Matthew and I had such a fun weekend in San Francisco. The trip was short, but super easy. The flight from LA was only an hour so we flew up Saturday morning and left Sunday evening. It was the perfect little getaway and I think we both desperately needed it. Here is how we spent our 36 hours in San Francisco. I apologize now for the photo heavy post! I also included some San Francisco recommendations at the bottom of the post if you’re planning a trip anytime soon! {hint hint, you should!}
Matthew and I flew up Saturday morning and were at brunch by 11am. We went to The Butler & the Chef in South Park, one of our favorite little French cafes. I especially love the vegetarian eggs benedict, which comes with tomatoes and herbs instead of the usual ham. It’s served on a delicious olive bread which makes it that much more amazing. We couldn’t resist the french toast either!
We loved walking through the city. On previous trips we’ve always had a car but it was so easy to use BART and MUNI. It all came right back to me!
I really didn’t think the big Christmas tree was going to be up in Union Square, but it was!! Such a great surprise! The weather was a little chilly so I was glad to be bundled up. We did a little window shopping and I tried on some pretty heels. Then we went back to Hotel Nikko to rest up before dinner. We went to Trattoria Contadina which is a great Italian place that’s small and romantic. We used to go there on many date nights, and we actually went there the night Matthew proposed! I love that they make some of their own pastas and the gnocchi is especially good!
Sunday morning Matthew and I went to Cafe de la Presse for breakfast. I got a latte, an almond croissant and a yogurt parfait. Matthew got the croissant breakfast sandwich.
After breakfast Matthew and I went to the Legion of Honor to see the Matisse exhibit. It was a little smaller than I expected but I loved seeing his work. The museum overlooks the water and the Golden Gate Bridge so the views were beautiful! Matthew had to pose with this statue..too funny!
For lunch we went to Burma Superstar. Have any of you had Burmese food before? It’s so good and interesting, an amazing compilation of flavors. The tea leaf salad is our favorite. It has tea leaves in it, as well as sunflower seeds, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, fried garlic, jalepenos and a bunch of other yummy ingredients!
We couldn’t leave San Francisco without a stop at Kara’s Cupcakes. I love the Sweet Vanilla and Fluer de Sel the best! Since we were in Ghiradelli Square Matthew suggested we check out The Buena Vista. He’s always raved about their famous Irish Coffee so I had to check it out. I love how they get the cream to float on top..so cool!
San Francisco is one of my favorite cities and I’m so lucky to have such great memories of being up there. It’s the city where Matthew and I met and fell in love. And I can’t forget we got engaged there, too! I think it’s best if you can visit SF for at least a week (especially to make a trip into Berkeley, check out the South Bay, or even go to Napa), but if you only have 36 hours here are some recommendations:
breakfast & lunch
Tartine Bakery {chocolate croissant and banana cream tart}
Roses Cafe {cute brunch in the Marina}
The Butler and the Chef {eggs benedict is amazing, as is their french toast, quiches and sandwiches!}
La Boulange {amazing chai latte! locations all over the city}
Pizzeria Delfina {great pizza!}
El Farolito {good & fast Mexican food}
SuppenKuche {for traditional German food and beer.. Matthew loves it}
Burma Superstar {good for lunch/dinner, but always crowded so lunch is better. Tea Leaf Salad, Samusas, and Coconut Rice, Ginger Cooler}
dinner
Boulevard {for a special dinner. Everything is so good!}
Zushi Puzzle {Matthew and I went here on our first date. Get the M&M Roll, Killer Josh & Butter Face}
Trattoria Contadina {homemade pasta and amazing gnocchi!}
Greens Restaurant {amazing Vegetarian food and great view! Would be good for a nicer lunch too.}
La Mar {delicious Peruvian food}
Jardiniere {fancy restaurant close to opera house}
Fresca {really great Peruvian tapas and sangria}
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar {great drinks, yummy French food}
snacks & treats
BiRite Creamery {the salted caramel is super popular}
Gelato Classico {the hazelnut gelato is Matthew’s absolute favorite!}
Blue Bottle Coffee {smooooth lattes}
Philz Coffee {mint mojito coffee!}
Kara’s Cupcakes {sweet vanilla and fluer de sel are soo good!}
The Buena Vista {famous for their Irish Coffee}
El Techo de Lolinda {go for a rooftop happy hour and get some small plates like ceviche and shrimp skewers!}
to do
Twin Peaks Views {great place for a view and a kiss!}
Cliff House {gorgeous sunset views}
Foreign Cinema {combine dinner with a movie}
Maiden Lane {for some shopping damage!}
check out the Ferry Building {great little specialty shops and restaurants. Eat your lunch outside looking out on the water}
The Parrots of Telegraph Hill {if you’re a bird lover!}
Ride on the Trolley Cars, because it is San Francisco after all!
There are probably a bunch of spots I’m missing so I’ll have to continue adding to this list. Also, SF friends, feel free to add your favorites in the comments below! I’m sure there are many new places I haven’t even been yet! Ah, back from SF and already craving another trip!
xox
