The Top 7 Places to Eat in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond

The Top 7 Places to Eat in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond

  • Posted on November 7, 2017
  • //Written by Steve

San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, with easy access to the Presidio and Golden Gate Park, is more than just a great place to live. The neighborhood has now grown into one of the city’s premier eating and drinking destinations in addition to its coffee shops and quaint retail stores.  

Sometimes referred to as San Francisco’s “second Chinatown” due to the variety of dim sum spots and Burmese restaurants, there is also a sizeable Russian population in the area. If you want to head down to this hip neighborhood for a bite to eat, here are seven of our top restaurant picks in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond.

1. The Richmond. The Richmond (615 Balboa St.) is an American wine bar and eatery that offers a refined menu of California cuisine. The restaurant delivers impeccable service in an unassuming atmosphere with a changing seasonal menu.

2. Chapeau!. Chapeau (126 Clement St.) in the Inner Richmond is a quaint French bistro that is one of the neighborhood’s top date spots. Enjoy classic French fare prepared by chef Philippe Gardelle served alongside regional wines. The only drawback to Chapeau is that some find place slightly cramped.

3. Chili House. Chili House (726 Clement St.) is one of the top Chinese restaurants in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond. Chef Li Jun Han began his career in China and today is an internationally renowned chef in the world of authentic Asian cuisine. At Chili House, you will experience nothing but authentic cuisine such as Peking duck, lamb hot pot, hand-pulled noodles, and Beijing pot stickers.

4. Bella Trattoria. Want a delicious Italian meal in the heart of Inner Richmond? Check out Bella Trattoria (3854 Geary Blvd.) for their warm and friendly service coupled with perfectly prepared homemade pasta dishes. You’ll also find other authentic Italian fare at this gem, all at a reasonable price.

5. Burma Superstar. If you are looking for some authentic Burmese cuisine, be sure to visit the popular Burma Superstar (309 Clement St.). Owner Desmond Tan immigrated to the U.S. from Burma (now Myanmar) in the 1970’s and purchased the restaurant in 2002. If you go, be sure to try their famous tea leaf salad.

6. Katia’s Russian Tea Room. You won’t find a better spot for borscht, blini, and other Russian comfort foods than at Katia’s Russian Tea Room (600 5th Ave.). Katia herself oversees the kitchen and the entire operation at this unique establishment. Just know that formal tea service requires advanced reservations.

7. Pretty Please Bakery. You can quickly satisfy your sweet tooth, grab some dessert, or even prepare for a special occasion with the delicious treats from the Pretty Please Bakeshop (291 3rd Ave.). Choose from fresh made cupcakes, twinkies, cookies, and cakes, all made on site by proprietor and baker Alison Okabayahsi.

The Inner Richmond at one time was written off for being too distant from the city’s center. This is no longer the case. This San Francisco neighborhood is not only a hip spot to live in and visit, but it also provides some of the top eating establishments in the City by the Bay.