Victoria’s guidebook
Food scene (breweries, cafes, restaurants)
Must-have treats:
Guava & Cheese Pastelito --> a perfectly tart and creamy custard inside of a flaky pastry)
Ginger Pull-apart --> Gooey ginger-y croissant dough pastry with honey goodness
Ham&Cheese croissant --> Classic (if you're not vegan/vegetarian)
Spanakopita Croissant --> Herbed cream cheese with roasted pine nuts, kale, caramelized onions, and paprika
Any of their breads they have for the day --> my personal favorite is their Walnut sourdough
85 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Neighbor Bakehouse
2343 3rd StMust-have treats:
Guava & Cheese Pastelito --> a perfectly tart and creamy custard inside of a flaky pastry)
Ginger Pull-apart --> Gooey ginger-y croissant dough pastry with honey goodness
Ham&Cheese croissant --> Classic (if you're not vegan/vegetarian)
Spanakopita Croissant --> Herbed cream cheese with roasted pine nuts, kale, caramelized onions, and paprika
Any of their breads they have for the day --> my personal favorite is their Walnut sourdough
This cafe always highlights local bakeries and coffee roasteries. You won't be disappointed from getting one of their cortados and a pumpkin dark chocolate brownie. And there's many parks within walking distance to sip your caffeine and people watch.
162 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Piccino
1001 Minnesota StThis cafe always highlights local bakeries and coffee roasteries. You won't be disappointed from getting one of their cortados and a pumpkin dark chocolate brownie. And there's many parks within walking distance to sip your caffeine and people watch.
One of my treat-yourself places when I need a good brunch pick-me-up. You can't go wrong with their lemon ricotta pancakes, apple compote roasted pumpkin french toast, and their avocado shitake mushroom eggs benedict.
261 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plow
1299 18th StOne of my treat-yourself places when I need a good brunch pick-me-up. You can't go wrong with their lemon ricotta pancakes, apple compote roasted pumpkin french toast, and their avocado shitake mushroom eggs benedict.
Incredible coffee -- selected and brewed with the belief that they're serving the best (taste wise and on a sustainable level)
Great outdoor seating -- super compatible for bringing your beloved pets.
Quiet and peaceful space since it's off the main road.
Hedge Coffee
434 Alabama StIncredible coffee -- selected and brewed with the belief that they're serving the best (taste wise and on a sustainable level)
Great outdoor seating -- super compatible for bringing your beloved pets.
Quiet and peaceful space since it's off the main road.
Best japanese food in the city -- hands down. Reasonably priced for such high quality of raw seafood, perfectly grilled meats, and fresh vegetables. I've been going here for more than 10 years and the consistency has never stopped impressing me. Just go here and have fun :)
101 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ebisu Restaurant
1283 9th AveBest japanese food in the city -- hands down. Reasonably priced for such high quality of raw seafood, perfectly grilled meats, and fresh vegetables. I've been going here for more than 10 years and the consistency has never stopped impressing me. Just go here and have fun :)
-- Juicy Potatoes
-- Slow Cooked Pork salad with Harissa yogurt sauce
-- Greek soft serve yogurt
196 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Souvla
517 Hayes St-- Juicy Potatoes
-- Slow Cooked Pork salad with Harissa yogurt sauce
-- Greek soft serve yogurt
Authentic Japanese tapas and izakaya grill. You really can't go wrong with ordering any of their grilled meats like wagyu or kobe beef or fresh vegetables.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rintaro
82 14th StAuthentic Japanese tapas and izakaya grill. You really can't go wrong with ordering any of their grilled meats like wagyu or kobe beef or fresh vegetables.
Make sure to get a reservation ahead of time for this place -- never can get a walk in!
Highly recommend their korean style fried chicken with kimchi fried rice, their Breakfast milk cocktail, duck fat fries and roasted shishito peppers with za'taar spiced yogurt dill sauce.
