Foreign Cinema | 2534 Mission Street

Exceptional Californian-Mediterranean cuisine in the Mission District. Established in 1999, Foreign Cinema is a refined dining experience, combining the allure of Californian-Mediterranean cuisine with the enchantment of outdoor movie screenings. Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, this iconic venue is a destination for culinary and film aficionados from around the globe.

Recommended by: Andy Nelson, Nelson Duni

Adobe Books | 3130 24th Street

Adobe is a Mission District institution - an incredible book store and community, and a gallery with constantly surprising curation.

Recommended by: Jackie Im, Et al.

Buddy | 3115 22nd Street

Super cute wine bar with a great list and excellent food.

Recommended by: Wade Wallerstein, Associate Curator, Gray Area

Shuggie's | 3349 23rd Street

Yummy spot for a climate-friendly happy hour drink and bite.

Recommended by: Kate Hollenbach, Education Director, Gray Area

Souvla | 758 Valencia Street

Quick, easy and fresh! I love the chicken kale salad, delicious!

Recommended by: Joey Piziali, Romer Young Gallery

Piccino | 1001 Minnesota Street

Italian fine dining and cocktail bar

Recommended by: Heather Shames, re.riddle and Andrew Berg, Small Works Project

Minnesota Street Project | 1275 Minnesota Street

Minnesota Street Project is definitely a must-see for anyone heading to Dogpatch (before or after coming to the Museum of Craft and Design). The last exhibition I saw had works by SF Artist James David Lee, and I was blown away. Exploring the quiet space sparked endless inspiration.

Recommended by: Remy Ayres, Museum of Craft and Design

Revel Plant Shop | 2421 3rd Street

It's hard to walk past Revel without going in and admiring all the beautiful plants, flowers, pottery, and unique finds they carry. It’s the kind of neighborhood shop that makes you want to pick up something every time you go in. The staff is wonderful and extremely helpful, and they can make arrangements of all sizes for all budgets, or you can find the perfect plant to take home and add to your collection.

Recommended by: Sarah Beth Rosales, Museum of Craft and Design

CCC Design Store at 41 Ross | 41 Ross Alley

A charming, well-curated shop of original art, artist's multiples, books, toys, gifts, and home decor, with a focus on works by Asian Pacific American artists. The shop supports local makers as well as the venerable nonprofit art organization, Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco. Make sure to check out the gallery space in the rear of the shop, with an exhibition of Bay Windows paper cuts, and check the windows for lanterns!

Recommended by: Christine Wong Yap, Lead Artist, Bay Windows presented by Christine Yap

Cold Drinks Bar | 644 Broadway

If you're looking for a cool respite from the well-earned bustle of China Live, go up a floor to Cold Drinks—the tucked-away retro bar overlooking Broadway Street—take a seat in a leather armchair, and order one of their inspired, imaginative (and typically scotch-driven) cocktails. Their peking duck fat popcorn doesn't hurt either.

Recommended by: Daniel Rechtschaffen, Communications Manager, Gallery Wendi Noris

Verjus | 550 Washington Street

The secret may be out on Verjus' pain perdu—think French toast topped with vanilla ice cream—but it's still the most irresistible dessert in town.

Recommended by: Daniel Rechtsschaffen, Assistant Director, Gallery Wendi Norris

Maison Nico | 710 Montgomery Street

Amazing French small plates and wine, right next door to the gallery. Perfect for an end of day visit.

Recommended by: Rebecca Camacho, Rebecca Camacho Presents

Chotto Matte | 50 O'Farrell Street

Chotto Matte San Francisco, a restaurant opened in October 2023, takes diners on a culinary adventure through Nikkei cuisine. This innovative approach blends fresh Peruvian ingredients with the refined techniques of Japan, creating a unique and flavorful experience.

