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Best Californian Restaurants in The Castro

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83 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Frances restaurant
1. Frances
4.9
Exceptional(3655)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Castro
Booked 16 times today
Frances, nestled in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, is a contemporary American gem where culinary creativity shines. Chef Melissa Perello presents a menu that epitomizes modern California cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients sourced from neighboring markets, farms, and producers. The restaurant, named after Perello’s grandmother, encapsulates a fusion of refined yet comfortable sensibilities in both its food and decor. Guests rave about dishes like "the best gnocchi we’ve had anywhere" and the "flawlessly cooked" pork chop. With reviews praising its "creative dishes and wonderful wine pairings," Frances stands out as a top destination for those seeking a stellar dining experience. The ambiance is described as "cozy and elegant," making it perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.
A photo of Fable - SF restaurant
2. Fable - SF
4.7
Exceptional(2187)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Castro
Booked 18 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Fable - SF epitomizes the spirit of Californian cuisine with its fresh, seasonal offerings and a delightful garden patio setting. Recognized for serving "the best brunch in town," this charming spot impresses with its innovative dishes that showcase California's rich produce. Patrons rave about the experience, noting the "beautiful, sunny SF patio" and "spectacular food and drinks." With glowing reviews like "the food is always good and the service too…there is nothing quite like sitting in the back patio," Fable - SF stands out as a quintessential destination for those seeking authentic and high-quality Californian dining in a picturesque outdoor setting.
A photo of Blind Butcher restaurant
3. Blind Butcher
4.5
Awesome(499)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Castro
Booked 29 times today
Blind Butcher in The Castro, San Francisco, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a symphony of flavors that delight and surprise. Nestled in a sophisticated yet inviting urban setting, the restaurant boasts a New American menu that skillfully combines hand-cut prime steaks, fresh seafood, and local organic produce. Each dish is crafted with an inventive flair, perfectly balancing diverse flavors with high-quality ingredients. Diners rave about the culinary experience, with one patron noting, "Everything was FIRE!" and another celebrating the perfect steak and lobster Mac and cheese combo. The Blind Butcher's commitment to quality and its innovative culinary approach make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in San Francisco.
A photo of Starbelly restaurant
4. Starbelly
4.5
Awesome(1573)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Castro
Booked 42 times today
Starbelly in The Castro, San Francisco, is a haven for California Comfort food enthusiasts. Praised for its "excellent brunch" and "wonderful restaurant for California cuisine," Starbelly shines with its vibrant, urban vibe and a charming garden patio that enhances every dining experience. Guests rave about the "amazing food," from the Margarita Pizza to the creatively delicious French toast, and the lively ambiance that accompanies it. The positive feedback doesn't stop there, with diners highlighting the "attentive and awesome" staff and the consistently "fresh, flavorful, and fabulous" meals. Whether it's the praised chicken with waffles or the fresh oysters, Starbelly stands out as a top choice for authentic and heartwarming comfort food in a fun and inviting setting.
A photo of Foreign Cinema restaurant
5. Foreign Cinema
4.8
Exceptional(8815)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Mission District
Booked 67 times today
At Foreign Cinema in San Francisco's Mission District, Mediterranean cuisine is elevated to an art form, infused with California flair. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "Best pork chop I’ve ever eaten!" and another praising the "creatively combined flavors" in their meals. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by indie films and elegant decor, complements its culinary delights perfectly. The consistent acclaim for their food and service makes Foreign Cinema a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch Mediterranean dining experience in a uniquely charming setting. Whether it's the Lolita cocktail or the superbly prepared swordfish, every dish promises a memorable taste of the Mediterranean.
A photo of Nopa - San Francisco restaurant
6. Nopa - San Francisco
4.6
Exceptional(3534)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 79 times today
Nopa in San Francisco is a jewel of Californian cuisine, celebrated for its urban rustic food and mastery in wood-fired dishes. Praised for its “amazing, fresh food” and warm, welcoming ambiance, Nopa sources seasonal ingredients locally, ensuring each dish, from the "halibut crudo" to the "pork chop with blueberries," is both fresh and flavorful. Diners consistently rave about the quality and attention to detail, noting that Nopa "always delivers a top-tier experience." The restaurant's commitment to authenticity and the local food scene makes it a must-visit. As one reviewer puts it, Nopa is the "quintessential Californian restaurant," making it a cherished spot in the North Panhandle of San Francisco.
A photo of State Bird Provisions restaurant
7. State Bird Provisions
4.8
Exceptional(3238)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Western Addition
Booked 45 times today
State Bird Provisions in San Francisco's Western Addition neighborhood offers a truly American dining experience that captures both the spirit and innovation of contemporary American cuisine. Renowned for its unique approach, the restaurant features a dim sum-style service that delivers a parade of creative and seasonal dishes, earning high praise from diners. Guests rave about the "extraordinary place with extraordinarily good food" and the "interesting, seasonal, and well-balanced flavors." The energy and creativity of the menu make every visit a delightful adventure, with standouts like the duck liver mousse and the smoked trout dip. The combination of top-notch service and a lively atmosphere ensures a memorable dining experience that epitomizes the best of American culinary excellence. This gem is a proud testament to the rich, evolving food scene of San Francisco.