46 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Horsefeather
528 Divisadero StMake sure to get a reservation ahead of time for this place -- never can get a walk in!
Highly recommend their korean style fried chicken with kimchi fried rice, their Breakfast milk cocktail, duck fat fries and roasted shishito peppers with za'taar spiced yogurt dill sauce.
Incredibly curated set of wines and beers. There's usually a prix fixed menu given what they have in season. I've never been steered wrong by trusting their choices.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fool's Errand
639A Divisadero StIncredibly curated set of wines and beers. There's usually a prix fixed menu given what they have in season. I've never been steered wrong by trusting their choices.
The best selection of cheeses and wine pairings in the city is in this modest space. I love any Piave cheese they carry.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Fromagerie Cheese Shop
2425 3rd StThe best selection of cheeses and wine pairings in the city is in this modest space. I love any Piave cheese they carry.
This is a treat yo-self kind of restaurant. Get their omakase dinner set and a sake -- enjoy.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ju-Ni
1335 Fulton StThis is a treat yo-self kind of restaurant. Get their omakase dinner set and a sake -- enjoy.
Wonderful handmade Japanese desserts with fresh bean fillings inside of mochi. Plus it's a lovely area in Japantown to stroll around while you have some dessert with hot tea.
Benkyodo
1747 Buchanan StWonderful handmade Japanese desserts with fresh bean fillings inside of mochi. Plus it's a lovely area in Japantown to stroll around while you have some dessert with hot tea.
I went here a couple of years ago for my birthday and it's one of my most memorable meals.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Saison
178 Townsend StI went here a couple of years ago for my birthday and it's one of my most memorable meals.
Authentic, delicious, fresh japanese food at an affordable price.
Recommendations (I've tried their whole menu)
-- Hijiki Salad
-- Potstickers
-- Chicken Karaage
-- Gyudon (Thinly sliced Kobe beef) w/ Udon
-- Spicy Tuna handrolls
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bon, Nene
2850 21st StAuthentic, delicious, fresh japanese food at an affordable price.
Recommendations (I've tried their whole menu)
-- Hijiki Salad
-- Potstickers
-- Chicken Karaage
-- Gyudon (Thinly sliced Kobe beef) w/ Udon
-- Spicy Tuna handrolls
Best cioppino (slow cooked seafood stew) and of course oysters and the view of the Bay Bridge
58 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hog Island Oyster Co.
Best cioppino (slow cooked seafood stew) and of course oysters and the view of the Bay Bridge
You won't regret the experience of trying this place out for a special occasion.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
KUSAKABE
584 Washington StYou won't regret the experience of trying this place out for a special occasion.
Best neopolitan-style pizza in the city in my opinion. Get their classic margharita and their giant meatballs! Then to digest, walk around the historic Italian/North beach district.
177 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tony's Pizza Napoletana
1570 Stockton StBest neopolitan-style pizza in the city in my opinion. Get their classic margharita and their giant meatballs! Then to digest, walk around the historic Italian/North beach district.
Best detroit-style pizza. Their combo and clam w/ garlic pizza is the best.
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Golden Boy Pizza
542 Green StBest detroit-style pizza. Their combo and clam w/ garlic pizza is the best.
This ambiance of this place is so eclectic and uniquely decorated. And the food tastes as beautifully as it's plated. Very IG worthy place.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Son & Garden
700 Polk StThis ambiance of this place is so eclectic and uniquely decorated. And the food tastes as beautifully as it's plated. Very IG worthy place.
The Coffee Movement
1030 Washington StGreat choice of beers, sours, and saisons. Great pub food and there's a wonderful park just around the corner if you wanted to explore.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Magnolia Brewing Company
Great choice of beers, sours, and saisons. Great pub food and there's a wonderful park just around the corner if you wanted to explore.
Clever combinations of flavors that you don't expect. Super tasty, refreshing, and (strong). They always have a rotation of food trucks on the outside if you're hungry!
94 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Barebottle Brewing Company
1525 Cortland AveClever combinations of flavors that you don't expect. Super tasty, refreshing, and (strong). They always have a rotation of food trucks on the outside if you're hungry!
