Dish it up
I’ve called San Francisco’s Inner Sunset home for 14 years, ever since I traded the bustling streets of Hong Kong for the fog-kissed avenues of this charming neighborhood.
As a California native, I’ve always had an affinity for good food, and this pocket of the city never disappoints. Here’s are my favorite spots that make the Inner Sunset a food lover’s paradise.
Arizmendi Bakery
1331 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
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There’s nothing like the smell of fresh-baked bread in the morning, and Arizmendi Bakery is the place to get your fix. Their scones are legendary, but it’s the daily pizza specials that keep me coming back. Made with organic ingredients and always bursting with flavor, this cooperative-run gem is a neighborhood staple.
Nabe
1325 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
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For those rainy San Francisco days, Nabe is where I head for a comforting bowl of Japanese hot pot. The shabu-shabu here is exceptional, with a variety of broths and fresh ingredients that make every visit a new experience. Plus, there’s something soothing about the communal act of cooking your own meal at the table.
Marnee Thai
1243 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
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Marnee Thai’s pad see ew is a standout, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The flavors are authentic, the portions generous, and the service always comes with a smile. It’s a super tiny space and I’m always seeing take-out lines. I’ll do an Outer Sunset guide soon that includes Marnee at Irving and 23rd. The vibe is a lot more pleasant there.
Crepevine
624 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122
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Crepevine’s where I go when I’m really freaking hungry. A moderately-priced plate comes almost as fast as you place the order, with huge portions of entree and potatoes.
Their extensive menu of sweet and savory crepes ensures there’s something for everyone, and while those are lovely, my personal favorite is the Spanish omelet because it feels healthy yet has generous salsa and sour cream on top.
Tartine Inner Sunset
1226 9th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122
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Yes, you heard right — Tartine has made its way to the Inner Sunset. Tartine Inner Sunset brings all the artisanal bakery goodness you’d expect from their other locations. From their iconic morning buns to the mouthwatering croissants, it’s a pastry lover’s dream. Pictured is an egg sandwich and coffee that comes to a tidy $30 or thereabout. Pricey! And you bus your own tables. It’s Bougie with a capital B, but the bread makes the trip worth it.
iPot
1420 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122
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For a slightly modern twist on hot pot, iPot is where you want to be. This place offers a sleek, tech-savvy dining experience with individual pots and a wide selection of broths and ingredients. The seafood selection is particularly fresh, and the sauces bar allows you to customize your flavors to perfection. It’s a great spot for a fun and interactive meal with friends.
San Tung
1031 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122
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No Inner Sunset food guide would be complete without mentioning San Tung. Famous for their dry-fried chicken wings, this place often has lines out the door — and for good reason. The wings are perfectly crispy, with a sweet and savory glaze that’s utterly addictive. Be sure to try their noodles and dumplings as well; you won’t be disappointed.
Game Parlour
1342 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122
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Game Parlour is a fun and engaging spot to unwind. This board game cafe offers an extensive library of games to play while you enjoy their comfort food. From loaded fries to hearty sandwiches, the menu is designed to keep you fueled for hours of gaming. It’s a fantastic place to gather with friends for a night of fun and friendly competition.
I’ve watched this spot transform from a Russian grocery to Mexican restaurant to treasured gaming spot. While I like the food, I love it next door at Cafe La Flore.
Cafe La Flore
1340 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122
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This quiet spot typically fills up with UCSF students looking for free WiFi. But the food is a rare gem for a fairly nondescript cafe. Pictured above, the owner thoughtfully crafts salads and sandwiches into Instagrammable creations, which in this day and age is pretty common. But you can tell he does it for the love of food and not the fame. While Game Parlour next door has buzzy bites like waffle sandwiches, I honestly find La Flore a superior complement in its culinary offerings, from sandwiches to salads to really good smoothies.
Yummy Dumpling
To-go / Takeout only. 1708 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122
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Yummy Dumpling is a haven of delightful flavors for dumpling enthusiasts. Just be aware it’s not a restaurant — the family here hand makes dumplings all day for local restaurants, and also freezes them for customers to walk in and buy at very affordable prices.
This modest spot offers a wide variety of dumplings, each bursting with fresh ingredients and crafted with care. The xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are a standout, delivering a perfect balance of savory filling and delicate, flavorful broth. It’s a casual yet satisfying destination for any dumpling lover.
Izakaya Sozai
1500 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122
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For an authentic Japanese pub experience, Izakaya Sozai is the place to be. This cozy spot offers an array of small plates perfect for sharing, from savory ramen to mouthwatering skewers. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, making it a great spot for a casual night out with friends. Don’t miss their crispy, flavorful karaage chicken — it’s a must-try. I don’t go here often but I like that they do small-party reservations directly on their website.
New Eritrea Restaurant & Bar
907 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122
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For a dining experience that combines delicious Ethiopian cuisine with an inviting atmosphere, I love New Etrea Restaurant & Bar. The mood-setting red light create an intimate dining environment, while the chic back area with white linen tablecloths offers a stylish setting. The service is always pleasant, making you feel right at home. From traditional Ethiopian dishes to innovative takes on classic flavors, the food at New Etrea is consistently good and always satisfying.
Sushi Goemon
1524 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122
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As a personal favorite, Sushi Goemon stands out for its affordable prices — especially for sushi — and its pleasant, uncrowded atmosphere. Unlike many cramped San Francisco eateries, Goemon offers a spacious dining experience where you can truly relax and enjoy your meal. The sushi is always fresh, and the friendly service adds to the overall delightful experience.
Holy Gelato!
1392 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
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For a sweet treat that’s both unique and delicious, Holy Gelato is a must-visit. This quirky shop offers a wide array of gelato flavors, including vegan and dairy-free options. Their inventive flavors, like Lavender Honey and Whiskey Caramel, make every visit an adventure. It’s the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth after a day exploring the neighborhood.
These are just a few of the culinary treasures that make the Inner Sunset such a special place to live. Each visit to these restaurants feels like a little adventure, a chance to savor the diverse flavors that make San Francisco’s food scene one of the best in the world. So next time you find yourself in the neighborhood, stop by one of these spots and taste the magic for yourself.
Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.
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