hayes valley
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco and historically part of Western Addition, Hayes Valley is home to a dynamic juxtaposition of architectural styles, high-end brands next to charming boutiques, art galleries, and an ever-evolving restaurant scene. This neighborhood transformed into a thriving hub of creativity after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and the collapse of the Central Freeway. Patricia's Green emerged in its place and stands as a charming public space that symbolizes commitment to environmental sustainability, creativity, and community engagement.
The restaurant scene in Hayes Valley is a seamless extension of the commitment to creativity. Whether you're craving juicy dumplings, modern French flavors, or you’re in the mood for a refined Californian pre-fixe tasting menu, there’s an option for every palate and price point here. Read through my curated guide to my go-to spots in Hayes Valley, including a delightful bakery, an intimate 8-seat bar tucked away in an alley, and the perfect little patio where I love to unwind with a glass of wine and crudité.
Must Try Restaurants in Hayes Valley
Absinthe
French | $$
Absinthe Brasserie feels like stepping into a classic Parisian restaurant with its dim lighting, velvet seating and huge paintings. Indulge in oysters or tartar for a sophisticated start or cozy up with a bowl of french onion soup before diving into their rich pastas and mains like the duck confit that effortlessly balances crispiness with tenderness. The wine menu is filled with curated French and California selections and expect to find classic favorites on their cocktail menu.
best for: a cozy date at the bar or large groups
Arbor & Arlequin
American | $
If you’re hunting for a casual spot to grab a meal on a lush private patio, Arbor’s the place. The crispy fried chicken sandwich paired with their irresistible curly fries are a match made in comfort food heaven. Seamlessly connected to neighboring Arlequin Wine Merchant, you can treat yourself to a comforting bite while sipping on wines from around the world. It’s the perfect casual weeknight spot!
best for: casual hangs, happy hour, french fry cravings
Birba
Wine bar | $$
Birba, meaning "little troublemaker," is a casual wine bar tucked a block off of Hayes Valley's main haunt focusing on imported European wines. The parklet is perfect for people watching or catching some sun (when we have it) and the back patio is my favorite place to get away from the busyness of the city. Their menu is filled with lovely wines and light bites like hummus and pistachio-feta dips. Grab a bottle to take home and some imported pantry favorites on your way out!
best for: a mini date night & catch-ups with friends
Dumpling Home
Chinese | $ | Michelin Bib Gourmand
Bring your pals and try all of the juicy dumpling pockets this Hayes Valley spot has to offer. The savory, irresistible aroma of freshly steamed dumplings hits you as you walk into Dumpling Home and sets the stage for the meal. The delicate shrimp and wood ear mushroom dumplings are perfectly pleated, the pork dumplings with chili oil are the perfect spicy bite and the pork xiao long bao are a must-try. Dumpling Home is a must-visit for those craving a mouthwatering dumpling adventure.
best for: double dates and weeknight bites with pals
Loquat
Jewish Bakery | $
From San Francisco baking legends, Loquat is an artisanal bakery focused on baked goods from the Jewish diaspora. The pistachio kouign-amann is a delicate masterpiece of flaky goodness with a nutty twist. The cardamom morning bun pairs perfectly with the freshly brewed Four Barrel coffee and the bourekas are a perfect savory bite filled with spiced potato and caramelized onions.
best for: a quick pit stop or a spot to settle in with friends
Monsieur Benjamin
French | $$$ | Michelin Guide
A combination of sophistication with a warm welcome, Monsieur Benjamin offers a modern approach to a French bistro. The minimalist dining room wraps around an exhibition kitchen where you can watch the chefs whip up potato croquettes, roasted Cornish hens, or quail pie. The duck leg confit embodies the essence of traditional French cooking and the wine list will take you all over France. Like a love letter to Parisian flavors, Monsieur Benjamin is a refined destination for an elevated dining experience in the heart of Hayes.
best for: a rich bite before the theater or a date night
Nojo
Japanese | $$
On the east end of Hayes Valley, sits Nojo Ramen tavern, one of my favorite little ramen spots in the city. Nojo first opened in Japan and pivoted from the ramen standards by offering a chicken paitan broth based instead of the traditional tonkotsu pork broth. The crispy gyoza are the perfect appetizer before diving into a bowl of their soul-soothing ramen. The soy sauce ramen tempts most with the whole chicken leg but the tan-tan spicy miso ramen is a must try.
best for: cold nights & curbing umami cravings
Nightbird
Californian | $$$$ | Michelin Guide
If you’re on the hunt for a moody, elevated pre-fixe dining experience, Nightbird delivers. Her sleek dining room, food presentation, and artistic ceramics feel like dining in an art museum. The rotating menu features seasonal California dishes like roasted duck with a compote of gooseberries, quail eggs, and decadent black truffle pasta. Journey down the back hallway (or enter from the alley) into their sophisticated 8-seat speakeasy, The Linden Room. The craft cocktails show off the precise techniques of their bartenders and the wine menu is a delight.
best for: fancy date night or when the boss offers to buy
Rich Table
New American | $$$ | Michelin Guide
An easy neighborhood favorite, Rich Table offers a rustic and moody ambience in an intimate, modern farmhouse setting. Start your meal with their famed small bites section. The sardine chip with horseradish crème fraîche is a house favorite and the dried porcini donuts with raclette are a must try. The menu rotates daily and boasts of rich seasonal balance, leaving you endless reasons to come back.
best for: date night or impressing the parents
Bonus: Smuggler’s Cove
Tiki Bar | $$
Take a boozy voyage into one of San Francisco’s pirate paradises. Smuggler’s Cove feels like entering a hidden treasure trove waiting to be discovered and their menu showcases a variety of rums and exotic tiki classics with potency levels for the adventurous. Try a Mai Tai for a liquid vacation or see where the night takes you after downing the Zombie cocktail. Smuggler’s Cove is the perfect spot for a no-nonsense, swashbuckling evening out with pals in the heart of the city.
best for: when college pals visit and playful dates
