30 Jun A Taste of San Francisco – Z & Y Restaurant
Coming through San Francisco this summer? We have the perfect day planned for you from espresso in North Beach to dinner in in a traditional Szechuan restaurant in Chinatown! Some walking, some biking, busses and cabs – this day will give you a sweet taste of San Francisco’s favorite spots, breathtaking scenery and signature cuisine.
Before you begin your day…remember that it’s summer in San Francisco. It has been said that “The coldest winter I ever spent was summer in San Francisco.” While we can’t 100% verify that the quote came from Mark Twain, we can 100% verify that it is a true statement! San Francisco summer days can be warm and sunny, or cold, foggy and windy, or all of that in a single day. So, before you venture out, bring layers of clothing that you can add or shed depending on the whims of the local weather.
Exploring North Beach
The day starts with a morning stroll through North Beach, beginning at historic Columbus Tower/Sentinel Building at the corner of Columbus and Kearny. Rumor has it that Caesar salad was invented here! Today, it’s home to the headquarters of Francis Ford Coppola’s American Zoetrope Studio. From here, walk up Columbus past Vesuvio Café, home of San Francisco’s Beat movement, and right next door to the City Light Bookstore. Pop into Vesuvio for an espresso and continue heading up Columbus to Broadway.
Look up – and you’ll see “Language of the Birds” – a permanent light exhibition by Brian Goggin and Dorka Keehn featuring flying books. Veer right onto Grant Avenue, the charming heart of North Beach with shops, bakeries, bars, art and more. A block ahead is your breakfast stop – Caffe Trieste at 601 Vallejo, rumored to be the first espresso house on the West Coast and a favorite of the Beatniks. Enjoy a cappuccino and an Italian pastry and soak in the vibe.
Up to Coit Tower
Now that you’re properly caffeinated, it’s time for a walk up to Coit Tower! Continue up Grant to Filbert and take a right, and follow the signs pointing to Coit Tower. When you get to the top, take in the view and check out the famous Coit Tower fresco murals. Coit Tower is named for Lillie Hitchcock Coit who was a patron of San Francisco’s volunteer firefighters, and who bequeathed a substantial portion of her estate to the City of San Francisco. The structure is dedicated to those volunteer firemen who perished while fighting fires.
Once you’re at the top, take in the panoramic views from one of the best viewing spots in San Francisco. Look to the north west, toward the Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio – that’s where you’re headed next! Walk back down the steps to Greenwich, follow Greenwich to Columbus and Mason, and catch an Uber or the 45 Lyon + Greenwich. Get off at Mason and Halleck and walk to the Presidio Tunnel Tops. The Tunnel Tops are San Francisco’s newest outdoor park, connecting the Presidio’s historic Main Post with Crissy Field along the Bay’s edge.
The Presidio and Crissy Field
The Tunnel Tops are a beautiful outdoor space with activities for people of all ages. Built atop the Presidio Parkway tunnels and open since July 2022, the Presidio Tunnel Tops feature xx acres of outdoor places, including picnic areas, art murals, a campfire circle, and the Outpost play area for kids. The panoramic views from the Tunnel Tops are unrivaled with sweeping views across the Bay to the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Alcatraz, and the East Bay.
Ready for lunch? A rotating selection of popular mobile trucks, carts and tents serve up delicious food showcasing the Bay Area’s diverse cuisines. Available seven days a week from 9am – 5:30pm, you can see the latest offerings here, and take your lunch to the nearby picnic tables. After lunch, if you are feeling adventurous, head over to the Presidio Transit Center to rent a Bay Wheels bicycle (using the Lyft app). You can rent a classic or an electric bike – a good choice for the Presidio hills!
Bike Trek to the Golden Gate Bridge
Bike down to Crissy Field, and head west on Mason Street (San Francisco Bike Route 2), and follow the signs to the Golden Gate Bridge, about a 1.5-mile bike ride. The bike path will take you through Crissy Field and up the hill to the Golden Gate Bridge Visitors Center. From here, you can park your bike and stop in at the Round House Café for an afternoon treat and fantastic views. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can make the bike trip over the Golden Gate Bridge to Vista Point, about 2.8 miles one way. Here, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the San Francisco skyline.
San Francisco Chinatown
Head back down to Crissy Field via Mason Street, and dock your bike at the Sports Basement. From here, catch an Uber, or the 30 back to Chinatown for a well-earned Chinese feast at one of San Francisco’s most acclaimed Chinese restaurants, Z&Y Restaurant, located at 655 Jackson Street.
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown, Z&Y has earned both a Michelin Bib Gourmand and a ZAGAT rating, and is consistently listed among the top Chinese restaurants in San Francisco. With a vast menu featuring Szechuan classics along with indoor and outdoor summer dining, Z&Y is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
Under the direction of award-winning Chef Lijun Han, Z&Y serves authentic Szechuan dishes with unique touches like a signature spicy sauce and a wide variety of vegetarian fare. Z&Y’s menu is full of flavor with dishes ranging from Tea Smoked Duck to Explosive Chicken. Craving something spicy? No visit to Z&Y would be complete without a starter of Chef Han’s signature spicy dumplings, which hits the spot perfectly after a day of touring San Francisco.
Favorite mains include Mapo Tofu, a flavorful vegetarian dish that pairs perfectly with Sauteed String Beans. Want something extra spicy? Try the famous Explosive Crispy Chicken which, like its name implies, is extra hot and extra delicious. For a delicious savory dish, try the Beef Pancakes, with tender beef and scallions wrapped in flaky dough.
No trip to San Francisco is complete without the city’s signature Dungeness crab, and at Z&Y, there are several seasonal options including Baked Crab with Black Pepper. If it’s not crab season, Z&Y has other delicious seafood options including the popular Fish Filet with Flaming Chili Oil.
After dinner, finish your San Francisco adventure with an evening walk through Chinatown. Head to Grant Street and walk south under the colorful Chinese lanterns that are lit up at nighttime. You’ll reach the Dragon’s Gate, the official entryway to Chinatown. Built in 1969, Dragon’s Gate is designed like a traditional “pailou,” constructed of stone and green tile, and flanked by two lions to scare off evil spirits.
With your San Francisco day complete, what is your favorite part?
Written by,
Grier McCurdy Mathews
