Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in San Francisco Bay Area

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

East BayMarinSan Francisco

Areas

AlamedaBerkeleyBernal HeightsCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessCole ValleyDowntown / Union Square

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

62 restaurants available nearby

1. Le Central

4.7

Exceptional(2165)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 22 times today

Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for five decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Located on the edge of the Financial District, Union Square, and Chinatown in a rare one story brick building adorned with its iconic pink neon sign and crowned by a vintage “Tabac” sign. Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a Parisian brasserie. With exposed brick walls, original imported brass bar, stained glass features, and cozy banquettes topped with brass railings. The atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy delicious French fare and exceptional wines and cocktails in an upscale, yet casual environment. Enjoy French classics like steak-frites, escargot, onion soup, and our world famous Cassoulet. Le Central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!

2. Le Parc Bistrobar

4.9

Exceptional(239)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 13 times today

Le Parc Bistrobar is a delightful French restaurant in Union Square, San Francisco, nestled within the Galleria Park Hotel. Led by the renowned 2-star Michelin Chef Bruno Chemel, this bistro offers a culinary escapade that perfectly complements the city's refined tastes. The menu at Le Parc Bistrobar is a tribute to classic French cuisine, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring out the rich, traditional flavors in every dish. The lounge bar provides a wide variety of wines and cocktails to enhance the gourmet experience.

3. Astra

4.5

Awesome(66)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • SOMA

Booked 28 times today

The St. Regis San Francisco’s new fine-dining restaurant, offers exquisite American dishes inspired by California’s freshest seasonal ingredients. The recently reimagined space offers a welcoming atmosphere that epitomizes Northern California luxury, with décor featuring rich textures and soft metallics that pay tribute to the city’s unique vistas. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in gentle natural light and frame dynamic street scenes. Aligned with The St. Regis’ House of Astor for inspired cuisine and mixologist crafted cocktails, Astra offers world-class fare and elegant service. Astra is open for afternoon tea and open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

4. Trestle

4.7

Exceptional(2822)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 32 times today

Hi Neighbor!At Trestle, we remember a time, not too long ago, where people took pause to enjoy a meal in the presence of great company, giving it the reverence and respect deserved. We provide a dining experience served in courses, with the satisfaction and warmth found at a family gathering, creating the foundation to a proper meal. Every day we feature a changing 3 course prix fixe menu with choices on each course for $45/person. We will have an optional additional pasta course for $12/person. Unfortunately, we do not offer ala-carte options.We are able to accommodate vegetarian options nightly. We do our best to accommodate other allergies/restrictions based on the menu for that evening. Due to our limited spacing, we can accommodate parties of 8 or less only.

5. The Parthenon

4.4

Awesome(88)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 15 times today

Welcome to The Parthenon, your gateway to the authentic flavors of Greece nestled in the heart of San Francisco. As a Mediterranean Wine Bar and Mezes, we offer a rich tapestry of Greek culinary delights that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed Greek islands.Our menu is a celebration of traditional Greek cuisine, with a contemporary twist.Pair your meal with a selection from our Mediterranean Wine Bar, and don't forget to save room for our delectable sides, including Greek Fries and Garlic Fries.

6. The Post Room

4.0

Excellent(199)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 24 times today

In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, a new Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge called The Post Room is nestled inside the historic Beacon Grand and overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby, the vibrant social venue will serve breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends and complemented by a dazzling live music program.

7. Harris'

4.8

Exceptional(5599)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Russian Hill

Booked 53 times today

Harris’ is the quintessential steak house experience. We offer dry-aged, mid-western beef, outstanding martinis, and an award winning wine list. In our lounge we have live jazz nightly.Although the lounge is available for more casual dining, we do have a dress code in the main dining room: please, no shorts, t-shirts or sportswear.

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant

8. Historic John's Grill

4.7

Exceptional(7511)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 50 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.

9. 54 Mint

4.6

Exceptional(3445)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • SOMA

Booked 22 times today

54 Mint is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown San Francisco across from the old US Mint Building. We offer authentic Roman cuisine prepared only with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Our pastas, bread and desserts are made fresh in house on a daily basis. Our bar offers an extended variety of Italian wines, craft cocktails and high-end imported and local spirits.

10. Seven Hills

4.9

Exceptional(2494)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Russian Hill

Welcome to Seven Hills. We are a rustic neighborhood bistro offering regional Italian food, located in the Russian Hill Neighborhood of San Francisco. We serve great fresh affordable food. Our emphasis is on homemade pastas. Our wine list is small but extremely well thought out and complements our cooking style. We look forward to taking care of you and your guests. If you can not find what you are looking for online please call us directly at the restaurant. See you soon!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

SP
ScottP
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
A great evening with the right amount of attention and good advice on what to select.
More info
The ParthenonPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.4
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined on 6 Mar 2025
Incredible food, great service very accommodating. I would go back here twice a week.
More info
Seven HillsPrice: Expensive• Italian• Russian Hill
•
4.9
W
WarrenVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •33 reviews
4.0
Dined on 2 Mar 2025
The service was excellent and the view was amazing
More info
The Waterfront Restaurant and CafePrice: Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.4
J
Jay
Greater Boston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 Feb 2025
Intimate and cozy on the patio even with a slight chill in the air. Menu was very nice as well. Presentation of food was also lovely. Can’t wait to come again.
More info
CultivarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.6
A
Alpa
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on 21 Feb 2025
Good food and knowledgeable staff. I have been there a couple of times and always had a good experience. This time around four of us shared a lot of small plates. Keeping everyone’s dietary needs of no meat, or no gluten, or no shell fish, we were still able to get a good array of small plates to feel satisfied and full. I have had the main entrees too and they are equally delicious. The desserts offered were delicious too.
More info
Base CampPrice: Moderate• Asian• Mission District
•
4.8

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