San Francisco offers diverse dining options to celebrate Hanukkah, with restaurants that highlight traditional Jewish dishes and modern interpretations. Here’s a list of 15 top restaurants in the city perfect for enjoying a festive Hanukkah meal:
1. Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen
Details: Famous for traditional Jewish comfort food, Wise Sons is a favorite for its classic recipes like latkes, matzo ball soup, and brisket. With a casual yet welcoming atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for a Hanukkah meal.
Location: 3150 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
What to Order: Classic latkes, pastrami on rye, and sufganiyot (jelly donuts).
2. Saul’s Restaurant & Delicatessen
Details: While a short trip to Berkeley, this deli is a staple for authentic Jewish delicacies. It features farm-to-table ingredients and offers classic and innovative Hanukkah menu options.
Location: 1475 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709
What to Order: Crispy potato latkes, schmaltz chicken, and challah bread pudding.
3. Daily Driver
Details: A modern Jewish deli focused on fresh-baked bagels and artisan spreads. Their Hanukkah specials include latkes and holiday-inspired bagel creations.
Location: 2535 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
What to Order: Latkes, smoked salmon bagel, and house-made pickles.
4. L’Chaim Foods
Details: A catering and pop-up service specializing in Kosher and Jewish comfort food. They often host events and meals for Hanukkah celebrations in San Francisco.
Location: Various pop-up locations around San Francisco
What to Order: Brisket, latkes with applesauce, and Hanukkah donuts.
5. Canela Bistro & Wine Bar
Details: This Spanish-inspired bistro offers seasonal menus, including a special Hanukkah menu blending Jewish and Mediterranean flavors.
Location: 2272 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
What to Order: Sephardic-style lamb stew, potato latkes, and honey-drizzled doughnuts.
6. The Perennial SF
Details: A farm-to-table eatery known for sustainability and innovative Jewish-inspired dishes for the holiday season.
Location: 59 9th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
What to Order: Duck confit latkes, brisket sliders, and lemon sufganiyot.
7. Miller’s East Coast Deli
Details: A casual deli offering traditional Jewish fare, perfect for a relaxed Hanukkah dinner with family and friends.
Location: 1725 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
What to Order: Matzo ball soup, brisket platter, and potato knishes.
8. Che Fico
Details: An upscale Italian eatery that incorporates Jewish-Roman flavors into its dishes, perfect for a unique Hanukkah dining experience.
Location: 838 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117
What to Order: Fried artichokes, potato latkes, and honey cake.
9. Delfina
Details: This Italian restaurant offers a special Hanukkah menu blending Italian and Jewish flavors in a cozy setting.
Location: 3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
What to Order: Handmade pasta, braised brisket, and olive oil cake.
10. Boulevard
Details: A fine-dining restaurant offering a festive Hanukkah-inspired menu with elevated traditional dishes.
Location: 1 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105
What to Order: Herb-crusted lamb, latkes, and flourless chocolate cake.
11. Oren’s Hummus Shop
Details: Specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine, Oren’s Hummus is an excellent choice for celebrating with Sephardic-style Hanukkah dishes.
Location: 71 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103
What to Order: Hummus with lamb, fried cauliflower, and malabi dessert.
12. Red Tavern
Details: A cozy neighborhood spot offering Eastern European Jewish dishes perfect for a warm Hanukkah gathering.
Location: 2229 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121
What to Order: Borscht, beef brisket, and potato latkes.
13. Frena Bakery and Café
Details: Known for their freshly baked challah and pastries, this Kosher bakery offers festive Hanukkah treats and savory options.
Location: 132 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
What to Order: Jelly donuts, challah bread, and bourekas.
14. Hayes Street Grill
Details: A seafood-focused restaurant offering special holiday menus that include Hanukkah-inspired dishes.
Location: 320 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102
What to Order: Latkes with smoked salmon, grilled fish, and olive oil cake.
15. Octavia
Details: This Michelin-starred restaurant creates seasonal menus, often incorporating Jewish flavors during Hanukkah.
Location: 1701 Octavia St, San Francisco, CA 94109
What to Order: Slow-cooked lamb, latkes, and citrus olive oil cake.
Also don't forget to check out best Chinese, Indian, and Mexican restaurants in San Francisco