San Francisco is full of nice friendly lunch or brunch spot. We don't have enough space to list all of them here...
Our favorites right now, listed by neighborhood :
North Beach :
Mama’s on Washington square
Best brunch and lunch for some people. Pancakes, club sandwichs et burgers. As every popular place, it might be crowded, so bring a newspaper to read while waiting to be seated.
1701 Stockton St. (415) 362-6421.
8 am - 3 pm. Closed on Mondays.
www.mamas-sf.com [2]
Union Square :
The Rotunda
Upscale cafe located inside Neiman Marcus. The "popover brioche bread" served with strawberry butter is delightful! A good address for Union Square fashionistas.
Neiman Marcus, 150 Stockton St. (415) 249-2720
Open everyday, lunch only.
Website [3]
La Marina :
Judy’s Café
Wait can be very long, but it is worth it. Write down your name on the list and go for a walk along Chestnut Street. Omelettes are delicious, bread is homemade, orange juice is fresh-squeezed... A perfect brunch spot.
2268 Chestnut street, Marina.
Information [4].
Laurel Heights :
Rigolo
Rigolo is a French word meaning "funny". If the place is not particularly funny, it is pleasant and serves simple good food with a French twist. Croissants, croque madame, salads... A perfect option if you are shopping in Laurel Heights village. Kids friendly (they have a tiny indoor playground at the back). Free parking lot.
3465 California street, Laurel Heights.
Information [5].
Pacific Heights :
The Grove Fillmore
Comfort food (chicken pot pie, pies, fresh squeezed orange juice) and casual atmosphere. Order at the counter and seat outside or by the large windows. Open for dinner as well.
2016 Fillmore street, Pacific Heights.
Mission :
Tartine bakery and café.
A SF institution you definitely have to try once in your life. Hype and touristy. A heaven for sweet junkies. Inescapable !
600 Guerrero street.
Castro :
Café flore
The main advantage of this place is its outdoor well-oriented sunny patio. Order inside, seat outside and enjoy the sun. Nothing special about the food : ceasar salad, burgers...
2298 Market street.
Information [7].
Thourough bread
A French bakery, less hype but as delicous as Tartine (even more?). For a brunch or an afternoon sweet break, the outdoor quiet patio is perfect.
248 Church street.
Information [8].
Noe Valley :
Toast
For a true american breakfast or brunch. Two locations in Noe Valley.
1748 church street, et 3991 24th street.
Hayes Valley :
Café du soleil
Sun ! That's what you will get from this place. As far as the food is concerned, they serve good pastries, salads and sandwiches from Bay Bread (La Boulange's owner).
200 Fillmore street
NOPA :
Matching Half Café
Salads, sandwiches et very good coffee.
1799 Mc Allister. Information [9].
Golden Gate Park :
De Young Museum café
The cafe has a nice outdoor sunny space. Healthy sandwiches and salads at reasonable price. A good Museum restaurant.
Academy café, in the Science Academy.
Multicultural menu ranging from spring rolls to paninis, tacos and pastries. Nice outdoor space where children can play and run after visiting the academy.
Richmond:
Cassava Bakery + Café
Close to the Balboa Theatre in a nice, friendly and lively neighborhood. Gives a new twist to your brunch.
3519 Balboa Street (between 36th and 37th avenue)
Information [10]
And almost everywhere in SF :
La Boulange
For a brunch, breakfast or "4PM after school goûter". Salads, croissants, quiches, tartines with levain bread…. Daily menu and locations on La Boulange.com [11].