Where to Eat

In San Francisco's Pacific Heights

Bun Mee

2015 Fillmore Street

For a fast, flavorful lunch, this tiny 16-seat counter turns out gourmet banh mi with a Californian twist, along with rice bowls and salads. Most everything on the menu runs well under $15, making it one of the best-value stops on this list. Order at the counter and grab one of the handful of seats, or take it to go and eat in nearby Alta Plaza Park.

DINE AT BUN MEE

Jane on Fillmore

2123 Fillmore Street

Start the morning the way Pac Heights locals do: with a latte and a pastry at this light-filled café. Jane on Fillmore has been a fixture since 2011, and its sandwiches, salads, and baked goods make it just as good for a casual lunch as it is for breakfast. Expect a line at peak hours.

DINE AT JANE

Johnny Doughnuts

2404 California Street

A glossy, white-tiled shop on the corner of California and Fillmore streets, this Bay Area mini-chain is worth the stop for its "crodough"—a croissant-doughnut hybrid with a thick, sweet filling—alongside a solid cup of coffee. 

VISIT JOHNNY DOUGHNUTS

Jackson Fillmore Trattoria

2506 Fillmore Street

A neighborhood institution since 1985, this snug trattoria serves up Roman and Southern Italian classics: homemade pastas, a legendary tiramisu, and free bruschetta while you wait. It's unpretentious, family-run, and consistently full, so arrive early or be ready to wait for one of the roughly 20 seats. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

DINE AT JACKSON FILLMORE TRATTORIA

Little Shucker

2016 Fillmore Street

This bright, high-ceilinged oyster bar features a rotating list of bivalves, as well as lobster rolls, seafood towers, and a well-chosen wine list. The dog-friendly patio is a draw on a sunny afternoon. They don't take reservations, so weekday lunches tend to be the easiest time to snag a table.

DINE AT LITTLE SHUCKER

Pinsa Rossa

2101 Fillmore Street

Pinsa is a lighter, airier cousin of traditional pizza, made with a long-fermented dough and a blend of flours—and this cozy corner spot has built a devoted following for it. The vibe is casual and kid-friendly, with a menu of classic and inventive toppings, plus a respectable tiramisu to finish. Reservations are recommended on weekend evenings, when the small dining room fills up fast.

DINE AT PINSA ROSSA

Harry's Bar

2020 Fillmore Street

Open since 1984, this wood-paneled Fillmore Street mainstay is the neighborhood's go-to for catching a game on one of several big screens. With an upscale bar menu, a well-mixed Manhattan, and a lively weekend brunch with bottomless bellinis, it's a reliable, unfussy pick for a casual time out.

VISIT HARRY'S BAR

Palmer's

2298 Fillmore Street

Taxidermy on the walls, black-and-white photos, and a wonderful old neon sign set the scene at this nostalgic corner tavern, which channels the Fillmore District's mid-century past. The kitchen turns out classic tavern fare — truffle fries, steak tartare, flatbreads — best paired with a Negroni from the extensive cocktail and whiskey list. Good for a lively evening with friends or a low-key dinner at the bar.

VISIT PALMER'S

Chouquet's

2500 Washington Street

A comfortable dining room and a heated sidewalk patio make this walk-in-friendly bistro a favorite for lunch, weekend brunch, or a relaxed dinner. The kitchen leans on French classics—boeuf bourguignon, moules marinière, steak frites, and a well-loved crème brûlée—backed by an approachable, well-priced wine list. It's a dependable choice when you want something a little more refined without the fuss of a reservation.

DINE AT CHOUQUET'S

The Tailor's Son

2049 Fillmore Street

Bright, airy, and buzzing most nights, this Milanese-inspired trattoria serves vegetable-forward crudos, house-made pastas, and risottos alongside an all-Italian, biodynamic-leaning wine list and a well-stocked cocktail bar. It's equally suited to a lively first date or a catch-up with friends—just expect a bit of noise at peak hours.

DINE AT THE TAILOR'S SON

Troya

22125 Fillmore Street

This warm, elegant dining room has been serving Turkish-Mediterranean fare since 2006, with a menu built around shareable plates—hummus, fried Brussels sprouts, lamb kebabs—best enjoyed family-style. Weekend brunch is particularly popular on its lively patio. Dinner tends to be quieter and better suited to a relaxed conversation.

DINE AT TROYA