Led by Executive Chef Joshua Skenes, Saison doesn't just follow the foodie trend in SoMa - it has helped establish and maintain it for several years. The principles of local and simply made food aren't just printed on the menu and the website; they are on full display at the restaurant itself, which is one large, cavernous space, allowing everyone to witness what food is available and exactly how it is being prepared. Saison has a deep commitment not just to sustainable cooking but in educating everyone in how important it is to know what you eat. As we all know, we are what we eat. If you choose to eat at Saison, we promise you will be one delicious person.
Recommended for Restaurants near AT&T Park because: Saison is a great choice for those who want to spend a little extra before they head to the ballgame.
Tom's expert tip: Very popular restaurant, so be sure to make reservations.
Albeit a tiny space with bar dining downstairs and a handful of tables upstairs, Bar Crudo has made quite a splash with its exquisite seafood. Impeccable preparation and spot-on flavors distinguish the fare, whether you choose chilled shellfish or their crudo (raw fish) items. The latter get a kick with fennel, mint, tobiko, ginger, and blood oranges. Seafood chowder, with its base of applewood-smoked bacon, pleases folks who want something hot; other possibilities include tuna confit, an artisan cheese plate, and sherry duck liver mousse. The bar's spotlight shines on an array of Belgian beers, which is also the perfect primer before a baseball game at nearby AT&T Park.
Recommended for Restaurants near AT&T Park because: Bar Crudo is the best seafood option around AT&T Park.
Tom's expert tip: The Bar Crudo Happy Hour menu is one of the best in the city.
High ceilings and awesome Bay views establish a unique atmosphere at this well-received waterfront venue. Style and spectacle are grounded, though, by Slanted Door's authentic country Vietnamese dishes, which get a California kick from local ingredients. Taste the results in the catfish claypot, crispy peppercorn duck, shaking beef, spicy squid and mesquite-grilled pork chops. Spring rolls also come highly recommended, and great cocktails and scrumptious desserts are worth indulging in. And with a world-famous chef/owner like Charles Phan in charge (author of the fantastic cook book "Vietnamese Home Cooking"), you'll get quite a crowd. And don't forget to keep an eye out for celebrities!
Recommended for Restaurants near AT&T Park because: Even if you're not going to AT&T Park, Slanted Door is too good to miss.
Tom's expert tip: Leave time to explore the Ferry Building, the amazing location of this fine restaurant.
If you value food over atmosphere in your dining experience, then HRD Coffee Shop might be the place for you. The location itself is as imaginative as its name, but the food is a daring and delightful mix of Chinese, American, Korean and Mexican favorites. You can try everything from Korean Loco Moco to Mongolian Cheesesteak, all under one old, unimpressive roof. But with all of San Francisco's Soma district waiting outside, from the cheers at AT&T Ballpark to a beautiful stroll along the bay, why would anyone want to be inside anyway? Order that Firecracker Shrimp for the road!
Recommended for Restaurants near AT&T Park because: HRD Coffee Shop is on a direct line between downtown San Francisco and AT&T Park.
Tom's expert tip: Be sure to try the kimchi burritos.
Founded way back in 1937 and having survived the Great Depression, Original Joe's is a great place to eat. The simplicity of the meals is only outdone by the portions: the classic Flatiron Steak and Eggs is three square meals on one plate. The breakfast menu offers a good variety of omelets, along with sausage, eggs, ham, and other traditional breakfast items. The retro ambience includes waiters in tuxedos, and hamburgers come highly recommended. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe's has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.
Recommended for Restaurants near AT&T Park because: A great option for those headed to AT&T Park but also wanting to experience San Francisco's iconic North Beach neighborhood.
Tom's expert tip: Closed due to a fire in 2007. Re-opened late 2012.