Plant shops
This is my go-to shop for handtied fresh and dried flower bouquets and seasonal wreaths. The owner, Marisa, is one of the loveliest human beings I know and she puts her heart and soul into this nursery/plant shop. She sources everything you might need with intention and a consideration for pricing. You can ask her about any product she carries from planters, ceramics, books, posters, etc and she'll always have a story to tell about how she found these local artisans who make high quality products at an affordable price.
REVEL Shop
2421 3rd StThis is my go-to shop for handtied fresh and dried flower bouquets and seasonal wreaths. The owner, Marisa, is one of the loveliest human beings I know and she puts her heart and soul into this nursery/plant shop. She sources everything you might need with intention and a consideration for pricing. You can ask her about any product she carries from planters, ceramics, books, posters, etc and she'll always have a story to tell about how she found these local artisans who make high quality products at an affordable price.
It's hard to describe the beauty of this co-op owned place. I think you just have to experience the magnificence of this nursery yourself and then you let me know how you would describe it :)
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Flora Grubb Gardens
1634 Jerrold AveIt's hard to describe the beauty of this co-op owned place. I think you just have to experience the magnificence of this nursery yourself and then you let me know how you would describe it :)
Wonderful family owned Nursery in the East Bay. They have lots of local ceramicists that sell their handmade planters and vases here.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Flowerland Nursery
1330 Solano AveWonderful family owned Nursery in the East Bay. They have lots of local ceramicists that sell their handmade planters and vases here.
Shop small (local artisans)
This studio is an incredible team of 10 brilliant women who make Danish style clogs from scratch, made to order. I've had one of their shoes for almost 5 years now and it's got the most beautiful patina on them. They make the shoes custom to your feet size so you'll be sure they'll fit for you and your lifestyle.
Bryr Studio
1080 3rd StThis studio is an incredible team of 10 brilliant women who make Danish style clogs from scratch, made to order. I've had one of their shoes for almost 5 years now and it's got the most beautiful patina on them. They make the shoes custom to your feet size so you'll be sure they'll fit for you and your lifestyle.
Minimal, functional ceramics that will become even more beautiful over time. This is my go-to place to stop for homegoods. Afterwards, I usually go to Hedge coffee for an afternoon coffee or Tartine Manufactory for a quick snack.
107 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Heath Ceramics
2900 18th StMinimal, functional ceramics that will become even more beautiful over time. This is my go-to place to stop for homegoods. Afterwards, I usually go to Hedge coffee for an afternoon coffee or Tartine Manufactory for a quick snack.
As the name might imply, this store has a curated selection of homegoods, ceramics, books, candles, skincare, vintage clothing and furniture, handwoven baskets and rugs, and clothing/accessories from highly sustainable fashion brands like Ozma of California and Jesse Kamm -- the list goes on. I love the owner, Serena, so deeply. She's got such an eye for wholesome, beautiful things and just wants to share those rare findings with everyone.
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
GENERAL STORE
4035 Judah StAs the name might imply, this store has a curated selection of homegoods, ceramics, books, candles, skincare, vintage clothing and furniture, handwoven baskets and rugs, and clothing/accessories from highly sustainable fashion brands like Ozma of California and Jesse Kamm -- the list goes on. I love the owner, Serena, so deeply. She's got such an eye for wholesome, beautiful things and just wants to share those rare findings with everyone.
This is the place to find amazing ceramicists like REX design, NIN studios, Lisa Tsubouchi, and much more. They also carry designers that are committed to being sustainable to our planet while still making beautiful and functional clothing for any lifestyle. This is where I usually go when the line at Four Barrel coffee is too long and can happily browse their shelves.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Voyager Shop
365 Valencia StThis is the place to find amazing ceramicists like REX design, NIN studios, Lisa Tsubouchi, and much more. They also carry designers that are committed to being sustainable to our planet while still making beautiful and functional clothing for any lifestyle. This is where I usually go when the line at Four Barrel coffee is too long and can happily browse their shelves.
