A Foodie Day in San Francisco

Overview

This day is built for people who want to eat steadily from morning to evening and don’t mind standing in a line or two. The route runs roughly northeast to south: start in North Beach, drop into Chinatown, walk the waterfront to the Ferry Building, then head to the Mission for dinner and dessert. It’s about nine hours with breaks, and most of it connects by foot, cable car, or a short Muni ride. Come hungry and pace yourself, because the portions add up.

Liguria Bakery

Start early in North Beach at Liguria Bakery, on the corner of Stockton and Filbert across from Washington Square Park. They make focaccia and nothing else, in flavors like plain, rosemary, and a tomato-sauce “pizza” style. Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 7am to noon, and they often sell out before closing, so getting there in the morning matters. It’s cash only. Grab a slab or two, eat in the park, then walk a few blocks down Stockton toward Chinatown, about ten minutes on foot.

Good Mong Kok Bakery

At 1039 Stockton Street you’ll hit Good Mong Kok Bakery, a takeout-only dim sum counter in the heart of Chinatown. Order char siu bao, shrimp dumplings, turnip cakes, or sticky rice in lotus leaf from the steamer baskets behind the counter. Most items run under $4, the line moves, and there’s no seating, so plan to eat standing or carry it to a nearby bench. They’re open daily, roughly 7am to 6pm. From here it’s about a 20-minute walk down through the financial district to the Embarcadero, or you can catch a downhill cable car or bus toward Market Street.

Ferry Building Marketplace

The Ferry Building sits at the foot of Market Street on the Embarcadero. The building is open daily with individual shops generally running 10am to 7pm on weekdays, 9am to 6pm Saturdays, and 11am to 5pm Sundays. Inside you’ll find Hog Island Oyster Co., Acme Bread, Cowgirl Creamery cheese, and coffee from Blue Bottle, among dozens of food vendors. If it’s a Saturday, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market sets up outside in the morning. This is a good midday stop to graze and rest. When you’re ready, take BART or Muni from the Embarcadero station toward 24th Street in the Mission, about 15 minutes underground.

La Taqueria

At 2889 Mission Street you’ll find La Taqueria, a Michelin Bib Gourmand taqueria known for its burritos and tacos with a layer of pinto beans and no rice. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday, with hours running into the evening. Order at the counter, grab a table, and try a carnitas or carne asada burrito with the house salsa. From here you’re a short walk or quick ride to the dessert stops up on 18th Street.

Tartine Bakery

Head to Tartine Bakery at 600 Guerrero Street, about a ten-minute walk from La Taqueria. The bakery is open daily, generally 7:30am to 6pm, so this works as a late-afternoon stop. Tartine is a James Beard winner known for morning buns, croissants, and country bread. If there’s a wait, it tends to move. Pick up a pastry to go, then walk a couple of blocks over to 18th Street.

Bi-Rite Creamery

Close the day at Bi-Rite Creamery, 3692 18th Street, open daily noon to 9pm. They make ice cream in small batches with seasonal ingredients. Salted caramel and honey lavender are regulars. There’s almost always a line out the door, and it moves at a steady pace. Eat your scoop in nearby Dolores Park, a block uphill, which gets afternoon sun even when the rest of the city is gray.

Practical Tips

Start by 9am to catch Liguria before it sells out, and check La Taqueria’s days since it’s closed Monday and Tuesday. Several of these spots are cash only (Liguria, Good Mong Kok), so carry some bills. The Mission is one of the sunniest parts of the city, but North Beach and the waterfront can be cool and windy in summer mornings, so bring a layer you can stuff in a bag. A Clipper card or the MuniMobile app covers BART, Muni, and cable cars and saves fumbling for change. Pace your eating: small orders at each stop beat one big meal, and you’ll want room for the Mission at the end.