san francisco, california
Currently calling San Francisco home and taking every opportunity to try new restaurants, coffee, shops, museums and everything else this city has to offer. This compact city (7 x 7 miles) has a little bit for everyone. Made up of eclectic neighborhoods - some just a few blocks long - I've indulged in both delicious Mexican and Malaysian food in the same day. As I continue to explore this new(ish)-to-me place, I'll keep updating with my favorite finds so check back soon!
Pack... Layers. Always. These microclimates are no joke. The temperature can easily change by 10 degrees just by crossing town. I've learned this lesson the hard way. Also comfortable shoes in case you get stuck walking up one of the iconic hills.
Sleep... Hotel Drisco for the friendly service, historic charm and picture-esque location in Pacific Heights. Or check out the newly opened Proper Hotel for an urban and trendy experience.
Read... Cool Grey City of Love by Gary Kamiya
Bring home... A Marine Layer t shirt. While they have stores across the country now, they are California made and some of the softest shirts around. Freda Salvador shoes. The ultimate cool girl shoe brand, started right across the bridge in Sausalito. Their Pacific Heights store tempts me every time.
Day trip… Head over the Golden Gate Bridge to Stinson Beach, Tomales, Sonoma or my new discovery Dillon Beach for a quick day trip or even better a night away!
{ eat }
In no particular order, some of my favorite SF restaurants…
Outerlands (Outer Sunset) - This might be my favorite restaurant in the city. Love the food, the vibe, the decor and the neighborhood.
Fiorella (Richmond) - Our neighborhood pizza and pasta spot in the Richmond. The perfect spot for a Friday night date to indulge in some yummy Italian food and a glass of wine.
Pizzetta 211 (Richmond) - My other favorite pizza spot happens to be just around the corner from Fiorella. With just six pizzas on the menu (three are permanent and three rotate every 2 weeks), there is always something delicious to eat. Super small and cozy, I love the vibe here, the super fresh food and the friendly wait staff.
Magnolia (Haight Ashbury) - The best burger. Good beers. In the heart of Haight Ashbury and all the history that comes with it.
Cala (Hayes Valley) - Mexican-inspired food in a delicious setting.
Liho Liho Yacht Club (Lower Nob Hill) - It's tough to get a reservation but wow, totally worth it. Go with a group and order as much as you can. Portions are generous to say the least, but the Hawaiian inspired dishes, unique flavors and ingredients (hello spam friend rice) makes this one of my favorite restaurants in the city right now.
Out the Door (Pacific Heights) - One of my first meals in SF and still one of my favorites. I am always a sucker for spicy Asian flavors and noodles. OTD never disappoints.
The Mill (NOPA) - Coffee & toast is quintessential SF and The Mill is certainly one of the best spots. Their rotating toast menu is highly addicting. And if you don't get your fill during the day, they now service pizza on Monday and Wednesday nights.
Nourish Cafe (Inner Richmond) - This vegan spot is a great stop for a quick, healthy meal in the Inner Richmond - acai bowls, smoothies and delicious salads.
Kin Khao (Financial District) - I honestly don't often venture all the way downtown, but Kin Khao is worth the trip. I'm obsessed with this food. The Northern Thai dishes are so good... the noodles, the curries, the black rice pudding for dessert. Yum.
Tartine Manufactory (Mission) - Famous for their bread, Tartine opened this gorgeous restaurant to serve thoughtful California cuisine, along with their bakery, ice cream and a coffee & baked goods to-go counter. Sharing a building with Heath Ceramics makes this a great place to come for lunch and do a little shopping afterwards.
La Taqueria el Buen Sabor (Mission) - There is a serious debate in this city about where to get the best burrito. My vote is for the super burrito al pastor at La Taqueria el Buen Sabor.
B. Star (Inner Richmond) - Burmese food is all the rage in the city, and some of the best spots happen to be within a few blocks of each other in the Inner Richmond. B. Star is the more low-key and slightly less busy little sister of Burma Superstar. The menus are comparable, but I find myself going to B. Star way more often. If you are on the hunt for an even more authentic Burmese experience, Mandalay Kitchen is just a few blocks over and is absolutely delicious.
Zuni Cafe (Market Street) - Still need to visit for their famous roast chicken and bread salad.
{updated: january 2019 }
{ wander }
Spend a day in the Outer Sunset. I love this neighborhood and
Watch the sunset at Baker Beach (preferably with a glass of rose in hand)!
Hike in Marin - While not technically in SF, hiking across the bridge is a must-do while you are in the area. Drive to Stinson Beach and hike the Matt Davis trail up from there - the views will be well worth it.
Take in the view from Hawk Hill - I have some (ambitious) friends who bike up here on a regular basis. I prefer to drive up with my camera in tow. Either way, prepare to be in awe of the view.
SFMOMA - It's back! The much-hyped re-opening of the SFMOMA this spring peaked my interest as well, and after a (quick) visit I'm impressed. While waiting to enter the newly remodeled floors (tickets are timed) we wandered into the permanent collection which I was completely inspired and impressed by. One of the highlights for me is the photography center. Now the largest exhibition space for photography in the United States with a focus on photography made in and about the American West and old California. Too much to see in one visit, must go back. Don't miss the live wall - a fun stop for pictures.
Golden Gate Park - Larger than Central Park, the Golden Gate Park covers over 1,000 acres and runs all the way from Haight-Ashbury down to the Pacific Ocean. The de Young Museum, SF Botanic Garden and California Academy of Sciences are all in the park, which makes for a fun place to wander around after soaking in some culture.
de Young Museum - I recently went to see the Oscar de la Renta exhibit and visited the de Young for the first time. It was a beautiful exhibit and paid a lovely tribute to an iconic man. On my list to do is go back on Friday nights when they host parties in the museum and you can explore with a glass of wine in hand.
Hike to the top of Bernal Hill - A short but steep climb to the top will reward you with one of the best views of the city.
Walk to Lands End - Start at the Sutro Baths and enjoy the scenic and leisurely walk out to Lands End - one of the most picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge you can find.
Fillmore Street - One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon. Grab a coffee (and maybe a cookie) from Jane and walk up Fillmore, popping in and out of all the cute shops... I love stocking up on clean beauty supplies from Credo, checking out the newest sustainable fashion at Reformation, being tempted to buy yet another pair of shoes at Freda Salvador and popping in to the new Rothy’s store for their fashionable flats.
Fort Funston - This beautiful spot boasts 200 foot high bluffs, wide open sand dunes and stunning views in the southwestern corner of the city. A new favorite spot of mine to take a walk.
Ferry Building - Touristy, yes. But still a fun place to walk around for the afternoon to pop in to the different stalls, grab a beer or if you are feeling especially adventurous you can catch the ferry to Sausalito, Tiburon or Oakland for the afternoon.