Don’t-Miss Eateries of San Francisco

San Francisco is a food lover’s wonderland, a place where inventive chefs roll out exciting menus and where cultural influences collide to create cuisine unique to the region. The best spots to find food include:

State Bird Provisions for small plates on an ever-changing menu reflecting the whims and fancies of the kitchen. It’s different here almost every week, but always good.

A Beretta Meatball in San Francisco, California © Alejandro de la Cruz | Flickr

Beretta, where Italian cuisine meets California ingredients. Tip: Skip the pizza and stick to the excellent small plates. Ask, too, for the secret cocktail menu and save room for the panna gelato with olive oil and sea salt.

Coi, where you’ll cough up big bucks for the privilege of a tasting menu that is seasonal, innovative and consistently boundary-pushing.

Commonwealth © Mitch Altman | Flickr

Commonwealth, set in the Mission District, is easy to pass by if you don’t know where to look. Hint: the nondescript façade says simply, “Restaurant.” The farm-to-table spot is socially minded, with some proceeds going to charity.

Nopa, because it’s a sin to go to San Francisco and not eat Mexican food. Here, they serve it organic and farm-to-table style, with a rustic twist thanks to the wood-fired oven.