Perched high on a cliff above Ocean Beach, this restaurant dating back to 1858 has resurfaced after explosions, fires and earthquakes over the years. Come for the view of the Pacific and Sutro Baths. Read more.
Order a big pasta dinner and save room for the famous house “cappuccino,” a hot chocolate with brandy, that nods back to Prohibition days. (Bonus: Tosca has been a favorite among celebs.) Read more.
California’s oldest restaurant is where the Financial District crowd goes for three-martini lunches served by white-coated waitstaff. Stick with the classics here: cioppino and a strong drink. Read more.
The only thing you need to know about this food star is what to order: the roast chicken for two with bread salad and a good bottle of wine. It’s perfect for every occasion. Read more.
Another oldie but goodie, Joe’s moved from its Tenderloin location to North Beach after a fire in 2007. Its high-rolling spirit is still alive and well. Read more.
When Alice Waters opened Chez Panisse in 1971, she introduced the concept of California cuisine to the world. The rest is history. Book a spot at the more casual café upstairs to save some money. Read more.
The old-school gem survived the recent renovation of the adjoining Scarlet Huntington hotel. Lucky for us, this place, where you go for a burger at the bar and live piano music, still has an old soul. Read more.
This Hayes Valley staple has been attracting the pre-symphony, early-bird crowd since 1979. Known for fresh fish, be sure to order up whatever’s on that day, from smoked trout to salmon. Read more.
Indulging in a big slab of prime rib might as well be a rite of passage for every local. And while the decor screams ’50s throwback, it perfectly suits the old-school tableside service. Read more.
