Social Club
a parklet and street with Victorian-era buildings in San Francisco's Inner Richmond neighborhood
The Inner Richmond is buzzing with a host of new restaurants, coffee shops, and more. (Courtesy of @walterparenteau)

Modern Guide to Inner Richmond: Endless Eats + Park Life on SF's Newly Buzzy West Side

By

Once written off as the "outside lands," a recent influx of new restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes are bringing with them a buzz that makes it hard to ignore that the Inner Richmond is hot right now.

Situated between the Presidio and Golden Gate Park, the Inner Richmond balances the hustle of urban life with the innately laid-back nature of SF's west side. It is anchored by two main drags, Clement Street and Geary Boulevard, each dotted with countless restaurants with a heavy Asian accent—the 'hood isn't called SF's "New Chinatown" for nothing. Have fun shopping the many Chinese markets and, of course, gorging on some of the best dim sum in town.


There are many flavors and cultures represented in the Inner Richmond, though, including Vietnamese, Korean, French, Italian, Russian, and Irish. If you crave it, you can probably get it here. Drinks-wise, choose from a selection of dive bars, wine bars, and draught houses; or, grab a coffee at one of many cute cafes and check out the neighborhood's boutiques and artisan shops.

Where to Eat in Inner Richmond

Clementina is the neighborhood's new Italian trattoria that just happens to also be gluten free.

(Albert Law)

The highly anticipated Rose Pizzeria (1 Clement St.) is finally here. Try the West Coast Style pie, which is thin with a sourdough crust—that is, if you can snag a table. // Italian trattoria Clementina (343 Clement St.) serves 100 percent gluten-free cuisine. Expect delicious pizzas, pastas, fresh fish, and desserts, like gelato, tiramisu, and pannacotta. // For flavorful, traditional Vietnamese recipes, and a few modern dishes like jackfruit “pizza,” head to Lily (225 Clement St.). // For more than 50 years, Inner Richmond locals have been kicking off weekends with breakfast at Eats (50 Clement St.), a just-right spot to fuel up on chicken and waffles, spinach portobello Benedicts, or huevos rancheros before a hike in the Presidio. // With multiple Bay Area locations, KoJa Kitchen's (343 Clement St.) Clement Street outpost is the place to go for Korean-Japanese fusion that won't break the bank. // No-frills institution Good Luck Dim Sum (736 Clement St.) has an astounding variety of dumplings, many of which can be purchased as part of an affordable three for $2 deal. // For a more contemporary experience, head one street over to Dumpling Baby China Bistro (3751 Geary Blvd.), to get crispy pork lumpia, soup dumplings, and bao buns for takeout. // Get a big bowl of crab pho or a crispy duck bahn mi sandwich at Cafe Bunn Mi (417 Clement St.). Cash only, folks. // Family-owned Italian restaurant Giorgio's (151 Clement St.) has been serving the Inner Richmond pizza, pasta, and other Italian classics for over 40 years. // Burma Superstar's (309 Clement St.) tea leaf salad is a neighborhood headliner; the Burmese flavors are worth the wait in line. // Prefer not to wait? A few blocks over, sister restaurant B Star (127 Clement St.) serves some of the same favorites alongside more fusion dishes. // Chapeau (126 Clement St.) is celebrating 30 years in the Inner Richmond. Known for consistent, classic French cuisine and great hospitality, diners can order menu items à la carte, or take part in their three-course menu for $62 // Be sure to make a reservation at the Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant Wako (211 Clement St.) for fresh omakase in an intimate setting. // Heritage Restaurant & Bar (708 Clement St.) serves seasonal California cuisine and cocktails in a 1908 historic building. // If you're in the mood for Mediterranean, head to Kitchen Istanbul (349 Clement St.) to share mezes and kebabs with friends. // At Mamahuhu (517 Clement St.), you can order from a selection of Chinese-American classics—mapo tofu, sweet and sour chicken—brought to you by Brandon Jew, of Michelin-starred restaurant Mister Jiu's. // For homemade pasta and expertly selected wines, spend a quiet evening at Corks (4342 California St.). // Ah Ma’s Kitchen (1115 Clement St.) is an Asian fusion spot serving Cantonese and Hong Kong-style eats. // Internationally renowned chef Dennis Wong creates signature dishes like curry crab, hai nan chicken, and squid ink fried rice at Le Soleil (133 Clement St.). // Pasta Supply Co. (236 Clement St.) has separate lunch and dinner menus, as well as “supplies” like fresh pastas, sauces, and pantry staples.

