recommended restaurants in San Francisco!
14. Piccolo Forno
Price Range: $$ | Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM (Closed: Tues)
Open During COVID for: Delivery, Takeout
Address: 725 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone:
(415) 757-0087
Most Popular Items:
Piccolo Forno is a casual neighborhood restaurant inspired by Italian classics and espresso in colorful, contemporary quarters. Locals love the restaurant’s lunch specials and their Pinza Margarita, Pepperoni and vegetables, and pasta is a must-try.
They also serves salads, starting with Insalata Mista with mixed greens, olives, tomato, balsamic vinaigrette, or Caesar Salad with anchovies parmesan cheese. Piccolo Forno is known for its great food and service!
15. Burma Superstar Restaurant
