Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown / Union Square

32 restaurants available nearby

1. Starlite

4.4

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 58 times today

Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.

A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant

2. Chotto Matte San Francisco

4.3

Awesome(66)

Price: Very Expensive

• Asian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 19 times today

Situated in Downtown San Francisco, Chotto Matte is renowned for its signature Nikkei Cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and electric atmosphere. Chotto Matte’s chic, contemporary interior is inspired by its Japanese & Peruvian roots, making it a unique dining experience, every time. Key highlights include Chotto’s recognizable bold design, tropical foliage and theatrical robata grill.

3. Aliment

4.7

Exceptional(945)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 9 times today

Aliment, is a family-owned and operated American Restaurant in Downtown San Francisco. Est. in 2013 and just a few blocks from Union Square, we serve organic new American cuisine with excellent choices of homemade cocktails, local Napa Wines, and local beers. Our team of chefs re-creates our menu on a seasonal basis. We pride ourselves in our belief in keeping San Francisco fun and unique by offering a diverse menu such as Lamb Chops, Grilled Seabass, Bread Pudding, and more!

A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant

4. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

4.9

Exceptional(59)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 34 times today

Welcome to Little Original Joe's -- an Italian-American neighborhood eatery featuring pizza, pasta, and parmigiana in San Francisco's Marina neighborhood! Limited reservations are available for up to 6 guests -- we look forward to seeing you soon!

5. The Progress

4.8

Exceptional(2468)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Western Addition

Booked 45 times today

The Progress is a vehicle for a completely local production. Innovative meals are served with memorable wine & cocktails. The Greatest Dinner Party Ever.

6. Boulevard

4.7

Exceptional(9097)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 35 times today

Chefs Nancy Oakes, Chef Dana Younkin and our entire team, look forward to welcoming you to a refreshed and reimagined Boulevard! The dining room features a 3 course prix fixe menu with a multitude of choices. For the more spontaneous sorts; our bar, lounge and chef's counter is available on a walk-in basis and limited reservations. An a la carte menu is offered in these areas. For private events and larger groups, please check our our website.

7. Foreign Cinema

4.8

Exceptional(8817)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Mission District

Booked 148 times today

Foreign Cinema is a one of a kind, nationally acclaimed restaurant combining independent films with California-Mediterranean cooking. Enjoy an airy yet chic setting, complete with indoor dining room with a fireplace, outdoor courtyard with 35mm film screening starting at dusk, mezzanine, gallery curated by Modernism West & full bar in the main dining room. Foreign Cinema has something for everyone including their DJ/live music bar, Laszlo. Enjoy special happy hours, uniquely craft cocktails, zero proof selections, full Foreign Cinema dinner menu, and lively music to end your evening.We are currently booking for Outdoor Patio & Indoor/Standard seating 60 days in advance. A ‘standard seating’ reservation is indoor dining. Reservations for 10+ may be booked through private dining department - contact janine@foreigncinema.com for more information.

8. Bon Delire

4.6

Exceptional(108)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 54 times today

Bon Délire’s chic yet approachable atmosphere draws inspiration from the cafés, lounges, and bistros of Paris. The interior boasts a sculpted horseshoe-shaped wooden bar, plush banquettes, and vibrant, European-imported furnishings that invite intimate dining and lounging. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with views of the Bay Bridge, or relax at the outdoor cafe-style seating, framed by planter boxes and umbrellas, perfect for people-watching along the Embarcadero.At night, the space comes alive with flickering projections of vintage French films and a relaxed, nostalgic soundtrack of throwback French and American tunes, making Bon Délire a sophisticated yet cozy setting for private and semi-private events.

A photo of STK - San Francisco restaurant

9. STK - San Francisco

4.0

Excellent(1286)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 95 times today

STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.

A photo of COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant

10. COQUETA - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3367)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 54 times today

Brought to you by Award Winning Chef Michael Chiarello and located at Pier 5 on the bustling San Francisco Waterfront, Coqueta is inspired by the cuisines of Spain. Chef Chiarello feels that Spain’s signature ‘small plates’ coupled with the social vibrancy of their dining scene is the perfect combination for San Francisco, which has its own deep-rooted history with the country. Focusing on regional dishes from Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country and beyond, the menu will feature Chiarello's interpretation of traditional Spanish cuisine and, as has always been his tradition, will highlight the bounty of fresh, local ingredients from land and sea.Coqueta means “flirt” or “infatuation” in Spanish, and represents Michael Chiarello and his team’s exploration and interpretation of Spanish Cuisine, wine and inspired cocktails, while highlighting the bounty of Northern California.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tim
Los Angeles •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
These are innovative, awake and aware professionals. The original energy and spirit of the restaurant are alive and evolving. Service: Excellent. Food: Excellent. Ambience: Excellent, energetic, present, engaging. This is what an exceptional experience feels like. Thanks to everyone at The Progress.
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The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
•
4.8
E
Eloice
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This was the first time we've been back since the last remake. It has been a decades long family tradition to visit during the holiday season. We were not disappointed. The drinks were good and the tuna crudo was especially delicious.
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StarlitePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.4
A
AudreyVIP
Los Angeles •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The roasted tomato burrata with pesto starter was amazing. I had the kale salad with salmon and my husband had the chicken pot pie. It was all delicious. Servers (we sat at the bar) were very attentive. Seems to be a neighborhood spot as all the customers seem to know each other, which is nice. We’ll definitely be back.
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Little Original Joe's -- MarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.9
T
Toyia
Minneapolis - St. Paul •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
The food was good. Service was ok - very busy night at the bar with no support from other staff. Also loud so not necessarily a great choice if you were/are looking for a romantic dinner.
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AlimentPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
P
Peter
San Francisco Bay Area •23 reviews
4.0
Dined on 16 Dec 2024
A very chic spot. On the eighth floor, seemingly “above it all.” A worthy successor to the now closed Hakkasan.
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Chotto Matte San FranciscoPrice: Very Expensive• Asian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.3

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Downtown / Union Square

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown / Union Square

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32 restaurants available nearby

1. Starlite

2. Chotto Matte San Francisco

3. Aliment

4. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

5. The Progress

6. Boulevard

7. Foreign Cinema

8. Bon Delire

9. STK - San Francisco

10. COQUETA - San Francisco

See what locals rave about

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