For my first post, I thought I should start off by highlighting my own neighborhood I’ve called home for the last three years, Presidio Heights. It is often overlooked since it’s a quieter part of town but rest assured, it has MANY great gems that deserve a visit.

Presidio Heights is nestled between Pacific Heights, Laurel Heights, and the Presidio itself. I will mainly be covering Sacramento Street, as this is where most of the action lies. A major bonus to Presidio Heights is easy parking, which is highly uncommon in SF.

Dine

-Morning to Night-

As Quoted

- Cafe serving organic American fare -

Address: 3613 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, California, 94118 

Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-3pm

As Quoted is a chic cafe with a minimalist design. Their food is light and fresh and even on busy Saturday mornings, the service has always been fast.

Come here for a more laid-back feel and if you’re in the mood for a lighter breakfast/lunch, that’s still filling and satisfying.

Magic Flute

- Italian restaurant serving brunch and dinner-

Address: 3673 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, 5-8pm, Sat 10am-2:30pm, 5-8pm
Sun 10am-2:30pm

Magic Flute teleports you to a quaint Tuscan garden. The restaurant interior and back patio are both charming and beautiful. I appreciate the fact that all of their brunch options come with a side salad, which provides a nicely balanced meal (as oftentimes I feel quite heavy after brunch). If you’d like to check them out for dinner, their pastas do not disappoint! My favorite thus far has been the pesto chicken penne. Try to make a reservation in advance for their back patio, as it tends to fill up first.

Presidio Kebab

-Laid-back eatery serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare-

Address: 3277 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Hours: Sun-Mon 11am-8:30pm, Tue-Sat 11am-9:00pm

Local Presidio Heights residents may also be pleasantly surprised to learn that Presidio Kebab added a weekend brunch to their menu about a year ago. I don’t think you can go wrong with anything you order from Presidio Kebab. Every entree is as delicious and flavorful as the next.

Sociale

-Northern Italian eatery serving seasonal entrees-

Address: 3665 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Hours: Sun-Mon closed, Tue-Wed 5-9pm, Thur-Sat 12-2:30pm, 5-9pm

I waited far too long to try out Sociale, so please don’t make the same mistake as me! The first time I went was thanks to my fiance, Sam, who took me for my birthday dinner. I walked past the restaurant sign many times before this but I think it always slipped my mind due to the fact that the restaurant itself is hidden. To access Sociale, you have to walk down a side alley. Once you do so, your eyes (and later stomach) are in for a treat! Sociale has such an enchanting ambiance. Their outdoor seating is in front of the restaurant but you have privacy since it’s tucked away off of the street. We came here on a Tuesday evening and it was packed inside and out, so I’d highly recommend a reservation.

Spruce

-Serving seasonal contemporary American fare & handcrafted cocktails-

Address: 3640 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5-10pm, Sat-Sun 11am-2:30pm, 5-10pm

Spruce is definitely a vibe. We first came here to celebrate our anniversary and it was a very special experience to say the least. The service is top-notch (hello Michelin star) and the food was exceptional. I’d suggest planning your next special occasion here. We’ve also stopped by their bar before/after dinner elsewhere on evenings we’re appropriately dressed up.

 Sorrel

-High-end seasonal Cal-Italian mains-

Address: 3228 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Hours: Mon-Tue closed, Wed-Sun 5-9pm

Aesthetic is the first word that comes to mind when thinking about Sorrel. From the unique and colorful presentation of food, to the interior of the restaurant itself, Sorrel does not miss a beat on creating a beautiful experience. Currently, they have a summer tasting menu and a four-course menu. Their menu changes frequently as they use seasonal ingredients that they buy and forage from our local farmers' markets and their rooftop garden. The service is impeccable and to no surprise, they are a Michelin-star restaurant.

Garibaldis 

-Seasonal Californian-Mediterranean cuisine-

Address: 347 Presidio Ave, San Francisco, CA 94115

Hours: Sun-Mon closed, Tue-Sat 5-9pm

“Garibaldis has been the quintessential San Francisco neighborhood restaurant for over 30 years.” It’s not shocking to learn how long Garibaldis has been around because of their consistency. Their food is always superb, along with the service and atmosphere.

Laureate

-Bar and lounge at Laurel Inn-

Address: 444 Presidio Ave, San Francisco, CA 94115

Hours: Mon-Tue 4-10pm, Wed-Thur 4-11pm, Fri 4-1am

Sat 4-11pm, Sun closed

I think once you get to your 30s, you really appreciate a setting like Laureates. It’s a chic, cozy, and casual spot to begin the evening or end the night. I love the decor, relaxed seating, and the fact that you can hear and have a proper conversation without straining your voice. My favorite spot to sit is in front of their sleek and toasty fireplace. Laureate offers a wide selection of drinks and specialty cocktails, along with delicious bites and flatbreads.

Shop

There are many high-end clothing stores on Sacramento St., such as Betty Lin, Alys Grace, and Button Down. For upscale looks that are kinder on the wallet, check out these consignment stores: Goodbyes, Designer Consigner, and The Coven Project.

Presidio Heights is also filled with interior design firms and home stores. Be sure to check out the beautiful designs at the home stores such as Hudson Grace, Anthem, Anyon, Serena & Lily, and Emily Jubert Home & Garden.

Extras

My favorite thing to do in our neighborhood (besides eating), is going for walks. I typically start on Sacramento and wrap around Clay, Washington, and Jackson, down to Pacific Ave. and back. From Clay going north the streets are filled with beautiful homes and some extravagant mansions. There are great viewpoints throughout the neighborhood but my top choice is on the corner of Spruce and Washington. From there you will see a majestic shot of the Golden Gate Bridge, serene water, and vast trees from the Presidio. If you make it down to Pacific Ave., you will hit the Presidio Wall playground and Presidio itself. This is a great place to bring kids, dogs, and yourself! There are tennis courts, a baseball field/dog park when no games are in session, a children’s playground, and many great hiking trails and walking paths.

Last but not least you should catch a film at the Vogue Theatre. The Vogue Theatre was established in 1912 and has retained its antique charm. A friend of mine that’s a bit of a movie buff, enjoys coming here during their annual Mostly British Film Festival.

I’d love to hear which of these you’re planning to check out first.

Thanks for reading! 🙏 

All my best,

Mina Bahrami, Taste of SF