Food Recommendations Archives

While you might only be familiar with San Francisco by name, the cities nearby have just as much to offer. Across the bay from San Francisco you’ll find Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, and Sausalito to name a few. While there an abundance of dining options- this will help narrow your search a bit. Here are some ideas for where to eat in the San Francisco area.

1. Jupiter- Berkeley

One of my favorite meals in Berkeley was at a pizza brew pub called Jupiter. They have an extensive list of their specialty wood- fired pizzas, as well as salads and sandwiches. The patio is perfect for sitting in the sun for lunch, or sitting under the twinkly lights for dinner. They have an extensive selection of local beers listed on the wall on a big, bright chalkboard.

2. Cavaña- San Francisco

2 drinks at cavana rooftop in san francisco bay area

On top of the Luma Hotel in Mission Bay, you will find the gem that is Cavaña. With Latin American inspiration, their small plates include options such as ceviche, fresh guacamole, mole tamales, and much more. Their cocktails are all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients as well as high quality spirits- some of the most delicious cocktails I’ve ever had. Outside the heaters and fire pits will keep you warm while you enjoy your cocktails and snacks. You will not only have a beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay, but also inside Oracle Park.

3. House of Nanking- San Francisco

beef and bok choy at house of nanking san francisco area chinatown

If you are planning to spend an afternoon exploring Chinatown, which you definitely should, I would strongly recommend starting with lunch at House of Nanking. This is not only an iconic place to eat in San Francisco, but also promises fantastic quality. Open since the 50’s and known for long lines, large portions, and a scene from The Matrix- this place is worth every bit of hype. For 2 of us to share, we had hot and sour soup, dumplings, and beef and bok choy. The food was fantastic and we had more than enough for the 2 of us. I would highly recommend everything we ordered, or the fried rice so you can watch them fry it tableside.

4. Almanac Beer Co., AlaMeda CaliFornia

almanac brewery outside and umbrellas alameda california san francisco area

Over on Alameda Island is the Almanac Beer Co. This place is perfect for groups, families, couples, or anyone looking for an easy going fun afternoon. Obviously they have a vast selection of their beers for you to taste and choose from. As for food, there are 2 vendors on site daily and different food trucks on the weekends. Almanac has sandboxes, arcade games, and slushees for kids (or adults); welcomes your dogs; has long tables with lots of seating; and has an AstroTurf area with some yard games. There really is something for everyone at Almanac Beer Co.

5. The Ferry Building-San Francisco

bread bakery at san francisco ferry building

If you are taking a ferry from San Francisco you will find yourself at the Ferry Building. At the Ferry Building, they actually pride themselves in being a cultural and culinary landmark. There are cafes, sit- down restaurants, bakeries, patisseries, ice cream shops, as well as many shops selling non- food items such as books and ceramics. I would recommend leaving plenty of time to grab something to eat before your ferry in case its busy. You might have to walk around the hall a couple times before you decide between the many great options. This should be easy to add to your personal agenda for where to eat in the San Francisco area, as it likely will combine with one of your activities.

Santa Cruz is a well- known destination for good vibes and even better surf. While this beautiful place is known as a surfer’s paradise, anyone can have a great time. Here are some of my highlights of Santa Cruz.

sunset over the water against cliffs santa cruz

1. ShadowBrook Restaurant

My first recommendation is actually in Capitola, which is a short drive from Santa Cruz (I took the bus). This is by far number one on my list of the highlights of Santa Cruz. Shadowbrook restaurant was founded in 1947 and still maintains the charm of a restaurant in the 1950’s. They offer a complimentary shuttle service within a 3-mile radius which will pick you up in a vintage taxi. When you arrive, you step into a 50s- style cable car to take you down the hill to the restaurant. The line for this can get long, there are also stairs. I ate at the Rock Room Bar where large windows make the space a lush oasis. The food is delicious, the ambiance is timeless, and the entire experience is one of a kind.

2. Sunset at Lighthouse Point

Whether you like to surf, watch other people surf, look at the ocean, or get your feet wet on the beach, you will find yourself at Lighthouse Point. From the Santa Cruz Wharf you can see the lighthouse and its a short walk over. Lighthouse Point is the access point to the famous surf spot, Steamers Lane. In the morning and evening the area is packed with surfers ready to get in and catch a wave. Not only is Lighthouse Point a fantastic place to surf, there is also a dog friendly beach, plenty of paths for going for a walk, and the most amazing sunsets. When I was in Santa Cruz, I was here every night to watch the surfers and enjoy the sunset.

3. Natural Bridges State PArk

ocean and bridges at natural bridges state park

On the North End of Santa Cruz is Natural Bridges State Park. If you are staying in Downtown Santa Cruz, I recommend walking to the park. The 3 mile walk will be a great workout, you avoid paying $10 to park, and you’ll have a beautiful walk along the coast, maybe even seeing some otters. When you get there, you can set up your towel and relax on the beach. While the waves are a little too rough for swimming, you can dip your toes in and see the bridge up close. From the visitors center you can find the monarch trail. This will take you to a eucalyptus grove that serves as a refuge for wintering monarchs. Though you’ll see the most butterflies November- January, the trail is entertaining anytime.

4. Seabreeze Cafe

While you’re in Santa Cruz, you must have breakfast from the Seabreeze Café. The café is just across the the San Lorenzo River from Downtown Santa Cruz. If you go early in the morning or on a day the Beach Boardwalk amusement park is closed, you can walk through the Boardwalk while it’s empty and quiet. The Seabreeze Café is a classic beach breakfast spot with all the classics and a ton of vegetarian options. They have a signature house- made cinnamon roll that was by far the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had. Every trip to a beach town like Santa Cruz needs a breakfast that makes you feel like a local, and this is the spot.

5. Shopping

Like most California downtowns, Santa Cruz is an incredible place to shop. Start up on Pacific Avenue with a coffee from Verve Coffee Roasters. You can spend hours walking around Pacific Avenue- whether you’re looking for outdoors equipment, surf gear, crystals meditation books, or top tier thrifting. Santa Cruz is known for its thrift stores so definitely make sure to check some out. Keep going down Pacific Ave until you get to the thrift stores as they are on the far end. I went back to Om Gallery multiple times and loved the Pacific Wave Surf Shop.

You’ll never get bored in Santa Cruz, and if you do you probably just need to relax and enjoy the view. While these are what I consider to be the highlights of Santa Cruz, the options are endless. I hope you enjoy your time in this one- of- a- kind city.

Where to Eat in the San Francisco Area