Sotto Mare – the brainchild of chef Gigi Fiorucci – is one of San Francisco’s most popular restaurants. The casual dining establishment is so famous that it has been long regarded as a gourmet institution amongst San Franciscans.

The speciality seafood restaurant is notorious for its incredibly long queues but the wait clearly has not deterred avid foodies from returning.

The restaurant takes immense pride in serving the “best damn crab cioppino” and if you look around, you would soon realise that is exactly what everyone came for. For the uninitiated, the cioppino is a classic San Francisco seafood stew invented and subsequently popularised by the Italian fishermen who worked at Fisherman’s wharf in the 1930s.

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First thing first, do note that Sotto Mare only accepts reservations for parties of three and more, so if you are dining solo or as a couple, you will have to try their luck by walking in.

We waited for more than an hour for a table for two and another 30 minutes before the signature Crab Cioppino (US$41) was served to us.

What can we say? Good things are worth waiting for!

Sotto Mare’s Crab Cioppino is essentially a gigantic pot of piping hot aromatic seafood stew that can feed up to three customers.

Rummage through the savoury dish and you will find generous amounts of clams, crabs, mussels, scallops, shrimps and penne pasta submerged in an addictive tomato-based broth.

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Put on a bib, take a whiff and dig in like there’s no tomorrow.

Cioppino aside, Sotto Mare’s one-page menu too features an impressive selection of oysters, salads, pasta and other scrumptious seafood delicacies. Their oysters are superbly fresh (West Coast – US$1.50 each, East Coast – US$2.50 each) and we devoured them effortlessly instantly.

Read our latest travel guide: 15 Reasons to Visit San Francisco.

Sotto Mare
552 Green Street
San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Tel: +1 415-398-3181
Closed on Sundays
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 9.30pm

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, with its accommodation being the priciest across United States. Fortunately, that does not mean that touring the Californian city should cost a bomb or anything at all.

From exploring the hippie neighbourhood of Haight-Ashbury to admiring panoramic views of downtown San Francisco from the Hamon Tower, some of the best attractions you can experience in San Francisco are actually free.

Here is our guide to 7 fun free things to do in San Francisco:

#1 FERRY BUILDING

The Ferry Building is more than just a ferry terminal. In fact, it is also a hub of commercial and retail, with commercial office spaces and a market place under its roof. While there are many cafes and restaurants to visit, an interesting vendor that has stopped almost everyone in their tracks is mushroom specialty shop Far West Fungi – it sells an exhaustive variety of mushrooms and you can even purchase a mini farm to grow your own! Do not forget to check out the dock where you will find an unobstructed view of the magnificent Bay Bridge.

One Ferry Building
San Francisco, California 94111

#2 GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

The majestic Golden Gate Bridge is the icon of San Francisco and a must-see in every visitor’s checklist. If you are itching for a great workout, you can embark on a three miles long journey by foot on the suspended bridge’s sidewalks. The entrance for cyclists and pedestrians are free but do take note of the bridge’s varying operating hours.

#3 HAIGHT-ASHBURY

Famous for their colourful striking Victorian houses, this hipster neighbourhood was once occupied by the hippie community in the 1960s. While yuppies seem to be the core group of residents today, the countercultural influence remains at large with sightings of artistic murals, quirky boutiques and alternative musicians.

It is impossible to not catch a whiff of marijuana as you walk through graffiti-strewn streets and alleyways. Prescribed weed is legal in San Francisco and may soon be legalized for recreation purposes. Haight-Ashbury has evolved over the decades and is now home to an abundance of retail stores, restaurants and nightlife entertainment. The district’s diverse eccentricity is undeniably alluring and you will have a great time exploring the surprises it has to offer.

#4 HAMON TOWER

General Admission to Fine Arts Museum de Young’s galleries will cost USD 10 per adult, but what most people did not know is that the entrance to the Hamon Tower is absolutely free of charge.

Skip the exhibitions and head 114 feet up to the Observatory Deck for a visual treat. Remember to bring your camera to capture the aerial view of The California Academy of Sciences (located right across de Young) and a breathtaking 360 degrees view of downtown San Francisco.

