Top 3 Waterfront Hotels In San Francisco With Breathtaking Views

These hotels in San Francisco offers some of the best views of the city, right from the comfort of your room.

1. Hotel Vitale

A luxurious boutique hotel located on San Francisco’s Embarcadero, Hotel Vitale provides a place to relax and rejuvenate while enjoying amazing views of the Embarcadero waterfront, Bay Bridge, and downtown skyline.

In addition to the views, Hotel Vitale offers top-notch service, luxurious amenities in each room like spa-style limestone bathroom and large workstation with ergonomic desk chair, as well as on-site spa on the penthouse level with rooftop soaking tubs

2. Hotel Zephyr

This playful hotel located in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf offers everything from upscale accommodations to engaging community spaces. Upon entering the hotel, you will be surprised with not only the stunning, panoramic views of iconic San Francisco sites like Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Coit Tower, but also the fun communal gathering spaces featuring classic games and fire pits.

The nautical guest rooms offer postcard-perfect views of San Francisco Bay and the city skyline, bar-style work station, mini-refrigerators, magnetic dartboard, backgammon, and multi-device docking station with Smart TV streaming. You can also enjoy other amenities, such as a private car and limo service and pet-friendly accommodations.

3. Hotel Griffon

Perfect choice for business and leisure travelers seeking a charming alternative to the chain hotel, Hotel Griffon is a place to relax and indulge in an appealing Embarcadero neighborhood in San Francisco. Boasting spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay and Bay Bridge, Hotel Griffon allows you to experience the city in comfort and style.

The European-inspired guest rooms and suites feature either a picturesque view of San Francisco’s Bay front or a charming view of the financial district. All of the rooms include amenities like plush mattress and bedding packages, luxurious robes, eco-conscious bath amenities, and flat screen televisions. Bask in comfort and style at Hotel Griffon.

Best 6 Dishes You Must Order At San Francisco’s Hottest Restaurants

From truffle sliders to roasted bone marrow, these are the most delicious dishes you must order at San Francisco's hottest restaurants.

Bone-in Filet Mignon from Bobo’s

Frequently voted as the best steakhouse in San Francisco, Bobo’s offers high quality beef that has been dry-aged for 4-6 weeks and pan-seared with a hint of rosemary and garlic. This process enhances the flavor and tenderness of the beef, resulting in one of the best steaks ever eaten. The melt-in-your-mouth, juicy bone-in filet mignonis an absolute must. Order a side of twice-baked potatoes stuffed with zucchini, chives, and fontina cheese to compliment the dish.

Mini Royal Dorian from The Dorian

The Oscar Wilde-inspired restaurant in SF’s Marina District pays homage to a bygone era, a place where you can savor classic American fare. The Dorian began its brunch service in November, featuring sweet and savory bites like fluffy buttermilk berry pancakes and fried chicken & waffles. But the highlight here is the Mini Royal Dorian, a slider version of the famous Royal Dorian, which features a generous portion of peekytoe crab and black truffle on top of juicy beef patty.

Smoked Bone Marrow from RN 74

Located in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood, RN74 highlights the cuisine and wine of France’s Burgundy region. The Smoked Bone Marrow is the perfect dish for the table. The rich, creamy bone marrow, topped with smokey oxtail marmalade, Vadouvan butter, and lemon confit with thickly sliced, toasted sourdough bread on the side, oozes so much intense flavors as it melts in your mouth.

Pizza Bianca from Americano’s

Dine with a view at this waterfront restaurant with sweeping, panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. Americano’s specializes in handcrafted, soulful Italian dishes created using seasonal ingredients from local purveyors. The Pizza Bianca, topped with house-made chorizo, meyor lemon, leek, and ricotta salata on thin, crispy flat bread, bursts with flavors.

Tap Burger from Tap 415

Tap 415, a modern urban eatery located inside the Westfield Centre Mall, offers a unique menu of American favorites with a twist. The signature Tap Burger is jam-packed with tempura bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, pickled red onion, and juicy, medium-rare beef patty sandwiched in between soft buns topped with sesame seeds and smeared with togarashi remoulade.

