Best Healthy Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Shizen
Inventive, plant-based sushi technique without imitation seafood.
Notable Picks
#1
Shizen
8.6
A fully vegan sushi bar and izakaya where chefs build layered textures from vegetables, konjac, and mountain yam. Diners come for creative rolls, composed nigiri, and an energetic room that still suits date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tomato nigiri with kelp reduction, Aburi eggplant nigiri, Signature seasonal roll
What Makes it Special: Inventive, plant-based sushi technique without imitation seafood.
#2
Wild One
8.6
Chef Leo's Cal-Mex fusion concept elevates traditional Mexican cuisine with organic, health-conscious ingredients and creative presentations. The watermelon feta salad with blackened salmon and chile relleno showcase the kitchen's innovative approach to familiar flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blackened Salmon with Watermelon Salad, Chile Relleno with Special Sauce, Crispy Fish Burrito
What Makes it Special: Cal-Mex fusion with organic ingredients and artistic presentation
8.5
San Francisco's pioneering vegetarian destination since 1979, serving seasonal plant-based cuisine from its own Green Gulch Farm in a converted Fort Mason warehouse with sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views. Chef Katie Reicher brings modern Asian-inflected preparations to this Zen Center-founded institution, where the waterfront setting often outshines dishes that feel more historically significant than groundbreaking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce, Wild Mushroom Terrine, Yellow Coconut Curry with Hodo Tofu
What Makes it Special: America's original fine dining vegetarian restaurant with farm-to-table produce from their own Marin County organic farm
8.5
Arab bakery-cafe turning out mana’eesh flatbreads, mezze, and seasonal salads with sidewalk seating. Bright flavors and fresh-baked breads make it ideal for a sunny lunch or early dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Za’atar mana’eesh, Shakshuka, Hummus with warm bread
What Makes it Special: Fresh-baked Arab flatbreads and mezze with counter-service ease.
#5
Iggy's Place
8.4
Daytime sandwich shop from the Borsch Mobile team turning out loaded hoagies and Slavic-influenced buns alongside salads and soups. Locals praise the crisp produce, well-seasoned meats, and quick counter cadence on Balboa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey hoagie with house dressing, Pulled chicken bun, Borsch-stuffed bun
What Makes it Special: Sandwich shop with Slavic-inspired buns from the Borsch Mobile crew.
8.4
French-run cheese shop and café turning out baguette sandwiches with quality charcuterie and cheeses. Locals stop in for jambon-beurre and a short, efficient lunch at the counter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Le Parisien (jambon & gruyère), Le Toulouse (smoked duck & manchego), Le Californien (roasted turkey & fontal)
What Makes it Special: Authentic French sandwiches built with artisan cheeses and charcuterie.
8.4
French-leaning cheese shop turning out crisp, well-built sandwiches on wood-fired ciabatta near Transbay. Downtown regulars come for quality charcuterie, thoughtful cheese picks, and efficient counter service at lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jambon Beurre (Parisian ham & butter), Turkey Brie with fig jam, Prosciutto & Mozzarella on ciabatta
What Makes it Special: Cheesemonger-crafted sandwiches built around top European and local cheeses.
8.3
Boiled-from-scratch bagels with rotating schmears and a legit lox option anchor this community-focused café. Lines move quickly in the morning, and the bagel texture hits the chew-crisp balance locals want.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bagel w/ Lox, Egg, Meat & Cheese Bagel Sandwich, Chipotle Shmear on Everything
What Makes it Special: Traditional boiled bagels made fresh daily with rotating whipped schmears.
8.3
Neo-traditional fish house (since 1979) across from the Symphony and Opera serving market-driven, simply grilled local seafood. Locals book it pre-show for clean flavors, crisp fries, and a rotating board of pristine fish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mesquite-grilled petrale sole, Dungeness crab cocktail (seasonal), Oysters with beurre blanc
What Makes it Special: San Francisco institution focused on fresh, simply prepared seafood since 1979.
