Inner Sunset

Affordability has long made the Inner Sunset attractive to waves of immigrants, beginning with the Irish to more recent influxes of Asian and Russian residents. Today, the neighborhood’s diversity has transformed it into an eclectic dining destination for those San Franciscans in the know. By day, this bustling neighborhood has a locals-only vibe as familiar faces make their way down tidy streets to shop or get that first cup of coffee. The N-Judah line runs through the neighborhood, depositing students at UCSF — a world-class school and medical facility — and collecting commuters headed downtown. Throughout the day, tourists flow up and down 9th Avenue, en route to the numerous attractions in Golden Gate Park. The park is certainly a major draw for residents, with many of its highlights — including the De Young Museum, Academy of Science, botanical gardens and Conservatory of Flowers — located just north of the neighborhood. Come sundown, the Pacific fog rolls in and cools things considerably just as the restaurants are heating up. You’ll find cuisine for every taste in this up-and-coming hot spot, from Indian to Italian, sushi, Thai, seafood and that old standby, Darla’s burgers. You’ll be glad to be within walking distance as parking is at a premium in the evenings. This family friendly neighborhood doesn’t have much in the way of nightlife, aside from a few pubs catering to the UCSF crowd. But that doesn’t mean its denizens are anti-social. The small-town vibe is evident as neighbors mingle during the summer months at the recently launched Sunday farmers market.