The Mission District of San Francisco is one of the coolest spots in
California, its laid-back vibe, artistic community and avant-garde dining scene attracting talent from across the country. From specialty ice cream stores to pizza parlors and fine dining, we round up the 10 best restaurants in the neighborhood.
© jason jenkins/FlickrArizmendi
Bakery, Pizzaria, Pastry Shop, American, $$$
Arizmendi
Arizmendi is a worker-owned cooperative that is part of the Arizmendi family of San Francisco restaurants. Known for its delicious pizzas, pastries, and breads rolled each morning and baked fresh to serve to the loyal Mission population, this space delights not only with its food, but with its mission, too. The pizzas vary by day depending on the ingredients, but are bound to be a delicious treat.
Arizmendi, 1268 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415-826-9218
Lolinda
Bar, Restaurant, Steakhouse, $$$
Lolinda
Lolinda blends the traditional Argentinean steakhouse with Californian food culture using Latin American spices and herbs on meats that are so juicy they melt in the mouth. Eat a meaty dinner with artisan wines and specialty cocktails. Enjoy your meal under the high ceilings, or on the higher mezzanine level, both of which create Lolinda’s barn-like vibe while spicing things up using dim lighting and a tango soundtrack.
Lolinda, 2518 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415-550-6970
Tartine Bakery
Bakery, Cafe, Restaurant, American, $$$
Tartine Bakery
People line up around the corners of Guerro Street for Tartine, a bakery and cafe that promises delicious fresh pastries and delivers even more inside the cozy, charming atmosphere. With a friendly staff that can answer any questions about the inspired foods, Tartine has an in-house bakery in the back of the restaurant that has chefs working to make artisan treats that have locals crying for more.
Tartine, 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415-487-2600
Craftsman and Wolves
Craftsman and Wolves is known for the long lines that stretch of out its doors on Valencia Street as customers eagerly wait for pastries, cakes, and savory treats. All the breakfasts here feel like a special treat hiding in the most important meal of the day. For lunch, dine alongside a cup of afternoon tea, which is brewed with British tradition in mind.
Craftsman and Wolves, 746 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415-913-7713
Delfina
Restaurant, Italian, $$$
Delfina
A husband-and-wife team dedicated to bringing amazing cuisine to the Mission is responsible for Delfina, an Italian restaurant-pizzeria. The use of fresh produce mixed with spices to enhance the natural flavors creates famous pizzas that will keep mouths watering. Delfina has a refined and casual atmosphere, so come if you want a simple evening focused on quality food.
Delfina, 3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415-552-4055
Flour + Water
Flour + Water opened its doors to the Mission to showcase a menu inspired by regional traditions throughout Italy with a twist of California infused within. Flour + Water serves a daily changing menu of pastas made in house that show off the authentic process of Italian cooking. From Neapolitan pizzas to pastas created with seasonal ingredients, Flour + Water is a fine dining experience inside a kitschy interior seating area.
Flour + Water, 2401 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415-826-7000
Foreign Cinema
Restaurant, Mediterranean, $$$
Foreign Cinema
Foreign Cinema offers a slice of international food and film culture in the heart of the Mission, with a Mediterranean-inspired Californian cuisine served in an industrial yet stylish environment. Embodying all the qualities of a great San Francisco restaurant, with unique and savoury dishes served across from the projection of independent and foreign films, Foreign Cinema’s guests can eat and catch the show in the covered outdoor courtyard, or relax inside next to a real fire pit.
Foreign Cinema, 2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415-648-7600
Humphry Slocombe
Ice Cream Parlour, Ice Cream, $$$
Humphry Slocombe
Inspired by the quirkily flavorsome prosciutto, beets, corn flakes, and carrot, Humphry Slocombe can be described as San Francisco’s most inventive ice cream shop. This innovative storefront opened with only eight flavours, including a secret breakfast and Vietnamese coffee. They quickly gained a fan base thanks to their crazy creations and expanding selection.
Humphry Slocombe, 2790 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415-550-6971
Mission Cheese
Cheesemonger, Bar, American, $$$
Mission Cheese
Looking for the perfect cheese board or charcuterie plate? Stop by Mission Cheese on Valencia Street for an expertly curated portion of cheese or sandwich. The cheese-based dishes here vary based on lunch or dinner offerings, but are always made with love and ingredients often sourced from local California farms. The flavours are further enhanced by the list of artisan wines and craft beers made locally in an effort to promote green consumption.
Mission Cheese, 736 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415-484-6553
Range
Restaurant, American
Range
Range is an elegant venue and the perfect choice for a first date or special occasion. With a romantic ambience and delicious food, this eccentric restaurant is perfectly placed inside the Mission, standing out from among its hipster neighbors. The focus here is on contemporary American food with inspiration from all over the world.
Range, 842 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA, USA, +1 415-282-8283
