Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in San Francisco

by The OpenTable Team

Updated January 28, 2020

San Francisco and the Bay Area have become famous today for its innovative tech industry and seaside attractions, like the Gold Gate Bridge. Back in the 1850s, The Gold Rush brought treasure seekers out West to California, bringing with them culinary diversity that would eventually touch everything from locally grown staples to the best tacos in San Francisco. But where do the most serious foodies in the city choose to dine? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. We’ve gathered data from OpenTable’s enormous network of expert diners to identify the best restaurants around the globe. While patrons will repeatedly encounter foods born right in the city – such as soup-filled dumplings, Crab Louis, cioppino and even sourdough bread – offerings like the best tacos in San Francisco simply cannot be overlooked. Each of these eateries offers the Mexican classic, so book a table before they fill up!

Pa'ina Restaurant and Bar

4.6

4.6 (210)

$30 and under

Hawaiian

Japantown

About the restaurant

Live music and events combine with sea life décor and Californian culture to create an environment that’s a blend of San Franciscan and Hawaiian culture at Pa’ina. This popular hangout hosts concerts, artist socials and a variety of other events that keep people coming back. Add in some of the best tacos in San Francisco – discounted to $2 along with $7 margaritas on Taco Tuesdays – and it’s no wonder locals and tourists alike can’t get enough of this place.

Top review

Johnvip

Dined 4 days ago

Hard time finding and getting waitress to get water and other request.

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Experience

Karaoke Room (Up to 10 Guests)

Experience

Karaoke Room (Up To 20 Guests)

Experience

$1 Oysters Thursdays!

Bartlett Hall

4.0

4 (516)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown / Union Square

About the restaurant

When the historic background of San Francisco is combined with modern conveniences, the world experiences something like Bartlett Hall. Old-school lighting, windows showing off the brewery, hardwood flooring and vintage fixtures combine with high definition televisions for a night our ancestors could’ve only dreamed of. Popular menu options include a variety of pizzas, The Impossible Burger, grilled chicken sandwich and NY strip steak. Their selection of the best tacos in San Francisco also includes mahi mahi and O'farrel Street varieties.

Top review

SherryFromSFvip

Dined on Mar 16, 2024

Bartlett Hall is walking distance to the Union Square Theaters. It's a sports bar, so food is served all day, which accommodates both matinees and night shows. The menu is brief, but everything is delicious. I love their kale salad. They have starters, pizza, burgers, and other pub favorites. All very good.

Level III

3.7

3.7 (395)

$31 to $50

Californian

Downtown / Union Square

About the restaurant

Located inside the JW Marriott San Francisco, Level III is a chic and modern eatery equipped with a full lounge area. The view of the 16-story atrium from the third floor is magnificent, but patrons with a healthy fear of heights can stay away from the edge and enjoy the dramatic sculptures, high-end seating, contemporary décor and modern vibe. The street tacos change daily, but the short rib variety is around constantly. In addition to arguably the best tacos in San Francisco, patrons can enjoy roasted chicken, NY steak, fresh local fish and a variety of specialty cocktails.

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Carolyn

Dined on Aug 16, 2024

We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Level III. It was our anniversary, and the service and food were excellent. I had the crab cakes, and my husband had the salmon. They were the best crab cakes I ever had! We had the cheesecake for dessert. The restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere.

Cable 55

4.2

4.2 (21)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Downtown / Union Square

About the restaurant

The historic streetcars along Market Street are attention grabbing, but Parc 55's signature restaurant, CABLE 55, is far likelier to be the memory people take home from the area. They managed to become an Ocean Friendly Restaurant thanks to their drive for sustainability, and this has fortunately not affected their cuisine in any negative way. The pesto chicken panini, bucatini primavera, Parc Burger and other popular fare is still available. Guests can also enjoy some of the best tacos in San Francisco while catching the game, enjoying the luxury interior or simply watching the goings-on of Market Street.

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Diane

Dined on Aug 14, 2024

They were short staffed so it took some time to be able to order. Food was delivered promptly and the waitress was pleasant.

