San Francisco, CA
Where To Eat And Drink In San Francisco And Beyond: March 2024
Early to Rise
If you’re wondering where you should be eating in and around San Francisco, here are five of the most news worthy restaurants to check out right now. From a female-driven chef series celebrating Women’s History Month to the peninsula’s newest steakhouse to the city’s most exciting brunch spots, these are places that making waves in the Bay Area’s dynamic food scene this month.
The Culinary Institute Of America At Copia
In honor of Women’s History Month, Napa Valley’s Culinary Institute of America at Copia is continuing their Chef Takeover Series featuring multiple accomplished female alumni to collaborate with their own Chef de Cuisine, Deborah Mullins ’97, for special curated dinners throughout the month of March.
Established in 1946 by visionaries Frances Roth and Katharine Angell, the CIA at Copia proudly continues to showcase the resilience and leadership of forward-thinking women in the culinary world.
Laura Ozyilmaz (‘14): Co-owner of Dalida in San Francisco
Guest chefs include Laura Ozyilmaz, current Top Chef contestant & co-owner of James Beard Foundation nominated Dalida; Daniela Vergara, Executive Chef at Estiatorio Ornos who is also the youngest and only female executive chef in Michael Mina’s restaurant empire; Jennifer Jasinski, James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef and owner of Rioja and other renowned restaurants in Denver; Dara Yu, youngest-ever MasterChef winner and creator of the acclaimed pop-up “Congee & Crullers” in Los Angeles; and Sue Zemanick, Executive Chef at Zasu, named one of the Top Ten Best New Chefs in America by Food and Wine Magazine.
Book your tickets here.
Early To Rise
Early to Rise marks the launch of Chef Andrew McCormack’s first full-service restaurant and brunch haven. After operating as a successful pop-up for six years, including the height of the pandemic, this new restaurant isn’t new to serving up breakfast favorites to San Francisco locals. Early to Rise celebrates quality ingredients and simple homestyle meals made from scratch using house-made ingredients like hand-paddled butter, Hollandaise, hot sauce and preserves.
Looking to bring Southern Hospitality to the city, the menu features innovative brunch dishes like tri-tip steak & eggs ”en meurette” with poached eggs in red wine with sliced tri-tip, grilled country bread, stew of red wine, bacon, pearl onions and mushrooms; roasted asparagus salad with sorrel, charred baby onions, lemon and julienned molasses ham; and the samusa potato pancake with peas, roasted carrots, scallions, tamarind, lime yogurt and garam masala.
Early to Rise
On the sweet side guests can enjoy tangerine pudding with almond cookies, olive oil and dark chocolate; blueberry-ricotta pancakes; apple butter French toast with caramel apple syrup and toasted hazelnuts; the blueberry ricotta pancakes house-made ricotta, blueberry syrup and almond crunch and incredibly delicious, small batch sugar rolled donuts in seasonal flavors like earl grey.
The Vault
The Vault Garden recently announced the launch of their first ever brunch service. Available every Saturday from 11:30am-3:00pm, diners can now enjoy an innovative brunch experience in the Vault Garden’s al fresco dining space. Spearheaded by Chef Ryan Cerizo, the new brunch program has been carefully curated with both sweet and savory dishes ranging from classics like steak and eggs and a stacked breakfast sandwich to more decadent options like lobster tartine and winter squash-mushroom polenta ragout.
Dungeness crab legs
Also on the brunch menu is a raw bar, featuring a fresh variety of shellfish, caviar, and oysters, along with an array of savory options like their famous potato pave tots topped with a dollop of Hackleback Caviar, or the salmon Benedict and Vault burger. For those with a sweet tooth, they can indulge on the ginger-sugar dusted beignets, pancakes with Vermont maple syrup, or seasonal waffles topped with spiced honey.
Izzy’s On The Peninsula
After a seven-month renovation, beloved family-run dining destination, Izzy’s on the Peninsula is now open with a new look and an elevated, sophisticated ambiance. This classic American steakhouse offers 7,500 square feet of stunning interiors, a dynamic menu of elevated steakhouse favorites complemented by Izzy’s classic sides and dishes, as well as an inventive cocktail program, robust wine list, dynamic private dining spaces, an alfresco garden and more.
The Gomez
Menu highlights include Dungeness crab hushpuppies; jumbo prawn cocktail and french dip sliders on house-made buns; the fresh daily crudo; “the Gomez,” a 10oz prime rib served alongside Izzy’s own potatoes and creamed spinach; as well as the Izzy’s smash burger; and house-made desserts like the made-to-order glazed crullers and roasted pear bread pudding. Innovative craft cocktails by WestBev vary from the legacy martini to the margarita del mar with blanco tequila, mezcal, aloe, makrut lime and nori salt, among others.
Camino Alto
Situated in Pacific Heights, Camino Alto flies under the radar when it comes to seasonal neighborhood restaurants worth checking out. Serving California cuisine with Mexican influences, owner Josh Copeland has spent years building relationships with local farmers and purveyors, making it a priority to highlight the quality of each ingredient in simple yet standout seasonal dishes.
Camino Alto is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Brunch menu highlights include Klingeman Farm pork belly with oached pastured eggs, Mexican polenta, frisee, salsa verde, queso cotija; blueberry masa waffle with cultured coconut; taco plates with Larry’s beans, coconut basmati rice, pico de gallo featuring proteins like 4 hour roasted heritage pork shoulder and roasted chicken; and more.
Camino Alto
On the dinner menu, standouts include the pasture wagyu NY strip steak with Japanese sweet potato and smoked salsa; local halibut, cannellini beans, braised escarole; Brussels requisite with Beeler’s bacon, crispy rice and arugula; and the Morro bay tuna ceviche. Camino Alto’s all-natural wine list has a strong European focus and compliments the restaurant’s cuisine whether breakfast or dinner or somewhere in between.
One pedestrian died at the hospital and three others suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a driver struck them in SF’s Mission District earlier this week.
The San Francisco Police Department arrested a driver suspected of fatally striking four pedestrians in the area of 16th and Mission streets Monday morning, as KRON4 reports.
Officers responded to the scene at 12:13 am and found medics treating one pedestrian with life-threatening injuries. The person later died at a nearby hospital, and three other pedestrians sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver was reportedly detained soon after the collision. The department has not announced what charges they will receive.
“We hold the victim and their loved ones in our thoughts, and grieve this loss of life on San Francisco’s streets,” said Jodie Medeiros, executive director for Walk SF, in a release. “We all deserve to be able to get around safely in our city.”
This marks the ninth pedestrian death in San Francisco this year. It’s also the second such death in the Mission, following the tragic death of local musician Danielle Spillman at Mission Street and South Van Ness Avenue in April, as SFist reported previously.
Four pedestrians were killed throughout the month of March, including deaths in Chinatown, the Financial District, North Beach, and the Outer Mission. In late February, a two-year-old was run over in Mission Bay.
Anyone with information may contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text “TIP411,” beginning with “SFPD.”
Wife of SoMa Hit-and-Run Suspect Says ‘My Husband Is Not a Villain’
Image: Google Maps
San Francisco, CA
California Supreme Court ruling on bail sparks debate over what it means for San Francisco’s safety
A recent California Supreme Court ruling is changing how bail is set across the state, and it’s sparking a sharp debate in San Francisco about what it could mean for public safety.
Inside her office, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said every decision carries weight. She views her role through one lens: protecting the public.
“My responsibility to San Francisco is public safety,” Jenkins said. “And to be transparent to me in achieving that safety. This is a ruling that has real-life consequences, and deny that would be untruthful and would not help people understand why we may see retraction from our progress.”
The ruling requires judges to set bail at levels defendants can afford, shifting the focus away from cash bail and toward whether someone poses a risk to public safety.
Jenkins said she believes that shift could have serious consequences.
“I knew it would be immediately be devastating to public safety and the state of California and had a lot of concerns that I thought needed to be shared with the public and other city leaders,” she said.
She warns that the change could make it easier for repeat offenders, particularly those involved in drug-related crimes, to be released before trial.
“These judges don’t live in San Francisco, many of them,” Jenkins said. “They don’t live in places like the Tenderloin that are most affected by these issues. They are ruling in a way that has impacts on other people’s lives.”
But not everyone agrees with that assessment.
San Francisco Defense Attorney Marsanne Weese said the ruling does not eliminate accountability and that courts still have tools to detain people who pose a threat.
“In regards to her statements, there is no basis for it,” Weese said. “And the justices pointed out that there are a number of non-financial tools the lower courts can use and should use.”
