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San Francisco’s Most Iconic Restaurants

by The OpenTable team

Updated 15 December 2023

Seasons change, trends come and go, but these restaurants have withstood the test of time—and have become integral parts of the San Francisco dining scene. Here are San Francisco’s OpenTable Classics: the places that continue to excel after 10+ years. There’s a reason they’re still around: they keep giving us a reason to come back.

A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

Kokkari Estiatorio

4.9

4.9 (9175)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Financial District / Embarcadero

About the restaurant

There are many things about this financial district spot that make you feel like you’re either in an ornate ski lodge or someone’s large home in the mountains. High ceilings with wood beams, oriental rugs, warm lighting, and an oversized fireplace add wonderful ambiance to SF’s most remarkable Mediterranean restaurant. Their taramosalata and tzatziki served with warm pita are exceptional ways to start things off before the onslaught of mouth-watering meats begins (you can’t go wrong no matter what you order). Also—keep in mind—Kokkari is pricey and a conservative white-tablecloth sort of place, so choose your occasion to visit accordingly.

Top review

I

Igor

Dined 1 day ago

Tasty food, great service, pleasant ambiance. Staff is very attentive and accommodating. Going there for many years, always want to come back.

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A photo of Roasted Prawns of a restaurant

A photo of Octopus Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Whole Fish of a restaurant

A photo of Foreign Cinema restaurant

4.7

4.7 (8845)

$31 to $50

Californian

Mission District

About the restaurant

It’s hard to believe this much-loved, uber-popular, and constantly-busy Mission restaurant has been at the top of its game since 1999. Nothing about this place feels dated. The name (and restaurant) has all the sultry mystique of an old French film, and sometimes that’s exactly what they’ll be playing in their outdoor courtyard, which is definitely where you want to sit. Brunch is a great time here, but nighttime is special—their courtyard’s strung-up lights twinkle, movies play on a brick wall, and the place just glows—so come for dinner, and order the fried chicken or pork chop.

Top review

B

Barbara

Dined today

This place is a gem. The food is amazing, especially the pork chop. Service was top notch and it was clear the crew works as a team. The ambience can’t be beat. This is the best of San Francisco.

A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant

House of Prime Rib

4.8

4.8 (15893)

$50 and over

Steak

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

About the restaurant

This SF classic has been around since 1949 (it’s as good as ever), and they devotedly follow the traditional steakhouse model: you’re here for one thing, steak’s what they know and they do magical things with it. They’re known for their unique food service, and have a much-loved chopped salad, which they dress tableside in a chilled spinning bowl. Their pure—21-day aged—prime rib is also carved tableside (however thick you’d like it) from roaming stainless steel carts. Your steak comes with potatoes (mashed or baked & loaded), creamed spinach or creamed corn (so good), and Yorkshire pudding. Instead of regular bread, you should opt for their special corn bread, which is amazing and served hot. This spot is a dazzling meat masterpiece, and you’ll love it.

Top review

M

Michael

Dined 3 days ago

Everything was wonderful (as usual) except our server. He wasn't pleasant or friendly. Previous servers knew we were there for our anniversary, said Congratulations, asked how long we've been together, took a picture of us etc. He had no interest in anything except getting our drink and entree order. Not a nice fellow or interested in making us feel welcome. Example; there was no napkin at my place setting and I politely asked for one. He walked by, put one on the table and said "here ya go" and kept moving. I said "thank you" but all I saw was the back of his head moving away. A good server would have offered an apology for the oversight, immediately corrected the mistake and said to the customer thanks for your patience and understanding (or something to that effect). He made me feel like I was bothering him. Contrary to our disengaged waiter there was a busser guy who was awesome! He was open and friendly, joyful, and accommodating. He liked his job and wanted to be helpful. Our actual server, not so much. My wife and I openly wished the busser was our server. If I knew the busser's name, I'd say promote him. The only time our waiter was even remotely kind was when he put the bill on the table. So, when it's time for the tip, guess what? He was very nice! Wow, imagine that...

A photo of Zuni Cafe restaurant

4.7

4.7 (7878)

$31 to $50

Modern European

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

About the restaurant

This well-lit, loft-looking space, has two-story floor-to-ceiling windows, which creates a bright and relaxing environment to eat their amazing food in. They make an epic roast chicken (for two), a very special burger, and have a nice assortment of oysters. But, really, all of their food is great and pairs well with their roundup of refreshing cocktails.

Top review

T

tomVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Always wanted to go here. Great dinner (one fish, one steak) and both diners loved the entrees, plus veggies are done perfectly. A little loud and tight dining quarters but a great restaurant. I will go back for sure.

