Where to dine, drink and shop at SFO
SFO offers world-class dining and drinking options. Photo courtesy of SFO.
San Francisco International (SFO) Airport isn’t just a gateway to adventures — it’s a destination all on its own, especially when it comes to culinary delights. In fact, earlier this month, Food and Wine Magazine named it one of the top airports in the U.S. for food and drinks, and we couldn’t agree more. Whether you have time for a leisurely meal or you’re racing across the sleek airport floor with only a few minutes to spare, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best restaurants, quick to-go eateries and places to get essential travel accessories at SFO.
Also, don't miss the SFO Museum, which includes rotating exhibits of public artworks by local, national and international artists, as well as video art, photography and student art. As an added bonus, visit SFO’s yoga rooms in Terminals 1, 2 and 3 if you want to unwind before takeoff, and for families with little ones, let them run wild in Kid’s Spots (also in Terminals 1, 2 and 3).
Use BART’s Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options, and learn how to ride BART to the airport.
Enjoy a meal at Perry's before departing SFO. Photo courtesy of SFO.
Harvey Milk Terminal 1
Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Porter, Sun Country Airlines, West Jet.
Whether you’re up early for a tropical getaway or arriving late for a red-eye, Terminal 1 has everything you need. When looking for a quick bite, you can’t go wrong with Bun Mee (Gate B3) for tasty Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, pho noodle soup and fresh shrimp spring rolls. It’s so good that it recently made Bloomberg’s list of one of the best airport meals in the world. Mama Go’s Filipino Cuisine (Gate 18) has gluten-free and vegan options and boba drinks. The Gateside Market (Gate B18) is the place to go for sandwiches, snacks, açaí bowls and treats by local purveyors like It’s It Ice Cream and Sidewalk Juice. You can also enjoy a crispy chicken sandwich or fresh salad from Starbird (Gate B13) or grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and pastries from Dolores Park Cafe (C5).
For a more relaxing meal, treat yourself to Perry’s (Gate C1). The full-service restaurant (with another BARTable location downtown) serves the best chopped salad, burgers and breakfast fare. More take-your-time spots include Farmerbrown (C4), which stocks some of the best Southern comfort food in the city, Michael Mina’s Bourbon Pub (Gate B7), a full-service restaurant with tasty pub grub and a full bar and Drake’s Flyaway (Gate B20), a Bay Area brewery serving burger, pizzas and salads.
Looking for a caffeine fix or a sweet treat? Try Ritual Coffee (near the B Gate security checkpoint), a San Francisco original since 2005.
If you’re in the mood to shop, check out San Franpsycho (Gate B9) for unique apparel and accessories with cool San Francisco prints, the iStore (Gate B3) for all your tech needs and Green Apple Books for your next read. Crave a little pampering or a new lipstick shade? Visit L’Occitane (Gate B17) for luxury lotions and MAC (near the B Gates security terminal) for makeup. There’s also several newsagents, including Skyline News and Gifts (Gate B13), for reading material, souvenirs and snacks.
Napa Farms Market is one of the best eateries in SFO. Photo courtesy of SFO.
Terminal 2
Airlines: Air Canada, Breeze, Southwest
In Terminal 2, you’ll find Napa Farms Market (D Gates), the award-winning Artisan Farmers Market, where you can pick up farm-to-flight food like seasonal salads, wood-fired pizzas, sustainably sourced meats, produce and Bay Area-made desserts. It was named the “10 Best Grab-and-Go Dining Options at US Airports” in the USA Today Readers’ Choice awards. More fantastic options for speedy meals in Terminal 2 include Dogpatch Bakehouse & Café (Gate C7) for salads and sandwiches, the Burger Joint (Gate D15) for Niman Ranch burgers and Andale Mexican Kitchen + Bar (Gate D16) for made-to-order burritos and tacos. Neighboring eateries The Plant Café Organic and Pinkberry (Gate D4) offer contemporary California cuisine with Asian-inspired flavors and frozen yogurt, respectively.