Where to Get Coffee + Sweets in Inner Richmond

Cinderella Russian Bakery has been serving sweet and savory specialties since 1953.

(Courtesy of @cinderellabakerycafe)

A recent addition to the Inner Richmond, the line is often around the corner at Kissaten HiFi (189 6th Ave.) for Japanese- and Filipino-inspired coffee drinks. // Sip artisanal teas or Saint Frank Coffee and indulge in bean-to-bar chocolates at Evermore (200 Clement St.). // Coffee shop by day Hi Nrg (443 Clement St.) is located inside wine bar High Treason. // Pixlcat (519 Clement St.) is the neighborhood spot for freshly baked butter mochi paired with a specialty coffee or matcha. // The atmosphere is always chill at neighborhood staple Blue Danube Coffee House (306 Clement St.). Enjoy some Mexican hot chocolate or a solid chicken sandwich in this homey cafe known for its eclectic decor. // If you're looking to grab a quick breakfast or lunch—think bagels, breakfast burritos, sandwiches—before heading to nearby Golden Gate Park, be sure to stop at The Velo Rouge Cafe (798 Arguello Blvd.). // Also by Golden Gate Park is Rise & Grind Coffee and Tea (785 8th Ave.). This modern spot has an extensive drink menu that includes original creations like a black sesame latte, as well as a drip coffee with espresso drink appropriately named the red eye. // Line up for the famous, freshly baked croissants at Arsicault Bakery (397 Arguello Blvd). // Get your pirogi fix at Cinderella Russian Bakery (436 Balboa St.), which has been serving its pastries alongside such Russian specialties as borscht and piroshki since 1953. // Previously named Toy Boat Dessert Cafe, Toy Boat by Jane (401 Clement St.) serves everything from ice cream to wraps in a fun and colorful, kid-friendly space. Their motto: "Healthy eating means having a salad and a cookie—it's all about balance." // Speaking of healthy eating, build your own açaí bowl or grab a fresh juice at Palmetto Superfoods (291 3rd Ave.). // Family-run Schubert's Bakery (521 Clement St.) has been crafting cakes since 1911. They’ll satisfy any sweet tooth cravings with their huge assortment of desserts.

Where to Get Wine, Beer + Cocktails in Inner Richmond

Cantina Los Mayas is SF's first 100 percent Mexican wine bar.

(Courtesy of @cantinalosmayas)

Lost Marbles Brewpub (823 Clement St.) has pub grub, plenty of space for a large group, and trivia nights on Wednesdays. // Whether you’re into darts, pool, or foosball, you’ll find it at The Abbey Tavern (4100 Geary Blvd.), plus live music and sports on multiple TVs. // Breck’s (2 Clement St.) is a stylish wine bar and market. Stop in to enjoy a glass or take a bottle home. They also serve coffee, tea, and light bites. // San Francisco’s first Mexican Wine Bar is Cantina Los Mayas (431 Balboa St.). Savor Yucatean-Mexican cuisine and taste from an exclusively Mexican wine list. // Grab a pint and enjoy live Celtic music at mainstay Irish bar The Plough and Stars (116 Clement St.). // Darts, pool tables, and a menu that includes shepherd's pie makes The Bitter End (441 Clement St.) a fun hangout after a busy day. // With plenty of pours and bar bites in a modern setting, neighborhood wine bar High Treason (443 Clement St.) is the perfect spot for a date or to catch up with a friend. // Stop by Richmond Republic Draught House (642 Clement St.) to enjoy some of their 20-plus beers on tap and some seriously good bar food. If you live in the area, join their Mug Club for $150 and get a free beer on Tuesdays, happy hour prices always, and more. // Scarlet Lounge (408 Clement St.) is a cozy and welcoming bar that serves a notoriously good bacon Bloody Mary. // If you're in the mood for German food, beer, and a sports bar atmosphere, Steins (731 Clement St.) will do the trick.

