San Francisco and the Bay Area are renowned for their vibrant food scene, offering a plethora of options that cater to a variety of palates. Yet amidst the culinary abundance, some dishes stand out as must-tries while others may leave diners underwhelmed.
Eater editors, who frequent the city’s dining establishments multiple times a week, have compiled a list of standout dishes that deserve your attention. From gluten-free pizzas to delectable Persian kabobs, here are some highlights you won’t want to miss.
At The Laundromat, located at 3725 Balboa Street, a gluten-free broccoli pizza has garnered rave reviews. After two years of curiosity and several failed attempts to visit during its bustling opening, one editor finally indulged in this pie and was left astounded by its quality. The pizza boasts a perfectly crispy crust that feels both springy and deeply satisfying.
With a base rich with crackly bits of cheese, it’s topped with light slices of fennel that elevate the indulgence. The addition of nutty goat cheese rounds out the flavors, leading many to wonder if tahini might be an ingredient in the mix. What’s more, with their current dinner hours running from Wednesday to Sunday, there’s ample opportunity to try this baked delight on your next visit.
Moving from pizza to poultry, at Jules on 237 Fillmore Street, diners can find a devilish half chicken that is captivating in both flavor and presentation. Newly established by Max Blachman-Gentile, whose pizza prowess has been praised throughout the city, Jules allows him to showcase more of his culinary talent.
This dish features crisp, salted fried chicken skin and is complemented by seasonal vegetables like snap peas and fresh mint. Notably, the chicken is accompanied by a spicy sauce that adds just the right amount of heat without overwhelming. Don’t overlook the dessert options either, as one editor’s experience suggests splitting the delightful ice cream topped with chocolate shell and fennel pollen is a wise decision.
At Le Soleil, another hidden gem in the Richmond District at 133 Clement Street, a remarkable squid ink fried rice awaits adventurous diners. This restaurant, described as a treasure chest of flavors, has gained admiration for its exquisite squid ink dish topped with tobiko and aromatic garlic.
With chunks of squid nestled within a dome of rice, the dish achieves a satisfying balance of textures, enhanced by the satisfying pop of fish roe and the crunch of fried garlic. Known for flambéing quails table-side, Le Soleil offers an overall experience that’s hard to match, making it a standout name in San Francisco’s dining scene. The restaurant operates daily with convenient lunch and dinner hours.
On a culinary journey with friends often leads editors to discover new places, such was the case at Lavash, a delightful Persian restaurant located at 511 Irving Street. During a recent lunch, one editor experienced the joys of a well-curated meal chosen by a friend, featuring an herb-packed sabzi paneer platter, ghormeh sabzi, and the ever-popular joojeh kabob.
The kabob, consisting of marinated chicken breast and thighs, shines when served alongside fragrant basmati saffron rice. An extra touch, recommended by the editor’s friend, included a sprinkle of zereshk—tart barberries—that beautifully enhanced the flavor profile of the dish. With an inviting atmosphere adorned with flowers, Lavash proves to be an excellent dining choice that beckons for a return visit in the future.
As these standout dishes demonstrate, the San Francisco dining scene is filled with unique and memorable eating experiences. Whether it’s enjoying a gluten-free pizza at The Laundromat, indulging in a chicken feast at Jules, savoring squid ink fried rice at Le Soleil, or delighting in Persian kabobs at Lavash, there is no shortage of culinary treasures to explore.
For those looking for dining recommendations in the city, these options provide a refreshing mix of flavors that represent the diverse and delightful fabric of San Francisco’s evolving food culture.
image source from：https://sf.eater.com/2025/5/30/24440142/best-dishes-san-francisco-bay-area-restaurants-may-2025
