Booking restaurants

Question

Coming mid December just wondered if it’s necessary to book restaurants or are there plenty of options to walk in?

Answer

Visiting San Francisco in mid-December offers a mix of advantages and challenges when it comes to dining. While it’s not the absolute peak tourist season like summer or Thanksgiving week, the city still sees a fair amount of visitors and locals going out for holiday meals, which can make popular restaurants busy.

Key points to consider:

High-demand restaurants: Fine dining, Michelin-starred spots, and trendy restaurants (like those in the Mission, SoMa, or Jackson Square) often fill up quickly. Booking ahead is strongly recommended for these venues, especially for weekend evenings.
Neighborhood eateries: Casual spots, cafes, and ethnic restaurants often have more flexibility and may accept walk-ins. Areas like the Richmond or Sunset districts may have quieter dining options compared to tourist-heavy neighborhoods.
Timing matters: Lunch tends to be easier for walk-ins than dinner. Early dinner (around 5–6 PM) can increase your chances of getting a table without a reservation at moderately popular spots.

Additional tips:

Use online reservation platforms like OpenTable or Resy to check availability in advance. Some restaurants also accept same-day reservations online.
For smaller or hidden gems, calling ahead can save time and ensure seating, even if they don’t advertise reservations online.
Keep a flexible backup plan. Have a shortlist of casual spots where walk-ins are usually welcome in case your first choice is full.

In summary, while San Francisco offers plenty of dining options for walk-ins, mid-December can be moderately busy. For popular or higher-end restaurants, booking ahead is the safest approach to avoid disappointment.