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
San Francisco, CA 94118, United States

#5 LOMBARD STREET

Lombard Street is a peculiar but fascinating sightseeing activity. It is one of the most beautifully crooked streets you can find in the world, characterized by eight sharp U-shaped bends in a single steep block.

The street is an attraction itself, with tourists from all over the world flocking there daily to catch a glimpse of it. Do walk along the side roads to avoid any mishaps. The crowd is so notoriously overwhelming that traffic police are stationed there to regulate the flow. Alternatively, drive through the zigzags for a scenic memorable experience!

1070 Lombard Street
San Francisco, California 94109

#6 PAINTED LADIES

Painted Ladies is actually a stretch of colourful vintage Victorian houses along the corner of Hayes and Steiner Streets. This attraction is a hit amongst photographers for its stunning juxtaposition – beautiful Victorian homes with San Francisco’s skyscrapers in the backdrop.

Take a stroll along Alamo Square Park and enjoy the view of Painted Ladies and the distant city skyline. It also makes a perfect background for your outfit of the day pictures.

Corner of Hayes and Steiner Street

#7 UNION SQUARE

Union Square has been unanimously dubbed as the heart of San Francisco. This 1.05 hectare public plaza is a center of dining, entertainment and retail – you will find yourself spoilt rotten with endless choices.

Walk around Union Square even if you have no intention to shop and immerse yourself in the vibrant ambience. Keep your eyes peeled when seasonal holidays are around the corner, as Union Square will be showcasing many exciting festive events. While transportation on the iconic Instagram-worthy cable cars is not free, you can still admire it from a near distance.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc.

San Francisco is truly a gastronomic heaven. Be it Japanese, Chinese or French patisseries and desserts, they have the best here in San Francisco to satisfy your taste buds. And thanks to the myriad of Asians that flock the land, San Francisco is home to some of the best Asian delights here in the States. It is no wonder why restaurants are one of San Francisco’s main attractions, drawing people not only from the Bay Area, but from all over the world.

Here is a list of restaurants and bakeries that you can visit during your gastronomic adventure in San Francisco.

If you are planning a trip there, also read my post on 5 Things to Do in San Francisco.

Izakaya Sozai

Right in the corner of Inner Sunset neighborhood, a traditional Japanese food soars at Izakaya Sozai. There must be something seductive about its big plate-glass windows that almost reach the sidewalk, because seated inside on the wooden banquettes are all engaged diners and waiting outside for a place in the 40-seat dining room are eager eaters. The most exciting dishes on the menu are small plates that are the most traditionally Japanese. On top of that, they also have daily specials that you can read from the blackboards.

1500 Irving St (between 17th Ave and 16th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122
Tel: (415) 742 5122
Wed to Thu & Sun: 5:30pm – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 5:30pm – 11pm

Sophie’s Crepes

Sophie’s Crepe is tucked in the corner of the shopping centre in Japantown. It is not hard to find because this place is always crowded with people, especially college students and young adults. They serve French crepe but are done in Japanese style. Their crepe has a really smooth texture and the right amount of sweetness and butter taste. The fillings and toppings are what make the crepe “Japanese” – azuki beans, green tea ice cream, red bean syrup, etc. The crepe is rolled up into a cone (which makes it easy to eat on-the-go) and a generous amount of all-things-sweet is topped on it.

1581 Webster St (between Geary Blvd & Post St)
San Francisco, CA 94 115
Tel: (415) 929 7732
Tue to Thu: Sun 11am – 9pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm-10pm

Ghirardelli Square

Simply a chocolate heaven! Ghirardelli is a famous local chocolate brand in San Francisco. Situated right next to the Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square is like a chocolate playground where you can tour their chocolate factory, sample their chocolates, shop for pounds of chocolate bars for your friends back home, and order their special chocolate creations for that sinful indulgence at their café. Life is always great with chocolates.

900 N Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: (415) 775 5500
Mon to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri to Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm

The Buena Vista

Located at a historic old building at the end of the Hyde Street cable car line, The Buena Vista is always packed with people who are there for its famous Irish Coffee. This place is oozing with nostalgia and is no wonder that it is a prime spot for both tourists and locals alike. Besides their addictive alcoholic coffee, The Buena Vista serves food like burgers and sandwiches too.