Chickpea Panisse from Gather

Whether you are a vegan or an omnivore, you will find something delicious at Gather, a farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of downtown Berkeley. The vegan-friendlyChickpea Panisse is an absolute delight. The chickpea fries, which flaunt delicate, crispy exterior with soft, creamy interior, are complemented by flavorful black bean puree, crushed garbanzos, cabbage slaw, cashew, sultana, and ancho chili.

Top Five One-Of-A-Kind Hotels You Will Only Find In San Francisco

1. Bask in the Rich History of California at The Scarlet Huntington

The Scarlet Huntington

Nestled on the peak of SF’s Nob Hill neighborhood, The Scarlet Huntington pays homage to Collis P. Huntington, one of Californian’s “Big 4” railroad tycoons, with its luxurious accommodations and exceptional service. Formally a residential building, the hotel features extremely spacious rooms and suites equipped with carefully curated collection of colorful furniture, bath tub and separate shower, and hand-carved lounge chair. Guests at the hotel also have complimentary access to the adjacent Nob Hill Spa, which offers various treatments, sauna, and a whirlpool overlooking Nob Hill.

2. Enjoy Urban Amenities and Art Graffiti at Hotel Zetta

Hotel Zetta

The sleek, modern rooms are not the only asset to Hotel Zetta. The hotel offers some of the best common spaces for its guests, including the Playroom on the second floor with fun games like giant Plinko wall, shuffle board, Wii system, photo booth, and giant Jenga. Make sure to save some time to check out the stairwells featuring 7-stories of colorful murals, which are created by nine SF artists who engaged in a head-to-head street art battle.

3. Experience the Old-World Charm at San Remo Hotel

San Remo Hotel

Located in the tranquil North Beach neighborhood, the San Remo Hotel combines old-world charm with cozy, European-style accommodation. The hotel is built in 1906, and is furnished with Victorian heirlooms and historic photographs. Each room is equipped with a pedestal sink and a collection of one-of-a-kind antiques. San Remo is also home to the nation’s oldest Italian restaurant, Fior d’Italia, which opened in 1886.

4. Appreciate the Beautiful View at Park Central Hotel

Park Central Hotel

As one of the tallest hotels in San Francisco, the chic, Park Central Hotel offers the ultimate luxury accommodations with a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline. Right from the comfort of your room, you can enjoy the stunning panoramic views of San Francisco’s skyline from its floor-to-ceiling window. The hotel’s prime location in SoMa allows you to experience the vibrant city life with comfort and ease. Take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary guided run in the morning to explore the city even further.

5. Relax in the Warm, Home-Style Ambiance at The Payne Mansion Hotel

The Payne Mansion Hotel

Situated amidst residential buildings in the Lower Pacific Heights, The Payne Mansion Hotel feels like home away from home. This 1881 Victorian mansion has been renovated to provide the modern 21st century amenities, while restoring much of the original charm of the Victorian era. Take the grand, majestic wooden staircase to the warm, inviting rooms decorated with damask wall paper, marble tiled bathroom, cozy fireplace, and antique furniture.

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.

Pair California Wines With Tapas-Style Dishes At A SF Wine Bar That Boasts The City’s Largest All-CA Wine Collection

First Crush

Boasting the largest all-California wine collection in San Francisco, First Crush Restaurant & Wine Bar - located in the heart of Union Square - pairs an impressive selection of carefully curated California wines with mouthwatering, tapas-style dishes that highlight local, organic ingredients.

First Crush

First Crush has garnered numerous accolades for its wine selection, including the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence that it has received since 2001. Upon browsing the wine menu, I was not only impressed by the comprehensive, all-California wine list that fully captured the beauty of the wines grown in this region, but also by the whimsical names given to the wine flights. Don’t the names like Bouquet of Rose andPleasure of Pinot just tickle your tongue for more?

While First Crush is best known for its wines, I also enjoyed the food menu featuring New American cuisine with a Californian influence. I would highly recommend ordering the wine flights and small plates to share - as a caveat, the portion for these “small plates” are rather large!

