We all love a delicious Moscone Center crepe, but sometimes we need to venture outside of the convention center to find a meal. We've put together this list of recommended GDC 2024 restaurants, along with a few bars with non-alcoholic options for after-hours get togethers.
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We asked several of our GDC staff members to let us know where they like to eat when they attend the Game Developers Conference, taking place this year from March 18-22 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. We've also added a few other spots that have been recommended by attendees, exhibitors, and the San Francisco community.
Most of the restaurants on this last feature vegetarian options. If you're looking for more vegan dining, this blog post from World of Vegan has a blog some great picks around San Francisco. For those seeking gluten-free options, head here for a comprehensive list (and map) of GF-friendly restaurants near the Moscone Center. Bon appetit!
Breakfast
Staff Picks
The Grove: 690 Mission St.
Sam Warnke (conference producer)
"I highly recommend The Grove for breakfast! I love the cozy, welcoming, eclectic vibe—and, of course, the food and coffee are top notch, too. Make sure you try The Grove Breakfast Sandwich (their green herb sauce is delish)!"
Wise Sons Jewish Deli: 736 Mission St.
Beth Elderkin (content marketing manager)
"Located inside the Jewish Contemporary Museum, Wise Sons is one of my favorite spots to grab some bagels and lox in the morning. You can head inside the restaurant or order from their take-out window."
Additional Spots
Zevi Cafe & Bistro: 67 5th St.
Super Duper Burgers (yes, for breakfast!): 721 Market St.
Quick Lunch
Staff Picks
The Grubbies "Pop-Up Omakase": 123 2nd St.
Beth Elderkin (content marketing manager)
"If you’re hungry for incredible, lovingly crafted bento to enjoy while chilling at Yerba Buena, look no further than The Grubbies. This takeout-only spot is great if you’re needing a meal that’s quick, healthy, and mind-blowing. I recommend the Truffle Salmon—although if they have a daily special available, be sure to nab that before it’s gone!"
Garaje: 475 3rd St.
Kysa Ludviksen (conference producer)
"If you're looking for something casual and tasty Cali-Mex tacos and burritos, Garaje is your spot. If you're not in the mood for Mexican, they also have burger and sandwich options. My go-to order is the Surfer Leo Zapato (grilled burrito with beer-battered fried tilapia, fries, avocado, cheese, and chipotle mayo)."
Turtle Tower (SoMa): 501 6th St.
Molly Portillo (event delivery manager)
"Northern Vietnamese food—so great!! If you order Pho, ask for the noodles to be pan fried. The pan fried noodles really make the dish!"
Lori's Diner: 500 Sutter St. / Mel's Drive In: 801 Mission St.
Rafael Vallin (account manager)
"Classic 50's style diners. Mel's is good for Patty Melts and Chicken Salad Sandwiches. Lorie's had great hamburgers across the board. Both open late."
Lemonade: 781 Mission St.
Stephenie Hawkins (event director)
"This sunny spot is perfect for grabbing a quick meal within steps of Moscone. My go-to is their refreshing mint lemonade and mac n' cheese that is almost as good as my mom’s. Their covered patio is great for enjoying lunch or grab a spot in the Yerba Buena Gardens—you won’t be bored watching the hustle and bustle."
Bazille: 865 Market St (Westfield)
Holly Green (community editorial coordinator, Game Developer)
"Last year I had a life changing meal at Bazille, a café that’s actually inside Nordstrom on Market Street. I highly recommend the kung pao Brussels sprouts, the crab, mango and avocado salad and the wild salmon with saffron couscous."
Luke’s Lobster (SoMa): 92 2nd St
Bryant Francis (senior editor, Game Developer)
"Luke’s Lobster is a great seafood spot for GDC attendees who need a break from the hustle and bustle of Moscone Center. After a 10 minute walk from GDC, you’ll get the chance to chow down on some delicious seafood with a distinctly New England sensibility."
Slower Dining
Staff Picks
Louie’s Bar: 55 Stevenson St.
Ashley Corrigan (conference manager, head of content)
"A great gastropub close to Moscone. They've got a lot of tasty options, but I recommend the burger (if you're a meateater). It’s one of the best in the city. If you go, ask for Waylon and tell him Ashley says hi."
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ: 855 Howard St.
Beth Elderkin (content marketing manager)
"If you're a fan of hibachi, chances are you've heard of Gyu-Kaku. There's one located just a few doors down from Moscone Center, with excellent happy hour prices and a robust menu of meats, seafood, and veggies. Be sure to make a reservation if you've got a few people, as it tends to fill up."
Boulevard San Francisco: 1 Mission St.
Kysa Ludviksen (conference producer)
"Boulevard is a classic San Francisco American fare establishment. The interior is beautiful and timeless, and their service is top-notch! This restaurant is the perfect place for a business meal or special celebration."
Sancha Sushi: 253 Church St.
Emily Parrett (marketing manager, demand gen)
"Hop on the J, pick up some Sancha Sushi and walk to Dolores park to eat in the sun set after GDC as they’re an evening-only spot. Be sure to ask about their vegan sushi!"
Cafe Bastille: 44 Belden Place
Rafael Vallin (account manager)
"French comfort food with a great wine list. The bourginon is amazing. They're co-located with B44 Catalan/Spanish food on Belden Alley."
Additional Spots
Amber India: 25 Yerba Buena Lane
The Fly Trap: 606 Folsom St.
International Smoke: 301 Mission St.
Bars and Non-Alcoholic Meeting Spots
Press Club (wine bar with cocktails and N/A mocktails): 20 Yerba Buena Lane
Novela (cocktail bar with N/A mocktails): 662 Mission St.
Kona Street Market (cocktail bar with N/A mocktails): 32 3rd St.
21st Amendment Brewery (local brewery): 563 2nd St.
But seriously... don't skip out on those crepes.
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GDC returns to San Francisco this March 18-22, 2024—and registration is open! For more information, be sure to visit our website and follow the #GDC2024 hashtag on social media.
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