8 Must-Try San Francisco Foods

San Francisco is a a great city to tempt your taste buds with a variety of unique foods and specialties. The fresh seafood and local cuisine can turn a visit to San Francisco into a culinary adventure. There are a number of gourmet and five star restaurants in San Francisco but the everyday traveler can find many options for trying some reasonable San Francisco treats.

While touring Fisherman's Wharf, viewing the Golden Gate Bridge, or wandering through San Francisco's Chinatown, consider sampling one of San Francisco's local specialties. The following San Francisco foods offer a great introduction to the city.

Sourdough Bread
The sourdough bread in San Francisco is a must try bakery treat for any visitor. Locals rave about it and once you try it, there are few sourdough breads that will compare. There are many bakeries throughout San Francisco which offer the famous sourdough bread, but Boudin Sourdough Bakery and Cafe is a san Francisco original. There are various Boudin Bakery locations around San Francisco, with one conveniently located in the Fisherman's Wharf area.

Buena Vista Irish Coffee
No visit to San Francisco is complete without a stop at the historical Buena Vista on Hyde Street. Buena Vista is said to be the original Irish Coffee shop and the Irish Coffee is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. On a weekend night, Buena Vista is also a great place to socialize.

Homemade Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl
Fisherman's Wharf is one of the best places in San Francisco to get a fresh bowl of steaming clam chowder served in one of the popular sourdough bread bowls. Many of the cafes and restaurants in the Fisherman's Wharf area offer this San Francisco specialty and it makes for a hearty lunch or dinner choice.

Crab Legs
The crab stands along the Pier 39 area at Fisherman's Wharf are a sight to be seen. Fresh crabs are held in tanks and prepared made to order at the several crab stands offering fresh seafood. A number of crab and seafood dishes are served at the crab stand counters for reasonable prices.

California Wines
The perfect compliment to one of San Francisco's food delights is a glass of one of the many California wines available on restaurant menus in San Francisco. The closeness to Napa Valley makes it convenient to sample a variety of local wines while in San Francisco. There are a number of unique varietals and other California wines worth tasting.

Ghirardelli Chocolates
The original Ghirardelli started in 1852 in San Francisco, now in the area known as Ghirardelli Square. The location is close to Fisherman's Wharf and the chocolates are only one of the sweet treats available at Ghirardelli Square. Classic hot fudge sundaes, hot chocolate, fancy coffee drinks, and a variety of chocolates are available at the original San Francisco Ghirardelli location.

Oysters
San Francisco offers visitors some excellent oyster choices for those who enjoy fresh, tender oysters on the half shell. Paired with a California white wine, these tender San Francisco oysters are a must try for seafood lovers. Oysters are a staple on any good seafood menu in San Francisco.

Chinatown Specialties
Chinatown in San Francisco offers travelers a great variety of authentic Chinese foods. The history of Chinese immigrants in San Francisco is well known and today, Chinatown is one of the best places in San Francisco to try some authentic Chinese foods and treats. The best way to sample some authentic Chinese food in San Francisco is to wander the streets of Chinatown and try some Dim Sum, potstickers, or other specialties.