Recommended by: Christina Maybaum, Owner, Maybaum Gallery

Driftwood | 1225 Folsom Street

Recommended by: Tova Lobatz, Heron Arts

Sextant Coffee | 1415 Folsom Street

Sextant Coffee Roasters is an independent café and roastery in San Francisco that emphasizes direct-farm sourcing, craft roasting, and thoughtful brewing. Founded by Kinani Ahmed, a first-generation Ethiopian, the roastery works directly with growers across Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia and beyond to bring exceptional beans into its mission-driven café experience.

Recommended by: Martin Strickland, Saint Joseph's Arts Foundation

Loquat | 198 Gough Street

Loquat is a bakery and cafe, across the street from TINT Gallery, perfect for a coffee and sweet treat. Make sure to try one of their individual babka's! Not to be missed. Their lemon tart is a personal favorite, as is their turkish coffee cream tart. You'll likely have trouble picking just one. Solution: try them all!

Recommended by: Michelle Edelman, TINT Gallery

Buena Vista | 2765 Hyde St

Famous for inventing the Irish Coffee, Buena Vista is a quintessential San Francisco stop. Drop in for an iconic cocktail or for dinner overlooking the cable cars at the end of Hyde Street.

Recommended by: Callie Jones, COL Gallery

Poesia | 4072 18th St

You won't meet a nicer group of people or eat such good Italian cuisine than you will find at Poesia. We go as often as we can, and have recently discovered happy hour which starts at 5:00 when our gallery closes on weekends! We start with the scallops, Capesant in Saor su polenta nera and a glass or two of Prosecco, then move on to the garden fresh vegetables, Giardini di Verdure and then usually get the seafood pasta special. Of course we top it off by sharing one of their delicious desserts. Poesia is part of the Castro ArtWalk so there will be art on the walls!

Recommended by: Michael Gozalez and Marten Evertz, MAG Galleries

Parche | 2295 Broadway Ave.

A vibrant culinary adventure at Parche - Oakland's hottest spot for bold and flavorful Colombian cuisine.

Recommended by: Kimberly Johansson, Johansson Projects

Pizzeria Violetta at Prescott Market | 1620 18th Street

A family-owned pizzeria in Oakland, CA, serving handmade pizzas, slices, salads, sandwiches, and shareable bites. Located in West Oakland food hall Prescott Market, their menu includes craft cocktails, hard slushies, local beers, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks, all made to pair with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With dough fermented for 48 hours and baked in a brick oven, they make a great pizza!

Recommended by: Cameron Brian, Gallery Owner/Director, Transmission Gallery

The New Parkway Theater | 474 24th St

Check out this unique Oakland theater in the nearby Uptown District. With a mix of cult classics, new releases and special programming, the New Parkway is a fun place to enjoy food, wine and beer delivered right to your comfy loveseat or reclaimed vintage chair theater seat while watching off beat films, documentaries or old favorites with entertaining non-film events also on the schedule.

Inclusive and welcoming, this is a fun way to round out your day in Oakland.

Recommended by: TaVee Lee, Gallery Manager, Transmission Gallery

Chez Panisse | 1517 Shattuck Avenue

Recommended by: Katrina Traywick, Traywick Contemporary

Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive | 2155 Center Street

Recommended by: Katrina Traywick,Traywick Contemporary

Bell’s Book Store | 536 Emerson Street

Beautiful book store with wide selection of esoteric books!

Recommended by: Claudia Yile, Qualia Contemporary Art

Coupa Café | 538 Ramona Street

A favorite in Downtown Palo Alto and our go-to place for coffees, matchas, and desserts.

Recommended by: Roya, Qualia Contemporary Art

Tootsie’s at Cantor | 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way

Make Tootsie’s at the Cantor Arts Center a destination before or after your visit to the museums, or enjoy a savory pause between galleries.

Owner Rocco Scordella has put together an Italian menu that includes a daily soup, a selection of paninis, the Tootsie’s burger with secret sauce and mozzarella, and of course dolci, vino, e caffè.

