Discover the Best Restaurants in Castro and Noe Valley

Great restaurants are an essential component of city life. One of the many reasons why Castro and Noe Valley apartments for rent are in high demand is the abundance of culinary options these areas offer.

The Castro District is synonymous with gay culture and beckons many with its glorious Bay views, clusters of secondhand stores, and scores of quirky cafes and restaurants.

Home to many young urban professionals, Noe Valley, is an upscale area that boasts a sunny and warm climate and a wealth of local food joints with a unique neighborhood appeal.

Let’s take a quick tour:

Firefly

4228 24th Street in Noe Valley, San Francisco

A restaurant with staying power, Firefly has been a fixture in Noe Valley since 1993. Tucked away in the very outskirts of the neighborhood, this hip yet cozy local favorite is known for its gluten-free seasonal menu. This is the place to go if you’re looking for healthy food choices with generous portions equally significant on taste.

You’re sure to keep returning for their signature Fried Chicken of Your Dreams, served with mashed potatoes & gravy, braised Romano beans, and a to-die-for buttermilk biscuit. Their tiny kitchen offers many appetizers, dishes, and desserts.

Frances

3870 17th Street in the Castro, San Francisco

Serving Michelin-star California cuisine in a small, cozy space that makes you feel right at home, Frances has a menu that changes daily. Supporting the shortest distance from source to table, this restaurant serves available local, sustainable, organic products. Their bavette steak and fresh fish keep the restaurant booked for three weeks, so secure a spot early.

Poesia

4072 I18th Street in the Castro, San Francisco

Italian for poetry, Poesia embodies a warm and intimate experience with an array of hearty and delightful dishes. Featuring meticulously prepared handmade pasta with traditional ingredients, Poesia serves up authentic cuisine that perfectly captures the passion and zest of Italy.

Don’t miss the homemade Italian chili marinated in olive oil, delicious duck ravioli, tasty shredded lamb shank ragù, or their baked potatoes (served with cheese filling between the slices). It’s apparent in every bite that they pay serious attention to their menu and the experience they give to every guest.

Catch

2362 Market Street (between 16th St. and 17th St.) in the Castro, San Francisco

Catch calls an official city landmark home. From a building steeped in history (it originally housed the NAMES Project, which helped create the AIDS Memorial Quilt), Catch serves a rotating Mediterranean-influenced menu of seasonal produce and local, sustainably sourced seafood.

Diners rave about the Hearts of Palm Salad and Glazed Black Cod. This is your spot for some live jazz (Fridays and Saturdays only) to accompany a selection of great appetizers, seafood, steak, desserts, and handcrafted artisanal cocktails.

Bacco

737 Diamond Street in Noe Valley, San Francisco

An Italian restaurant with incredible, authentic homemade pasta, Bacco is a venue that’s spacious yet, at the same time, quiet and cozy. The staff is warm and welcoming.

Their homemade pasta is fresh and perfectly cooked with sautéed vegetables, meats, cheese, and sauce. The eggplant mousse with burrata cheese is to die for, and the pork chop with a red wine sauce is also outstanding.

The Castro and Noe Valley neighborhoods not only feature a rich culinary scene but are also home to some of the best apartments in the city.