lastminute lovely Nicole explored the San Francisco gourmet scene and reports back on her must-visit dining destinations.
Anyone who knows me well knows I love my food. So with just three full days in San Francisco to cram in as much gourmet indulgence in as possible, the challenge was set. Mr LML and I didn’t even scratch the surface of the fabulous food scene but these picks are well worth a visit if you’re going to San Francisco.
Molinari Delicatessen
Why it’s a must visit: This could quite possibly be the best sandwich you’ll ever have. Enough said.
This little tip came courtesy of one of Mr LML’s colleagues. Tucked away in North Beach, the deli doesn’t look that special from the outside but inside is a treasure trove of gourmet treats.
With stock standard Woolworths and Coles style delis the norm in Sydney these days, Molinari is like a step back in time to how traditional Italian delis should be. Cheeses galore (a recurring theme of our US trip!), dozens of salami varieties hanging high and walls of pasta, sauces and sweet treats.
Handpick your own roll, then select one of their sandwich combos or create your own (and make sure you ask for it to be lightly toasted). Whatever option you go with, you won’t be disappointed.
Mr LML’s ‘Molinari Special’ – a combination of cold cuts, cheeses and condiments on focaccia bread – was sandwich perfection and almost pizza like, it was that good. The slightly healthier turkey sandwich I went for was nearly as delicious (and that’s saying something!)
The Slanted Door
Why it’s a must visit: Modern Vietnamese delights you’ll be craving well after your return home.
Ferry Building Marketplace
Located in the Ferry Building Marketplace with water views, The Slanted Door offers modern Vietnamese in a sophisticated yet laid back setting. It’s a popular spot with celebs including Mick Jagger and Reese Witherspoon.
Executive Chef, Charles Phan (a bit of a celeb himself) and his team focus on recreating classic dishes with a modern twist and organic produce. What’s not to love?
The Bay Bridge:Not a bad lunchtime view
We were guided by our waitress when it came to selecting from the extensive dishes and they were all exquisite: fresh, full of flavour and light (ideal when you’re squeezing a lot of foodie adventures into a few days!).
The vegetarian rice paper rolls were a highlight: note the generous serving of peanut sauce too. Yum!
Another favourite was the equally delicious crispy imperial rolls with shrimp, pork shoulder, glass noodles and roasted peanut. Ridiculously good and one of the best ‘spring rolls’ I’ve had.
54 Mint
Why it’s a must visit: A taste of Italy that manages to create a setting that feels like it’s straight out of an interior design magazine yet also homely and welcoming.
If you want to be transported to Northern Italy for the evening, this is where to go. Located a few minutes away from the Westfield Shopping Centre (how convenient), the gorgeous 54 Mint is tucked away in Mint Plaza but well worth finding. Mr LML and I started with a drink at the bar, chosen by the knowledgeable sommelier (who did make fun of my Aussie accent!).
But onto the food. Everything from the bread to the pasta to dessert was exceptional. We probably ate too much bread, but with freshly cut loaves and quality olive oil, how could you say no? Besides, ‘when in Rome’ or in this case, San Francisco!
Our top pick was the spaghetti alla carbonara, cooked to perfection with just the right amount of creaminess.
The chocolate tart with melt in your mouth pastry and rich chocolate filling also got a big tick of approval.
Taqueria Cancun
Why it’s a must visit: Authentic Mexican without the big city prices.
If Mexican takes your fancy, make sure you head to the Mission District. And don’t judge a book by its cover. A modest hole in the wall style set-up, Taqueria Cancun delivered easily the best burrito I’ve ever had (and one of the cheapest meals of our whole holiday).
Even the corn chips, salsa and guacamole they serve you to nibble on during the (minimal) wait for your order were amazing.
Be warned though, these babies are HUGE. Definitely bring your appetite. Perfect hangover food.
Chowders
Why it’s a must visit: The iconic dish you have to have in SF.
You can’t come to San Francisco without trying clam chowder.
A cool afternoon and a visit to the touristy yet fun Pier 39 was the perfect occasion to visit Chowders. I’ll admit, I was sceptical. And even when it was served – complete in its own sourdough bowl – it didn’t look like the most appetising dish. But from the first taste, the warming homemade chowder draws you in until before you know it, you’ve finished the tasty liquid and have moved onto the sourdough bowl itself!
Where to stay
Our base for our San Francisco adventure was the 4.5 star Taj Campton Place, located conveniently close to the shopping district of Union Square 😉
Retail therapy aside, there were a lot of things to love about this hotel including their help with securing last minute tickets to the San Francisco Giants game (a must-do even if you’re not a baseball fan) and their assistance when it came to our foodie explorations.
I have never seen anything like the heavily detailed concierge compiled guide to the city in our room! Page after page of personal insights into the neighbourhoods, shopping spots, restaurants plus things to do and the history of the city. It proved to be incredibly useful and also super interesting.
Taj Campton Place isn’t lacking in the food department itself with its own Michelin star restaurant which we didn’t get a chance to sample but by all reports is impressive.
The hotel food highlight was actually on our last morning in the form of room service before our early morning flight to New York (cheaper than the in-dining option and rather indulgent when enjoyed in your PJ’s and comfy robe!)
I also loved the balcony gym (yes, if you’re going to eat the way we did, a little exercise is necessary!). So often hotel gyms have no windows and feel completely stale but the set-up at the Taj is on an open air balcony space (with views of Macy’s in case you need some more inspiration ;)).