Luxury things to do in San Francisco
The city's most decorated tables, back to back, with Lazy Bear between them
Three days built around three of the most ambitious restaurants in the country, with just enough breathing room in between. This is a food pilgrimage, and it makes no apologies for it.
Day 1: North Beach to Benu
Espresso at Caffe Trieste, a look up at the Transamerica Pyramid, Quince's Friday or Saturday lunch, a slow walk in Washington Square, then Corey Lee's tasting menu at Benu.
- 9:30 AM
Caffe Trieste
North Beach's legendary espresso institution, the most storied café in SF, steps from Quince.
Map - 10:15 AM
Transamerica Pyramid
Iconic SF landmark right in the neighbourhood, a quick, grand way to orient yourself before lunch.
Map - 12:30 PM
Quince
The lunch tasting runs Friday and Saturday only; other days, Cotogna next door does lunch from Wednesday.
Map - 3:00 PM
Washington Square Park
Walk off lunch in North Beach's sun-drenched park, the quintessential SF afternoon stroll.
Map - 7:30 PM
Benu
Corey Lee's tasting menu threads Korean and Chinese cooking through California seafood and vegetables.
Map - 10:00 PM
Shoji
A short walk from Benu on New Montgomery; order the Noguchi, an old fashioned under a dome of hinoki smoke.
Map
Day 2: Mission District, Lazy Bear Night
Ritual coffee, the view from Twin Peaks, lunch at Tartine Manufactory and the Balmy Alley murals, then Lazy Bear's tasting menu and a last drink at True Laurel.
- 9:30 AM
Ritual Coffee Roasters
Valencia Street roaster; a pour over at the long bar before you head up the hill.
Map - 10:30 AM
Twin Peaks
Take a car to the top for the view down Market Street to the Bay Bridge; mornings are usually the clearest.
Map - 12:30 PM
Tartine Manufactory
Keep lunch light before Lazy Bear: a sandwich on Tartine's country bread and a pastry in the bright bakery hall.
Map - 2:30 PM
Balmy Alley
A block of garage doors and fences painted with murals since the 1980s, a ten minute walk from Lazy Bear.
Map - 7:30 PM
Lazy Bear
Communal tables, a long tasting menu and snacks first in the upstairs den; book the moment seats open.
Map - 10:00 PM
True Laurel
Lazy Bear's own cocktail bar, a few blocks east on Alabama; the right last drink after the tasting menu.
Map
Day 3: Hayes Valley and Californios
The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, tea leaf salad at Burma Superstar, a walk through Lafayette Park, then Californios' Mexican tasting menu and a nightcap at Phonobar.
- 9:30 AM
Mercury Cafe
Corner café on Octavia; an espresso and a pastry before heading out to Golden Gate Park.
Map - 10:30 AM
Conservatory of Flowers
Striking Victorian glass dome and exotic blooms, one of SF's most photogenic landmarks, perfect for a mid-morning wander.
Map - 12:30 PM
Burma Superstar
Order the tea leaf salad, mixed at the table, and the platha with curry dip; lunch runs daily from 11:30.
Map - 2:30 PM
Lafayette Park
Elevated Pacific Heights park with sweeping city and bay views, ideal afternoon stroll after a big lunch.
Map - 7:30 PM
Californios
Val Cantu's Mexican tasting menu in a dark, candlelit room on 11th Street; open Tuesday to Saturday.
Map - 9:30 PM
Phonobar
A short ride from Californios: records on a big sound system and a quiet cocktail to end the trip.
Map
Where to stay
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
A columned 1909 landmark on Nob Hill, a short walk down to North Beach and Quince on Day 1.
The Marker, a San Francisco Hotel
The Marker brings genuine personality to the Union Square corridor, with a bar worth drinking in before you even head out for the evening.
Make San Francisco your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
Get Swearby on the App StoreBefore you go
Book ahead
- Alcatraz Island: weeks ahead
- California Academy of Sciences: a few days ahead
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: a few days ahead
- Angel Island State Park: a few days ahead
- Exploratorium: a few days ahead
- Oracle Park: a few days ahead
Skip these
- Fisherman's Wharf as a destination beyond ten minutes with the sea lions.
- Driving Lombard Street crooked block instead of looking from the bottom and walking the steps.
- Chinatown on Grant Avenue only, when Stockton Street is the locals shopping street.
- Golden Gate Bridge in summer fog with no backup plan. Check the bridge cams that morning.
The full San Francisco travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around