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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Chinatown

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60 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Trestle restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2750)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 15 times today
Trestle, nestled in the vibrant Financial District/Embarcadero area of San Francisco, epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its innovative and seasonal fare. Celebrated for its unique approach to dining, Trestle offers a daily-changing 3-course prix fixe menu that captures the freshness and variety characteristic of Californian gastronomy. Reviewers rave about the authenticity and creativity in dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The duck confit is the best I ever had," and another noting the "flavorful, expertly prepared food." The attentive service and cozy ambiance complement the exceptional dining experience, making Trestle a true gem for those seeking genuine and high-quality Californian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of Wayfare Tavern restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7776)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 78 times today
At the heart of San Francisco's bustling Financial District, Wayfare Tavern stands as a beacon of American cuisine, offering a nostalgic yet refined dining experience. Chef Tyler Florence masterfully crafts a menu that captures the essence of early 20th century American fare, earning accolades from diners who rave about the "outstanding" food and service. Known for its moist and flavorful fried chicken and rustic yet elegant setting reminiscent of a Victorian parlor, Wayfare Tavern delivers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Patrons consistently praise the "perfectly cooked" dishes and the tavern's ability to turn a meal into a cherished memory, making it a cornerstone of the San Francisco dining scene.
A photo of Cassava restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(733)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • North Beach
Cassava, nestled in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, offers a delightful French-Californian bistro experience and is a proud semi-finalist of the James Beard Foundation Award 2023. Here, the fusion of Californian vibrance with French sophistication creates a unique dining adventure. Patrons rave about their experiences, describing meals as "fantastic," "unbeatable," and "pure joy." The menu features locally sourced ingredients, which ensures each dish serves up freshness with a Californian twist, making it both delicious and ethically rewarding. Whether you opt for their acclaimed Japanese breakfast or the innovative 5-course tasting menu, Cassava promises an authentic Californian culinary journey that’s both heartwarming and exciting. Their commitment to quality and the warm, inviting atmosphere make every visit memorable. Join the many who have found their favorite spot in the Bay Area at Cassava, where every meal is a celebration of Californian bounty.
A photo of The Third Floor restaurant
4.3
Awesome(50)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 5 times today
Experience the essence of Mediterranean cuisine at its finest at The Third Floor in the bustling Financial District of San Francisco. Renowned for its fresh, seasonal menu that pays homage to the flavors of the Mediterranean, diners consistently praise the restaurant's "delicious" dishes and "excellent service." From the "exquisitely crafted charcuterie" to the tantalizing seafood tower, each dish is a testament to the culinary expertise behind the scenes. Guests are captivated by the "beautiful terrace" and the upscale yet welcoming ambience, making it an ideal spot for both casual and formal gatherings. As one diner raved, it's the perfect place for a "romantic getaway" or a vibrant business lunch. Join in and savor the Mediterranean at The Third Floor, where every meal is a celebration of taste and elegance.
A photo of The Vault Steakhouse restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(252)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 3 times today
Nestled in the historic 555 California St building in San Francisco's Financial District, The Vault Steakhouse is a prime destination for Contemporary American cuisine, particularly renowned for its innovative approach to the classic steakhouse experience. Chefs Ryan Cerizo & Jason Halverson have masterfully elevated traditional dishes with "simple, delicious, modern day touches" that resonate with diners. Patrons rave about the "impeccable" food and service, emphasizing standout items like the "Pavé Tots with caviar" and the "truffle bordelais sauce." The unique option to select a custom steak knife and the nightly live piano music add an exclusive touch, making The Vault Steakhouse a must-visit for a memorable dining adventure in a "swanky but modern" ambiance.
A photo of Monte’s Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.4
Awesome(8)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Located in downtown San Francisco at the corner of Montgomery and California Streets, Monte’s Restaurant and Bar is convenient to the cable car stop and features expansive windows in a comfortable, elegant atmosphere. Enjoy locally crafted meals in addition to signature cocktails and drinks at our San Francisco bar.Monte’s Restaurant is open for Breakfast and Lunch and Monte’s Bar provides walk-in Dinner service from 4:00pm – 10:00pm.Drinks are served in the bar until 11:00pm.
A photo of The Barrel Room - San Francisco restaurant
4.5
Awesome(283)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 1 time today
We're happy to announce that we are reopening! We are now accepting reservations for October 18th, 2022 and beyond. The Barrel Room offers guests a unique experience with our regionally focused rotating menus. Our menus feature the cuisine, wines, and spirits of regions from around the world, changing each quarter. Our wine list offers our guests small-production, responsibly farmed wines from iconic and influential producers organized into flights or by the glass.Join us for our current focus: the wines and cuisine of Spain. This menu will be available through October.
