In San Francisco, the culinary scene is rich and varied, with everything from fresh seafood in Embarcadero to Italian food in North Beach. If you’re eating out with kids, you’ll want to visit one of these best restaurants for families in San Francisco.
Head to the Mission District for sustainable tacos or California-meets-Mediterranean food with outdoor film screenings. Richmond District is home to a place serving hearty Southern comfort food, while the Marina boasts an oyster-centric restaurant. Visit Embarcadero for an elegant spot with cuisine that matches its stunning waterfront views.
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For an Italian meal in a historic venue at one of the best restaurants for families in San Francisco — head to Original Joe’s (North Beach)
Original Joe’s opened in 1937 as a 14-stool counter and has grown into a North Beach icon. The restaurant features red leather booths surrounding a kitchen that serves up hefty portions of hearty Italian classics like pasta, seafood, and plenty of chilled and hot starters—perfect for families to share. House specialties like lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs are great for kids.
For a seafood-centric menu with a view — check out Waterbar (Embarcadero)
Known for its sustainably sourced seafood, Waterbar boasts one of the most expansive selections of oysters on the West Coast. The space offers unmatched views of the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, and the San Francisco skyline from the interior with an oyster bar and large windows. This seafood-centric spot offers a dedicated kids’ menu with dishes like oyster cocktail, crispy chicken tenders, and cheese ravioli.
For dim sum at one of the best restaurants for families in San Francisco — visit Yank Sing (SOMA)
Yank Sing was founded in 1958 and is a third-generation family-owned dim sum restaurant. Yank Sing serves over 100 rotating Chinese-inspired favorites like chicken satay skewers and kid-friendly noodle dishes from pushcarts in the bright and sophisticated dining room, complete with white tablecloths and flowers. Finish off your meal with a traditional Chinese dessert like mango pudding or egg tarts.
For wood-fired Italian cuisine — visit Fiorella Sunset (Sunset District)
Fiorella Sunset is one of the best Italian restaurants in San Francisco for its wood-fired pizzas and laid-back, neighborhood vibe. The large dining space is furnished with white and blue wallpaper, dark wood accents, and exposed light bulbs. The menu is full of shareable, family-friendly plates like Nonna’s meatballs, pizzas, and pastas, plus kids 12 and under eat for free from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Sunset location.
For casual Mexican cuisine — visit Tacolicious (Mission District and Marina)
Tacolicious is known for its standout tacos—corn tortillas are housemade and organic, and meats are antibiotic- and hormone-free. Both locations in Mission District and Marina offer a kids’ menu with a choice of taco or cheese quesadilla with a side of rice and beans and caramel-crunch cookie. The interior boasts brightly colored chairs and accents, while outside you’ll find a heated sidewalk and parklet seating, ideal for families.
For California-Mediterranean food at a nationally acclaimed restaurant — check out Foreign Cinema (Mission District)
Foreign Cinema provides a one-of-a-kind experience as it blends California-Mediterranean cuisine with outdoor film screenings. Settle in the indoor dining room next to the cozy fireplace or on the heated, partially covered courtyard decked with string lights to watch movies. The American-influenced menu includes a kids’ section with dishes like sesame fried chicken and pasta. Foreign Cinema is one of the best San Francisco restaurants for families looking for culture and fun.
For one of the best restaurants for families in San Francisco with seafood in a neighborhood setting — visit Popi’s Oysterette (Marina)
Popi’s Oysterette is a seafood-forward family favorite. The space is decorated with blue accents, and large windows allow for plenty of light, plus light wood tables and a countertop. From the team behind Tacolicious, this spot is known for its raw and grilled oysters alongside approachable, kid-friendly dishes like fish and chips and a burger. Don’t miss the outdoor seating for prime people watching.
For one of the best San Francisco restaurants for families for soul food — head to Hard Knox Cafe on Clement Street (Richmond District)
Hard Knox Cafe is known for its traditional Southern food and hospitality. The menu features kid-approved favorites like fried chicken dishes alongside other classics like po’boy sandwiches, catfish, country fried steak, and more. It also serves family meals with buckets of chicken, complete with classic sides and cornbread. Enjoy them in a cozy space with red tables.
For traditional Mexican cuisine at a family-owned restaurant — check out Tia Margarita (Richmond District)
Founded in 1963, Tia Margarita is a destination for northern Mexican fare. With an original horseshoe bar, the interior features yellow walls, dark wood furnishings, and stained glass windows. The menu contains a wide variety of chef’s specials and combos with kid-approved dishes like quesadillas, fajitas, and enchiladas, making it one of the best family-friendly restaurants in San Francisco.
For traditional Nepalese comfort food — check out Dancing Yak (Mission District)
Dancing Yak brings Himalayan comfort food to San Francisco. Try the restaurant’s crowd favorite momo, a Nepali dumpling steamed or fried with your choice of filling. The menu also contains a variety of curries, house specials, daal bhat (rice and lentils), chow mein, and shapta (stir-fry dishes) kids will love. Decorated with blue booths, colorful lighting, and pillows and cushions, the welcoming space creates a comfortable atmosphere for families.
Finding a place to eat where the entire family will be happy can be a challenge, but try these 10 best restaurants for families in San Francisco for your next meal out. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Italian food, fresh seafood, tacos, or Nepali cuisine, San Francisco has it.
