Top 11 lunch restaurants in Hayes Valley
When it comes to satisfying your midday hunger, look no further than the lunch restaurants in Hayes Valley. This vibrant San Francisco neighborhood offers a diverse range of dining options, from farm-to-table cafes to trendy bistros, all serving up delicious and satisfying meals. Whether you're craving a fresh salad, a hearty sandwich, or a warm bowl of soup, you'll find it at one of these top-rated lunch restaurants in Hayes Valley. So, come and taste the flavors that make this neighborhood a foodie's paradise.
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1. a Mano
All food made in-house, Uses local and organic ingredients, Gluten-free and vegan options available
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This dining establishment offers an experience reminiscent of eating at a local eatery in Italy, making it an ideal spot for lunch. The bucatini all’ amatriciana is a must-try, featuring a delightful subtle hot spice flavor that complements the tomato base sauce.
This neighborhood gem is a reliable choice for a satisfying meal, offering delicious dishes even on a rainy Friday evening in their street parklet with a roof. Crisp and tasty salads and comforting pasta with sugo are among the options on their menu. The service is consistently friendly and cordial, making it a place that guests like to visit again and again for a reliably delicious experience.
This dining establishment offers an experience reminiscent of eating at a local eatery in Italy, making it an ideal spot for lunch. The bucatini all’ amatriciana is a must-try, featuring a delightful subtle hot spice flavor that complements the tomato base sauce.
This neighborhood gem is a reliable choice for a satisfying meal, offering delicious dishes even on a rainy Friday evening in their street parklet with a roof. Crisp and tasty salads and comforting pasta with sugo are among the options on their menu. The service is consistently friendly and cordial, making it a place that guests like to visit again and again for a reliably delicious experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Lunch
- Dinner
2. Chez Maman West
Friendly service, charming decor, and popular brunch options
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I recently had the opportunity to dine in person at a local restaurant in Hayes Valley. While I wouldn't go out of my way for it, I consider it a good neighborhood spot with reasonably priced options. My boyfriend, in particular, is a fan of their goat cheese salad, although I found it to be a bit overdressed during this visit.
The restaurant offers great outdoor seating and is situated in a way that it faces both Gough and Hayes streets. On a beautiful sunny day, we chose to sit outside on the Hayes St. side and enjoyed our meal. The service was efficient and friendly, and all four of us enjoyed our meals. I personally had the chicken burger and a side of fried Brussels sprouts, both of which were delicious.
I recently had the opportunity to dine in person at a local restaurant in Hayes Valley. While I wouldn't go out of my way for it, I consider it a good neighborhood spot with reasonably priced options. My boyfriend, in particular, is a fan of their goat cheese salad, although I found it to be a bit overdressed during this visit.
The restaurant offers great outdoor seating and is situated in a way that it faces both Gough and Hayes streets. On a beautiful sunny day, we chose to sit outside on the Hayes St. side and enjoyed our meal. The service was efficient and friendly, and all four of us enjoyed our meals. I personally had the chicken burger and a side of fried Brussels sprouts, both of which were delicious.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
3. Hazie's in Hayes Valley
Local favorite, cozy atmosphere, family-friendly
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Hazie's has become our preferred dining destination before concerts at SF Jazz. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, raising the average age of patrons by approximately 30 years. The food and cocktails offered are exceptional, featuring popular choices elevated with superior quality and preparation.
As a slightly upscale neighborhood bar, Hazie's boasts a spacious and well-lit interior with high ceilings and large windows that offer a view of the park. While I can't personally vouch for the food, I can attest to the excellent quality of their drinks, which are both innovative and affordable. The overall ambiance provides an appealing venue for socializing or unwinding.
Hazie's has become our preferred dining destination before concerts at SF Jazz. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, raising the average age of patrons by approximately 30 years. The food and cocktails offered are exceptional, featuring popular choices elevated with superior quality and preparation.
As a slightly upscale neighborhood bar, Hazie's boasts a spacious and well-lit interior with high ceilings and large windows that offer a view of the park. While I can't personally vouch for the food, I can attest to the excellent quality of their drinks, which are both innovative and affordable. The overall ambiance provides an appealing venue for socializing or unwinding.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
4. Papito Hayes in Hayes Valley
Authentic Cuban cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.
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Papito Hayes is known for its great location and outdoor seating, providing a pleasant atmosphere for its patrons. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, with some customers raving about the authentic flavors of options like the 3 quesabirra street tacos and guacamole, while others found the margaritas and tacos to be less impressive.