2765 Hyde St (between North Point St & Beach St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: (415) 474 5044
Mon to Fri: 9am – 2am
Sat & Sun: 8am – 2am

Café Jacqueline

Café Jacqueline is said to be one of the most romantic restaurants in San Francisco. The interior has a simple décor that gives an old-fashioned Parisian feel and I think what makes this place romantic is the quiet ambience in the surrounding North Beach and Telegraph Hill neighborhood.

Café Jacqueline is famous for its soufflé – hearty yet so light, and fluffy yet so filling. Their soufflé is huge (believe me, it’s going to be the biggest soufflé you’ve ever seen) and is good to share among 4 people. And for a little surprise, besides dolce flavors like chocolate, raspberry and Grand Marnier, they also serve savory soufflé like lobster, crab, and asparagus.

1454 Grant Ave (between Green St & Union St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Tel: (415) 981 5565
Wed to Sun: 5.30pm – 11pm

Mama’s

Located at North Beach neighborhood’s Washington Square Park, which is formerly the Bohemian part of the city, Mama’s is famous because it seriously makes the best breakfast in town. Since Mama and Papa Sanchez first opened their doors over 50 years ago, Mama’s has been continuing a tradition in serving fluffy omelettes, homemade jams, thick pancakes, and freshly baked pastries and breads. In short, Mama’s is truly a breakfast legend.

1701 Stockton St (at Filbert St), San Francisco, CA 94133
Tel: (415) 362 6421
Tue to Sun: 8am – 3pm

Golden Gate Bakery

This Chinatown bakery certainly does not stand out from the surrounding businesses in terms of appearance. With their humble shop front, you wouldn’t expect that they serve amazing cult-like egg tarts. There is always a line outside the shop, but when you make it inside, everyone crowds together towards the counter. You have to edge your way up and place your order. Although they may pass you by in favor of a regular, I encourage you to stand your ground to get these tarts of gold.

1029 Grant Ave (between Jackson St & Pacific Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Tel: (415) 781 2627
Mon – Sun 8am – 8pm

Boudin Sourdough Bakery and Café

Boudin bakes the classic sourdough breads and brews the creamy clam chowder. And the perfect way to enjoy these is to have your clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. The slight hint of sourness will blend nicely with the salty and thick sourdough bread. Boudin also sells sourdough breads in cute animal shapes that you can take home and cans of clam chowders that can be good souvenirs from the wharf. You are also able to tour the kitchen or watch the bakers through the glass windows along the street. The shop is sort of magical too as you can see how they move the breads in baskets that are hung and moved along the steel bars.

160 Jefferson St (between Mason St & Taylor St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Tel: (415) 928 1849
Mon – Thu 8am – 9:30pm; Fri – Sat 8am – 10pm

Miette

Miette is a modern, cute, sweet, pinkish and delicious pastry shop. Their cakes are impeccable and traditionally American, which are birthday-party perfect. Besides cakes and cookies, Miette also bakes French macarons, with delicate and elegant flavors like rose, chocolate orange and pistachio. Miette is the French word for “crumb” and I guess it aptly describes the scale of their petite pastries displayed in their minimal yet charming decorations.

1 Ferry Building Ste 10, San Francisco, CA 94111
Tel: (415) 837 0300
Mon to Fri 9am – 7pm
Sat: 8am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm

Hai Ky Mi Gia

This Chinese and Vietnamese eating house at downtown San Francisco cooks noodles that taste a lot like the Bakmie in those shop houses in my hometown, Jakarta. Hai Ky Mi Gia is famous for its braised duck noodle, in which the fall-off-the-bone meat from the duck is so tender and the spices used to braise the duck is just spot on. Besides consistency and authenticity in their food, the portions are good for sharing too with very reasonable prices.

707 Ellis St (between Larkin St & Polk St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: (415) 771 2577
Daily (except Wed): 8am – 6pm

About the writer
Anlin Melina is a Business Administration and Economics student at the University of California, Berkeley, who likes travelling and writing during her free time. Melina has recently completed writing her first book, titled “Once Upon A Blue Sky”, which is a travel guide book on cities in the United States.