Bistro Boudin

4.5

4.5 (2117)

$30 and under

American

Fisherman's Wharf

About the restaurant

Beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay might not be why guests visit Bistro Boudin, but it might be what keeps them coming back. Taking in this beauty can only be made better by doing so with fried calamari, oysters rockefeller, grilled ribeye steak or the popular sourdough tortilla tacos. In addition to the best views and best tacos in San Francisco, guests will also enjoy a relaxing ambiance defined by pop and historic art, vintage photos, antique wagons and a variety of other old-school décor.

Top review

Rueben

Dined 6 days ago

We had an awesome waiter, and the food was equally as good!

Aliment

4.3

4.3 (940)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown / Union Square

About the restaurant

The bar area at Aliment shows just how seriously the eatery takes their beverage offering. The gorgeous wood accents and marble bar couldn't look any fancier, but their extensive list of rotating bottles and taps is what really impresses guests who occupy these seats. The rest of the restaurant is basic with a modern vibe, and guests can enjoy movies and television projected up on the wall. They have some of the best wings in San Francisco – featured on their Happy Hour menu – but guests should also experience the braised short rib, wild mushroom fettuccine, buttermilk fried chicken or steakhouse burger.

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Joel

Dined on Aug 21, 2024

The mussels were fantastic. Everything else was very good.

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Tower Salon - The Westin St. Francis

3.7

3.7 (532)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown / Union Square

About the restaurant

Located in the historic St. Francis, The Oak Room manages to maintain its historic appeal while offering contemporary American classics. The ornate chandeliers, luxury seating and original wood each call back to a time long past. The smoked jalapeno rubbed salmon tacos, however, showcase the fact that a modern and advanced mind crafted the menu. In addition to what might be the best tacos in San Francisco, The Oak Room also offers a Southern fried chicken sandwich, turkey BLT, steak salad and a variety of dessert options. Those who can't make up their minds on an after dinner snack won't go wrong with the St. Francis Cheesecake.

Top review

sfdiner

Dined on Dec 25, 2023

The xmas brunch was not in the oak room and should not have been advertised as such. However, food and service were good.

Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar - Fairmont San Francisco

4.6

4.6 (1706)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Nob Hill

About the restaurant

Located in the Fairmont Hotel, Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar is one of the most exquisite fine dining options in the city. Marble columns, intricate ceiling designs, a luxury chandelier centerpiece and domed dining area create an opulent atmosphere that most eateries can’t even come close to. It may seem strange for such a high-end place to have the best tacos in San Francisco, but their fish tacos certainly accomplish the feat. Guests will also enjoy the chicken & waffles, tuna tartare, vegetarian burger and roasted chicken breast – among other California Coastal inspired offerings.

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Pamelavip

Dined on Sep 6, 2024

The beverages and food were truly excellent but very expensive. The ambience was absolutely lovely, but the service was only adequate. Our server seemed bored and was not overly attentive. However, the busboy was wonderful and looked for opportunities to be helpful! Overall, a wonderful evening!

MKT Restaurant and Bar

4.7

4.7 (1253)

$50 and over

American

Downtown / Union Square

About the restaurant

A focus on California-grown steaks and other sustainable culinary practices makes MKT Restaurant an authentic Golden State experience. Guests can enjoy a wide range of seafood favorites – such as grilled octopus, soft-shell crab and mahi mahi tacos – but lovers of red meat also have options thanks to grilled lamb chops, Flannery Holstein ribeye and more. Their fifth-floor location at the Four Seasons showcases extravagance on its own, but the fine art, soft lighting and unique sculptures go the extra mile to complete the ambiance.

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taopvip

Dined on Aug 24, 2024

Great food and good service , will definitely be back again

The Vault Garden

4.4

4.4 (669)

$31 to $50

Californian

Financial District / Embarcadero

About the restaurant

Leather banquettes, private liquor lockers and delicious martinis essentially define the experience at The Vault Restaurant. This upscale dining experience is located in the Financial District and occupies a space in one of the city’s most expensive buildings. The pristine lighting sculptures, expansive wall of wine, luxury seating and overall high-end environment remain true to the eatery’s placement in the building. The menu continues this lavish setting with a raw bar option, lobster carbonara tagliolini, 28-day dry-aged NY strip and some of the best tacos in San Francisco. Those who want something more exotic than traditional tacos should try their crispy rock cod fish variety.

Top review

Martyn

Dined 2 days ago

Great spot for lunch. Good service and food portions

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Experience

Forty Dollars Friday