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Best Historic Restaurants in Chinatown

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45 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7295)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 58 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
4.5
Awesome(1355)
Price: Very Expensive
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 16 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
4.7
Exceptional(2244)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 37 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 Cassava restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(733)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • North Beach
Cassava is a French-Californian bistro in the heart of the historic North Beach neighborhood in San Francisco, semi-finalist of James Beard Foundation Award 2023. The dinner offers 3 experiences nightly of the signature 3 course prix fixe menu, 5 course tasting menu both with beverage pairing options, and also a la carte. Full menu is available at the bar for dining as well.Wine list focuses on classic region wines including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone with approachability and vibrant expressions. Beverage pairing menus includes wine and sake, and there are always 2 wines selected for "potentially life changing" by the glass to entice everyone.Cassava is located in the heart of North Beach that is perfect for business team dinners and meetings. The private dining room seats up to 18 guests, and the entire restaurant can seat up to 50 guests and up to 150 for standing receptions. Brunch is offered on weekends with bistro inspired menu items and the famous Japanese breakfast.
A photo of The Vault Steakhouse restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(252)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 10 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
4.6
Exceptional(149)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 21 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
4.7
Exceptional(1492)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 8 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
4.5
Awesome(173)
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
4.6
Exceptional(294)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 7 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
4.2
Awesome(2458)
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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Dean
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Food great. Service staff friendly. Atmosphere old time San Francisco
    More info
    Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7
  • Daniel
    Caribbean •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Amazing filet and wonderful service. We made a last minute decision and were so happy with our choice l
    More info
    The Vault SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.6
  • Sundar
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Food was excellent. Service was extremely well coordinated and paced even on a very busy night. Eric took great care of us! Highly recommend if you want both high quality steak and sushi
    More info
    Roka Akor - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 16 Nov 2024
    Cassava is truly a gem in San Francisco, and my recent visit only reinforced why it’s such a beloved spot. The food was simply outstanding—every dish was beautifully prepared, flavorful, and clearly crafted with care. From the first bite to the last, it was a culinary experience that delighted all my senses. What made the evening even more special was the presence of the owner, who was not only visibly helping her staff but also warmly engaging with every table. She attended to our needs with such genuine care, answering questions about the menu and making us feel like treasured guests. It’s rare to see such dedication and passion, and it elevated the experience to something truly unforgettable. While it’s bittersweet to know Cassava is closing temporarily, I’m counting the days until it reopens. This restaurant is a treasure, and I can’t wait to return for more exceptional meals and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Cassava, we’ll miss you and eagerly await your comeback! M & W
    More info
    CassavaPrice: Expensive• Californian• North Beach
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    Tampa / Central Florida West •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 14 Nov 2024
    Party of three - family from out of town. We walked over from the hotel so no comment on parking. Wonderful service fabulous food. We ate early and it was reasonably quiet for most of the meal but then the restaurant filled in and got a bit louder but not any worse than any other place. Prix fixed meal - balance of flavors and textures artfully crafted - I would dine here again in a heart beat. A wonderful and innovative meal!
    More info
    The Empress by BoonPrice: Very Expensive• Chinese• Chinatown
    4.5
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