Inbound 2025 is set to take over San Francisco's Moscone Center, and if you're anything like the Salted Stone team, you know that great meals are a key ingredient for a successful conference experience. San Francisco's dining scene is built on a foundation of historic establishments that have been serving exceptional food for generations, and we can't wait to dig in!
Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between sessions, gathering your team for a celebratory meal, or treating clients to an unforgettable dinner, the area around Moscone Center offers access to some of the city's most delicious destinations.
We've picked nine historic and classic spots that are on our short-list for dining during the event, in case you're looking for a place to make a reservation for your team.
Tadich Grill
Founded in 1849, Tadich Grill is California’s oldest continuously operating restaurant and the third oldest in the U.S. Its story began on San Francisco’s Long Wharf, where three Croatian immigrants ran a humble coffee stand, serving fresh‑caught fish to sailors during the Gold Rush.
More than 170 years later, Tadich Grill remains a city institution, now at 240 California Street in the Financial District. Guests come for mesquite‑grilled seafood, the signature cioppino, and warm, crusty sourdough — all delivered by white‑jacketed servers in a room that feels like a step back in time.
Sam's Grill
Founded in 1867, Sam's Grill is the fifth-oldest restaurant in the United States and the third-oldest in San Francisco. Located at 374 Bush Street, this downtown institution has been serving exceptionally fresh seafood in its iconic curtained booths since just after the California Gold Rush.
Sam's Grill epitomizes old-school San Francisco dining, offering formal service, classic cocktails, and a timeless atmosphere. Its historic curtained booths provide privacy ideal for deep-dive strategy sessions, complemented by quick service that has been refined over more than 150 years.
Swan Oyster Depot
Swan Oyster Depot, founded in 1903, stands as one of the longest continuously operating businesses in the United States, occupying the same 18 wooden stools and marble counter at 1517 Polk Street since 1912. Don’t let the line dissuade you, it’s worth the wait!
This iconic Polk Gulch seafood counter has built its reputation on serving the freshest oysters, crab, and seafood with recipes and quality that have remained unchanged for generations. The counter-service setup ensures a quick turnaround, allowing patrons to experience a living piece of San Francisco history with every bite.
Swan Oyster Depot’s national profile was elevated by the late Anthony Bourdain, who frequently featured the spot on his TV show "Parts Unknown," describing it as “the touchstone in my worldwide wanderings, a happy zone,” and making it a pilgrimage site for food lovers across the country.
Original Joe's
Since 1937, Original Joe’s has been a San Francisco staple — a three‑generation, family‑owned Italian‑American restaurant that introduced the city to the “Joe’s Concept” of open kitchens and deep leather booths.
After a fire in 2007 nearly ended its run, the restaurant was reborn in North Beach’s historic Fior d’Italia building at 601 Union Street. The character remained the same: a place where everyone feels like a regular.
Today, the room hums with the clink of plates and the aroma of shareable Italian‑American favorites, carrying forward more than eight decades of city dining culture.
Tommy's Joynt
Founded in 1947 by radio personality Tommy Harris, Tommy’s Joynt is San Francisco’s most famous hofbrau and has been operated by the same family for nearly 80 years. Located at 1101 Geary Boulevard, this distinctive building covered in vibrant murals and filled with an eclectic collection of memorabilia has become a city landmark.
Tommy’s Joynt is celebrated for its sliced-to-order barbecue and legendary buffalo stew, offering authentic San Francisco comfort food in a laid-back, welcoming environment. With its casual atmosphere, reasonable prices, and a selection of over 100 types of beer, it’s the perfect spot for team bonding and enjoying a refreshing pint.
John's Grill
Founded in 1908, John's Grill holds the distinction of being the first restaurant to reopen in downtown San Francisco after the devastating 1906 earthquake. Located at 63 Ellis Street, this historic steakhouse is forever tied to literary fame through its prominent role in Dashiell Hammett’s classic novel, "The Maltese Falcon."
For over a century, John's Grill has been a favorite gathering spot for power brokers and politicians, offering a classic steakhouse atmosphere steeped in San Francisco history. Its literary landmark status and timeless charm make it an ideal venue for team dinners, providing great conversation starters and a memorable dining experience.
House of Prime Rib
Since its founding in 1949, House of Prime Rib has become a San Francisco institution, renowned for serving 21-day aged prime rib carved tableside from gleaming stainless steel carts. Located at 1906 Van Ness Avenue, the restaurant’s English-style dining rooms, complete with fireplaces and leather banquettes, have remained virtually unchanged since the Eisenhower era, preserving an intimate and elegant ambiance.
The tableside carving service, exceptional quality of the prime rib, and old-school sophistication make every meal at House of Prime Rib feel like a special occasion — perfect for celebrating important milestones.
Le Central
Established in 1974, Le Central holds the title of San Francisco’s first brasserie-style French restaurant and quickly became the city’s go-to spot for power lunches throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Located at 453 Bush Street, Le Central boasts an authentic French bistro atmosphere and a storied clientele that includes many of San Francisco’s movers and shakers.
Former Mayor Willie Brown still dines here every Friday at his regular table, continuing a nearly 50-year tradition. As the original "power lunch" destination, Le Central remains the perfect place for business meetings and social gatherings alike, offering classic French fare and an unmistakable flair.
Yank Sing
Yank Sing has long been considered San Francisco’s definitive dim sum experience, drawing locals, tourists, and critics alike. Honored with Michelin’s Bib Gourmand, it balances tradition and innovation — pairing classic Cantonese recipes with a few modern surprises — and presents them in an elegant, welcoming setting.
With multiple locations, including convenient downtown outposts, it’s a favorite for both quick lunches and leisurely weekend feasts. Signature dishes like the lacquered Peking duck showcase the kitchen’s skill, while the delicate, hand‑pleated dumplings — each crafted with meticulous attention to texture and flavor — remain the star attraction.
The restaurant’s Michelin-recognized quality, refined atmosphere, and exceptional service elevate the experience, but it's the incredibly delicious dumplings that keep diners coming back for more.
Scoma's
Family-owned and perched on Pier 47, Scoma’s has been a San Francisco waterfront staple for nearly 60 years, evolving from a six-stool coffee shop into one of the city’s most beloved seafood destinations. Renowned for its pier-to-plate menu, Scoma’s sources fresh, sustainable seafood — often from its own fishing boat — and draws both locals and celebrities with signature dishes like clam chowder and cioppino, all served in a classic, old-school setting.
Zuni Café
Since opening in 1979, Zuni Café has helped define California cuisine, winning multiple James Beard Awards under the leadership of chef Judy Rodgers, including Outstanding Restaurant and Outstanding Chef. Known for its wood-fired brick oven and signature roast chicken, Zuni Café is celebrated as a social hub for artists, political activists, and food lovers, offering a seasonal menu inspired by French and Italian traditions in a uniquely San Francisco setting.
The Old Clam House
Established in 1861, The Old Clam House is the oldest restaurant in San Francisco to remain in its original location, predating even Tadich Grill. Surviving the 1906 earthquake and fire, this Bayview institution is famed for its ultra-fresh Pacific seafood, award-winning clam chowder, and a historic atmosphere that has welcomed generations of locals and visitors alike.
Whether it’s a quick lunch , a celebratory team meal, or an unforgettable client dinner, San Francisco's history as gathering place of global influences serves up some of the most exciting cuisine in America.
Looking for more recommendations or want to connect at Inbound?
Visit our INBOUND25 landing page to meet the team attending this year, and don't for get to stop booth 63!