Best Wood-Fired Restaurants in San Francisco You Need to Book Now
If you’re looking for the best wood-fired restaurants in San Francisco, then this is for you. San Francisco seriously knows how to do wood-fired food. And no, I’m not just talking about pizza. From smoky Korean BBQ and live-fire seafood to legendary brick-oven chicken and cozy Italian spots, the city has quietly become one of the best places in California for wood-fired dining experiences.
These restaurants are not just trendy TikTok spots with pretty interiors and overpriced cocktails. They serve incredible food that people keep going back for. And that’s exactly why I put together a list of the best wood-fired restaurants in San Francisco that are worth booking right now.
Whether you’re craving wood-fired steak, smoky seafood, handmade pasta, Korean barbecue, or a perfectly blistered pizza, these spots bring both incredible food and the kind of vibe that makes you want to stay for hours.
Best Wood-Fire Restaurants in San Francisco You Need to Try
1. Nopa
If there’s one restaurant that perfectly captures San Francisco’s wood-fired dining scene, it’s Nopa. This place has been iconic for years, and it still lives up to the hype. It is the best wood-fired restaurants in San Francisco according to the locals. The vibe is warm, lively, slightly rustic, and always buzzing. It feels trendy without trying too hard, which is probably why both locals and tourists keep coming back.
- Location: 560 Divisadero St, San Francisco
- Website: www.nopasf.com
- Phone: +1 (415) 864-8643
2. Zuni Café
Zuni Café is one of those classic San Francisco restaurants that people still talk about years later. And once you try the famous brick-oven roasted chicken with bread salad, you’ll understand why. This place feels effortlessly charming. It’s bright during the day, romantic at night, and somehow manages to feel both upscale and relaxed at the same time. Also, if you’re into restaurants with history and personality, Zuni absolutely delivers. It’s not trying to be viral. Yet somehow, it still stays relevant.
- Location: 1658 Market St, San Francisco
- Website: zunicafe.com
- Phone: +1 (415) 552-2522
3. Cotogna
Located in Jackson Square, this cozy Italian spot is known for its wood-burning oven, handmade pasta, and insanely good seasonal dishes. And honestly, you can taste the difference. Their raviolo alone has practically become famous online, but the fire-roasted meats and seasonal vegetables deserve just as much attention.
- Location: 490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco
- Website: www.cotognasf.com
- Phone: +1 (415) 775-8508
4. Angler
If you love seafood and waterfront dining experiences, Angler needs to be on your list immediately. The restaurant centers around a massive wood-burning hearth, and honestly, watching the kitchen work feels like part of the experience. Everything here has smoky depth and incredible texture. Plus, the waterfront location makes the experience even better.
- Location: 132 The Embarcadero, San Francisco
- Website: https://www.anglersf.com
- Phone: +1 (415) 872-9442
5. San Ho Won
San Ho Won blends Korean BBQ with upscale live-fire cooking, and the result is honestly unforgettable. The charcoal-grilled meats are packed with flavor, and the whole experience feels elevated without becoming intimidating. The galbi is incredible, the banchan is beautifully done, and the smoky grilled meats are packed with flavor.
- Location: 2170 Bryant St, San Francisco
- Website: www.sanhowon.com
- Phone: +1 (415) 868-4479
6. Fiorella
Fiorella is the definition of a modern San Francisco comfort restaurant. The atmosphere feels stylish but relaxed, which makes it perfect after a long day exploring the city. Their wood-fired pizzas are fantastic, but honestly, people also come here for the pasta, cocktails, and cozy neighborhood energy.
- Location: 2339 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121
- Website: www.fiorella-sf.com
- Phone: +1 (415) 340-3049
7. Saison
If you want a true fine-dining experience, then Saison easily stands out as one of the most luxurious restaurants in San Francisco. Along with being a Michelin Star restaurant, it is also one of the best wood-fired restaurants in San Francisco. Every dish feels artistic, thoughtful, and incredibly detailed from start to finish. Along with the tasting menu creates a dining journey that feels immersive rather than rushed.