Fritto Misto ($14)

Think of this plate as everyone’s beloved fried calamari, but with an addition of rock shrimp as well as jalapeno, Fresno chili, and green onion for an extra layer of spiciness. While I would have preferred the the sauce to be on the side to prevent the shrimp and the calamari from becoming soggy, the sweet and spicy sauce really made the Fritto Misto special.

Roasted Trio of Organic Beets ($15)

Chunky pieces of juicy gold and red beets with ornamental kale, pistachios, Laurel Chenel goat cheese, tangerine pieces, and watermelon radish were tossed in white balsamic vinaigrette to create this plate of fresh, colorful beets salad. I loved the interplay of different textures, from the creamy goat cheese to the crunchy pistachios.

Cabernet Marinated Mini Lamb Lolipops ($20)

Even though it was cooked a bit too well done for my liking (I personally prefer my red meat to be rare), the lamb lollipop had beautiful sear on the outside on top of creamy, triangular piece of polenta with mushroom bits and micro greens. The lamb was glazed with Cabernet-infused demi glace to accentuate the rich flavor.

Ahi Tuna Tartare ($18)

Fresh chunks of tuna sashimi was mixed in with avocado, cucumber, red onion, jalapeno, Meyer lemon, and daikon sprouts, and then topped with a dollop of wasabi caviar over a bed of green seaweed. The side of crispy taro root chips and a drizzle of wasabi aioli on the plate complemented the tuna tartare perfectly.

A Hearty Meal With Generous Portion At A Parisian-Style Brasserie

Gaspar Brasserie

You will feel like you have been transformed into a Parisian brasserie upon enteringGaspar Brasserie. Located in SF’s Financial District, the restaurant exudes all the flairs and ambiance of a Parisian brasserie, starting with its warm and vibrant interior featuring crimson leather seats, textured wooden walls, and antique chandeliers, as well as a menu that features classic French dishes with a Northern California influence.

Les Plateaux de Fruits de Mer ($66/$100)

The imposing Les Plateaux de Fruits de Mer ($66 for petit, $100 for grand) highlighted a selection of fresh, chilled seasonal seafood. According to our knowledgeable waiter, the small tower is appropriate for a group of 2-3, while the large is fit for 4-5 people. Our small tower included three varieties of oysters (half dozen total) served with champagne mignonette, jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce, poached octopus with green olives, and a half lobster. All the seafood, from the perfectly seasoned octopus to the plump shrimp, was extremely fresh and mouthwatering.

Grilled Côte de Porc ($27)

Per the waiter’s recommendation, I opted for the Grilled Côte de Porc ($27). Over a bed of herbed spaetzle and shaved Brussels sprouts was a big piece of lightly seared, bone-in pork loin with juniper-mustard sauce and heirloom apple. The lean piece of pork was a bit pink nearer to the bone, but I enjoyed the balance of sweet and savory from the apple and the mustard sauce. I wished the spaetzle, which was unfortunately a bit “flat,” had a chunkier, chewier texture. The portion was extremely generous.

Braised Beef Short Rib ($28)

I also tried the Braised Beef Short Rib ($28), another entree with a huge portion. The tender, fatty short rib was glazed with Bordeaux gastrique and topped with sauce verte atop a bed of baby root vegetables. Like the pork, the short rib also had an interplay between sweet and savory from the glaze and the green sauce. The baby root vegetables of colorful heirloom carrots, beets, and cipollini onion highlighted fresh, seasonal vegetables.

Moelleux Au Chocolat ($10)

The Moelleux Au Chocolat ($10) was like an exciting firework in my mouth, providing a memorable sensory journey through its different flavors and textures. Accompanying a moist chocolate lava cake with warm, ooey center was a dollop of cool chocolate mousse, crunchy “cocoa puffs,” and creamy vanilla-rum anglaise. This chocolate lover’s dream was such a delightfully sweet ending to a hearty meal at Gaspar Brasserie.