Did you know you can go wine tasting at SFO too? Vino Volo (D Gates) offers tastings, wine by the glass, full bottles and small food plates. When you prefer larger food portions, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, lunch or dinner at Lark Creek Grill (Gate D1). It’s one of the “Top Airport Restaurants in the World” (by Conde Nast Traveler) and serves classic American fare, craft cocktails and local beer and wine. For an elevated casual meal, try Cat Cora (Gate D9) for lamb meatballs with spicy harissa Greek yogurt, grilled avocado cobb salad or more healthy meals with Greek flair. Just want a quick coffee? Head to Peet’s Coffee & Tea (Gate D15).
If you need new headphones, chargers or other tech devices, stop by the iStore (Gates D3 and Gate D16). Kiehl’s (T2 Retail Street) has all your beauty essentials. Compass Books (D Gates) is the place to pick up a new book or newspaper, and you can even pop by the DFS Duty-Free (D Gates) if you’re traveling internationally. While in Terminal 2, also don’t miss the SkyTerrace. The observation deck offers 180-degree views of the runways.
To grab a bite and catch the game before your flight, head to the San Francisco Giant's Clubhouse. Photo courtesy of SFO.
Terminal 3
Airlines: United
One of the main highlights in Terminal 3, at least for baseball fans, is the San Francisco Giants Clubhouse (Gate F13). The ultimate sports bar has tons of TVs and a ballpark-inspired menu. If you’re a wine lover, check out SF Uncork’d (Gate F16) for local wine, craft beer and small plates.
Terminal 3 also has a food court near Gates F11 to F20 where you’ll find Green Beans Coffee, the beloved Bay Area favorite Bacon Bacon, Proposition Chicken, Amoura and lots more.
Forgot your sunglasses? Pick up a new pair at Sunglass Hut (near Gate E6). Purchase Bose audio equipment at the vending machine near Gate E6, and stop by the District Market (F Gates) for a little bit of everything — gifts, souvenirs, snacks, magazines and books.
You can't go wrong with a burger and a beer at Gott's Roadside before take-off at SFO. Photo courtesy of SFO.
International Terminal A
Airlines: AeroMexico, Air France, Air India, British Airways, China Airlines, KLM, Iberia, Virgin Atlantic and more. See the full list here.
Traveling internationally? They've got a bunch of good food options there, including Gott’s Roadside (Gate A13) for California classic burgers, salads and microbrews. There’s also a Boudin Bakery (Gate A2) for clam chowder and sourdough bread specialties, Valencia Street Station (Gate A12) for American comfort food and the Black Point Café (Gate A4) for a coffee and grab-and-go salads and sandwiches.
High-end fashion lovers are in luck here at Terminal A. You can shop Burberry, Gucci and Saint Laurent near Gate A1, Hermes near Gate A2 and Coach between Gates A5 and A9. There are also duty-free stores and the New Stand (near Gate A5) where you can pick up travel essentials, like a neck pillow, snacks and reading material to keep you entertained on a long flight.
Joe & The Juice is perfect for a quick pressed juice, coffee or light bite. Photo courtesy of SFO.
International Terminal G
Airlines: Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana, Lufthansa, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, United (International)
Before hopping on your international flight from Terminal G, indulge in a leisurely meal at Mustards Bar & Grill (Gate G3). The Napa Valley bistro serves American food influenced by European, Asian, African and Latin American flavors. You can also savor sushi, sashimi or a big bowl of noodles at Tomokazu (Gate G7) or visit the cocktail lounge and restaurant 1300 on Fillmore (Gate G13) for Southern classics. Are you in a rush? Get fresh organic Vietnamese street food at Asian Box (Gate G4) or try Joe & The Juice (Gate G13) for freshly pressed juice, coffee and made-to-go sandwiches.
Terminal G also has high-end shops, like Gucci and Burberry (Gate G2). You can stop by The Chocolate Market (Gate G4) for Swiss chocolates and American Truffles, Therabody (Gate G9/G10) for wellness and therapy devices, like the Theragun massager, North Beach Mercantile (Gate G6) for travel necessities and two duty free shops for tax-free treats.
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