In addition to its location and atmosphere, Papito Hayes also boasts kind staff and a nice selection of drinks, including a delicious Malbec. The pastor enchiladas are a popular menu item, known for their great taste. The restaurant is situated in a nice neighborhood and has a good ambiance, complete with pleasant music.
Papito Hayes is known for its great location and outdoor seating, providing a pleasant atmosphere for its patrons. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, with some customers raving about the authentic flavors of options like the 3 quesabirra street tacos and guacamole, while others found the margaritas and tacos to be less impressive.
In addition to its location and atmosphere, Papito Hayes also boasts kind staff and a nice selection of drinks, including a delicious Malbec. The pastor enchiladas are a popular menu item, known for their great taste. The restaurant is situated in a nice neighborhood and has a good ambiance, complete with pleasant music.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
5. Suppenküche
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
6. The Bird
Artisanal coffee and local, sustainable ingredients
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The spicy chicken 'Sando' I tried was likely delicious, but the overwhelming amount of spice unfortunately numbed my tongue, preventing me from fully enjoying the taste. However, based on the sandwich's texture, I could still tell that it was well-made.
During happy hour, the restaurant offers excellent bite-sized options. The hot wings, in particular, stand out with their spicy dry rub that pairs well with the available dipping sauces. Additionally, the crispy fries and ice-cold beer make for a satisfying meal. I plan to return to try more of their offerings.
The spicy chicken 'Sando' I tried was likely delicious, but the overwhelming amount of spice unfortunately numbed my tongue, preventing me from fully enjoying the taste. However, based on the sandwich's texture, I could still tell that it was well-made.
During happy hour, the restaurant offers excellent bite-sized options. The hot wings, in particular, stand out with their spicy dry rub that pairs well with the available dipping sauces. Additionally, the crispy fries and ice-cold beer make for a satisfying meal. I plan to return to try more of their offerings.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
7. Il Borgo
Family-owned since 1997, warm service, and authentic Italian cuisine.
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Il Borgo is a charming Italian restaurant located in the heart of Hayes Valley, known for its outstanding cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. The chef, Sergio Frigero, hailing from Milan, Italy, prepares homemade pasta and bread from scratch, providing an authentic Italian dining experience without the need for travel.
The restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes, including flavorful salads and savory pasta dishes. Bruschetta, Caesar salad, Borgo salad, fettucini primavera, penne puttanesca, and penne with mushrooms and sausage are just a few of the customer favorites. The dishes are generously portioned, and the salads are large enough to share. Additionally, the warm bread served in baskets complements every meal, making Il Borgo a must-visit destination for any pasta or Italian food lover.
Il Borgo is a charming Italian restaurant located in the heart of Hayes Valley, known for its outstanding cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. The chef, Sergio Frigero, hailing from Milan, Italy, prepares homemade pasta and bread from scratch, providing an authentic Italian dining experience without the need for travel.
The restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes, including flavorful salads and savory pasta dishes. Bruschetta, Caesar salad, Borgo salad, fettucini primavera, penne puttanesca, and penne with mushrooms and sausage are just a few of the customer favorites. The dishes are generously portioned, and the salads are large enough to share. Additionally, the warm bread served in baskets complements every meal, making Il Borgo a must-visit destination for any pasta or Italian food lover.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
8. Petit Crenn
Female-chef owned, daily changing menu, sustainable sourcing
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My friend and I recently visited a restaurant where we sat at the counter, close to the range. While it allowed us to watch the chefs, it was quite hot due to the proximity to the kitchen. If you're with a larger group and want to have conversations, I would recommend choosing a table instead. Despite the nice neighborhood, our overall dining experience was disappointing.
Although a few dishes were exceptional, we were generally unimpressed. To make matters worse, there were long wait times of 15-25 minutes between each small dish, which tested our patience and detracted from the enjoyment of the meal. The extended breaks transformed what could have been a memorable dining experience into a lengthy wait. We had been excited to dine at this restaurant, but unfortunately, our expectations were not met.
My friend and I recently visited a restaurant where we sat at the counter, close to the range. While it allowed us to watch the chefs, it was quite hot due to the proximity to the kitchen. If you're with a larger group and want to have conversations, I would recommend choosing a table instead. Despite the nice neighborhood, our overall dining experience was disappointing.