#10
Kin Phed
8.3
Thai comfort-food specialist with a street-food lean—think tom yum with giant river prawn and southern-style pork ribs. Locals use it for bold flavors, short waits, and a tighter, chef-driven menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tom Yum Giant River Prawn Soup, Southern Thai Spicy Pork Spareribs, Slow-Braised Pork Leg on Rice (Khao Kha Moo)
What Makes it Special: Focused Thai street-food flavors with dishes rarely seen elsewhere.
#11
La Fromagerie
8.3
Cheese-focused café turning out French-leaning sandwiches on fresh breads with premium charcuterie and dairy. Office regulars come for swift counter service and well-built jambon-beurre–style combos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Le Parisien (jambon & cave-aged Gruyère), L’Italien (prosciutto & burrata), Le Toulouse (smoked duck & Manchego)
What Makes it Special: French-style sandwiches built around artisan cheeses and charcuterie.
#12
Le Sandwich
8.3
Chef-driven counter serving creative, globally inflected sandwiches with bright condiments and careful assembly. Breakfast runs into lunch, and the board mixes classics (Reuben, Caprese) with signatures like Primo and Toscana.
Must-Try Dishes:
Primo (salami, coppa, ham, provolone), Toscana (pesto, chicken, pepper jack), Reuben
What Makes it Special: Thoughtful flavor-forward builds with house touches and global riffs.
#13
Lokma
8.3
Turkish-Californian plates—manti, mezze, and wood-grilled proteins—served with steady hospitality. Sidewalk seating stays active from brunch through dinner on the Clement corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Manti (Turkish dumplings), Menemen, Lamb Köfte
What Makes it Special: Turkish staples executed with California produce and all-day appeal.
8.3
Plant-based scoop shop serving cashew-milk ice cream in classic and seasonal flavors with a rich, dairy-free texture. Downtown location makes it an easy stop for pints, cones, and flights after dinner on Locust.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cool Mint Chip, Chocolate Orange Chip, Cold Brew Coffee
What Makes it Special: All-organic, dairy-free cashew-milk ice cream with inventive flavors.
#15
Sipeos
8.3
California-Mediterranean vegetarian spot at Broadway Plaza with mezze, bowls, and flatbreads. Bright flavors, a roomy patio, and clear labeling make ordering simple for families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezze Platter, Kefta Skewer Plate (Impossible), Fennel-Citrus Salad
What Makes it Special: Vegetarian menu with many kid-friendly mezze and bowls.
8.3
Modern Greek spot known for spit-roasted meats, crisp salads, and Greek fries, with a lively sidewalk patio on Hayes Street. Locals use it for easy al fresco lunches and casual dinners that travel well to nearby Patricia’s Green.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb pita with harissa yogurt, Chicken kale salad with feta, Greek fries with Mizithra
What Makes it Special: Spit-roasted Greek classics with dependable patio seating on Hayes.
#17
Tín on Spear
8.3
Counter-service Vietnamese with bright, clean flavors—think five-spice chicken, shaking beef, and generous vermicelli bowls. A reliable downtown lunch move with quick lines and consistent execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Five-Spice Chicken over Rice, Bo Luc Lac (Shaking Beef), Imperial Rolls with Nuoc Cham
What Makes it Special: Well-executed classics served fast without feeling generic.
#18
Viet Noms
8.3
Modern Vietnamese counter spot with clean broths and crunchy-fresh veggies. Vegetarian pho and tofu bánh mì are light, satisfying options that travel well for takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegetarian Pho, Tofu Bánh Mì, Fresh Veggie Spring Rolls
What Makes it Special: Vegetarian pho with clear broth and crisp herbs.
Burmese favorites with plenty of naturally gluten-free choices like tea leaf salads and coconut curries. Friendly pacing and shareable plates make it easy for mixed-diet tables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tea Leaf Salad, Coconut Chicken Curry, Garlic Eggplant
What Makes it Special: Burmese curries and salads with many GF-friendly choices.
