This week, I spoke with Danielle Walsh, a senior editor from a travel magazine who shared her insights on San Francisco's culinary delights and some mouthwatering Instagram snapshots. Danielle is known for her exceptional food-focused Instagram presence!

Danielle enjoyed a visit to the Blue Mountains in Australia, sipping wine and searching for kangaroos. (Photo courtesy of Danielle Walsh)

Name: Danielle Walsh
Age: 28
Hometown: Boston, MA
Country count: 11
Instagram: @wandereatrepeat

1. What sparked your love for travel?

My first trip abroad as an adult was to Italy, but it was my journey to Istanbul that truly opened my eyes. The intoxicating scents, stunning architecture, and rich history created a sensory experience unlike any other. I remember exploring an underground antique store in Ortakoy and meeting a shop owner who didn’t speak English well. He sought out a neighbor to translate, and we bonded over our love for his daughter who attended Harvard. Those unplanned travel moments are priceless!

2. What dish best symbolizes San Francisco, and where can we find it?

Zuni Café’s chicken with bread salad is iconic. I’ve often mentioned that San Francisco could be called the chicken capital of the nation due to its abundance of fantastic chicken dishes.

Oysters from the Marshall Store near Point Reyes, California. (Photo by Danielle Walsh)


3. Which three must-visit eateries should everyone try on their first trip to San Francisco?

Make sure to visit a top-notch taqueria (try La Taqueria or El Farolito), Nopa for an upscale dinner, and Cotogna for delicious pasta and a fantastic wine selection. For a special treat, head to Point Reyes for oysters at Marshall Store or Hog Island.

4. What are your budget dining tips for San Francisco?

San Francisco boasts numerous excellent fast-casual dining options. My go-to is Souvla, a Greek restaurant known for its homemade wraps and salads paired with tasty roasted meats and budget-friendly Greek wine. Another favorite is Media Noche, serving fantastic Cuban cuisine. Recently, RT Rotisserie opened, offering delicious sandwiches and roast chicken. SF has mastered the art of making casual dining feel special. Many restaurants also have no-corkage nights—Zazie is a local favorite where you can bring as many bottles as you want to enjoy responsibly on Tuesday evenings.

Tartine Manufactory is home to one of the most unique meals in San Francisco. (Photo by Danielle Walsh)

5. What are your top three dining spots in the city right now?

  • Tartine Manufactory. It truly lives up to the hype. I had the most fascinating meal there!
  • Flores. It might seem flashy, but it offers a fresh and exciting take on Mexican cuisine.
  • Nopa. They consistently deliver quality whether for brunch, dinner, or late-night snacks. I recently enjoyed their $20 burger with a sour beer from Russian River Brewing Co. after a concert.

6. What local ingredients would you pack for a picnic in Golden Gate Park?

  • Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam cheese
  • A loaf of bread from The Mill
  • Scribe Winery’s 2015 rosé

7. Share a memorable culinary adventure in the city.

Exploring Divisadero street while eating, drinking, and shopping is always a delight. Many of my recommendations are right there.

8. What’s a common misconception about San Francisco?

People think it’s not walkable. In reality, it’s just 7 by 7 miles, filled with beautiful streets and parks! I often walk everywhere on weekends, hills included. My fiancé and I call it “urban hiking,” which helps us justify our weekend indulgences.

Spicy Vietnamese soup was one of Danielle’s favorites while in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo by Danielle Walsh)

9. What are two other food cities you adore?

  • New York. I lived there and love its vibrant dining scene. People dress up for dinner, unlike here where yoga pants and Warriors jerseys are common, which drives me crazy. Plus, it’s home to Roberta’s, my all-time favorite restaurant.
  • Ho Chi Minh City. I could survive on Southern Vietnamese street food—especially spicy beef noodle soup—for a lifetime.

10. What’s your next adventure?

My honeymoon! We’re considering Fiji and Hawaii. For once, we’re not traveling for food; we need a break from the wedding chaos.