Head up the hill to find this longstanding trattoria, a neighborhood staple serving solid red sauce fare. Start your meal with fried mozzarella sticks served with a side of marinara sauce followed by classic plates including linguini with prawns or spaghetti carbonara. For secondi, the menu offers salmon Toscano, eggplant Parmesan, and pollo alla Siciliana.

There’s probably no better place to grab a cocktail in the neighborhood than at this cozy bar, open since 2017 on the corner of Clay and Fillmore streets. Order from the classics menu for options like a daiquiri or a highball or go for something fresh off the signatures list — perhaps a Sakura made with Japanese whiskey, cherry blossom, basil eau de vie, pink peppercorn, and yuzu. For a light snack, there are tater tots, nachos, and crispy Brussels sprouts though a smash burger and fried chicken sandwich stand up as full meals.

There’s no shortage of Cal-Italian food in San Francisco, and Sorrel claims the title of being the Pac-Heights neighborhood spot for Michelin-starred dining. Chef Alex Hong spent time in the kitchen at three-Michelin-starred Quince before taking his talents to this side of town. The full tasting menu costs $185 but there’s also an option for an abbreviated five-course menu for $98. Plus, if you can catch one of the eight seats at the bar, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis, you can order from a selection of a la carte plates and low-ABV cocktails.   

For a chill dinner in the ‘hood, Dynasty Dumpling delivers. It’s a casual spot serving both American Chinese entrees including orange chicken, honey walnut prawns, and Mongolian beef. But the real stars of the show are the dumplings, as the name suggests. Order them stuffed with shrimp and leeks; corn, chicken, and mushrooms; or barbecued pork. The turnip cakes and scallion pancakes should also not be overlooked. 

Executive chef Nico Pena took the reins from chef and owner Melissa Perello in 2023, putting his touch on the restaurant’s already-strong reputation for elegant, seasonal cooking that refrains from being overly fussy. On the menu, look for an abundance of vegetables, oodles of fresh pasta, and delicate desserts. There’s also an option for a $110 tasting menu that includes a couple of options for appetizers and entrees. Don’t skip the housemade bread. 

Belinda Leong’s California Street bakery is more than just a favorite spot for pastries and coffee in the neighborhood. It’s one of the best bakeries in the city and almost always draws a line of customers waiting to snag one of the famous and impossibly flaky kougin amann and croissants. There are a few tables inside if you want to sit and enjoy your baked goods with a hot cup of coffee, but don’t count on getting a table. Pro-tip: Place an order ahead of time online and you can skip ahead to the pick-up line. 

If you’re looking for a solid spot to grab a quick bite between shopping spots on Fillmore, the Roam Burger should fit the bill. It’s a Bay Area mini-chain known for high-quality burgers, shakes, and sides, including fries, sweet potato fries, and a zucchini onion haystack. As for the burgers, you’ll pick a patty (beef, turkey, bison, or veggie) and then a style — think Classic, which comes with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and sauce, or a Chalet, which includes Swiss cheese, greens, tomatoes, and mushrooms. 

Chef Matt Accarrino has been holding it down on Fillmore Street for years and continues to make SPQR a destination for fresh pasta and hearty Italian plates like king salmon with farro verde and bacon-wrapped Berkshire pork. On most nights, diners can choose between ordering a la carte or going for a four-course prix fixe for $95. For an even more casual dining experience, just pop around the corner to sister restaurant Mattina, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner Thursday through Sunday.