When it comes to choosing where to eat in Noe Valley, San Francisco natives will reel off a smorgasbord of options, which usually include sushi, Italian, Indian, Russian, Korean, and more. While the neighborhood may not be home to the city’s most famous restaurants, it can lay claim to a number of great dining spots, ranging from simple, casual concepts to higher-end experiences.
With the bustling Mission District off to the east and the vibrant Castro to the north, Noe Valley is known for its laid-back, family-friendly charm. Spend an hour strolling down 24th Street, browsing the little shops and cafes, then enjoy some good eats at one (or more) of the following locations.
Saru Sushi Bar
If you’re craving fresh sushi and sashimi that practically melts in your mouth, then go to Saru Sushi Bar (3856 24th Street) for lunch or dinner.
This snug eatery—with additional outdoor seating—hosts a steady stream of diners who happily sip on premium sake (like the Tensei or Joto) while partaking in delicious fare such as the hamachi kama (grilled yellowtail collar), o-toro (supreme fatty tuna) nigiri, and Copper River king salmon sashimi.
Insider Tip: Arrive on the early side to beat the rush at this first-come, first-serve restaurant.
La Ciccia
Seafood is the star at La Ciccia (291 30th Street), a local favorite on the edge of Noe Valley, whose chef and owner, Massimiliano Conti, hails from the Italian island of Sardinia. Tasty starters include a rich tomato stew of baby octopus, and tender, roasted calamari drizzled with basil oil.
For the mains, Chef Conti keeps locals coming back for the spaghittusu tossed with spicy oil and bottarga (aka mullet roe), fusilli with sea urchin, and squid ink fettuccine.
Bon AppeTikka
Butter chicken, check. Saag paneer, check. Lamb vindaloo, check. Vegetable biryani, check.
Bon AppeTikka (4166 24th Street) has all of the most sought-after Indian dishes, plus a whole lot more. The kitchen at this unassuming establishment has mastered a wide array of dinner items, from starters like the palak chaat (crispy fried spinach and seasonal fruit with chutney) to entrees that include the Goan salmon curry and tandoori shrimp with pineapple.
Birch & Rye
Birch & Rye is working hard to become one of the best restaurants in Noe Valley. Opened in February 2022, this fine-dining restaurant fuses California and Russian cuisines in a light-filled contemporary setting. Chef/Owner Anya El-Wattar, who cooked at Greens, has created a caviar-centric tasting menu for $200 as well as a five-course chef’s or vegan tasting menu for $125.
Highlights include a beet coulis (aka puree), wild mushroom stroganoff, and seared black cod topped with salmon roe and served in a consommé.
Ap’s Cafe
Looking for a budget-friendly lunch that you can grab and go? Drop into Ap’s Cafe and pick up a couple of savory handheld pies. Specializing in empanadas and peasant pies, this small storefront on Noe Valley’s 24th Street sells more than a dozen different kinds including plenty of vegetarian and vegan alternatives.
Try the Argentinean beef or Thai pork empanada, or give the garbanzo bean curry pie a go. And save a little room for a sweet pie such as the pear crumble or chocolate flan.
Village Rotisserie
If you’re all about outdoor dining, Noe Valley has plenty of great options. This includes Village Rotisserie, where you can sit in the cute backyard patio while grubbing on—you guessed it—rotisserie chicken!
Village Rotisserie also has fried chicken and plenty of vegetarian items available. Get the fried chicken sandwich or the half or whole rotisserie chicken with a side of Kung Pao brussels sprouts, mac and cheese, quinoa salad, or fries. And pair your meal with a locally made pilsner or pinot noir hailing from California’s Central Coast.
Firefly
Even after almost 30 years in business, Firefly has managed to maintain its quaint, down-to-earth attitude and ambiance, while putting out an eclectic lineup of comforting, globally influenced dishes.
Noteworthy items on a menu that changes with the seasons have included the pão de queijo (Brazilian cheesy bread with an arugula-walnut pesto and onion jam), fried heritage chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, and the spiced lamb stew with a medley of vegetables.
Dash Japanese Tapas and Sushi
Noe Valley newcomer Dash Japanese Tapas and Sushi (which opened in spring of 2022) is wowing diners with its wide selection of small plates, sushi, and rice and noodle dishes.
Standout items include the hamachi poke roll, eryngii mushroom (king oyster mushroom stir-fried in garlic butter), mentaiko yaki udon (pan-fried udon tossed with cod roe and bacon bits), karaage (or deep-fried) chicken nuggets, and chirashi don (sashimi over sushi rice).
Hi-Way Burger and Fry
At Hi-Way Burger and Fry, juicy grass-fed beef patties with “the works” (lettuce, tomato, grilled or raw onion slices, and a secret sauce) come sandwiched between soft sesame rolls. You can of course opt for a double burger with some extras, including cheddar or blue cheese, smoked applewood bacon, or slices of avocado.
If you’d rather pass on meat, order the plant-based Beyond burger with the beer-battered onion rings or garlic fries.
Trad Bone Broth
Hop on the bone-broth bandwagon with a visit to Korean-inspired Trad Bone Broth. Umami flavors sing in these nutrient-rich broths and soups, which have been simmered upwards of 48 hours to get every bit of goodness out of the chicken and beef bones used to make them.
Sipping broths include the classic chicken or Seoul beef broths. Meanwhile, signature drinks such as the spicy kimchi or tom kha broths will get your blood pumping. For those seeking heartier fare, the Korean beef soup or spicy beef chili are sure to satisfy.
SF native Lisa Park is a content strategist, editor, and writer whose past credits include food-centric stints at Martha Stewart, 7×7, and Foodsmart. An Institute of Culinary Education grad, she worked for top chefs in NYC and SF. These days, you’ll find Lisa cooking at home and exploring the SF Bay Area’s best eats.