#20
Sultan’s Kebab
8.2
Counter-service Mediterranean with crisp falafel, creamy hummus, and fresh salads made to order. Fast lines and late hours make it a go-to for affordable vegetarian meals downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Plate, Hummus with Pita, Dolmas
What Makes it Special: Vegetarian plates assembled fast with bright, fresh toppings.
#21
Sumac
8.2
Modern Mediterranean street-food counter turning out shawarma bowls, köfte, and falafel with a fresh, California-leaning approach. Fast service and bright flavors make it a dependable Russian Hill quick meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma bowl with pickles and garlic sauce, Köfte bowl over rice, Falafel wrap with sumac–yogurt
What Makes it Special: Istanbul-inspired bowls and wraps with bright, herb-forward flavors.
8.2
Modern Thai with bright, balanced flavors and a sleek dining room that stays conversation-friendly at lunch. Dishes arrive fast and travel well for teams splitting plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy basil duck, Pad Thai, Khao soi
What Makes it Special: Refined Thai plates with quick pacing and clean presentation.
#23
TRACE
8.2
Israeli-style brunch near Yerba Buena featuring shakshuka, pita sandwiches, and bright mezze that photograph beautifully. Weekend brunch hours add a lighter, savory alternative to heavy American plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spanish/Harissa Shakshuka, Sabich Pita, Babaganoush with Warm Pita
What Makes it Special: Mediterranean brunch staples with vivid colors and textures.
#24
Andaman Thai
8.1
Neighborhood Thai kitchen with balanced spice levels and flexible substitutions. Families come for shareable curries, noodles, and friendly service that handles special requests well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pumpkin Curry, Pad Thai, Basil Chicken (or Tofu)
What Makes it Special: Flexible spice and protein swaps keep kids and adults happy.
#25
Angiday
8.1
Haight spot serving pho, bánh mì, and Vietnamese café drinks with quick counter service and a few cozy seats. Locals use it for a reliable noodle-and-sandwich fix before or after the park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef pho, Lemongrass pork bánh mì, Pandan latte
What Makes it Special: Compact Vietnamese menu with well-executed pho and bánh mì.
#26
Ayola
8.1
Greek fast-casual spot turning out gyros, shawarma, and crisp falafel with a few sidewalk tables for quick al fresco lunches. Reliable portions and speedy service make it a downtown staple for light Mediterranean bowls and pitas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gyros Pita Sandwich, Chicken Shawarma Bowl, Falafel Plate with Hummus
What Makes it Special: Downtown Greek go-to with quick counter service and outdoor seating.
8.1
Long-running Thai staple (since 1991) known for bright curries and rice-noodle dishes. Staff fields modifications well, making it a dependable stop for gluten-free diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Curry with tofu, Pad See Ew with tofu, Papaya Salad
What Makes it Special: Decades-strong Thai kitchen with rice-based dishes and GF-friendly tweaks.
8.1
Locally run California kitchen with seasonal salads, pizzas, and market fish that land under an hour. Approachable pricing and a roomy dining room make it easy for standing weekly check-ins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Petrale sole, Margherita pizza, Brussels sprouts
What Makes it Special: Seasonal, well-priced menu with fast, reliable pacing.
#29
Souvla (Mission)
8.1
Fast-moving Greek spot for spit-roasted meats in pita or salad, Greek fries, and an all-Greek wine list. The Mission outpost (since 2017) is ideal for casual lunches or low-key dinners with reliable counter service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb pita, Chicken salad, Frozen Greek yogurt
What Makes it Special: Rotisserie-driven Greek bowls and pitas with an all-Greek beverage list.
Neighborhood counter-service spot with a kids menu and plenty of veg-friendly options. Families come for plantain burritos, pozole, and easy seating along 24th Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Plantain & Black Bean Burrito, House-Made Pozole, Al Pastor Tacos
What Makes it Special: Kid-friendly menu with standout plantain burritos and pozole.
