San Francisco’s South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood is a testament to the city’s ever-changing landscape. Once a residential hub for blue-collar immigrants, it transformed into a warehouse district and later became the epicenter of the first dot-com boom and bust. Today, SoMa is a vibrant cultural hub that often flies under the radar despite its world-class arts scene.
The neighborhood is home to the Salesforce Transit Center, which brought an epic, elevated urban park to downtown San Francisco. It also houses the country’s first officially designated Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District and SoMa Pilipinas, San Francisco’s official Filipino Cultural Heritage District. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, SoMa offers a wealth of experiences, from dining at hip restaurants to exploring its renowned arts scene.
The Artistic Heart of SoMa
SoMa is a haven for art enthusiasts, boasting a variety of museums and galleries that cater to diverse tastes. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), with its Snøhetta-designed expansion in 2015, is the largest modern and contemporary art museum in the United States. It houses both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions featuring big names like Henri Matisse and Ruth Asawa, as well as lesser-known artists.
Museums and Cultural Centers
The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) celebrates Black cultures through contemporary art from across the African Diaspora. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is a non-collecting organization that constantly rotates new pieces and programs, giving voice to upcoming and local artists. For families, the Children’s Creativity Museum offers a perfect place for young ones to spend an afternoon.
Galleries and Art Spaces
Ken Fulk’s Saint Joseph’s Arts Society is a cultural sanctuary that hosts a range of curated exhibits, live performances, and culinary experiences inside a reimagined former church. Autodesk Gallery is known for its Academy Award-winning 3-D design and visual effects software. For street art enthusiasts, 1AM Gallery stands as an advocate for graffiti and offers classes and custom mural services. Other notable galleries include 111 Minna, 836M Gallery, and SOMArts, a nonprofit cultural center that champions artists and communities.
A Culinary Journey Through SoMa
SoMa’s dining scene is as diverse as its cultural offerings. From neighborhood favorites to Michelin-starred destinations, the area has something to satisfy every palate. Little Skillet is a tiny spot known for its crispy fried chicken and waffles, while Tropisueño offers a mix of taco shop by day and full-service restaurant by night. The Cavalier provides a Cal take on British cuisine in a dapper Ken Fulk-designed space.
Neighborhood Favorites
Joyride has grown into a SoMa institution for Detroit-style pies, with several locations around the neighborhood. Rooh serves a modern take on Indian cuisine made with fresh California produce, and Yank Sing is the city’s high-end dim sum palace of choice. Marlowe is known for its new American bistro fare and some of the best burgers in town. Merkado offers delicious tacos and gourmet Mexican favorites, while El Porteño Empanadas provides excellent empanadas combining traditional recipes with professional French pastry techniques.
Michelin Restaurants and Tasting Menus
SoMa boasts a high concentration of Michelin-starred spots. Birdsong’s farm-centric tasting menu features dishes like sea urchin cream puffs and lacquered and smoked quail. Benu is a minimalist, contemporary Asian restaurant that attracts star chasers worldwide. Lovers of long meals and delicacies like caviar and abalone will enjoy splurging at Saison.
