Best Brunch in San Francisco (2025)

A San Francisco original since 1979 where Sunday brunch means oysters, a famed Bloody Mary, and wood-fired classics. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and praised by local critics for enduring style and seasonal cooking.

Foreign Cinema makes “dinner-and-a-movie” special every time - Review - San Francisco - The Infatuation

Foreign Cinema has been a Mission staple since 1999, and the reasons it’s still packed every night are simple: the restaurant serves fantastic seasonal Californian dishes and there’s a huge courtyard where they project films. Foreign Cinema’s inside is perfectly charming with its chandeliers made from old headlights and seatbelt-clad chairs, but you'll get the most out of the restaurant if you sit in the courtyard—especially if you want to shake up your date night routine. Outside, you walk a red-carpeted hallway to meet the host before sitting under string lights and powerful heaters, and watching something like Lawrence of Arabia. Check their site for the monthly film screening schedule, and find a night that works for whoever you'd happily give up a rent-controlled apartment for. video credit: Patrick Wong The restaurant's draw goes beyond the chance to watch Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery in public, though—the food is just as memorable. Foreign Cinema always has raw oysters on the menu, while the rest rotates through balanced, produce-heavy Californian and Mediterranean dishes that are plated like someone just got back from the Ferry Building’s farmers market. Cauliflower and celery root veloute with salsa matcha is creamy and bright. Five-spice duck breast with medjool dates and salmoriglio lands an even mix of tart, savory, and sweet. We'd say that the one weak spot is desserts, with dry chocolate cake and some just-fine chocolate chip cookies that feel tacked on to an otherwise great menu. video credit: Patrick Wong Foreign Cinema may age, but not-boring date nights are eternally useful—as long as you plan about a week in advance when reservations are easy to snag. (Or, if you and that person you’d willing give the last Valencia St. parking spot to are okay with dinner before 6pm, go at the last minute and pat yourself on the back for being spontaneous.) Sure, the movie may stop you from having a truly private conversation, but there are plenty of other restaurants for that. And, really, what else is there to talk about at this point in the relationship? RESERVE A TABLE WITH RESERVE A TABLE Food Rundown Guava Pop Tart You’ll never find a pre-packed version as good as this. The fillings rotate, but we haven’t encountered one we don’t like. photo credit: Virginia Mae Rollison Oysters The selection always changes, but they're also always good. Get them if you like mollusks. photo credit: Krescent Carasso Salt Cod Brandade Thick and fishy, as it should be. A tad salty, but all that seasoning gets mellowed by the accompanying crostini and pickles. photo credit: Patrick Wong Winter White Veloute This starter manages to be rich and velvety without being heavy, in big part thanks to the salsa matcha. photo credit: Patrick Wong Five Spice Duck Breast Our favorite dish we've had here. Yes, the duck breast is perfectly cooked, but it's alignment of the crispy potato hash, lemon herb sauce, grilled dates, and duck crackling that take it over the top. We can only hope this remains a regular on the menu. photo credit: Patrick Wong Birthday Cake This is a fine slice of german chocolate cake. Some bites are dry, though it’s helped out by the espresso anglaise. If you really need chocolate to finish a meal, by all means. Otherwise, you’re better off skipping. photo credit: Patrick Wong Brunch And while the restaurant doesn’t play movies during the day, Foreign Cinema’s brunch is an equally compelling form of entertainment. Especially if you like the sound of croque madame the size of a briefcase and an herbed Persian omelette with Dungeness crab and crispy potatoes. - Patrick Wong

Potrero Hill’s daytime institution famous for lemon ricotta pancakes and ultra-crispy potatoes. Walk-in only and worth the wait; regularly highlighted by The Infatuation and Eater for standout, farm-focused brunch plates.

Cole Valley’s French stalwart turns out superb Benedicts, gingerbread pancakes, and patio brunch daily. Beloved by locals, often cited by editors at Eater and Thrillist, and known for its worker-forward model with service included.

Near Ocean Beach, this Outer Sunset favorite serves a beloved Dutch pancake, stellar breads, and seasonal plates. Lauded by the San Francisco Chronicle for its revitalized cooking and a must on Eater’s brunch radar.

A downtown staple channeling New Orleans spirit: stuffed beignets, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken Benedict. Celebrated by the San Francisco Chronicle and SFGATE, with community-minded initiatives from chef-owner Brenda Buenviaje.

Francis and Dian Ang’s Filipino-Californian restaurant turns weekend brunch into a panaderia-and-plates celebration, from ensaymada to vibrant savory dishes. Michelin-recommended and previously recognized by The New York Times.

Third-generation, family-run dim sum where weekend carts roll with har gow, xiao long bao, and roast duck buns. A local cultural touchstone honored with a Michelin Bib Gourmand; two FiDi locations operate for brunch hours.

A permanent home for the acclaimed pop-up, serving scratch-made brunch classics — house butter, bagels, bacon, and a standout potato pancake. Endorsed by Eater editors in 2025 and warmly embraced by the NoPa community.

A Scandinavian daytime cafe known for cardamom morning buns, porridges, and smørrebrød-style spreads. Frequently recommended by Eater and local writers for a lighter, seasonal take on brunch in the heart of the city.

An Asian American bakery-cafe with kaya toast, inventive pastries, and savory daytime plates; now expanded with a Dogpatch outpost. Praised by the San Francisco Chronicle and widely cited by local editors for creativity.

North Beach’s enduring brunch line forms for French toast samplers, Dungeness crab Benedict, and house-baked goods. A family-run fixture celebrated by travel editors and local press for its history and generous plates.