#31
Wingen Bakery
8.1
House-milled breads and laminated pastries anchor a café brunch of breakfast sandwiches and seasonal plates. The stylish space draws morning lines for coffee and baked goods.
Must-Try Dishes:
Morning bun, Breakfast sandwich on house bread, Seasonal quiche
What Makes it Special: From-mill bread program elevates pastries and breakfast plates.
#32
Andy & Yu's
8
Chinese kitchen with a dedicated gluten-free section covering stir-fries, fried rice, and chow fun with wheat-free soy. A reliable pick for families wanting classic flavors without the gluten.
Must-Try Dishes:
GF Peking Chicken, GF Chow Fun, GF Prawns with Honey Walnuts
What Makes it Special: Robust GF menu with wheat-free soy and rice-noodle options.
8
Modern café with a coastal feel serving toasts, breakfast banh mi, and strong espresso. Clean flavors and light, produce-forward options suit a pre-beach morning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Banh Mi, Salmon Toast, Avocado Toast
What Makes it Special: Produce-forward café plates with thoughtful coffee program.
#34
Banan
8
Hawai‘i’s dairy-free banana-based soft-serve lands in SF (opened 2024) with build-your-own cups, bowls, and papaya boats. It’s a quick, feel-good treat with real fruit toppings and no added sugar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Papaya Boat, Chunkadelic Cup, Banana Brûlée
What Makes it Special: Plant-based soft-serve with no dairy or added sugar.
8
Neighborhood salad-and-sandwich counter known for customizable greens and hearty ‘sandos.’ A fast, produce-forward lunch that still feels substantial for meetings on the go.
Must-Try Dishes:
U-Pick Custom Salad, Cobb Salad, Diablo Fried Chicken Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Fast, customizable salads and sandwiches with peak produce.
#36
Butter
8
A coffee window attached to a kids’ woodworking studio that now turns out house-made donuts daily, including vegan and mochi styles. Flavors rotate (matcha, black sesame, lemon), and lines move quickly in the morning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mochi Matcha Donut, Old-Fashioned Glazed, Vegan Cardamom Donut
What Makes it Special: Rotating mochi and vegan donut program from a community-first café window.
#37
Crostini & Java
8
Lower Nob Hill café known for made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and a ‘Works’ bagel loaded with smoked salmon and classic fixings. Friendly owners keep the pace brisk without rushing guests.
Must-Try Dishes:
Works bagel (lox, capers, red onion), Cream cheese bagel, Egg & avocado bagel
What Makes it Special: A hefty ‘Works’ bagel built fresh with clean, balanced flavors.
A compact menu with standout vegetarian curries and tandoori breads, paired with a full bar. Portions hit the value sweet spot, especially at lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Palak Paneer, Vegetable Biryani, Aloo Gobi
What Makes it Special: Well-priced vegetarian mains with quick downtown service.
8
Long-running Eastern Mediterranean counter serving shawarma, kebabs, and falafel to the FiDi/Embarcadero crowd. Fast ticket times and fresh prep make it a reliable workday stop near the Ferry Building.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Falafel Plate, Beef/Lamb Kefta Kebab
What Makes it Special: FiDi staple for fresh, fast Middle Eastern wraps and plates.
8
Fast-casual spot for customizable patties (grass-fed beef to bison) and crisp, well-seasoned fries. While it winds down around 10 on weekends, it’s the dependable union of quality sourcing and quick service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic with house pickles, Tejano with jalapeño relish, Zucchini onion strings
What Makes it Special: Quality meats and quick, consistent execution with options.
#41
Souvla (Marina)
8
Greek fast-casual known for spit-roasted meats, crisp salads, and frozen Greek yogurt. Sidewalk tables on Chestnut make it an easy al fresco stop for quick lunches or casual dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb salad with warm pita, Greek fries with feta & oregano, Frozen Greek yogurt with honey
What Makes it Special: Rotisserie-driven Greek plates served fast with dependable patio seating.