Embark On A Meticulous Journey Through The Study Of Beef At A Japanese-Inspired Steakhouse In SF

Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have probably heard of Alexander’s Steakhouse. The Lamborghini, Chanel, and Rolex of steakhouses, Alexander’s is more than just a place where diners drop hundreds of dollars on premium cuts of beef. For me, it was also an immersive journey and a guided study of beef in which I had the opportunity to explore different cooking techniques, textures, and flavors.

Hamachi Shot ($30)

My dining experience at Alexander’s began with the Hamachi Shot ($30) from the Bites menu. Each shot glass contained fresh hamachi sashimi with a slice of avocado, serrano pepper, cilantro, julienne radish, and crispy garlic mixed with yuzu-soy sauce. The dish was not only pleasing to the eyes, but also to the mouth. I loved the complex dynamic among different textures, from the tender hamachi to the creamy avocado.

Dry-Aged Kagoshima Wagyu ($30)

The Dry-Aged Kagoshima Wagyu ($30), also from the Bites menu, was such a tease to the mouth. A thinly sliced, beautifully marbled Kagoshima wagyu was wrapped over marinated eryngi mushroom. I could taste the fire from the piece of beef that was seared in binchotan (Japanese white charcoal).This juicy, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu roll was rubbed with yuzu to add an interesting citrus flavor.

Uni Toast ($9)

The final item from the Bites menu, the Uni Toast ($9) truly highlighted Alexander’s unique incorporation of Japanese cuisine at a steakhouse. Atop a buttery, marrow toasted brioche slabbed with thousand island dressing laid creamy uni and braised oxtail with thinly sliced seaweed. The buttery, creamy flavor from the brioche, uni, and the thousand island dressing was a bit excessive for my personal preference, but the extremely tender oxtail balanced out the flavor with its savoriness.

Marin Roots Local Greens ($14)

Don’t expect plain lettuce and croutons when you order a salad at Alexander’s. TheMarin Roots Local Greens ($14), served in a delicate ceramic bowl, contained fresh greens, onsen egg, and crispy squash chips tossed in green goddess dressing and seasoned with yuzu-kosho. The egg yolk dripped all over the salad to provide creamy texture that balanced well with the crispy squash chips and crunchy greens.

Tajima F1 from Australia ($48 for 3oz)

The main act at Alexander’s, of course, was the steak. Ranging from filet mignon to porterhouse to wagyu, Alexander’s steak menu boasted an impressive collection of cuts and varieties. Our knowledgeable waiter recommended the Tajima F1 from Australia ($48 for 3oz) based on our predilection for leaner cuts. Because this medium rare steak was so lean, I would recommend getting a more marbled cut if you want the much desired, melt-in-your mouth texture. We were given a tray of 12 different salts from around the world to pair with the steak. I wished the beef had been seasoned even more lightly so that adding additional sodium wouldn’t seem overindulgent.

Sides of Butternut Squash ($12), Wild Mushrooms ($16), Shichimi Fries ($14)

Alexander’s offered a wide variety of sides, all of which highlighted a unique blend of flavors. While a bit too sweet, I enjoyed the Butternut Squash ($12) with garlic, harissa, and toasted pepitas in maple vinegar, as well as the Wild Mushrooms ($16) featuring at least four different types of mushrooms sauteed in shiro shoyu with yuzu and topped with chives. The thin-cut, extra crispy Shichimi Fries ($14) was served with a side of tonkatsu aioli with sun-dried tomato.

Carrot Cake Souffle ($16)

For a sweet ending to the savory meal, my guest and I shared the Carrot Cake Souffle ($16). Because the souffle is made to order, it took about 15 minutes for the dessert to arrive. The waiter dropped a generous pour of orange whiskey sauce and a scoop of cream cheese ice cream into the soft, fluffy souffle. The intensity of the orange whiskey sauce unfortunately overpowered other flavors in the souffle, but I still enjoyed the fluffy texture that reminded me of cotton candy. The dessert also included a pair of pecan shortbread topped with a dollop of cream cheese and real carrots.

Alexander’s Steakhouse is by no means an everyday, neighborhood steakhouse given its price tag, but add it to your list of places to dine for special occasion.