Marking 25 years of San Francisco Magazine's Best of the Bay, we invite you to celebrate the people, the places, the ideas, and the indomitable spirit that have shaped generations of excellence.
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This milestone honors our city’s enduring creativity and ambition — and brings the community together for one extraordinary night.
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It’s a celebration of excellence. San Francisco at full volume. It’s a party 25 years in the making.
This year, we are proud to present our 2026 beneficiary, the beating heart of our city, The Union Square Foundation.
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Marking 25 years of San Francisco Magazine's Best of the Bay, we invite you to celebrate the people, the places, the ideas, and the indomitable spirit that have shaped generations of excellence.
Â
This milestone honors our city’s enduring creativity and ambition — and brings the community together for one extraordinary night.
Â
It’s a celebration of excellence. San Francisco at full volume. It’s a party 25 years in the making.
This year, we are proud to present our 2026 beneficiary, the beating heart of our city, The Union Square Foundation.
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At the heart of San Francisco’s story is San Francisco Magazine—and its most iconic celebration, Best of the Bay.
Since 1955, San Francisco has been the voice of the city — elevating changemakers, spotlighting local standouts, and celebrating the spirit of the Bay Area.
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Now, we invite you to join us for the 25th Annual Best of the Bay, our most iconic celebration of the year. Together, we’ll honor the vibrant city, trailblazing innovators, and dynamic energy that make San Francisco truly extraordinary.
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It’s our tribute to excellence in one unforgettable night.
SAN FRANCISCO MAGAZINE
25th ANNUAL
BEST OF THE BAY
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SATURDAYÂ Â
July 11, 2026
6:00 - 10:00 PM VIP EARLY ENTRY
7:00 - 10:00 PM MAIN EVENT
The Conservatory atÂ
One Sansome
⎯  2026 CELEBRITY EMCEEÂ
The Foodie Chap, Liam Mayclem
⎯  2026 STAR CHEFS & CULINARY PARTNERSÂ
CHEF TYLER FLORENCE Â | Â Miller & Lux
CHEF MOURAD LALOU Â |Â Â Aziza
CHEF DANA YOUNKIN Â | Â BoulevardÂ
CHEF DONG CHOI Â | Â Slanted Door
RESTAURATEURÂ SHELLEY LINDGREN & CHEFÂ YOSOKE MACHIDA Â | Â A16 & Luciana
CHEFS SAYAT & LAURA OZYILMAZ Â | Â Dalida
CHEF MARK SULLIVAN  |  Spruce, La Connessa & Magic Donut
 CHEF RAY LEE |  Akikos
 CHEF SEBASTIAN BROWN  |  Holbrook House
CHEF BRANDON FERNANDEZ | Tapestry Bar & Bistro
Elena's Mexican Restaurant
CHOTTO MATTE
La Cocina
The Mess Hall at the Presidio
Sabor de Gabriel
Flora Gelateria • Namesake Cheesecake
More exciting announcements coming soon as we count down to the party!
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This year, Best of the Bay proudly supports the Union Square Foundation — the beating heart of San Francisco.
For over two decades, the Union Square Alliance and the Union Square Foundation have kept San Francisco’s most iconic district shining — on the streets and behind the scenes. From round-the-clock cleaning and safety to unforgettable events and vibrant public spaces, they transform Union Square into more than a destination — it’s an experience.
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Every day, their ambassadors bring the energy — keeping the neighborhood polished, welcoming, and alive with community.
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As a key partner to the City, the Foundation is driving a bold, resilient future for Union Square, one that reflects the creativity, spirit, and soul of San Francisco.
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Celebrating the Best of the Bay is an investment in the future of San Francisco — with Union Square at the heart of it all.
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Meet the Best of the Bay!
The 2026 winners will be announced in our July Best of the Bay edition. In the meantime, check out  the 2025 Best of the Bay winners!
Winner of the 2010 and 2018 National Magazine Award for General Excellence, San Francisco magazine has long been recognized as one of the most ambitious and essential regional magazines in the country. Delivering an insider’s perspective of San Francisco, ensuring our content consistently engages the Bay Area’s most cultured audience.Â
Sponsorship opportunities or more information on this year’s event may be directed to San Francisco Magazine Publisher, Autumn OKeefe.
Event production questions may be directed to HPD Public Relations and Event Producer, Hope Daly.