Best Kosher Food In San Francisco
In a city like San Francisco with such a diverse makeup, it is surprising that there are not more kosher offerings. Sure, there are many places in the vein of kosher-style (like House of Bagels), but finding a place that is certified is like finding a needle in a haystack. Here are some markets, bakeries and restaurants that offer all the kosher fixings--and are certified, too.
12 Tribes
3200 California St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 800-8594
www.12tribesfood.com
Hours: Mon.-Thur., 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
12 Tribes is a catering company that prides itself on making kosher food with seasonal and mostly organic, local ingredients. It is under the supervision of the Va'ad HaKashrus of Northern California and is led by Rabbi Chef Rebecca Joseph. The chef has been called the "kosher Alice Waters" and has become known for her innovative take on the traditional Jewish cuisine that incorporates the freshness and flavors of California fare. If you cannot wait to try the food, check out 12 Tribes-To-Go sandwiches and salads at the Cafe at the Jewish Community Center.
Have Your Cake
308 Alida Way
South San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 873-8488
www.haveyourcake.org
Hours: By Appointment
No meal is ever really complete without something sweet. Maralyn Tabatsky, the proprietor of Have Your Cake, has been serving up delicious cakes since 1987. The kosher kitchen is supervised by an Orthodox rabbi, and serves up both dairy and non-dairy products for its customers. The cakes can be made in a variety of flavors including Italian cream, lemon, coconut, hazelnut and carrot, to name a few. She also offers a wide selection of fillings and frostings to satisfy your sweet tooth. Tabastsky's cakes are such a work of art that she previously collaborated with artist Franco Mendini-Ruiz for an exhibit at the SFMOMA.
Israel Kosher Meat, Poultry and Deli
5621 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 752-3064
Hours: Sun.-Mon.,9 a.m.-7 p.m., Tue.-Thu. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Israel Kosher Meat, Poultry and Deli is a strictly kosher market to meet all of your dietary needs. It carries wine, cheese, dairy products and frozen foods. The market also offers a wide selection of baked goods such as challah (egg bread) and sufganiyot, a doughnut ball that is deep fried and filled with jelly or custard, that are mostly made in-house. While it has built its reputation on offering a wide selection of kosher foods, it is the matzo ball soup that has people of all religious persuasions coming to the store. It has become widely recognized as some of the best matzo ball soup in the city.
Sabra Grill
419 Grant Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 982-3656
www.sabragrill.com
Sun.-Thu., Jun.-Aug., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sept.-May, 12- 9 p.m.; Fri. 12 p.m. until two hours before Shabbat; Sat., Closed
Sabra Grill is a glatt kosher resturant offering Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine since 1996. It is certified kosher by the Vaad HaKashrus of Northen California, and is also the only San Francisco restaurant with Mashgiach, someone who supervises the production of kosher food, on the premises. It serves up traditional Israeli and Jewish dishes such as falafel, shishlik and schnitzel, and even offers a small selection of kosher products for sale.
Shangri-La Chinese Vegetarian
2026 Irving St.
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 731-2548
www.shangrilavgrest.com
Hours: Daily, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Shangri-La is a vegetarian restaurant that is under the supervision of Orthodox Rabbinical Council of San Francisco. The restaurant uses fresh garden vegetables, beans, nuts, tofu and whole grain products and combines them with traditional and modern preparation to create a variety of dishes. And there is no shortage of options, with the menu tipping at nearly 100 items. Even carnivores can find something to tickle their fancy. Shangri-La offers a number of dishes such as the Mongolian beef made with a meat substitute that will have you forgetting it is not the real thing.
Related: Bay Area's Best Vegetarian Dining Spots
Jenna Broughton can frequently be found exploring the streets of San Francisco looking for her next adventure and gastronomic delight. She has traveled far and wide, from Paris to Savannah, GA, to satisfy her adventurous palate. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