- Location: 178 Townsend St, San Francisco
- Website: www.saisonsf.com
- Phone: +1 (415) 828-7990
8. Flour + Water
Flour + Water perfectly balances trendy energy with genuinely delicious Italian food. The handmade pasta is easily the highlight, although the seasonal ingredients make every menu feel fresh and exciting. Besides that, the warm service and stylish interiors make the experience even better.
- Location: 2401 Harrison St, San Francisco
- Website: www.flourandwater.com
- Phone: +1 (415) 826-7000
9. Lolinda
For a more vibrant and energetic dinner spot, Lolinda brings together Argentinian-inspired flavors with a chic atmosphere. The grilled meats are flavorful and perfectly cooked, while the cocktails complement the menu beautifully. In addition, the dim lighting and stylish interiors create a fun yet elevated mood.
- Location: 2518 Mission St, San Francisco
- Website: www.lolindasf.com
- Phone: +1 (415) 550-6970
10. La Cigale
If you want a restaurant that truly revolves around hearth cooking, then La Cigale easily stands out. Nearly everything here is prepared over a wood-burning fire, which gives the entire experience a warm and rustic feel. At the same time, the intimate chef’s-counter setup makes dinner feel personal, immersive, and incredibly memorable.
- Location: 679 Chenery St, San Francisco
- Website: www.la-cigale-sf.com
11. A16
A16 captures the heart of Southern Italian cuisine with beautifully rustic dishes and an excellent wine selection. The pizzas are light and airy, while the pasta feels rich and authentic without being overwhelming. Additionally, the cozy atmosphere makes it ideal for a long, relaxed dinner.
Location: 2355 Chestnut St, San Francisco
Website: www.a16pizza.com
Phone: +1 (415) 771-2216
12. Piccolo Forno
Piccolo Forno offers a charming and more intimate Italian dining experience that feels wonderfully authentic. The wood-fired pizzas are crisp, flavorful, and beautifully simple. Moreover, the cozy ambiance makes it a great hidden gem for a laid-back evening.
Location: 725 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Website: www.piccolofornosf.com
Phone: +1 (415) 757-0087
13. The Progress
If you enjoy creative dishes designed for sharing, then The Progress offers a truly unique dining experience. Not only is the menu inventive, but the presentation and flavor combinations also feel exciting and modern. As a result, every visit feels slightly different in the best way.
Location: 1525 Fillmore St, San Francisco
Website: www.theprogress-sf.com
Phone: +1 (415) 673-1294
14. Birdsong
For an elevated tasting-menu experience inspired by nature and open-fire cooking, Birdsong is absolutely unforgettable. The dishes feel artistic yet deeply comforting at the same time. Furthermore, the attention to detail in both presentation and service makes the experience feel incredibly special.
Location: 1085 Mission St, San Francisco
Website: www.birdsongsf.com
Phone: +1 (415) 305-9899
15. Che Fico
Che Fico combines vibrant Italian flavors with one of the liveliest dining atmospheres in the city. The handmade pasta, pizzas, and cocktails all feel bold, fun, and full of personality. Plus, the stylish interiors and energetic vibe make it perfect for group dinners or celebratory nights out.
- Location: 838 Divisadero St, San Francisco
- Website: www.chefico.com
- Phone: +1 (415) 416-6959
16. Kokkari Estiatorio
If you want a restaurant that makes hearth cooking feel warm, elegant, and deeply comforting, then Kokkari deserves a spot on your list. The wood-burning fireplace, smoky grilled meats, and rustic Mediterranean interiors instantly make the space feel inviting rather than overly formal. At the same time, the lamb dishes, roasted seafood, and traditional Greek flavors give the entire experience a timeless quality that people in San Francisco keep coming back for.
- Location: 200 Jackson St, San Francisco
- Website: kokkari.com
- Phone: +1 (415) 981-0983
More…
- https://www.yelp.ca/search?find_desc=Woodfire+Grill&find_loc=San+Francisco%2C+CA
- https://www.opentable.com/features/restaurants-with-wood-ovens-san-francisco-bay-area-ca
- https://www.overheresf.com/san-francisco-bars-fireplaces-cozy-winter/
