Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness Restaurants

A hotbed for the tech set and buzzing eateries, Hayes Valley has quickly become one of the hottest dining destinations in the city. After the 1989 Loma Pieta earthquake destroyed the Central Freeway, it paved the way for the rise of the neighborhood. Today, it’s hard to walk more than a block before discovering another gem—whether it’s sushi, Scandinavian, modest Greek, or liquid nitrogen ice cream. It’s not all casual cuisine, however. Nestled amidst the dense deliciousness, you’ll find rustic French bistros and a champagne bar with an extensive caviar list. After exploring the eclectic flavors and charm of the Hayes Valley streets, we recommend heading to Patricia’s Green for a perfect desert of people watching and unwinding.