Are you looking for a place to celebrate a birthday, a family brunch, or just a casual restaurant outing? If you are in need of a restaurant recommendation, the Emerald can help. The Emerald asked SHC students about their favorite restaurants and food recommendations – here are sixteen restaurants SHC students deemed their favorites!
($ = $1-10, $$ = $10-20, $$$ = $20-50)
Phở Tân Hòa – $
Phở Tân Hòa is a restaurant that serves food of the Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines. It has lots of delicious food, and Eric Huynh ‘24 says, “Try their pho because it is the best in the city, trust me!”
Fung Wong – $
Located in the Outer Sunset of San Francisco, Fung Wong is a Chinese restaurant. Fung Wong offers both a dine-in and takeout experience and an array of delicious food, such as appetizers, soups, clay pots, and much more. Ashley Wang ‘27 had a stunning review of Fung Wong saying, “My favorite thing about Fung Wong is their Taiwanese ice tea drink, which comes with a frozen milk tea bear. Since the bear ice cube is made of tea, when it melts, it doesn’t dilute the flavor of the drink like normal ice would…It’s a very cute and entertaining drink which is worth trying, not to mention the food is amazing.”
Doobu – $$
Recommended by Christina Chew ‘27 and just minutes of a walk away from SHC, Doobu is a Korean restaurant located in Japantown. With lots of delicious dishes, be sure to try the spicy tofu, seafood soup with rice, and the kimchi side dish.
La Traviata – $$
If you are in the mood for some Italian food while listening to opera music, try La Traviata. Named after a famous opera of a tragic romance by Giuseppe Verdi, La Traviata is an Italian restaurant located in the Mission District with many tasty options, such as soups, pastas, and so much more. Linchi Doan ‘27 expressed a positive review of the restaurant saying, “The food is always made fresh and their pasta is delicious.”
Pho Phu Quoc – $$
Located in the Outer Sunset of San Francisco, Pho Phu Quoc is a Vietnamese restaurant that was recommended by Caity Chang ‘27. Available for both dine-in and takeout, their expansive menu is filled with lots of delicious food, such as pho, garlic noodles, and noodle soups.
San Tung – $$
Isabella Devlin ‘27 recommends San Tung, a Chinese restaurant located in the Inner Sunset district. San Tung has lots of authentic Chinese food, but don’t miss out on the dry fried chicken wings!
Fenikkusu – $$
Cecilia Wong ‘27 suggests Fenikkusu, a Japanese restaurant located in Dolores Heights. With comfortable outdoor seating, Fenikkusu has a wonderful atmosphere, and be sure to try their omakase, a meal in which the dishes are chosen by the chef.
City View – $$
City View is a dim sum restaurant in Chinatown, recommended by Claire Young ‘25, that recently reopened in a new location. City View has an upbeat atmosphere and their food is just as great. Be sure to try the green onion pancake!
Mel’s Diner – $$
Recommended by Gerard Gache-Hernandez ’26, Mel’s Diner is a classic American diner with four locations in San Francisco. Mel’s Diner was originally opened in San Francisco in 1947. It has lots of delicious food, such as milkshakes and burgers, but make sure you don’t miss out on the Sunset Burger!
Moki’s Sushi and Pacific Grill – $$
Moki’s Sushi and Pacific Grill is a sushi restaurant located in Bernal Heights. Moki’s has lots of delicious sushi, as well as various small plates and grilled entrées. Zitra Deane ‘27 expressed a positive review of Moki’s saying, “I’ve been going there since I was little, and the waiters have known me forever and are friendly. Not to mention the food is amazing.”
Taqueria Vallarta – $$
Taqueria Vallarta is a Mexican restaurant located in Outer Mission. Guadalupe Gonzalez-Cabrera ‘25 conveyed a positive evaluation of Taqueria Vallarta saying, “I enjoy many of their dishes such as their steak fries, but my favorite experience is going around around 6pm and getting a corn and atole.”
Hinodeya – $$
Hinodeya is a Japanese restaurant with a few locations in San Francisco. One is very conveniently located in Japantown, so it is just a few minutes away from SHC! Sara Hwang ‘26 expressed a positive comment on Hinodeya saying, “I really like the miso ramen. They specialize in buckwheat noodles that are chewy and thick and so good.”
Nippon Curry/Hinoya Curry – $$
Nippon Curry featuring Hinoya Curry is a Japanese curry restaurant located in the Marina, recommended by Noah Wong ‘27. With comfortable outdoor seating, Nippon Curry featuring Hinoya Curry has award-winning curry. A crowd favorite is the chicken karaage curry, so make sure to try it!
La Mediterranee – $$
La Mediterranee is a Mediterranean restaurant with a few locations in San Francisco. Opened in 1979, La Mediterrannee is a family-owned restaurant with a warm environment and lots of flavorful food. Sofia Fleri ‘25 expresses, “I love getting a plate of different things, for example, the pomegranate chicken, falafel, lentil soup, there are so many good food choices!” Sofia also added that the “location of the restaurant is also perfect for a stroll.”
Burma Superstar – $$
Recommended by Molly Cannon ‘27, Burma Superstar is a Burmese restaurant located in Inner Richmond. Lots of delicious homestyle Burmese food is served there, but be sure to try the orange chicken!
El Burrito Express – $$
El Burrito Express is a Mexican restaurant with two locations in San Francisco. Burritos, tacos, and many other dishes are served dine-in and catering. Audrey Lagerquist ‘27 expresses, “The ingredients are always so yummy and fresh. I particularly like the carnitas bronco burrito.”
Souvla – $$
Souvla is a Greek restaurant, recommended by Nathan Chernoff ’26, that has various locations in San Francisco. Souvla has comfortable outdoor seating and lots of delicious dishes, but don’t miss out on the chicken wrap with Greek yogurt.
Chez Maman – $$$
Chez Maman is a French bistro with various locations in San Francisco. Both locations have spacious outdoor seating and delicious food. Liv Kirkeby ‘24 expresses, “I love how friendly the staff are and that they have many different mussel flavors.”
These sixteen restaurants are just a taste of the many wonderful restaurants in San Francisco. Each has its own unique atmosphere and delicious set of dishes. What will be your next restaurant experience?
