San Francisco is full of history, from the rows of Victorian homes that line the streets to massive landmarks like the Palace of Fine Arts and the Ferry Building.
San Francisco boasts another historic gem on its resume: the Tadich Grill. California’s oldest continuously operating restaurant and the third oldest in the United States sits in the heart of San Francisco.
The restaurant features a tailored menu of time-tested favorites. Plates of expertely prepared fish, seafood appetizers, and a small selection of meats are highlights. The classic cuisine has received many endorsements over the years, notably from Anthony Bourdain and Tyler Florence.
The restaurant is classy and elegant. You dine on white tablecloths and are elegantly plated dishes. Tadich emphasizes space is meant to be fun in the European Bistro Style, and service is fast-paced.
History in the making
Tadich Grill has stayed true to its ethos, while San Francisco has rapidly changed around it. The restaurant was founded in 1849 by Nikola Budrovich, Antonio Gasparich, and Frano Kosta, who all immigrated from Croatia. Tadich Grill started from humble roots as a tent on Long Wharf, selling coffee and grilled fish among the bustling crowds.
Due to Commercial Street expanding east, the stand was moved to New World Market, then to Kearny Street. By then, the establishment had turned into the New World Coffee Saloon rather than just a small stand on the bay.
In 1887 John Tadich, also a Croatian immigrant, bought the saloon after working at the establishment as a bartender for several years. Unfortunately, the saloon was destroyed in the devastating 1906 earthquake, along with another Croatian restaurant. The two businesses formed a brief partnership to reopen a new restaurant until Tadich dissolved it in 1912. The restaurant was then passed on to Tom Buich, who also worked at the restaurant for years before becoming an owner.
In 1967 the restaurant moved to its current location and is still operated by the Buich family today. The restaurant accepts reservations and walk-ins and is located at 240 California Street.