Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

31 restaurants available nearby

1. China Live

4.7

Exceptional(3231)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 102 times today

China Live, Eater's "Restaurant of the Year," features fresh, seasonal Chinese cuisine cooked from specialized stations that merge traditional Chinese and Western culinary equipment. Our main dining area, with views of our exhibition kitchens, plays centerpiece, appointed with chairs and tables all handcrafted in China from reclaimed Chinese elm. We also offer outside dining.

2. Four Kings

4.6

Exceptional(134)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 50 times today

## Four Kings: A Nostalgic Journey Through Cantonese Cuisine Step into Four Kings and be transported to a vibrant world of nostalgia and flavor. This San Francisco gem, helmed by chefs Franky Ho and Mike Long, serves up a modern take on Cantonese cuisine, infused with the chefs' personal memories and a playful spirit. The atmosphere is electric, with 90s Cantopop tunes filling the air and retro Hong Kong memorabilia adorning the walls. The open kitchen allows you to witness the culinary artistry firsthand, as chefs prepare dishes like the signature **fried squab** and the innovative **mapo spaghetti**. The menu is a celebration of bold flavors and unexpected combinations. Start with the **XO escargot with milk bread**, a decadent treat that will leave you wanting more. For a taste of tradition, try the **Hong Kong black peppered steak**, cooked to perfection and bursting with savory notes. Vegetarians will delight in the **garlic pea shoots**, a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the freshest ingredients. Four Kings is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. It's a place to gather with friends, share delicious food, and reminisce about the golden age of Hong Kong cinema. So come hungry, come curious,

A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

3. Kokkari Estiatorio

4.9

Exceptional(9167)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 116 times today

Kokkari (pronounced “Ko-Kar-ee”) is a small fishing village located on the islands of Samos in the Aegean Sea, whose name is derived from the small onions that were once produced in the nearby fields. Its fertile soil and Mediterranean climate translated into an abundance of fresh produce as well as treasured seafood and game. Legend tells that Kokkari is the site where Orion, a mighty hunter and a young man of gigantic stature and great beauty, fell in love with the daughter of the king of Chios. For the love of her, Orion forged the island for wild game and seafood to prepare elaborate banquets in celebration of their love. Today, we hope you will enjoy your own celebration as you dine at Kokkari Estiatorio on food “fit for the Gods” prepared with an Aegean palate and the style of innovative California fare.

4. The Progress

4.8

Exceptional(2479)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Western Addition

Booked 42 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.

5. Foreign Cinema

4.7

Exceptional(8839)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Mission District

Booked 157 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.

6. Dalida

4.6

Exceptional(896)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Presidio

Booked 93 times today

Beautiful Modern Mediterranean restaurant by Chefs Laura and Sayat (Star Chefs and San Francisco Chronicle Rising Stars) at the Main Parade Lawn in the heart of the Presidio National Park. The restaurant's menus feature Presidio-inspired seasonal craft cocktails, a progressive wine menu, and a cuisine that balances the comfort of familiar Mediterranean flavors with California sensibilities. In cohesion with the Presidio National Park, the design features soft, natural colors; repurposed furniture items from the Presidio; and a mural and a hand-drawn wall paper by Bay Area artist Emily Parkinson. Diners can enjoy a patio with a view of Alcatraz; an intimate private dining room; a lofty main dining room surrounded by windows on two sides; a cozy bar that is a local favorite; and an open-concept kitchen counter with counter seats and high tables.

A photo of Nopa - San Francisco restaurant

7. Nopa - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3547)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 90 times today

Nopa is a San Francisco gathering place north of the Panhandle, serving urban rustic food and specializing in organic wood-fired cuisine. We serve simple dishes created with seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors.

8. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7845)

Price: Moderate

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 81 times today

Chef Tyler Florence brings his passion for high quality and style to San Francisco with his new flagship restaurant, Wayfare Tavern. A classic San Francisco Tavern featuring authentic American dishes inspired by local cuisine at the turn of the 20th century, the menu ranges from classic comforts to rustic delicacies. The beverage menu features locally-sourced wines including a selection of Florence's own label, quality draft beers and organic root beer as well as classic Victorian-era cocktails.All three floors of the restaurant have been designed keeping historical accuracy in mind making Wayfare Tavern reminiscent of a Victorian parlor and an Edwardian men's club, where anything goes from black-tie to blue jeans. Pull up a stool to the Chef's Counter at the open kitchen and look on as Chef prepares your lunch or head to the Library and Billiard Room for a game of pool. Wayfare Tavern is a truly unparalleled dining experience translated from a century ago. Photo: John Lee.

9. Octavia

4.7

Exceptional(2624)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Pacific Heights

Booked 25 times today

Octavia is the sister restaurant of Frances, helmed by award-winning Chef Owner Melissa Perello. Octavia serves dinner five nights a week in an elegant and relaxed neighborhood setting. Beautifully defined flavors and seasonally driven cuisine are the cornerstones of Octavia’s menu. Leveraging longstanding relationships with the region’s top purveyors and farms, Octavia's daily evolving selections spotlight Chef Perello's commitment to sustainability and the Bay Area’s wealth of agricultural resources.

10. Elena's

4.7

Exceptional(515)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal

Booked 146 times today

Welcome to Elena's -- a place where a family’s love for authentic Mexican food is celebrated and combined with California-inspired elements and signature Mexican-American dishes. We offer reservations for up to 8 guests via OpenTable. At the time of your reservation, we kindly request the entire party be present to be seated. Tables will be held for up to 10 minutes after the reservation time. For parties that arrive later, the table will be released but we will do our best to accommodate the reservation with the next available table. Reservation requests via phone or email are not available at this time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

I
Ina
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We loved the experience! We went with 4 people, everyone was very happy with their food as it was all interesting, creative and delicious! Service was spot on, great ambience though pretty noisy. It's not cheap, we spent 100 dollars per person including the tip for a shared appetizer, an entree and one drink (no dessert ). It was well worth it and we'll surely come back.
More info
Foreign CinemaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission District
•
4.7
S
Stephanie
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had a lovely dinner with family. Always enjoy China Live. A great place for locals and visitors alike.
More info
China LivePrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.7
A
Audrey
San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Seated quickly at a lovely table. Service was friendly and efficient. Food was spectacular. I love the simple elegant Greek salad . The lamb rib lets are cooked to perfect tenderness and simple flavors without being overpowered with herbs. Look forward to next time
More info
Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.9
D
dayVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The Progress never disappoints. We sat at the bar for a pre birthday celebration and had the best time. First, if you get to have the pleasure of Brent the bartender and server was outstanding in every sense. While making tons of cocktails, he was able to guide us through the menu and pick the best choices for our meal - all with a beautiful grin. The food is above excellent, imaginative, well prepared and presented. Service staff is efficient and just the right amount of friendly. A definite go to!
More info
The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
•
4.8
K
Kent
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on 24 Dec 2024
Great place! Will go back again. Worth all the hype.
More info
Four KingsPrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.6

Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

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31 restaurants available nearby

1. China Live

2. Four Kings

3. Kokkari Estiatorio

4. The Progress

5. Foreign Cinema

6. Dalida

7. Nopa - San Francisco

8. Wayfare Tavern

9. Octavia

10. Elena's

See what locals rave about

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