Bike and Bite: Where to Eat in San Francisco After Your Bike Tour
July 21, 2025San Francisco is a city full of stunning views, history, green spaces, exciting events, and some of the best restaurants in California. One of the best ways to explore San Francisco is through a bike rental or bike tour of the city. This is a great way to not only experience the best of the city, but also learn more about the history, the architecture, and the people. Whether you’re cruising across the Golden Gate Bridge, riding through Golden Gate Park, or exploring the streets of Fisherman’s Wharf, biking in San Francisco is fun, fast, and full of amazing sights.
But after a bike tour, you’ll probably be ready for something else—food! Lucky for you, San Francisco is also known for its incredible restaurants. Whether you want something quick or a full meal, it can be hard to narrow down where to eat in San Francisco as there are so many options.
Let’s take a ride through the best restaurants in San Francisco that are perfect before or after your bike tour.
Best Food Options in San Francisco
If you do a Google search or ask ChatGPT to tell you the best places to eat in San Francisco, chances are high you’ll be overwhelmed by the options. To help you narrow things down, start by exploring the area near where your bike tour or bike rental dropoff will be. For example, if you’re exploring the city with Bay City Bike, you’ll likely end the tour at one of our locations in Fisherman’s Wharf. If that’s the case, you should explore restaurant recommendations nearby in the North Beach, Chinatown, or the Waterfront areas.
North Beach Area Restaurants
North Beach is known as San Francisco’s “Little Italy.” It’s the perfect place to stop for a cozy dinner or a big bowl of pasta after a great day exploring San Francisco on two wheels. Here are a few delicious spots to consider:
- da Flora – This is a tiny, romantic spot with a menu that changes with the seasons. The dishes are fresh, homemade, and full of flavor. It’s quiet, charming, and a great place to relax after your ride.
- Original Joe’s – This lively Italian-American restaurant is always buzzing. Expect big portions, classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, and a fun crowd. Make a reservation—it’s popular for a reason!
- Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – Love pizza? This award-winning pizzeria serves some of the best in the city. With many styles to choose from, it’s a great casual option after a long day on two wheels.
- Molinari Delicatessen – Want to build your own sandwich? This Italian deli has been around for over 100 years. Grab a sandwich and take it to nearby Washington Square Park for a lovely afternoon picnic.
Chinatown Restaurants
Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in the U.S., and the food in San Francisco doesn’t get more classic than this.
- China Live – Part restaurant, part shop, China Live is a beautiful, modern space where you can try many small dim sum dishes. The staff is friendly and helps guide you through the menu. Don’t forget to stop by the tea and kitchen shop on your way out!
- R&G Lounge – Known for their famous salt and pepper crab, R&G Lounge is a favorite among locals and visitors. It looks like a banquet hall, but the food is top-notch Cantonese.
- House of Nanking – This restaurant has been around for years and still draws a crowd. It’s fast, it’s tasty, and the staff makes sure you don’t leave hungry.
San Francisco Waterfront Restaurants
After biking along the Embarcadero or down to Crissy Field, you’ll find some great places to eat with waterfront views.
- La Mar – A beautiful Peruvian restaurant right on the water. Their ceviche flights are a must-try, and the pisco sours are famous. It’s the perfect place for a long, relaxing lunch or dinner.
- The Ramp – Want something more casual? Head to The Ramp. This laid-back spot has an outdoor patio, live music on weekends, and delicious food. It’s a local hangout where you can grab a bite and enjoy the Bay breeze.
What About Near Golden Gate Park?
Looking to explore Golden Gate Park by bike? There is no shortage of restaurant choices there, too! The best part? There is one official bike rental vendor in the park, Parkwide Bike & Surrey Rentals, which means you can rent a bike to explore the park and stop at any point to enjoy a delicious meal (bike rentals come with bike locks, so you can securely keep your rental safe and take your time with your meal!). Parkwide has two locations in Golden Gate Park and one location in the Marina.
Golden Gate Park Restaurants
Golden Gate Park is one of the most popular bike routes in the city, and there are lots of food options nearby or even inside the park.
- Bandshell Hot Dog Stand – Need a quick snack? This stand is right outside the Music Concourse and serves classic hot dogs perfect for lunch on the go.
- Japanese Tea Garden Teahouse – Inside the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, this teahouse offers mochi, udon, and many types of tea. It’s a peaceful spot to take a break.
- California Kahve Cart – Just outside the park, this cart is great for smoothies, matcha lattes, and grab-and-go sandwiches.
- Flywheel Coffee – On the edge of the park, these coffee shops offer pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and great people-watching.
- Picnic Delis on Haight Street – Want to make your own picnic? Ride down Haight Street and stop at Gus’s Market, Amal’s Deli, or Sandy’s. Pick up your favorite sandwich, snacks, and drinks, then head back into the park for a bike-and-bite picnic!
Marina Restaurants
If your bike ride takes you toward the Palace of Fine Arts or Crissy Field, the Marina is full of great spots to eat in San Francisco.
- Greens Restaurant – Located at Fort Mason, this high-end vegetarian spot is perfect for a healthy, beautiful meal. It’s set in an old military building and has views of the Bay. Even meat lovers will love this place!
- Roma Antica – A cozy, upscale Italian spot with a relaxed vibe. Their handmade pasta and wine list are worth a stop.
- A16 – Known for reimagining Italian classics, A16 is award-winning and a great place for a celebratory meal after a long ride.
- Souvla – This small local chain serves Greek-style wraps and bowls that are quick, healthy, and delicious. A perfect choice if you want something fast but flavorful.
The Marina also has a buzzing nightlife scene if you want to continue your adventure into the evening after returning your bike rental.
Explore San Francisco by Bike and Reward Yourself with a Stop at a Delicious SF Restaurant
There’s no better way to explore the city than by bike. If you choose a bike tour, you can learn about the city’s history from a local, meet new people, and avoid traffic jams. If you choose to rent a bike and explore on your own, you can see more, stop where you want, and feel the fresh air as you ride. Whether you’re pedaling through Golden Gate Park, riding along the waterfront, or exploring North Beach, there’s always something new to discover.
And when you’re done? There’s no shortage of places to eat in San Francisco. From casual bites to fancy dinners, this city has something for every kind of appetite. These are just a few of the best restaurants in San Francisco, perfect before or after a bike tour.
Ready to ride and dine? Bay City Bike offers bike rentals and guided tours that make it easy to explore the city. Grab your bike, follow the route, and treat yourself to some of the best food in town!