A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(6019)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 81 times today
The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco's Union Square is a quintessential destination for those seeking an exceptional American dining experience. Known for its elegant ambiance and meticulous service, The Rotunda offers a luxurious afternoon tea service that has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Patrons rave about the "delicious assortment of food" and "excellent ambience," highlighting the restaurant's ability to deliver a top-tier culinary experience. From the superb seafood selections like the praised shrimp and crab Louie salad to the classic American burger, every dish is crafted with excellence. Guests continually commend the Rotunda for its "outstanding service" and "beautiful setting," making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the finest American cuisine in a stunning, historic venue.
A photo of The Progress restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2448)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Western Addition
Booked 37 times today
The Progress, located in San Francisco's vibrant Western Addition, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its innovative and locally-sourced dishes. Guests frequently rave about the "beyond amazing" duck and the inventive flavor combinations that make each visit a culinary adventure. With its reputation for "exceptional food and impeccable service," The Progress offers a dynamic dining experience, described by many as "the greatest dinner party ever." It's not just the food that impresses; the cocktails are crafted with creativity, leading one guest to proclaim, "My wife had one of the most creative and delicious drinks she had ever had." Whether it's the warmly recommended small plates or the standout duck, The Progress ensures a memorable and delightful meal with every visit, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best of Contemporary American dining in San Francisco.
A photo of Angler San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(233)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 49 times today
Angler San Francisco, a Michelin-starred gem nestled on the Embarcadero waterfront, offers an unparalleled seafood experience that is both authentic and innovative. With a focus on the freshest ingredients sourced from Northern California, Angler celebrates the natural flavors of the sea, enhanced by the primal touch of their wood burning hearth. Diners rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes, describing them as "spectacular" and "sublime," with special mentions of the perfectly cooked fish and inventive seafood sauces. The ambiance and views complement the culinary journey, making every visit to Angler a memorable feast of the senses. Whether you opt for the praised tasting menu or the exceptional 'Let Us Cook For You' option, Angler promises an extraordinary dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Lisavip
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Trestle is an exceptional dining experience, not just for the food but also for the incredible service! For $45, you get a beautifully curated 3-course meal, and we added the $12 supplement—worth every penny. We started with the persimmon toast with pâté and the butternut squash soup with Brussels sprouts and pomegranate seeds. Both dishes were hearty, flavorful, and a perfect way to kick off the meal. The clam pasta supplement was outstanding—rich, buttery, and zesty. Definitely a highlight! For entrees, we had the cod with celery root and the duck confit with blood orange. Both were perfectly cooked, with incredible attention to detail in flavor pairing. Dessert wasn’t my favorite, but that’s only because I was so full by the end! On top of the amazing food, the service was flawless. Everyone who served us was so friendly and pleasant, making the whole experience feel warm and welcoming. We also learned that the menu changes weekly to highlight seasonal ingredients, which makes me even more excited to return. Trestle is a must-visit for delicious food and fantastic service—highly recommend!
    More info
    TrestlePrice: Expensive• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.8
  • ChuckKvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great time - Wayfare is a “commonplace” for us to catch up. Great experience as usual and anticipated.
    More info
    Wayfare TavernPrice: Moderate• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.6
  • kevin
    San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    everything was as it should be, and as expected. the physical space is amazing - it must have cost several fortunes to create it. the spiral staircase with bronze totem is a thing to marvel at. one odd thing: one of our waiters asked us several times, 'is everything treating you ok?' or, 'how is everything treating you?' funny that we should remember that, but it is an odd question to get from a waiter. it's neither good nor back, just odd. we would not hesitate to return.
    More info
    The Third FloorPrice: Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.3
  • Daniel
    Caribbean •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 20 Nov 2024
    Amazing filet and wonderful service. We made a last minute decision and were so happy with our choice l
    More info
    The Vault SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 16 Nov 2024
    Cassava is truly a gem in San Francisco, and my recent visit only reinforced why it’s such a beloved spot. The food was simply outstanding—every dish was beautifully prepared, flavorful, and clearly crafted with care. From the first bite to the last, it was a culinary experience that delighted all my senses. What made the evening even more special was the presence of the owner, who was not only visibly helping her staff but also warmly engaging with every table. She attended to our needs with such genuine care, answering questions about the menu and making us feel like treasured guests. It’s rare to see such dedication and passion, and it elevated the experience to something truly unforgettable. While it’s bittersweet to know Cassava is closing temporarily, I’m counting the days until it reopens. This restaurant is a treasure, and I can’t wait to return for more exceptional meals and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Cassava, we’ll miss you and eagerly await your comeback! M & W
    More info
    CassavaPrice: Expensive• Californian• North Beach
    4.7
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