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A photo of Chicken for Two of a restaurant

Chicken for Two

A photo of Zuni Caesar Salad of a restaurant

Zuni Caesar Salad

A photo of Shoestring Potatoes of a restaurant

Shoestring Potatoes

A photo of Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant

Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

4.8

4.8 (7362)

$31 to $50

French

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

About the restaurant

Don’t be scared off by the name, there’s no chance you’ll forget anything about your meal here (though it depends how much absinthe you drink). They’ve definitely got the whole French thing down pat (great pâté too)—dim lighting, red velvet banquettes, and an undeniably romantic vibe—you could very well be in a Parisian brasserie. And while they certainly have the staples you’d hope for, they’ve been around long enough to have a few special dishes in a class of their own. A section of their menu is dedicated to these famed “Absinthe Classics”: French onion soup, soft garlic pretzels with cheddar mornay, steak tartare with quail egg yolk, and coq au vin with bacon. Clearly, they have great cocktails too, so order brazenly.

Top review

B

Barry

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing service and food, as always. VERY loud group next to us was unpleasant.

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A photo of Salade Lyonnaise of a restaurant

Salade Lyonnaise

A photo of Eggs Benedict of a restaurant

A photo of Marlowe restaurant

4.4

4.4 (2916)

$30 and under

American

SOMA

About the restaurant

This American eatery is the third restaurant from the great team behind Park Tavern and the Cavalier. They serve the same beloved burger at Park Tavern, which is made with about 20% lamb and comes with horseradish aioli and bacon. But, before you dig into that, order the deviled eggs (also with bacon) and the Brussels sprout chips.

Top review

P

PaulVIP

Dined on 5 Jan 2025

Wow! This was a great find. As soon as you walk in the smell of amazing food hits you and nothing disappointed. They catered to allergies and the food was both quick and incredibly delicious! Service was first class and the cocktails - outstanding! Highly recommend!

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A photo of Warm Deviled Egg of a restaurant

Warm Deviled Egg

A photo of Marlowe Fries of a restaurant

A photo of Marlowe Burger of a restaurant

A photo of Boulevard restaurant

4.7

4.7 (9117)

$50 and over

Californian

Financial District / Embarcadero

About the restaurant

Aside from their impressive menu of traditional Californian-French dishes, this iconic SF restaurant (a stronghold from the 90s) gives you a breathtaking view of the Bay. They’re not joking around with quality here, from the ACME bread they serve to all the locally-sourced and pristine ingredients they use, everything is top-notch. They make especially great fish—like halibut, salmon, and abalone—but their filet mignon and soft shell crab are also quite noteworthy. Their fine dining experience is great for groups, possibly on the more mature side (this is not a hip and trendy spot, it’s a classic) and ideally celebrating something special.

Top review

P

PatVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Birthday dinner - my annual visit, as good as ever!

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A photo of Wine Vault - $2,200 F&B Minimum - Semi Private of a restaurant

Wine Vault - $2,200 F&B Minimum - Semi Private

A photo of Valentine's Dinner - 4 Course - $185 each of a restaurant

Valentine's Dinner - 4 Course - $185 each

A photo of Spruce restaurant

4.7

4.7 (5429)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Presidio Heights

About the restaurant

Spruce is in Presidio Heights and both are quite fancy. While this upscale American restaurant is steeply priced (and probably best for a special occasion), it’s also knock-it-out-of-the-park delicious. Whatever pricey protein you choose—from the lobster and steak to the duck breast and foie gras terrine—it’ll be exceptional. A more accessible and equally delicious option here is the (enormous) burger, and if you’d prefer a more low-key experience, you can enjoy it at the bar, which has a much less formal feeling.

Top review

M

maryVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great lunch! Everything was excellent and the service was outstanding!!

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A photo of Beignets of a restaurant

A photo of Maine Lobster Spaghetti of a restaurant

Maine Lobster Spaghetti

A photo of Perbacco restaurant

4.7

4.7 (7029)

$30 and under

Italian

Financial District / Embarcadero

About the restaurant

A busy and bustling financial district spot, which is a popular destination for all the suits who work in the area. This sister restaurant to Barbacco (next door) uses fresh and locally-sourced Californian ingredients to create classic Italian dishes. Burrata is a beloved way to start meals in the Bay, and Perbacco’s got a great one with black truffles. Their short rib is delicious as a standalone entré and also in the ragu served with pappardelle. But, their duck breast and quail “cacciatora” are also popular orders.

Top review

C

CharlieVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Perbacco has been consistently great for years now. Not sure how they do it, but the food is just always great, year after year. I can always take a friend or client there with confidence that they will love it. Noise level is a little high, but probably because it's so popular!

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A photo of MARKET SALAD of a restaurant

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