San Francisco, the City by the Bay, is a haven for foodie lovers.If you’re looking to experience the city life, and everything it has to offer, it’s not too far from Hawaii – a quick five-hour flight!
If you’re looking to experience the city life, and everything it has to offer, it’s not too far from Hawaii – a quick five-hour flight!
We prefer to stay near Fisherman’s Wharf when we’re in SF because it offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities. Jaf enjoys seeing the sea lions – the next time we visit, we’re going to The Sea Lion Center. They’re a nonprofit that offers free programs to learn all about the city’s world-famous sea lions.
During our last few visits, we had the opportunity to try a number of kid-friendly restaurants in SF, all of which are in or around Fisherman’s Wharf.
Cioppino’s
Image source: Cioppino’s
Cioppino is a dish traditionally made from the catch of the day, which in San Francisco is typically a combination of shellfish (crab, shrimp, scallops) and fish all caught from the Pacific Ocean. The restaurant serves their stew with fresh tomatoes in a fennel scented broth, served with sourdough toast. A true seafoodie’s delight.
Kid Favorites: Fisherman’s Platter and Cioppino Seafood Stew
Address: Cioppinos, 400 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Rainforest Cafe
Ideal place to have lunch while you stroll around Fishermans Wharf. Great atmosphere inside and fantastic experience for children. Make sure to reserve if possible it can get very busy! Prices are a bit on the high side but it was worth the visit. The food was great and the staff is very friendly. The kids fell in love with Cha Cha, the red-eyed tree frog, so be prepared to walk out with a stuffed animal or two!
Kid Favorites: Congo Catfish Plate and Maya’s Combo Address: Rainforest Cafe, 145 Jefferson StSan Francisco, CA 94133
The Codmother Fish and Chips
If you’re hungry and looking for somewhere to eat at Fisherman’s Wharf, seriously consider The Codmother. Their fish n chips will transport you to England – they are good, and so fresh.
Just note, seating is limited, they function out of a small food stand, but everyone around is friendly, so sharing tables shouldn’t be an issue.
Kid Favorites: Junior Fish n Chips Plate and the Crazy Fries Address:The Codmother, 496 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Ghirardelli
Yes, we have a sweet-tooth, and might be a bit biased with this choice, but it is really good! We love Ghirardelli chocolates that we get at the store in Hawaii, but nothing compares to visiting Ghiradelli Square when you’re in SF. Just make sure to have something planned after you indulge in dessert, so the kids can work off their sugar high!
Kid Favorites: LouLou & Jaf say everything! Address: Ghirardelli, 900 North Point, San Francisco, CA 94109
In-N-Out
I don’t know if we could choose between Shake Shack or In-N-Out (please don’t make us choose!), they just offer different options that we thoroughly enjoy. Whenever we’re on the mainland, we have to stop by an In-N-Out – their burgers are made the old-fashioned way, and fries freshly fried. Our kid-foodies love having their shakes, and always order a regular cheeseburger with cheese.
For the adults, if it’s your first visit, definitely get a burger animal style – trust me, you won’t regret it. Oh, and animal-style the fries too!
Kid Favorites: Regular cheeseburger, Grilled cheese, and Animal-style fries, any flavor Shake Address: In-N-Out, 333 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Hard Rock Cafe
We have this thing about visiting Hard Rock’s around the world – sometimes when we’re in a foreign country and craving a good ol’ hamburger, we check to see if there’s a Hard Rock in town…it never disappoints. Every Hard Rock we’ve been to has been kid-friendly, and the one in SF is no exception. Expect a good time, you won’t be disappointed.
Kid Favorites: Nachos and the Buddy Jr’s Banging Burger with cheese Address:Hard Rock Cafe, 39 Pier 39 Concourse, San Francisco, CA 94133
Boudin
Boudin is known for their soup served in delicious, freshly baked sourdough breadbowls. When the weather’s nice, we like to sit outside and enjoy the wharf views. The kids love all the excitement that happens around the restaurant – you can peek at the sea lions, watch the trams go by, and they can even peek in and see bread being baked The clam chowder is a popular choice, it’s good, but honestly the breadbowl itself wins.
Kid Favorites: Clam chowder, Havarti bread Address:Boudin, 160 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Though San Francisco has no shortage of restaurants, we found that finding kid-friendly options can be a challenge. Which is why, the next time you find yourself in the city by the Bay, try out one (or all!) of our top kid-friendly restaurants.