If you still have savory dreams from childhood of two slices of perfectly buttered toast squeezing out melted cheddar cheese, this restuarant is for you. And, even though the recipe is simple, they take their one product very seriously, with "Commander in Cheese" Heidi Gibson dreaming up delectable sandwiches such as "The Mousetrap," which has an unforgettable mix of Tillamook Cheddar, havarti and Monterrey jack. And since grilled cheese should go hand-in-hand with tomato soup, be sure to order a to-go cup of their house-made Smoky Tomato Soup. If you think you know grilled cheese sandwiches, swing by The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen and get an education about this simple American masterpiece.
Recommended for Restaurants near AT&T Park because: The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen is a simple choice for large groups on their way to AT&T Park.
Tom's expert tip: The line for lunch can be very long, so try to go during off hours if you're in a hurry.
The Butler and the Chef has three simple but lovely food principles: mix the best local ingredients with some quality French imports; use only organic bread, pastry and milk products; and offer expertly made French and American beverages. That means you can enjoy a classic Parisien sandwich with locally raised Niman Ranch ham; a croissant made from the highest quality organic flour and butter; and a Macon Villages chardonnay from France. If you're wandering around San Francisco and get that wild lust for a delightful French Bistro, head straight for The Butler and the Chef. You'll be singing Oo-la-la before you know it.
Recommended for Restaurants near AT&T Park because: The Butler and the Chef is a great choice for those on their way to AT&T Park who want an organic menu.
Tom's expert tip: Order the classic Croque Monsieur. You won't be disappointed!
The stylish and intelligent atmosphere of Marlowe comes directly from its stylish and intelligent owner, New Zealand native Anna Weinberg, and Executive Chef Jennifer Puccio. Weinberg has owned several successful restaurants before, including Stella in New York (2001) and South in San Francisco (2007). And Pucio was executive chef of San Francisco's Cortez, where she won three stars from San Francisco Chronicle Food Editor and Critic Michael Bauer. In other words, these ladies really know what they're doing, and it definitely shows. Whether you want the legendary Marlowe burger for lunch or the always popular pan-seared scallops for dinner, you can rest assured that the entire restaurant has been trained to offer you a fantastic and memorable meal.
Recommended for Restaurants near AT&T Park because: Marlowe often wins the "best burger in San Francisco" award, which is always a great ballgame meal.
Tom's expert tip: Try the small bite baked oysters to start your meal off right.
Overlooking South Park, this cafe is considered one of the city's favorite lunch spots. Its European atmosphere features an intimate space with sunny hues, punctuated by flowers that complements a fine French cuisine. Steamed mussels and roasted duck breast are two excellent choices, along with sea bass accented with red-wine sauce. Desserts are also a decadent treat, further proof of finding an authentic French meal at moderate prices. And although lunch is wonderful, dinner is worth sampling here as well. If you're on your way to or from a Giants game at AT&T Park and want to savor a special meal, check out South Park Cafe.
Recommended for Restaurants near AT&T Park because: South Park is one of the fancier options for those on their way to AT&T Park.
Tom's expert tip: If you have time, the three-course prix fixe is worth trying.
Although Joe DiMaggio was a New York Yankee legend, San Franciscans know he was born in nearby Martinez and had a love affair with San Francisco his whole life. If you want some of the classic San Francisco atmosphere that Joe DiMaggio couldn't get enough of, go no farther than Momo's - which is right across the street from AT&T Park. Although the Yankee Clipper never ate here himself, Momo's has just the right mix of comfort and style that DiMaggio himself made famous. Featuring comfort food like Chicken Pot Pie (Roasted chicken, carrots, mushrooms, potatoes, peas, herbed pastry top) or Momo's Meatloaf (Roasted garlic mashed potatoes,steamed broccolini, mushroom gravy), Momo's is the perfect choice before or after any AT&T Park festivity.
Recommended for Restaurants near AT&T Park because: Momo's is right next to AT&T Park, and it offers Italian comfort food that goes great before or after a ballgame.
Tom's expert tip: The $5 Moscow Mule during Happy Hours (M-F, 3-7, except on game days) is a bargain.