In many cities, brunch typically involves a blend of breakfast and lunch menu items. However, brunch in San Francisco is far from conventional. Whether you're in the mood for breakfast pizza, fried chicken and waffles, dim sum, chilaquiles, burgers, salads, or sandwiches, the city has it all. Add in bottomless mimosas or extravagant cocktails, and brunch in San Francisco becomes an experience worth queuing up for.
When you're in San Francisco, it's essential to set aside time to explore some of the brunch spots mentioned below. Whether it entails a journey from the Sunset to the Mission, Hayes Valley to North Beach, or beyond, the effort of visiting a brunch restaurant San Francisco spot is undeniably worthwhile.
Here are the top brunch destinations in San Francisco:
- Estiatorio Ornos
In the middle of 2021, Michael Mina, San Francisco's renowned chef and restaurateur, transformed his flagship restaurant in the Financial District into Estiatorio Ornos. This upscale Mediterranean dining establishment draws inspiration from his Greek heritage and Aqua, one of the best San Francisco seafood restaurants where Mina initially gained fame over two decades ago. At Estiatorio Ornos, a fish sommelier guides patrons through a menu featuring options such as grilled sea bass and phyllo-crusted sole.
- Akiko’s Restaurant
Situated in Downtown, this cherished San Francisco sushi restaurant is renowned for its exceptional omakase. Patrons can indulge in a diverse array of carefully crafted appetizers and a delightful selection of nigiri, culminating in a truly distinctive dining experience. This is tailored for sushi enthusiasts who relish entrusting their meal to the chef and discovering the nuances of the cuisine throughout the culinary journey.
- Automat
Upon entering Automat, the enticing scents of freshly baked bread and coffee are impressive. The cafe-style ordering system provides an opportunity to peruse the pastry cases and observe the bread-making process while waiting in line. To begin, they feature their exceptional housemade "wondermat" bread, a delight on its own. The experience elevates with a substantial sausage patty, airy omelet eggs, and flavorful herbed pimento cheese. Automat stands as a genuine culinary gem and is highly recommended as one of the premier brunch restaurant San Francisco options.
- Palette Tea House
Nestled in a highly tourist-populated area of San Francisco, Palette Tea House defies the stereotype of a tourist trap. This contemporary dim sum haven stands out as one of the finest brunch spots in the city. While every dish is noteworthy, some standout options include the timeless shrimp ha gow, cha siu bao (barbecue pork buns), and the pork XLB soup dumplings. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Palette Tea House caters to both casual gatherings and celebratory occasions alike.
- Portofino
While North Beach boasts numerous excellent Italian restaurants, Portofino stands out for its acclaim among premier San Francisco seafood restaurants. Nestled on Grant Street, this unassuming eatery exudes an old-school charm in the best possible way. The freshest and most enticing options are typically found scrawled on the restaurant’s hand-written menu board. Opting for selections from the chalkboard list unveils culinary delights such as roasted sardines, a whole steaming branzino delicately placed atop a medley of tender vegetables, and squid ink pasta intricately entwined with chunks of swordfish, saffron, and veggies.
- Saru Sushi Bar
Receiving widespread acclaim, this highly popular San Francisco sushi restaurant in Noe Valley garners praise for its outstanding customer service, top-notch sushi offerings, and delightful ambiance. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating options, some beloved menu items of this brunch spot include the acclaimed tasting spoons, the hamachi truffle, and the enticing white-out roll.
- Hilda and Jesse
Making a mark on the San Francisco culinary landscape, Hilda and Jesse stand out for their inventive and contemporary menu, coupled with vibrant decor. Swiftly earning a place among our favorites and recognized as one of the premier brunch spots in the city, Hilda and Jesse invite you to commence your dining experience with their exceptionally creative take on avocado toast.
- Sweet Maple
Renowned as the originator of the iconic Millionaire’s Bacon, Sweet Maple is a must-visit destination in your quest for the finest brunch in San Francisco. Despite boasting an extensive menu, opting for any dish featuring their signature bacon is a wise choice. Notably, the Blackstone eggs benedict stands out, featuring two slices of the renowned Millionaire’s Bacon, alongside asparagus and cherry tomatoes, all atop a lightly toasted English muffin - a truly phenomenal dish.
Final Words
Indulging in brunch is practically a must in San Francisco. Renowned for its diverse and delectable breakfast offerings, the city provides a seemingly endless array of options. San Francisco consistently lives up to expectations, offering a range of delicious and delightful brunch restaurants. With an abundance of choices, there's no city better suited for brunch exploration. Consider making a reservation at one of the top spots or take a chance by showing up.
To discover even more brunch restaurant San Francisco options, check out Zmenu!
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