Recommended by: Margaret Whitehorn, Cantor Arts Center

Watershed Mill Valley | 129 Miller Ave. Suite 500

Located in the historic Mill Valley Lumber Yard, Watershed offers contemporary California cuisine by Chef Kyle Swain. Built over the creek in Mill Valley’s original sawmill, the restaurant draws inspiration from the region’s natural beauty and abundance. It’s the first place we recommend to new visitors and a top choice for team dinners in the neighborhood. Be sure to request a spot on the patio if the weather permits!

Recommended by: Avery Elisabeth, Gallery Assistant, Anthony Meier

Paseo Bistro | 17 Throckmorton Avenue

Tucked between Sunnyside and Throckmorton Avenues, Paseo feels like a hidden European courtyard in the heart of Mill Valley. Originally built in the 1940s to be artist and craftsman studios, Paseo is my favorite place to linger for a glass of wine and appetizer because the history is palpable! The warm adobe brick walls, rambling greenery of patios, and a cozy historic interior that instantly transports you!

Recommended by: Chandler Simpson, Director, Chandler Gallery

Fez | 118 Throckmorton Avenue

One of my favorite shops to stop into, Fez offers a music and meditation-inspired mix of vintage and curated new clothing and accessories. Eli has the best eye, and it a lovely part of what keeps Mill Valley's funky history alive!

Recommended by: Chandler Simpson, Director, Chandler Gallery

JapaCurry | 387 S 1st Street

The ICA staff loves getting Japanese Curry from JapaCurry in SoFA Market. They have great vegetarian and vegan options—especially the potato croquettes!

Recommended by: Zoë Latzer, Institute of Contemporary Art San José

Mezcal Restaurant | 25 W. San Fernando Street

Wonderful Mexican food with tasty drinks and coffee. Good for a leisurely lunch or a quick bite.

Recommended by: Melanie Samay, Director of Marketing and Communications, San José Museum of Art

Bad Animal | 1011 Cedar Street 

Bad Animal is THE best place in Santa Cruz. Bespoke used bookstore focused on art/literature/humanities by day, wine bar and authentic Thai food by night. The perfect date spot.

Recommended by: Ginger Porcella, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History

Inverness Park Market | 12301 Sir Francis Drake Blvd

Inverness Park Market has the best sandwiches and deli options in the area! Highly recommend the North Beach sandwich and the chicken tenders :)

Recommended by: Nora Boyd, Blunk Space

The Marshall Store | 19225 HWY 1.

The Marshall Store has delicious seafood from local Tomales Bay oysters to poboys. Enjoy the view of the bay and a perfect meal.

Recommended by: Mariah Nielson,Blunk Space

Stanly Ranch | 200 Stanly Crossroad

Stanly Ranch—part of Auberge Resorts in Napa’s Carneros—centers around Bear, its destination restaurant, alongside vineyard-set cottages and suites with terraces and firepits, vineyard-side pools, and a robust wellness program (full spa, fitness, restorative “circuit” experiences). Guests can book yoga and movement classes, guided rides and hikes, curated tastings, and host events from weddings to executive retreats, with concierge itineraries and car service.

Recommended by: Angelica de Vere Mabray, CEO, Anne Vignaud

Lou's Luncheonette | 2698 Fremont Drive

Lou’s Luncheonette is a casual, family-friendly roadside spot on Highway 12 in Sonoma (2698 Fremont Dr) known for local, seasonal ingredients and everything made fresh daily. Think fried chicken, biscuits, burgers, deviled eggs, fried oysters—and a low-key patio for easy dine-in or takeout; beer and wine are available. It typically operates mid-week through Sunday.

Recommended by: Dan Fishman, Winemaker, Anne Vignaud

Azuca | 100 W. Main Street

Azuca is an adorable boutique in downtown Los Gatos. You'll find creative gifts, unique jewelry, and (my favorite) fun socks! Anytime I need a good gift, Azuca is my first stop.

Recommended by: Jamie Donofrio, Development and Communications Manager, New Museum Los Gatos