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

61 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant

1. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4200)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 76 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.

2. Trestle

4.8

Exceptional(2765)

Price: Expensive

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 23 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.

3. Sushi Ran

4.8

Exceptional(2324)

Price: Expensive

• Sushi • Sausalito

Booked 29 times today

WE ARE OPEN FOR TAKEOUT FROM 5:00PM - 9:30PM. LET US JOYFULLY NOURISH YOUR BODY AS WELL AS YOUR SPIRIT. Sushi Ran is a longstanding Japanese restaurant located in Sausalito, California that specializes in sushi. The restaurant prepares menu items utilizing fresh fish delivered from Tokyo daily and features a casual, family friendly dining atmosphere.Sushi Ran serves lunch and dinner daily and features an extensive menu offering of moriawase, maki, nigri and sashimi, vegetables, soup, cool plates and hot plates. Cool and hot plate options at the restaurant include Hokkaido scallop crudo, miso Wagyu beef, big eye tuna tartare, asari clam, braised beef tongue and organic chicken. Nigri and sashimi options featured at Sushi Ran include tuna, yellowtail, white fish, beef, mackerel, eel salmon, shellfish, caviar, toro tataki and more.

4. Poggio

4.7

Exceptional(6216)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Sausalito

Booked 49 times today

Poggio is a classic Italian trattoria with comfortable neighborhood charm and destination-caliber cuisine. Created by Larry Mindel, who also founded numerous other restaurants in the Bay Area and beyond, Poggio has been ranked among the very best Italian restaurants since it opened. Led by Executive Chef and Partner Ben Balesteri, Poggio’s daily changing menus use the best available local ingredients including dishes inspired by the seasonal bounty of our local farmers, ranchers and fishermen and the traditional methods of Italy, including wood-fired ovens, house made pastas from scratch and a wide variety of dishes serving guests breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We’re honored to have been awarded a Bib Gourmand distinction by the Michelin guide in 2017, 2018, and along with being named Best Italian restaurant in Marin County by Marin Magazine in 2021.

5. The Parthenon

4.5

Awesome(59)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 29 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.

A photo of Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf restaurant

6. Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf

4.7

Exceptional(5700)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • North Beach

Booked 75 times today

Founded in 1965, Scoma's Seafood Restaurant is located in the heart of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. Family-owned for three generations, our iconic waterfront restaurant is famous for serving the freshest seafood from pier-to-plate. An award-winning bar program includes an extensive wine list, local microbrews, and expertly crafted cocktails. For nearly 60 years, locals, visitors, politicians, athletes, actors, signers, and heads of state have been frequenting Scoma's for its old-school hospitality, delicious seafood, spectacular views, and impeccable cocktails. Located on a working pier, Scoma's has its own fish receiving station, dealing directly with local fishers for 100% sustainable seafood.***Scoma's gladly welcomes reservations, as well as walk-in guests on a first come first served basis. You can also call 415.771.4383 during our operation hours for assistance with reservations. *** WE OFFER COMPLIMENTORY PARKING***

7. Petite Left Bank

4.6

Exceptional(422)

Price: Expensive

• French • Tiburon

Booked 11 times today

Petite Left Bank is a charming French café in the heart of Tiburon, Marin County. The restaurant offers a cozy, friendly ambiance, with consistently great food and service, as per the reviews. The menu features modern flavors and techniques that embrace its French European heritage, transforming into an alluring, lively bistro at night. It's a great place to enjoy delicious French pastries, croissants, espresso, coffee, and tea all day long.

8. Cote Ouest

4.9

Exceptional(734)

Price: Moderate

• French • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 8 times today

Côte Ouest Bistro is a contemporary French bistro led by partners Laurent Monchicourt & Martin Sarraih. In April, 2021, the pair transformed the former Baker Street Bistro into a modern 21st century neighborhood gem. Nestle into one of our bay window seats and enjoy conversation over a plate of charcuterie with the perfect glass of Bordeaux. Chef Sarraih's prepares seasonal specialties as well as favorite French classics like Steak Frites, and Duck Confit. And the custard soaked Croissant French Toast is not to be missed if you stop by for brunch on our sunny terrace.

9. Cultivar

4.8

Exceptional(239)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 7 times today

Mo-Sat: Food until 9pm, Wine until 10pm Sun: Food until 8:45pm Wine until 9pmSat/Sun: Brunch: 11am-3pm Cultivar San Francisco is an wine-centric farm to table restaurant by Cultivar Wine. The menu is inspired by locally-sourced seasonal ingredients including from our culinary garden at Caspar Estate. The menu complements hand-crafted wines from our Cultivar Winery and boutique wines from California and beyond. Cultivar Wine club flights are available. Cultivar Wine Club members get 20% off their Cultivar wine and Cultivar food. Join our Cultivar Wine Club!Our back patio has a fireplace, heaters and festive lighting, perfect setting for a private dinner or a celebration. Sidewalk tables on Chestnut have heaters, great for people watching and guests with dogs. Seasonal dishes and Cultivar Wines available for take out and to go.Our location is near the Lyon St. entrance to the Presidio, near the Palace of Fine Arts and in the Marina District of San Francisco.

10. The Trident

4.4

Awesome(2115)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Sausalito

Booked 14 times today

The Trident Restaurant is located "on the water" in historic Sausalito, CAOur heated outdoor decks provide a sensational dining experience with spectacular San Francisco bay views. Our outdoor deck is also dog friendly. Inside is an incredible recipe of art and architecture, complemented with a resemblance of an old yacht. The ceiling mural was original to the Trident and painted by Dave Richards, creator of Janis Joplin’s infamous 1965 Porsche Cabriolet. On the outside deck, discover one of the most stunning restaurant waterfront views on the west coast, which boasts the skyline of San Francisco, Angel Island and Alcatraz. Join us for brunch, lunch or dinner

‘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

S
ShaunVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Born and raised in the Bay Area but have been living in SF proper for 14 years now. Kinda ashamed to say I finally checked out this SF institute today but better late than never as the food and service were absolutely incredible! I consider myself a cioppino connoisseur so had to try theirs and cross it off my list. I must say, the cioppino at Original Joe’s definitely did not disappoint and immediately shot to my top 5 list for sure. Throw in the impeccable service we received from our server David and his fellow team members and I can see why it’s become such a San Francisco landmark! Kudos to Original Joe’s in North Beach!
More info
Original Joe's - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
4.7
V
verlyn
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
always a great experience they always make sure to make you feel good
More info
Show de Carnes Brazilian SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Brazilian Steakhouse• Sausalito
•
4.8
R
Rower
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Ours was a party of four. Our server, Zamire was exceptional and attentive. We went with her recommendations and enjoyed everything. Highly recommend and will return.
More info
The ParthenonPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.5
F
Frances
San Francisco Bay Area •19 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Beautiful location for a celebration meal with friends - we also love to have lunch at the Waterfront because of the views. Good place to keep in mind when you have visitors...lovely decorations for Christmas too.
More info
The Waterfront Restaurant and CafePrice: Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
L
LilyVIP
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on 15 Dec 2024
The pop music wasn’t amazing but the brunch and mulled wine were delicious as always
More info
CultivarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.8

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

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

61 restaurants available nearby

1. Original Joe's - San Francisco

2. Trestle

3. Sushi Ran

4. Poggio

5. The Parthenon

6. Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf

7. Petite Left Bank

8. Cote Ouest

9. Cultivar

10. The Trident

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable