San Francisco Tourist Attractions and Best foods to Eat, San Francisco is a vibrant city that is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the lively Fisherman’s Wharf, there is no shortage of things to see and do in San Francisco.
However, one aspect of travel that often goes overlooked is the importance of food pairings with tourist attractions.
Food pairings are an essential part of any travel experience, and San Francisco is no exception.
The city is home to a diverse array of culinary delights, from the famous sourdough bread to fresh seafood and locally sourced produce.
Pairing these delicious dishes with the city’s top tourist attractions can make for a truly unforgettable experience.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best food pairings to complement San Francisco’s top tourist attractions.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you discover the city’s culinary delights and make the most of your trip.
Table of Contents
1. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in San Francisco, attracting millions of visitors each year.

While many people come to marvel at the bridge’s stunning architecture and take in the breathtaking views of the bay, few realize the foodie potential of this attraction.
To truly experience the Golden Gate Bridge, we recommend packing a picnic basket full of local treats.
Think sourdough bread, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruit.
Find a spot on the grassy hillside and enjoy a leisurely picnic while taking in the incredible views of the bridge and the bay.
The Best Food to Eat While Enjoying the Golden Gate Bridge View
1. Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl
If you’re looking for a hearty meal that’s perfect for a chilly day, then clam chowder in a bread bowl is the way to go.

This iconic San Francisco dish consists of a creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, and other vegetables, served in a sourdough bread bowl.
The bread bowl is not only a delicious accompaniment to the chowder but also a San Francisco staple.
Some of the best places to try clam chowder in a bread bowl include Boudin Bakery, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier Market Seafood Restaurant.
Each of these places has its own take on the classic dish, so it’s worth trying them all to find your favorite.
2. Seafood Paella

If you’re a seafood lover, then seafood paella is a must-try dish when you’re in San Francisco.
This Spanish rice dish is packed with shrimp, mussels, clams, and other seafood, and it’s full of flavour thanks to the saffron and other spices used in the recipe.
The dish is also colourful and visually appealing, making it perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.
Some of the best places to try seafood paella in San Francisco include Coqueta, La Mar Cebichera Peruana, and Lolinda.
Each of these restaurants has a unique take on the dish, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.
3. Chocolate Croissant
For a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack, a chocolate croissant is the way to go.

This French pastry is made with buttery layers of dough and filled with rich, creamy chocolate.
It’s the perfect combination of flaky and indulgent, and it’s a classic pastry that never goes out of style.
Some of the best places to try a chocolate croissant in San Francisco include Tartine Bakery, B. Patisserie, and Arsicault Bakery.
Each of these bakeries is known for its delicious pastries, so you’re sure to find one that satisfies your sweet tooth.
2. Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is another popular tourist destination in San Francisco, known for its lively atmosphere and fresh seafood.
While there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, we recommend grabbing a classic clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from one of the many street vendors.
This local favorite is a must-try and the perfect pairing for a day spent exploring the sights and sounds of Fisherman’s Wharf.
The Best Food to Eat at Fisherman’s Wharf
1. Dungeness Crab

If there is one dish that is synonymous with San Francisco, it’s Dungeness crab.
This sweet and succulent crab is a local delicacy, and you’ll find it on the menu of almost every seafood restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf.
There are numerous ways to enjoy Dungeness crab, but the classic whole crab boil is the most popular.
The crab is cooked in a pot with spices and served with melted butter and garlic bread.
You can also enjoy it in crab cakes, crab salad, or crab chowder.
2. Garlic Fries from The Codmother Fish & Chips

When it comes to fish and chips, The Codmother is a local favorite.
This food truck offers some of the best fish and chips in the city, but their garlic fries steal the show.
The fries are perfectly seasoned with garlic and herbs, and the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.
They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them the perfect side dish to accompany your fish and chips.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries from Chocolate Heaven

If you have a sweet tooth, then Chocolate Heaven is the place for you.
This small shop offers a wide range of delicious chocolate treats, but their chocolate-covered strawberries are a must-try.
These juicy and sweet strawberries are dipped in rich, creamy chocolate, making them the perfect indulgence.
They’re also a great option if you’re looking for a dessert on the go.
3. Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest in North America and is home to a wealth of culinary delights.
From dim sum to Peking duck, there is something for everyone in this vibrant neighborhood.
For the ultimate food pairing, we recommend taking a walking tour of Chinatown and stopping at various street vendors along the way.
Be sure to try the famous egg tarts and tea leaf salad for a truly authentic experience.
The Best Food to Try in San Francisco’s Chinatown
1. Dim Sum at Great Eastern Restaurant

Dim sum is a traditional Chinese meal consisting of small plates of savory and sweet dishes.
Great Eastern Restaurant is a local favorite for dim sum, and for a good reason.
They serve up some of the best dumplings, buns, and rice dishes in town.
The restaurant is always bustling, and you can expect a wait, but it is well worth it.
One of the must-try dishes at Great Eastern Restaurant is their siu mai, a steamed dumpling filled with pork and shrimp.
The dumpling is juicy and bursting with flavor. Another favorite is the char siu bao, a fluffy bun filled with barbecued pork.
Be sure to try their egg tarts, a sweet and creamy custard in a flaky pastry shell.
Also See –Culinary Destination
2. Pots tickers from Z & Y Restaurant

Potstickers are a type of Chinese dumpling that are pan-fried on one side, giving them a crispy bottom and a tender filling.
Z & Y Restaurant is a popular spot for Sichuan-style cuisine and is known for its spicy dishes.
But their pots tickers are a standout item on the menu.
The pots tickers at Z & Y Restaurant are filled with pork and vegetables and served with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce.
They are perfectly cooked, with a crispy bottom and a chewy top.
The filling is flavorful and juicy, and the dipping sauce adds a tangy kick.
Be sure to order them as an appetizer or a side dish with your meal.
3. Bubble Tea from Purple Kow

Bubble tea is a Taiwanese drink that has taken the world by storm.
It is a sweet tea beverage that can be served hot or cold, with or without milk, and with various flavors and toppings.
Purple Kow is a local chain that specializes in bubble tea and has several locations in the Bay Area.
At Purple Kow, you can customize your bubble tea with a variety of flavors and add-ins.
Some of the popular flavors include taro, matcha, and jasmine.
You can also add toppings like Boba (chewy tapioca balls), fruit jelly, or grass jelly.
The drink is refreshing and satisfying, perfect for a warm day or a midday pick-me-up.
4. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a small island located in the San Francisco Bay, just over a mile from the mainland.
It is famously known for its former federal prison that housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history.
The Best Food to Pack for a Tour of Alcatraz Island
1. Sandwiches from Molinari Deli
Molinari Deli is a San Francisco institution known for its delicious sandwiches.
They offer a variety of options, but some of the best choices for an Alcatraz tour include their classic Italian sandwich or their turkey and avocado sandwich.
These sandwiches are easy to pack and will keep you full throughout your tour.
2. Boxed Sushi from Inari’s Sushi

Inari’s Sushi is a popular sushi spot in San Francisco that offers boxed sushi options perfect for taking on the go.
Their sushi is made fresh daily, and the boxes come with a variety of rolls and nigiri options to choose from.
3. Cannoli from Stella Pastry & Café

If you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy during your Alcatraz tour, look no further than Stella Pastry & Cafe.
They are famous for their delicious cannoli, which are filled with sweet ricotta cheese and dusted with powdered sugar. These treats are easy to pack and will satisfy your sweet tooth.
5. Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a large urban park located in San Francisco, California.

It spans over 1,000 acres and is home to a variety of attractions, including gardens, museums, and sports facilities.
The park is an ideal location for a picnic, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy in one of the many designated picnic areas.
The Best Food to Pack for a Picnic in Golden Gate Park
1. Cheese and Charcuterie from Cowgirl Creamery

Cowgirl Creamery is a San Francisco-based artisan cheese company that offers a variety of delicious cheeses and cured meats.
Their pre-packaged cheese and charcuterie boards are perfect for a picnic, as they are easy to transport and require no preparation.
2. Sandwiches from Ike’s Love & Sandwiches

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches is a San Francisco-based sandwich shop that offers a variety of unique and delicious sandwiches.
Their sandwiches are made to order and can be customized to your liking.
They also offer a selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
3. Macarons from Chantal Guillon

Chantal Guillon is a boutique bakery that specializes in French macarons.
Their macarons come in a variety of flavors, and are the perfect sweet treat to enjoy during a picnic in Golden Gate Park.
They come pre-packaged in boxes, making them easy to transport and share.
6. Haight-Ashbury
Haight-Ashbury is a vibrant and colorful neighborhood in San Francisco known for its rich history and counter-culture movements.

It’s a great place to explore, with plenty of quirky shops, vintage stores, and cafes.
But what about food? If you’re looking for some delicious eats, Haight-Ashbury won’t disappoint.
Also See –Foods in France
The Best Food to Try in Haight-Ashbury
1. Hippie Hash from Squat & Gobble

Haight-Ashbury is local favourite is a delicious and hearty breakfast dish that’s perfect for starting your day in Haight-Ashbury.
The Hippie Hash is a savory mix of potatoes, veggies, and cheese, topped with two eggs and served with toast.
It’s a filling and satisfying meal that’s sure to give you the energy you need for a day of exploring.
2. Vegan Doughnuts from Pepples Donut Farm

If you’re a fan of doughnuts, you won’t want to miss Pepples Donut Farm.
This bakery specialises in vegan doughnuts that are just as delicious as their non-vegan counterparts.
With flavor’s like maple bacon, lavender blueberry, and chai spice, there’s something for everyone.
3. Organic Juice from The Juice Shop

For a refreshing and healthy drink, head to The Juice Shop.
This popular juice bar offers a wide variety of organic juices and smoothies, all made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Whether you’re in the mood for a green juice, a tropical smoothie, or a ginger shot, The Juice Shop has you covered.
In Haight-Ashbury, you’ll find plenty of delicious and unique foods to try.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, a carnivore, or somewhere in between, there’s something for everyone in this eclectic neighborhood.
So come hungry and be prepared to explore!
Also See- Food Travel
Related Questions
What food is famous in San Francisco?
San Francisco is famous for its sourdough bread, seafood, and Mission-style burritos.
What is the most visited place in San Francisco?
The most visited place in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge.
Why is San Francisco a tourist attraction?
San Francisco is a tourist attraction because it has a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the hilly streets.
What is the famous thing in San Francisco?
The famous things in San Francisco include the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Chinatown.
What are some things not to do in San Francisco?
Some things not to do in San Francisco include leaving valuables visible in your car, walking alone in some areas at night, and littering.
What are some things to do in San Francisco that are free?
Some free things to do in San Francisco include walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Golden Gate Park, visiting the Cable Car Museum, and admiring the street art in the Mission District.
What are the top sightseeing places in San Francisco?
The top sightseeing places in San Francisco include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and the Painted Ladies.
What are the top activities in San Francisco?
The top activities in San Francisco include riding a cable car, visiting museums, eating seafood and other local cuisine, attending a Giants baseball game, and taking a boat tour of the bay.