Neighborhood Nosh: Tenderloin Restaurants
By Citysearch Editors, San Francisco
The Tenderloin is perhaps SF’s greatest testament to the fact that you really can’t judge a book by its cover—or a neighborhood by its junkies. Make it past the questionable characters and grimy streets and you’ll find a dining dichotomy: unexpectedly chic, upscale restaurants next to decidedly dirty (but delicious) ethnic eateries.
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farmerbrown
25 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Southern-comfort cuisine and specialty cocktails mingle at this hip restaurant on the edge of the Tenderloin. -
Swan Oyster Depot
1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA
Mayberry-style friendliness, impeccable seafood and affordable prices--this family-owned oyster bar has earned its legendary status. -
Asia de Cuba at Clift
495 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
A dramatic, glam theatre of a restaurant for Euro-scenesters, celebrities and the fabulously privileged. -
Millennium
580 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
Elegant and inspired, this meat-free organic restaurant is a vegan's paradise and an omnivore's adventure. -
Pagolac
655 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA
Tenderloin gem serving fresh, cheap Vietnamese favorites. -
Sultan
340 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA
Sophisticated Indian fare in upscale surroundings satisfies discerning Union Square professionals and visitors. -
Golden Era
572 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA
Vegetarian and vegan diners trek to the Tenderloin for low-priced Asian fare. -
Shalimar
532 Jones St, San Francisco, CA
Authentic Pakistani cuisine and budget prices are the draws at this popular Tenderloin destination. -
A La Turca
869 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
Turkish cuisine on the cheap and extras like house-made pita bread keep 'em coming back to this Tenderloin cafe. -
Fish and Farm
339 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA
This cabin-like, eco-conscious Tenderloin's restaurant's contemporary American menu focuses on sustainable and seasonal produce and meats sourced from within 100 miles. -
Saigon Sandwich Shop
560 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA
Vietnamese sandwiches headline at this Tenderloin storefront. -
Grand Cafe
501 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
Classic French fare sparkles at this striking Theater District brasserie. -
Dottie's True Blue Cafe
522 Jones St, San Francisco, CA
Big portions and homemade bread at this sweet and popular breakfast spot in the Tenderloin. -
Red Box Sushi
581 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA
Modern and minimalist sushi bar in the Tenderloin serves up uber-fresh sashimi, nigiri and unique specialty rolls at bargain prices.
