San Francisco’s Most Iconic Restaurants

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4.8 (9295)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Financial District / Embarcadero

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.

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K

Kit

Dined 4 days ago

Great experience and Alexandra our server was incredible! We love her!

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.

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K

Kit

Dined 4 days ago

Great experience and Alexandra our server was incredible! We love her!

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Guest Chef Series: Bruce Hill

Experience

Mother's Day Brunch 2025

Foreign Cinema

4.7 (8932)

$31 to $50

Californian

Mission

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.

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C

Chelsea

Dined today

Service was impeccable. Thank you so much for everything.

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.

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C

Chelsea

Dined today

Service was impeccable. Thank you so much for everything.

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Experience

Guest Chef Series: Bruce Hill

Experience

Mother's Day Brunch 2025

House of Prime Rib

4.8 (16090)

$50 and over

Steak

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

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.

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F

Faith

Dined 2 days ago

amazing experience and great service, first time and will for sure return

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.

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F

Faith

Dined 2 days ago

amazing experience and great service, first time and will for sure return

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4.6 (8001)

$31 to $50

Modern European

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

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.

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J

Jessica

Dined 3 days ago

Great food and service. Would definitely come back

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.

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J

Jessica

Dined 3 days ago

Great food and service. Would definitely come back

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Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

4.8 (7406)

$31 to $50

French

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

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.

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NicoleVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Service was fantastic. Cheeseburger was delicious!

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.

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N

NicoleVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Service was fantastic. Cheeseburger was delicious!

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4.5 (2940)

$30 and under

American

SOMA

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.

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S

Sara

Dined 6 days ago

Fun place . Food not as amazing as it once was. Still good . The hamburger itself used to have more meat . Fries still excellent.good access off Freeway if meeting those coming from east bay or peninsula. City vibe without the hassle of driving into town

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

S

Sara

Dined 6 days ago

Fun place . Food not as amazing as it once was. Still good . The hamburger itself used to have more meat . Fries still excellent.good access off Freeway if meeting those coming from east bay or peninsula. City vibe without the hassle of driving into town

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

Boulevard

4.8 (9163)

$50 and over

Californian

Financial District / Embarcadero

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.

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R

Ruth

Dined 1 day ago

Boulevard is a classic. Food and service is always terrific and there's always something new to choose from. The space is beautiful. Easy to converse since the noise level is low. It's been a favorite for years and they continue to maintain their high standards.

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

R

Ruth

Dined 1 day ago

Boulevard is a classic. Food and service is always terrific and there's always something new to choose from. The space is beautiful. Easy to converse since the noise level is low. It's been a favorite for years and they continue to maintain their high standards.

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Experience

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

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4.7 (5503)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Presidio Heights

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.

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A

Avery

Dined 1 day ago

Great service, great people, great food. Plenty of parking.

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.

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A

Avery

Dined 1 day ago

Great service, great people, great food. Plenty of parking.

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4.7 (7045)

$30 and under

Italian

Financial District / Embarcadero

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.

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J

JohnVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Frequent visitor ... always get what is expected ... great menu and impeccable, professional service. Today's visit included the octopus appetizer, two of their fabulous pastas, and assorted cookies with a cappuccino. Everything fantastic. We make the trip in from the East Bay enduring the traffic, and are never disappointed. Perbacco is a cut above.

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

J

JohnVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Frequent visitor ... always get what is expected ... great menu and impeccable, professional service. Today's visit included the octopus appetizer, two of their fabulous pastas, and assorted cookies with a cappuccino. Everything fantastic. We make the trip in from the East Bay enduring the traffic, and are never disappointed. Perbacco is a cut above.

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MARKET SALAD