A ceramic studio and shop rooted in folk craft and modern design. Independent, woman-owned, and based in Lower Haight, San Francisco.
Earthen
136 Fillmore StA ceramic studio and shop rooted in folk craft and modern design. Independent, woman-owned, and based in Lower Haight, San Francisco.
This is my go-to place for home goods like ceramics, textiles, glassware, bath mats, skincare/bodycare, and much more.
Acacia
415 Valencia StThis is my go-to place for home goods like ceramics, textiles, glassware, bath mats, skincare/bodycare, and much more.
Handmade clothing store with some vintage collections and female-owned. They also sell products that highlights local potters like The Great Escape Studio.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gravel & Gold
3266 21st StHandmade clothing store with some vintage collections and female-owned. They also sell products that highlights local potters like The Great Escape Studio.
Women of Color owned pottery studio -- beautiful handmade pieces like planters, mugs, vases, candle holders, art, etc.
Dusted and Blue
1242 Mason StWomen of Color owned pottery studio -- beautiful handmade pieces like planters, mugs, vases, candle holders, art, etc.
Modern home decor store owned by this lovely couple who've been in SF for decades. With beautiful kitchenware, furniture and tabletop pieces from all over the world, I go in there sometimes just to daydream...
Super Simple
855 Valencia StModern home decor store owned by this lovely couple who've been in SF for decades. With beautiful kitchenware, furniture and tabletop pieces from all over the world, I go in there sometimes just to daydream...
Vintage (clothes, furniture, homegoods)
They do such a great job curating their vintage with some much intention and an awareness for a reasonable price point. They freshly launder and/or repair anything they sell. I have a beautiful amber glass 70's pitcher and 100% linen Japanese tea towels that were hand-dyed with indigo from them that I use everyday.
Body Philosophy Club
211 Hugo StThey do such a great job curating their vintage with some much intention and an awareness for a reasonable price point. They freshly launder and/or repair anything they sell. I have a beautiful amber glass 70's pitcher and 100% linen Japanese tea towels that were hand-dyed with indigo from them that I use everyday.
If you're like me and you love Mid century modern style, this space is the general MCM store of your dreams. They have a hodgepodge of curated items in amazing condition like hand woven carpets, standing lamps, vases, ceramics, design books, solid teak furniture -- the list goes on. Miko and Johnny are the guys to talk to if you have any questions about the history of an item. They got your back. And when you're done searching and need some energy, Four Barrel coffee, a local favorite, is right next door.
Farnsworth
393 Valencia StIf you're like me and you love Mid century modern style, this space is the general MCM store of your dreams. They have a hodgepodge of curated items in amazing condition like hand woven carpets, standing lamps, vases, ceramics, design books, solid teak furniture -- the list goes on. Miko and Johnny are the guys to talk to if you have any questions about the history of an item. They got your back. And when you're done searching and need some energy, Four Barrel coffee, a local favorite, is right next door.
Handmade jewelry, slow fashion that's built to last, locally made homegoods, curated vintage, etc. This is a classic local favorite in Hayes Valley.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Reliquary
544 Hayes StHandmade jewelry, slow fashion that's built to last, locally made homegoods, curated vintage, etc. This is a classic local favorite in Hayes Valley.
Sightseeing
Twin Peaks
Amazing views of the city that's a lesser known spot.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Ina Coolbrith
Vallejo StreetAmazing views of the city that's a lesser known spot.
You won't regret this hike -- best time to go is either right at sunrise or sunset.
180 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Corona Heights
Museum WayYou won't regret this hike -- best time to go is either right at sunrise or sunset.
Parque Alta Plaza
Steiner Street
Parque Lafayette
Washington StreetA little hidden nook in Golden Gate Park that has wonderful trails overlooking a lake and a waterfall.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Strawberry Hill
A little hidden nook in Golden Gate Park that has wonderful trails overlooking a lake and a waterfall.