Where to Shop in Inner Richmond

Green Apple Books

(Courtesy of Michael Lyon)

Browse the thoughtfully sourced collection of design objects, art, paper goods, T-shirts, and occasional exhibits at Park Life (220 Clement St.). // If you're in search of the perfect gift, be sure to stop at Foggy Notion (124 Clement St.) for environmentally conscious skincare, fragrances, ceramics, and jewelry from local artisans. // Studio Linda Fahay (701 11th Ave.) offers a curated selection of ceramics and knickknacks from around the globe. The space also doubles as a ceramic studio for owner Linda Fahey and art studio for Zai Divecha. // Shopping for the little one in your life? With whimsical toys in a retro space, Tantrum (248 Clement St.) is a must. // Crammed with new and vintage tomes, Green Apple Books (506 Clement St.) is a bookworm's paradise. Be prepared to lose track of the time in this literary haven. // Find the fiddle leaf fig of your dreams at Sloat Garden Center (327 3rd Ave.). // Jazz up your kitchen shelves with affordable tableware and kitchen essentials at Kamei Restaurant Supply (525 Clement St.)—they have everything you could ever want or need. // Tea connoisseurs will love neighborhood gem Aroma Tea Shop (302 6th Ave.), where you can peruse endless loose leaf teas recommended by their expert employees. // At vintage boutique The Golden Hour (147 Clement St.), you can look through clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home items sourced from all around the world. // Makers and creators flock to The Wishing Well Workshop (252 Clement St.) for art supplies and printing services of all kinds. // Try your hand at pottery making with classes at Richmond Clay House (1017 Clement St.). // Stock up on food, pantry staples, gifts, and vintage treasures from small makers at Food Folk (210 Clement St.). // Pop by Public Land (201 Clement St.) to find a rare botanical wonder or your new favorite piece of art. // The Future Past (12 Clement St.) is a studio, store, workshop, and repair shop that collects, restores, and fixes vintage and second-hand clothing.

Things to Do in Inner Richmond

Andy Goldsworthy's Woodline runs alongside Lover's Lane.

(Courtesy of Donny Barnec/Flickr)

Parks + Fitness

Bordered by Golden Gate Park and The Presidio—San Francisco's largest and most beautiful natural areas—the Inner Richmond is a prime jumping-off point for outdoor activities. In the Presidio, go for a walk down Lover's Lane or hang out at family- and dog-friendly Mountain Lake Park. In Golden Gate Park, rent a boat on Blue Heron Lake, peer into the Bison Paddock, and stroll through more than 2,000 species of plants and flowers in a Victorian-era glass greenhouse at the Conservatory of Flowers (100 John F. Kennedy Dr.). // If you're looking for a leisurely Sunday morning activity, pick up some fresh produce at the weekly Clement Street Farmers Market (200 Clement St.), which runs from 9am to 2pm year-round. // In need of an indoor workout? Active Pilates (9 Clement St.) offers small-group and private Gyrotonic and reformer classes.

Museums

Foggy day? Enlighten your mind at the de Young Museum (50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.), popular for its wide variety of contemporary art exhibits like Monet and Venice (on through July 26th, 2026) and Ferlinghetti for San Francisco (on through July 19th, 2026). Be sure to visit the Hamon Tower Observation Level for incredible views of the city. // California Academy of Sciences (55 Music Concourse Dr.) is fun for the whole family with a living roof, aquarium, planetarium, and adults-only NightLife events.

Related Articles