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Restaurant list

Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in San Francisco

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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
4.4 (221)
$30 and under
Hawaiian
Japantown
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
Jonathan
Dined on Apr 24, 2025
Had an amazing time at Paina! My friends and I truly love going here for celebrating events and watching sports games. I was able to book a reservation easily. We love that wing Wednesdays are back and all the servers were so friendly and helpful. Chefs kiss to all the food we ate, from tachos to wings and poke!!! The cocktails are so fun and delicious!
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
Jonathan
Dined on Apr 24, 2025
Had an amazing time at Paina! My friends and I truly love going here for celebrating events and watching sports games. I was able to book a reservation easily. We love that wing Wednesdays are back and all the servers were so friendly and helpful. Chefs kiss to all the food we ate, from tachos to wings and poke!!! The cocktails are so fun and delicious!
Bartlett Hall
4.4 (522)
$31 to $50
American
Downtown / Union Square
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
BryanVIP
Dined on Apr 23, 2025
Were visiting SF for work and Bartlett Hall was around the corner from my hotel. Good food and a great selection of beer. Fun vibe!
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
BryanVIP
Dined on Apr 23, 2025
Were visiting SF for work and Bartlett Hall was around the corner from my hotel. Good food and a great selection of beer. Fun vibe!
Level III
3.7 (399)
$31 to $50
Californian
Downtown / Union Square
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.
Top review
Anne
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
A great location to meet friends for breakfast! We had a small, more private area as a party of 8. We were able to enjoy each other's company and spend time with each other before traveling home. Food was excellent, service was outstanding.
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.
Top review
Anne
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
A great location to meet friends for breakfast! We had a small, more private area as a party of 8. We were able to enjoy each other's company and spend time with each other before traveling home. Food was excellent, service was outstanding.
Cable 55
4 (25)
$30 and under
Unspecified
Downtown / Union Square
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.
Top review
RyanVIP
Dined on Nov 17, 2024
Absolutely a phenomenal meal and service! First time dining at Cable 55 and first time staying at Parc 55. The staff is very friendly and attentive. I’ll definitely be back!
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.
Top review
RyanVIP
Dined on Nov 17, 2024
Absolutely a phenomenal meal and service! First time dining at Cable 55 and first time staying at Parc 55. The staff is very friendly and attentive. I’ll definitely be back!
Bistro Boudin
4.6 (2178)
$30 and under
American
Fisherman's Wharf
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
RobertVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Great starters, pizza, fish and chips and burger! A hidden gem for both tourists and locals. Warm, smiling servers.
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
RobertVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Great starters, pizza, fish and chips and burger! A hidden gem for both tourists and locals. Warm, smiling servers.
Aliment
4.6 (948)
$31 to $50
American
Downtown / Union Square
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.
Top review
Brandon
Dined on May 7, 2025
Great place just a bit too loud for a customer dinner
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.
Top review
Brandon
Dined on May 7, 2025
Great place just a bit too loud for a customer dinner
Tower Salon - The Westin St. Francis
3.7 (520)
$31 to $50
American
Downtown / Union Square
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
sfdinerVIP
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.
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
sfdinerVIP
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
4.1 (1822)
$30 and under
Californian
Nob Hill
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.
Top review
Connie
Dined on May 17, 2025
we had tea, we were charged $30 for a glass of champagne
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.
Top review
Connie
Dined on May 17, 2025
we had tea, we were charged $30 for a glass of champagne
MKT Restaurant and Bar
4.9 (1266)
$31 to $50
Californian
Downtown / Union Square
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.
Top review
Laurie
Dined on May 11, 2025
Amazing!Service was Spectacular! Food was Outstanding
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.
Top review
Laurie
Dined on May 11, 2025
Amazing!Service was Spectacular! Food was Outstanding
The Vault Garden
4.6 (695)
$31 to $50
Californian
Financial District / Embarcadero
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
Douglas
Dined on May 11, 2025
Great food. Was surprised at the generous portions. Nice ambiance w/ heat lamps & blankets. Service was great (thanks Nate :) ).
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
Douglas
Dined on May 11, 2025
Great food. Was surprised at the generous portions. Nice ambiance w/ heat lamps & blankets. Service was great (thanks Nate :) ).

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