Although a few dishes were exceptional, we were generally unimpressed. To make matters worse, there were long wait times of 15-25 minutes between each small dish, which tested our patience and detracted from the enjoyment of the meal. The extended breaks transformed what could have been a memorable dining experience into a lengthy wait. We had been excited to dine at this restaurant, but unfortunately, our expectations were not met.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
9. Elephant Sushi
Creative and high-quality sushi rolls
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Elephant Sushi Hayes Valley is a restaurant specializing in craft sushi and friendly service. The menu features traditional and modern maki, sashimi, as well as cooked Japanese small plates, all served in a cozy and welcoming environment. They offer unique dishes such as omakase nigiri and flaming seabass, showcasing their dedication to their craft.
My husband and I recently discovered this restaurant and have been impressed by the quality of the food and service. The fish was incredibly fresh and the staff provided prompt, professional service with a personal touch. The hostess greeted us warmly, seated us early and the waitress made helpful suggestions about what and how much to order. The miso soup was a great starter, followed by fresh and flavorful nigiri. The restaurant is conveniently located near both the Symphony and Jazz Center, making it a perfect spot for date night.
Elephant Sushi Hayes Valley is a restaurant specializing in craft sushi and friendly service. The menu features traditional and modern maki, sashimi, as well as cooked Japanese small plates, all served in a cozy and welcoming environment. They offer unique dishes such as omakase nigiri and flaming seabass, showcasing their dedication to their craft.
My husband and I recently discovered this restaurant and have been impressed by the quality of the food and service. The fish was incredibly fresh and the staff provided prompt, professional service with a personal touch. The hostess greeted us warmly, seated us early and the waitress made helpful suggestions about what and how much to order. The miso soup was a great starter, followed by fresh and flavorful nigiri. The restaurant is conveniently located near both the Symphony and Jazz Center, making it a perfect spot for date night.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
10. Patxi's Pizza
Offers slices for a quick and affordable lunch option
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Pizza options at this establishment in San Francisco include Chicago deep dish and build-your-own pizzas, which take some time to arrive but are worth the wait for their delicious taste. The menu is simple, with only pizza and salad, as well as soda and beer. However, those expecting garlic bread may be disappointed.
On the other hand, salads are large and fresh, with a good dressing to leaf ratio. However, some users found the salad offerings to be limited or overpriced. The pizza toppings could also be more generous, especially for the price. The sauce is tangy, the cheese high quality, and the dough is of an ideal thickness and crunch, without being too greasy. While the restaurant is still working out some kinks in terms of service, such as welcoming guests and providing tables, the food is excellent. Overall, the restaurant is off to a good start in Hayes Valley.
Pizza options at this establishment in San Francisco include Chicago deep dish and build-your-own pizzas, which take some time to arrive but are worth the wait for their delicious taste. The menu is simple, with only pizza and salad, as well as soda and beer. However, those expecting garlic bread may be disappointed.
On the other hand, salads are large and fresh, with a good dressing to leaf ratio. However, some users found the salad offerings to be limited or overpriced. The pizza toppings could also be more generous, especially for the price. The sauce is tangy, the cheese high quality, and the dough is of an ideal thickness and crunch, without being too greasy. While the restaurant is still working out some kinks in terms of service, such as welcoming guests and providing tables, the food is excellent. Overall, the restaurant is off to a good start in Hayes Valley.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
11. Monsieur Benjamin
Cozy atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, extensive wine list
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This establishment is an excellent choice for brunch, with large windows that allow for plenty of natural light and tables that are not too close together. The menu focuses on French cuisine, including a variety of breakfast options and small plates. One standout dish is the tartare, which is consistently delicious.
The food, ambiance, and service at this restaurant are all top-notch, making it a worthy addition to the French dining scene in the city. Prior to its opening, the options for French cuisine were limited to places like Absinthe and Chapeau. Now, there is another excellent option for those looking to enjoy French food in a welcoming and well-appointed setting.
This establishment is an excellent choice for brunch, with large windows that allow for plenty of natural light and tables that are not too close together. The menu focuses on French cuisine, including a variety of breakfast options and small plates. One standout dish is the tartare, which is consistently delicious.
The food, ambiance, and service at this restaurant are all top-notch, making it a worthy addition to the French dining scene in the city. Prior to its opening, the options for French cuisine were limited to places like Absinthe and Chapeau. Now, there is another excellent option for those looking to enjoy French food in a welcoming and well-appointed setting.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Dinner