San Francisco’s culinary scene saw strong growth in 2025, driven by a wave of new restaurant openings. The year’s openings ranged from international brands to inventive local concepts. These restaurants and eateries added fresh flavors and creative energy to the city’s culinary scene.
Trending Restaurant Openings in San Francisco
San Francisco experienced a surge in new restaurant openings this year. With expanded options in comfort food, international cuisine, and bold flavors, these openings mark a new beginning. Take a look at some of the most notable and exciting openings this year.
1. Square Pie Guys
Signature Detroit-style pizza chain debuted on Campbell Avenue this August. The pizza chain has a cult following for its classic pan-baked pizzas with Grande cheese, California tomatoes, and Central Milling grains.
Square Pie Guys celebrated the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and offered free pizzas to the first 100 guests. Along with the opening, the pizza chain offered a special deal to the 65th customer, who received free SPG for a year.
Highlights of the menu include the Pepperoni, Buffalo Chicken pie, and some other gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices.
When: August 5, 2025
2. The Happy Crane
The Happy Crane by Chef James Yeun Leong Parry officially opened its doors on August 8. The restaurant chain serves authentic Chinese flavors with modern twists and local California ingredients.
Recommended items on the menu include Firecracker Shrimp, Crab Rice Roll, and Charcoal “Siu Yuk” Pork Belly. The restaurant’s bar menu has been curated to pair with the menu; most of the drinks are inspired by Chinese traditions. The innovative drinks menu features Rosy Dawn and The Happy Crane Gimlet.
At the restaurant’s entrance, guests are welcomed by two stone dragons from China, symbolizing protection and prosperity. The Happy Crane offers seating for 76 guests at a time and also has a private dining space for 12 additional guests.
When: August 8, 2025
3. Habit Burger & Grill
San Francisco’s popular burger chain, Habit Burger & Grill, expanded with a new second location on Santa Rosa Avenue this year. The chain hosted a pre-opening event and invited VIPs for a special celebration. The first 200 guests received free cheeseburgers, fries, and drinks on August 9. Furthermore, on August 11 and 12, the chain offered a complimentary chargrilled meal from a select menu to the first 200 guests between 11:30 am and 5 pm.
The most loved items on the menu are Charburger Meal, Santa Barbara Char, and Double Char Meal.
When: August 13, 2025
4. The Yard Milkshake Bar
The Yard Milkshake Bar, famously known for its Shark Tank appearance, opened its new location in Berkeley’s Telegraph Avenue. The milkshake spot celebrated the opening with grand celebrations and offered giveaways. The chain is well-known for its variety of delicious milkshakes and homemade edible cookie dough.
The menu offers multiple dessert options from Sassy Lassi and ice cream scoops to several edible cookie dough flavors. Popular flavors include Chocolate, Cookies N Cream, and Caramel.
When: September 5, 2025
5. Frenchie Wine Bar
Frenchie Wine Bar has opened in a dog-friendly space and offers a carefully selected range of biodynamic wines. It features a relaxed spot where guests can enjoy food and drinks with friends, including their pets.
The menu includes dishes such as butcher board charcuterie, Torta de Lomo Saltado, and Galician chicken. Along with wine, the bar serves Lo-Fi cocktails, beer, and other drinks. Frenchie Wine Bar is open Wednesday through Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with Sunday hours from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
When: September 5, 2025
6. Bosco
Backed by the Absinthe Group, a new Italian-inspired restaurant, Bosco, has found its home in San Francisco.
Led by chefs Ryan McIlwraith and Kaili Hill, the restaurant is located in a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests can enjoy dishes such as sweet corn Arancini and sourdough pizzette. Recommended items on the menu are Short Rib Agnolotti, Fried Calamari and Lemon, and Bisteca Fiorentine.
When: September 10, 2025
7. Wolfsbane
This October, a relaxed fine-dining restaurant, Wolfsbane, opened its doors, offering a modern California dining experience. The restaurant has gained attention in a short amount of time for its clean design and creative menu. The restaurant was founded by chef and partner Rupert Blease, general manager and partner Carrie Blease, and partner Tommy Halvorson. Additionally, the bar programme is handled by Louisa Smith.
It serves a nine-course seasonal tasting menu featuring dishes such as Baked Chicken wrapped in sourdough, along with natural wines and an à la carte bar menu.
When: October 15, 2025
8. Starter Bakery
Starter Bakery opened a new brick-and-mortar location in Albany. The bakery offers popular and mouthwatering pastries, laminated doughs, and breads. The place is known for its croissants and seasonal items, like Kouign Amann, Almond Croissants, and Cinnamon Rolls.
Founded in 2010 by Brian Wood, the business began selling wholesale in 2023 and opened its first retail bakery café in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood.
When: October 25, 2025
9. Yuja Kitchen
This October, Harrison St welcomed a new, authentic yet modern Asian place. Yuja Kitchen combines bold and familiar Asian flavors with modern techniques. Guests can choose from bowls and salads such as Yuja Teriyaki with chicken, tofu, or salmon; Thai Basil Pork; Shaking Beef; and the Miso Pomegranate Harvest Bowl.
When: October 28, 2025
10. Empire Armadilo
Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli, a barbecue-and-deli concept, opened a new location in San Jose at 878 Blossom Hill Road. The brand was founded by John Vink, a former Apple and Google engineer who previously revived the Sunnyvale location of Armadillo Willy’s.
The menu included barbecue favorites such as smoked tri-tip, pulled pork, and corned beef Reubens, along with sides like spicy peanut slaw and cornbread muffins with honey-cinnamon butter. Desserts featured Southern-style banana pudding adapted for West Coast tastes.
When: December 4, 2025
These new openings in 2025 highlight San Francisco’s thriving culinary scene. From upscale diners to fast-casual spots, all found a home in the city and in the hearts of the community.
