Eat Your Way Through The Mission District, The Gourmet Ghetto Of San Francisco

Affectionately called the “Gourmet Ghetto,” San Francisco’s Mission District is home to some of the most popular restaurants, bakeries, and other famed food destinations in the city. Here is your ultimate guide to enjoying some of the best bites in the neighborhood!

Before You Begin…Do Your Research!

For newbies who are unfamiliar with the neighborhood, getting around Mission District can be a bit overwhelming. While searching for top restaurants on Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor may yield some results, I would recommend participating in one of many walking food tours of the neighborhood to rely on the knowledge of the locals, to avoid tourist traps, and to experience Mission District at its fullest. My personal favorite, Avital Food Tours, is a comprehensive, 3-hour journey through Mission District’s top culinary spots with a chance to meet the chefs/owners, mingle with other foodies, and learn a bit of history and interesting facts about each destination. Without further ado, here are some of my favorite bites in Mission District.

Pork Belly Breakfast Taco from West of Pecos

Served on top of soft, warm flour tortilla, the Pork Belly Breakfast Taco from West of Pecos is topped with a thick piece of maple-glazed, caramelized pork belly, cheesy scrambled egg, pico de gallo, chipotle aioli, and a creamy slice of avocado with a sprinkle of shredded cheese. West of Pecos can accommodate those with dietary restrictions (i.e. gluten free, vegetarian, etc.). As an added bonus, if you are lucky, you might get a chance to meet Tyler MacNiven, the restaurant’s quirky, flamboyant owner who also won Season 9 of The Amazing Race!

A Flight of Cheese from Mission Cheese

Mission Cheese

You have probably been to a wine bar, but have you heard of a cheese bar? Mission Cheese has revolutionized the way we conceive cheese. This petite café serves in American artisan cheese, house-made charcuterie, and California beer and wine in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Enjoy a wide selection of American cheese with charcuterie like pork pate or duck rillettes from the counter bar while sipping a glass of beer.

Quesadillas De Calabaza from Gracias Madre

As a cuisine that utilizes cheese as the main ingredient in many of its dishes, Mexican food is often not appropriate for vegans and those who are lactose-intolerant. But at the vegan Mexican restaurant, Gracias Madres, you can find tasty options that even meat lovers go crazy about. The vegan Quesadillas De Calabaza in homemade masa is stuffed with caramelized onion and butternut squash seasoned with cayenne pepper, and topped with a generous pour of cashew nacho cheese sauce and pumpkin seeds for the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.

Salted Caramel Ice Cream from Bi-Rite Creamery

The final stop of the culinary journey through Mission District is the much famed ice cream shop beloved locals and tourists alike. No matter the time of the day or the time of the season, you will find a long line of people outside Bi-Rite Creamery, waiting for a scoop of its rich, creamy ice cream. Made by hand in small batches, theSalted Caramel Ice Cream highlights intense, rich caramel flavor with a hint of salt.