Those tools include options like pretrial detention and supervised release, which allow judges to consider risk without relying solely on a person’s ability to pay bail.
“So, in regards to this being a drastic change, yes, it will be a drastic change, but not to safety,” Weese added.
For Jenkins, the concern is not just the intent of the law, but how it will be applied in real-world courtrooms and what that means on city streets.
For now, there is unease for some, optimism for others, and a growing debate over what public safety will look like under this new system.
Son Heung-Min explains how he carries captain’s title into 2026 World Cup
Son Heung-Min talks about carrying the expectations for South Korea in the 2026 World Cup, and how he intends to spread the responsibility among his teammates.
With the World Cup set to bring crowds from around the globe to the Bay Area, fans may be looking for good eats around San Francisco — or closer to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
This year’s tournament will be the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time. The 104 games will be spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the U.S. hosting 78 matches.
Here are a few restaurants folks can visit near the stadium and in San Francisco. Looking for things to do near Levi’s or in the city? Check out our guide here.
Restaurants near Levi’s Stadium
Folks who have never visited Levi’s Stadium may not know it’s about 40 miles from San Francisco. And while many may have an idea of where to eat during their travels in the Golden City, that might not be the case for the city surrounding the stadium.
Here’s a quick list of options in Santa Clara and San Jose, within walking and driving distance to the stadium:
$ – Chicken Meets Rice – Santa Clara
Chicken Meets Rice is a fast-casual chain that offers Hainanese-style chicken rice. The company has a location about a 10-minute walk from Levi’s Stadium and near the Lick Mill light rail station.
Address: 2213 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara
$$ – Mariscos Costa Alegre – San Jose
For folks looking for Mexican food and flavorful seafood, and who are willing to travel an extra 15 to 30 minutes — depending on traffic — they should consider visiting Mariscos Costa Alegre.
Located in San Jose, this family-owned restaurant offers fresh Mexican seafood dishes, as well as more experimental plates like their Mexican Sushi.
The restaurant also offers an expansive drink menu and weekday specials that fans can enjoy before they head to Levi’s Stadium to support their teams.
Address: 855 N 13th Street, San Jose
$$$ – Birk’s – Santa Clara
Fans hoping to have a finer dining experience should consider visiting Birk’s, a South Bay icon bistro known for its grilled steaks, chops and seafood.
Birk’s is located about a 10-minute drive away from Levi’s Stadium and is right off the 101 highway.
Address: 3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara
Staying in San Francisco? Food to grab before heading to Levi’s Stadium
Fans staying in San Francisco could be overwhelmed by the hundreds of restaurant recommendations they may stumble upon. Although no list can be perfect, here are a few options worth considering during your stay in the city, especially for folks who are visiting the United States.
$ – Eddie’s Cafe – Alamo Square
Sitting at the corner of Divisadero Street and Fulton Street is Eddie’s Cafe, a small breakfast diner that’s been feeding the community since the mid-1970s.
For anyone who has wanted to experience a classic American breakfast plate that won’t break your wallet, it might be worth visiting this old greasy spoon diner.
Address: 800 Divisadero Street, San Francisco
$ – Trish’s Mini Donuts / Fun Food Factory / Lappert’s Ice Cream Shop – Fisherman’s Wharf
Anyone heading to Fisherman’s Wharf will be greeted with dozens of seafood dining options worth a visit, but they will also have the opportunity to try a number of fun desserts.
For folks who have never experienced county-fair-like desserts, they should consider stopping by one of the many dessert options on the pier, like Fun Food Factory, Lappert’s Ice Cream Shop, or Trish’s Mini Donuts.
Address: Pier 39 Level, Pier 39, San Francisco
$$ – Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – North Beach
When it comes to pizza, San Francisco is usually not the first city that comes to mind for many people, but folks should consider trying Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. This pizzeria was founded by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, who won the Best Margherita Pizza at the World Cup in Naples, Italy.
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana is one of the few American pizzerias that appear in the 2025 edition of the 50 Top Pizza World Guide list, ranking 10th on the list.
If you’re willing to wait for a seat and a pie, it’s definitely worth considering.
Address: 1570 Stockton Street, San Francisco
$$ – Four Kings – Chinatown
Although Four Kings has only been open for a couple of years, the Cantonese restaurant has become one of San Francisco’s most popular restaurants. It’s been featured in Bon Appétit and the New York Times as one of San Francisco’s best new restaurants in 2024.