#42
The Bite
8
A fast-casual Mediterranean counter on Mission Street that punches above its price point with organic beef gyros and fresh-grilled proteins—the kind of place where the ingredient quality doesn't match the budget price tag, in a good way. SoMa lunch crowds and late-night regulars keep it busy because the format is dialed: order at the counter, grab your food fast, and the portions justify the trip. Expect a functional takeout-forward space, not a sit-down scene—this one earns its repeat visits on the strength of the grill, not the decor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Gyro, Chicken Gyro, Salmon Bowl
What Makes it Special: Fast-casual Mediterranean spot on Mission Street using organic beef and fresh-grilled proteins at budget-friendly prices
8
A coffee window attached to a kids’ woodworking studio that now turns out house-made donuts daily, including vegan and mochi styles. Flavors rotate (matcha, black sesame, lemon), and lines move quickly in the morning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mochi Matcha Donut, Old-Fashioned Glazed, Vegan Cardamom Donut
What Makes it Special: Rotating mochi and vegan donut program from a community-first café window.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Fast-casual burrito specialist with build-your-own options and global flavor spins. Lighter greens-forward combinations sit alongside classics for flexible lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Lime Steak Burrito, Cajun Chicken & Prawns Burrito, Smoked Tofu & Broccoli Burrito
What Makes it Special: Customizable burritos with leaner, produce-forward builds and unique sauces.
#45
Arbor
7.9
Hayes Valley fast-casual spot from the Absinthe Group with grass-fed cheeseburgers, a legit vegan burger, and parklet seating. Balanced, produce-forward sides make it an easy weeknight option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arbor Cheeseburger (Niman Ranch, cheddar, Arbor sauce), Vegan Burger (bean-seed patties, tahini, guacamole), Curly Fries
What Makes it Special: Burger lineup with quality meats plus a strong vegan option.
#46
Ayola
7.9
Downtown counter-service Greek spot turning out gyros, crisp falafel, and hearty salads fast. Portions travel well for office lunches near SFMOMA, with efficient service during the weekday rush.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken gyro pita, Falafel bowl, Greek salad with feta
What Makes it Special: Greek staples made fast with generous, commuter-friendly portions.
#47
Café 5 at SFMOMA
7.9
A sculpture-garden café on SFMOMA’s fifth floor with flatbreads, salads, and seasonal plates that shine in daylight. The terrace and museum backdrop deliver easy, artsy brunch content before or after an exhibit.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Salmon Salad, Seasonal Flatbread, Strawberry–Rhubarb Dessert
What Makes it Special: Terrace seating with museum views and bright plates.
#48
Cafe Alma
7.9
Waterfront-adjacent cafe serving salads, grilled panini, and all-day breakfast with Bayview-sourced produce. Light, wholesome plates and quick counter service fit working lunches or walking meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Morning Croissant Sandwich, Romaine Wedge Salad, Three-Bean Chili
What Makes it Special: Produce-forward menu with efficient service by the Shipyard.
#49
Canyon Market
7.9
Independent market with a serious in-house bakery program—organic breads, cookies, and pies baked daily. A go-to for baguettes and sweets alongside deli and prepared foods.
Must-Try Dishes:
Parisian Baguette, Bread Pudding, Seasonal Pie Slice
What Makes it Special: Daily organic bread bakes with broad pastry rotation.
7.9
Long-running vegan Japanese spot offering tempura, noodle bowls, and sushi rolls with careful seasoning and clean presentations. Weekend lunch works for lighter meetings or plant-forward teams near Valencia.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cha-Ya Roll, Agedashi Tofu (vegan), Kinoko Mushroom Udon
What Makes it Special: Vegan Japanese staples with decades of neighborhood loyalty.