The Fillmore District is a super trendy, San Francisco area known for its upscale boutiques and designer shopping; trendy cafes and restaurants; and cocktail bars. It’s a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood in Western Addition near the affluent Pacific Heights and not too far from the sprawling Presidio. While it’s only a short walk from Japantown and its incredible Japanese restaurants and shops, it’s a completely different world and worth exploring.
From gourmet cupcakes to high fashion — and eclectic mix of stores in between — here’s my guide to the best of the Fillmore District.
For my complete guide on exploring San Francisco, click here!
Shopping & More
The Fillmore District is known for their designer and boutique shopping. If you have expensive taste and the money to spend, this area will provide endless shopping fun.
From clothing boutiques that include Veronica beard; Alice and Olivia; Intermix; Rag and Bone; Reformation and more to eclectic interior design shops like Nest and Cottage Industry that offer a treasure trove of furnishings, hand crafted decor and all the finishing touches your home could need, Fillmore has you covered.
If you’re looking for views and a nice, neighborhood walk in the Fillmore District, head over to Alta Plaza. Situated on a steep hillside, this urban park is yet another beautiful park boasting panoramic views of the city spanning from Sutro Tower to the Downtown skyline. Moreover, Alta Plaza is a 12 acre gem that’s in the upscale neighborhood of Pacific Heights, a place where, if you don’t mind the hills, is great for admiring some of the city’s most impressive homes.
With its children’s playground, basketball court and tennis courts, it’s a perfect place for kids and families. Or anyone looking to get active! As most parks in San Francisco, it also is home to an off-leash dog section, ideal for dog parents as well.
Cafes, Bakeries and Dessert
For unparalleled Parisian & Viennese-style pastries, get in line at B. Patisserie (don’t worry it goes by fast!). This charming bakery features a variety of freshly baked treats ranging from decadent banana almond and chocolate croissants and fruit kouign amann to apple tarts and cherry toffee chocolate chip cookies.
For a healthy, Instagrammable breakfast or lunch, take a seat at Jane On Fillmore which focuses on healthy, lighter fare. They offer a selection of paninis and freshly made salads; a variety of filling toasts that come in both savory styles and sweet; and morning favorites like their signature dragonfruit smoothie bowl with berries, goji, banana and more.
For the cutest selection of cookies, cakes, cupcakes and more, make a stop at the adorable Sift Dessert Bar. They have everything from whoopie pies to signature cookie dough cruffles — edible cookie dough bites dipped in chocolate. Don’t miss out on their moist, decadent cupcakes that come in almost 15 flavors including key lime and samoa.
For an indulgent breakfast, head over to Sweet Maple. This is a popular Fillmore spot known for specialties like their brown-sugar-glazed “millionaire’s bacon” and deep fried French toast. Sweet Maple features everything from omelets and benedicts to Asian-inspired dishes like the omurice with marinated rib eye.
When your sweet tooth hits, get your fix at Salt & Straw. This is the best artisanal ice cream shop in the Fillmore District that’s known for their zany, seasonal flavors. Working with local makers, farmers and chefs, they create incredible, unique one-of-a-kind flavors for their constantly-changing menu. To give you an idea, every year they create a decadent Thanksgiving ice cream menu. This includes flavors like Caramelized Turkey & Cranberry Sauce.
The Fillmore also offers countless cafes with trendy coffee spots. They include Joe and the Juice, which also serves smoothies and juices; specialty roaster Blue Bottle and Peet’s Coffee.
Restaurants & Bars
The Tailor’s Son is a bright, spacious trattoria specializing in Milanese cuisine. This charming spot offers a menu of thoughtful cocktails and mocktails. They also have an extensive wine list alongside pasta dishes, risottos, and impressive seafood dishes. The Tailor’s Son also features a brunch and midday menu on weekends. Dishes include polenta braise with pork ragu and poached eggs and lemon ricotta pancakes with an apple persimmon caramel sauce.
Curbside Cafe is a charming French bistro in the Fillmore area. This 20-year-old establishment serves diners breakfast, brunch, lunch, as well as dinner. Owner Olivier Perrier makes his presence known being the only server in the room. His attention to detail, ability to seemingly be everywhere at once and friendly French accent make dining here a treat.
When it comes to authentic Mediterranean Troya and La Mediterranean are excellent options. They also both offer indoor and outdoor patio seating. Troya features Turkish inspired Mediterranean and a great dinner choice for 2 that includes their incredible trio of dips. Don’t miss out on their skewers or the warmed hummus with zatar.
La Mediterranean is inspired by Armenian and Lebanese family recipes and offers a huge menu of salads, mezze dips and hearty entrees. These include Lebanese beef kibbeh with spiced ground meatballs and the lamb lule served over rice pilaf. The menu also offers diners different kebab skewers and entree plates. Think the Lamb Lule, Lebanese Beef Kibbeh and Moussaka, all of which come with hummus, pita and more. You will leave this place feeling full and satisfied.
If you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, Woodhouse Fish Co. is a great choice! Starters include oysters on the half shell and steamed mussels and little neck clams in a rich garlic wine broth. In addition, filling main courses include the squid ink linguini with Dungeness crab and a smoked tomato cream sauce and the classic San Francisco cioppino with mussels, clams, crab, cod, scallops. There’s a dish for every seafood lover.
For an upscale burger check out Roam, a pasture to plate joint serving high-quality, stacked burgers. Popular burgers include the heritage burger with smoked bacon and caramelized onions. Guests are also encouraged to make their own burger combinations. Roam also serves farm fresh salads, fries (try the sweet potato fries with the chipotle maple seasoning), and thick milkshakes.
Pizzeria Delfina is a lively spot for groups and offers a variety of made-to-order award-winning Neapolitan-inspired pizzas. Try the Prosciutto Pie with prosciutto de Parma or the Salciccia with housemade fennel sausage. The menu also has specials that change nightly and meat entrees like the Lamb Shoulder alla Vaccinara. In addition to the pizzas are a selection of small plates, roasted veggies and salads making it a great spot for everyone. Round off your dining experience with an Affagato or a classic slice of tiramisu.
For made-to-order banh mi sandwiches, rice and noodles bowls, salads, and starters like their Momma Tran’s Crispy Egg Rolls, head to Bun Mee which combines the best of Vietnamese cuisine with French influences making for flavorful dishes. Most entrees come with your choice of protein ranging from the juicy, grilled flank steak to the grilled five spice chicken.
Scopo Divino is a romantic wine bar featuring a huge selection of wines from all over the world. Whether you’re into whites, reds, sparkling or somewhere in between, Scopo Divino has a bottle ready to be poured. Scopo Divino’s menu features bar bites like Beef and Chorizo Empanadas and Deviled Eggs and a range of cheese and charcuterie items perfect for snacking alongside wine. Moreover, the dinner menu is made to complement their selection of curated wines and includes the double Bergey Berger with risque sauce; Beer Batter Fish Tacos; and an 8oz Ribeye steak with Duck Fat Fingerling Potatoes.
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Chelsea is a San Francisco-based journalist whose passion revolves around exploring the world, immersing herself in foreign cultures, and of course, eating and drinking everything delicious.
Her work can be found in TravelPulse, Forbes, INSIDER, SF Gate and more. She covers all things food, drink and travel and is always up for an adventure, whether that means an adrenaline-pumping excursion or trying a new cuisine.