“Restaurants don’t get much buzzier than this bustling Chinatown haunt, where Chefs Franky Ho and Michael Long are drawing crowds eager to sample their breezy contemporary take on Cantonese cuisine,” reads the Michelin Guide’s review of the restaurant.
“From claypot rice with bacon and Chinese sausage to savory ‘fish fragrant’ eggplant, the cooking taps into traditional flavors while offering a fresh perspective, a formula that seems to have struck gold.”
Address: 710 Commercial Street, San Francisco
$$ – Smuggler’s Cove – Hayes Valley
Among this year’s James Beard nominees, Smuggler’s Cove was highlighted as one of the country’s most outstanding bars.
Smuggler’s Cove is a tiki bar in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood that features one of the largest rum selections in the United States, and specializes in cocktails from over three centuries of rum history.
The bar’s unique theme and rum-focused drink menu make it worth a visit for folks looking for a memorable night in the city.
Address: 650 Gough Street, San Francisco
$$ – Bar 821 – Divisadero Street
Hidden along Divisadero Street is Bar 821, a small but cozy spot known for its extensive amari collection. Originally established in 2002, the bar closed during the pandemic before reopening as the reimagined cocktail bar.
For anyone near Alamo Square and hoping to grab a drink, just know that for Bar 821, you can’t simply walk into the establishment. Staff recommends you ring a doorbell outside the bar and wait to be seated inside.
Address: 821 Divisadero Street, San Francisco
$$$ – Quince – Jackson Square
Anyone hoping to have a world-class dining experience while visiting San Francisco should consider making a reservation at Quince, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant.
The owners, Michael and Lindsay Tusk, opened their original restaurant in 2003, innovating French-Italian cuisine. Their menu eventually earned them critical acclaim and the honor of three Michelin stars.
For guests who are lucky enough to secure a spot on the restaurant’s reservation list, they will be greeted with a “four-course celebration of the state’s finest terroir, along with a curated selection of cocktails and wines.”
And for people who may want to try Tusk’s cooking at a more affordable price, they should consider visiting Cotogna, a casual counterpart to the French-Italian restaurant.
Address: 470 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco
Where is Levi’s Stadium?
Levi’s Stadium is located in Santa Clara, the heart of Santa Clara County. Notably, the stadium is approximately 45 minutes to an hour away from San Francisco.
SFO to Levi’s Stadium: Is the airport close?
For anyone hoping to catch an Uber from the San Francisco International Airport to Levi’s Stadium, it might be worth highlighting that it’ll be an expensive trip. SFO is located about 31 miles away from the stadium, and multiple cities away from Santa Clara.
However, the San Jose Mineta International Airport is relatively close to the stadium, only about 5 miles away.
World Cup matches in the San Francisco Bay
- June 13: Qatar vs. Switzerland (Group B) at noon PDT
- June 16: Austria vs. Jordan (Group J) at 9 p.m. PDT
- June 19: Türkiye vs. Paraguay (Group D) at 8 p.m. PDT
- June 22: Jordan vs. Algeria (Group J) at 8 p.m. PDT
- June 25: Paraguay vs. Australia (Group D) at 7 p.m. PDT
- July 1: Round of 32 at 5 p.m. PDT
Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian.
-
South-Carolina2 minutes agoTrump jumps into 2 GOP governor primaries, backing Evette in South Carolina and Feenstra in Iowa – WTOP News
-
South Dakota8 minutes agoMaternity care deserts: Where they are and how to improve
-
Tennessee14 minutes agoAnswering Tennessee Football’s Burning Questions Less Than 100 Days Until Kickoff | Rocky Top Insider
-
Texas20 minutes agoWhy are Mississippi State softball fans wearing broccoli shirts vs Texas at WCWS?
-
Utah26 minutes agoVideo: Utah startup employs those right out of prison and celebrates new milestone – KSLTV.com
-
Vermont32 minutes agoWith two major vacancies, who will lead the Vermont House and Senate? – VTDigger
-
Virginia38 minutes agoNetflix casting Central Virginia singles for “Love on the Spectrum” after Danville man joins show
-
Washington44 minutes agoAs an AI tech-hub, Washington must lead with conscience
