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Best Historic Restaurants in Chinatown

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48 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
1. Historic John's Grill
4.7
Exceptional(7314)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 79 times today
John's Grill has been a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant is one of the city's oldest and most famous and is a favorite of celebrities who enjoy great steaks, expertly prepared fresh seafood with excellent service and a one of a kind atmosphere. John's Grill was a setting in author Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon.
A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant
2. The Empress by Boon
4.5
Awesome(1366)
Price: Very Expensive
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 22 times today
Empress by Boon is San Francisco’s newest, must-visit epicurean destination, offering a seasonal menu in modern Cantonese gastronomy. Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon applies traditional techniques to fresh, local ingredients to produce distinctive contemporary dishes infused with Cantonese flavors. The spacious restaurant occupies the former location of Chinatown’s celebrated Empress of China with striking city views. Reimagined by Chef Boon and team, the Empress was brought back to its former glory by embracing modern design elements while incorporating restored original features, creating a welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the history of the beloved location.
A photo of Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant
3. Roka Akor - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(2247)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 46 times today
Roka Akor is a premier steakhouse serving the finest steak, seafood, and sushi. Renowned for our exquisite Japanese Wagyu and Certified Kobe Beef, we are part of an elite group of fewer than 40 restaurants in the U.S. — and 1 of only a few in San Francisco — licensed to serve this coveted delicacy. All of our meats and vegetables are expertly grilled to perfection over an Open Flame Charcoal Robata Grill. Elevate your dining experience with our award-winning wine list, premium sake, craft cocktails, and an extensive selection of fine whiskey.
A photo of The Vault Steakhouse restaurant
4. The Vault Steakhouse
4.5
Awesome(253)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 16 times today
Located in the original bank vault of the historic 555 California St building on the Concourse Level, The Vault Steakhouse offers indoor dining, a lounge and bar with an extensive cocktail, whiskey and wine program for a special occasion, business function, and date night - all in one place. Enjoy classics steakhouse cuts, creative and fun sides, tableside touches and more.Chefs Ryan Cerizo & Jason Halverson have collaborated to take all of the things we love about Steakhouse dining and elevate it with simple, delicious, modern day touches. Onsite parking is available for $5 in our 24 hour secured garage.
A photo of Tosca Café restaurant
5. Tosca Café
4.6
Exceptional(149)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 12 times today
A legendary hangout in North Beach since it opened in 1919, and even more so from the 1980's onward when Jeanette Etheredge took over Tosca. Locals including Willie Brown, Lars Ulrich and Francis Ford Coppola were regular fixtures, Hunter S Thompson wrote his column for the SF Examiner in the corner booth, Bono, Lauren Hutton, and Mikhail Baryshnikov played pool in the back room, singing Opera and drinking Tosca House Cappuccinos. When Restaurateur Anna Weinberg and Interior Designer Ken Fulk heard Tosca Cafe was closing they joined forces to save it. As the new owners and passionate fans of the original establishment their goal was to return Tosca to its rightful place as a San Francisco institution. As Mikey Rapin wrote in Bon Appétit magazine: “It’s the kind of joint Beats got bounced, Bono belted opera, and a bullet hole memoralizes the night an A-LIST actor disagreed with a rockstar's choice of music"
A photo of Palio restaurant
6. Palio
4.7
Exceptional(1492)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 7 times today
Voted "2018 Best Overall Restaurant" by SF Bay Guardian readers, Palio is a favorite of downtown denizens looking for the perfect spot to make a deal, travelers who appreciate Michelin rated comfortable dining, and anyone seeking an exceptional group dining or private party venue. A place where historic techniques blend with a contemporary approach, and Michelin rated "comfortable" service personally overseen daily by owner Martino Di Grande. Palio’s menu (including gluten free and heart healthy options) is a veritable culinary tour of Italy; emphasizing the cooking of different regions as the seasons change. Palio's menu utilizes organic produce from small, local farms as well as sustainable agriculture and aquaculture. The Wine Spectator award winning list has always been exceptional, including a wide range of Italian varietals and California offerings. Full bar.
A photo of Barbara Pinseria restaurant
7. Barbara Pinseria
4.6
Exceptional(174)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • North Beach
Booked 6 times today
Barbara is a lively Italian restaurant inspired by the rustic tradition of Roman pizzerie, opening in San Francisco’s historic Italian district of North Beach in September 2018 to serve as the neighborhood destination for casual dinning. We feature an energetic open kitchen, creating fresh takes on classics as well as original inventions showcasing seasonal and local ingredients, transporting taste of the eternal city to San Francisco. We offer craft cocktails, Italian and Californian wines, indoor and outdoor seating, and Barbara's fun, warm, style pairs well with the restaurant’s classic Italian comfort and friendly spirit.
A photo of Cafe Zoetrope restaurant
8. Cafe Zoetrope
4.6
Exceptional(296)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 3 times today
Taking its name from the production company of legendary film creator Francis Ford Coppola, Café Zoetrope in San Francisco, CA is tucked into the landmark Sentinel Building. A European style café, it offers authentic Italian fare in an unforgettable setting. It also serves up wine from Coppola's vineyard to work perfectly with the dishes.The menu at Café Zoetrope is perfect for a family or group of friends, including shareable starters like the picatta tray full of cheeses and meats. There are many large and amazingly fresh salads, panini sandwiches and impressive house specialties at Café Zoetrope. Plenty of pasta options along with pizza and calzones keep things casual, and there are many fun cocktails to savor if you prefer.
A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant
9. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection
4.1
Excellent(2459)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • SOMA
Booked 12 times today
Featuring innovative intercontinental cuisine, the famed Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in a glorious setting. This historic landmark serves Breakfast daily, 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch Monday-Thursday and an enchanting Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The Garden Court features a stained glass dome, Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers and is noted on San Francisco’s Historic Register as Landmark #18. Our Executive Chef invites you to try our signature crab salad lightly dressed in our own Green Goddess Dressing, a true Palace original created in 1923.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
10. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(4169)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 112 times today
Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.

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