A photo of The Progress restaurant
8. The Progress
4.8
Exceptional(2465)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Western Addition
Booked 47 times today
The Progress, located in San Francisco's vibrant Western Addition, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its innovative and locally-sourced dishes. Guests frequently rave about the "beyond amazing" duck and the inventive flavor combinations that make each visit a culinary adventure. With its reputation for "exceptional food and impeccable service," The Progress offers a dynamic dining experience, described by many as "the greatest dinner party ever." It's not just the food that impresses; the cocktails are crafted with creativity, leading one guest to proclaim, "My wife had one of the most creative and delicious drinks she had ever had." Whether it's the warmly recommended small plates or the standout duck, The Progress ensures a memorable and delightful meal with every visit, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best of Contemporary American dining in San Francisco.
A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
9. Che Fico San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(1879)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 46 times today
Che Fico in San Francisco's vibrant North Panhandle neighborhood is a gem of Italian cuisine, seamlessly blending California's bountiful produce with the rich traditions of Northern Italy. Chefs David Nayfeld and Matt Brewer craft a menu that sings with authenticity and innovation, from handmade pastas to exquisite pizzas, all rooted in Italian culinary traditions yet influenced by local Californian flavors. Critics rave about the “delicious food” and “exceptional service,” highlighting dishes like the “tagliatelle to die for” and the unique Jewish-Roman offerings. The ambiance is “lively” and “welcoming,” perfect for a celebratory meal or a cozy dinner. As one diner put it, Che Fico provides “the best Italian dining experience in San Francisco,” making it a must-visit for anyone craving top-notch Italian fare with a creative twist.
A photo of Octavia restaurant
10. Octavia
4.7
Exceptional(2621)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Pacific Heights
Booked 15 times today
Nestled in the charming Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, Octavia shines as a gem of Contemporary American cuisine. With Chef Melissa Perello at the helm, this elegant eatery is celebrated for its beautifully defined flavors and a menu that evolves daily, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. Reviewers rave about their dining experiences, noting the "thoughtful, delicious dishes" and "exceptional service." The much-acclaimed tasting menu is described as "way more food than expected," offering "great value" and a showcase of creativity with every course. Diners consistently highlight the knowledgeable staff and the intimate, beautifully designed space, making Octavia a must-visit for those seeking an outstanding representation of modern American fare in San Francisco.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • LisaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •50 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Outstanding. Warm and friendly staff. On the ball. From the front of the house to the bussers. But it’s always been that way. My meal was perfection. Steak and eggs, cooked exactly to my specifications. Honestly, the menu is so good it’s hard to decide what to get. Atmosphere is like no where in the city. Rain or shine, dining in a garden, with heaters, is just delightful. Please don’t change Fable. You have my heart (and my tastebuds). 🫶🏻
    More info
    Fable - SFPrice: Moderate• Californian• Castro
    •
    4.7
  • Anna
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We LOVED this restaurant. We sat inside so we couldn’t see the movie, but that wasn’t really an issue. The restaurant itself was stunning. Our server David was absolutely lovely. He really made our experience. The food was great, we got the smoked salmon, burrata with pears, sesame chicken, and pork chop. Everything was delicious. For dessert we got crème brûlée and a sort of chocolate mousse. Fantastic. It’s an expensive date but you pay for the food and the experience. Would go again!
    More info
    Foreign CinemaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission District
    •
    4.8
  • Kenneth
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food is always good, but the short rib dish was amazing. Our waitress was outstanding.
    More info
    FrancesPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Castro
    •
    4.9
  • KEVIN
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I would consider this a fine dining restaurant if it weren’t for the fact that they have a DJ at the doorway, playing extremely loud bad remixes of old records. Other than that, our service person was attentive; the food was flavorful; the drinks were well mixed and it has a nice look in the interior of the restaurant. 
    More info
    Blind ButcherPrice: Expensive• Californian• Castro
    •
    4.5
  • KurtVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Busiest place in the Castro last Monday night! Very Lively!
    More info
    StarbellyPrice: Moderate• American• Castro
    •
    4.5

Discover best Californian restaurants in The Castro

Discover the essence of Californian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco's Castro District, an area renowned for its vibrant culinary scene. Restaurants here offer a delightful exploration of Californian flavors, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients and a fusion of global culinary techniques. Each establishment in The Castro provides a unique dining experience, from intimate garden patios to chic urban settings, catering to an array of tastes and preferences. The dining scene in The Castro is characterized by its innovative approach and commitment to quality, showcasing the best of California's bountiful produce and creative culinary minds. Whether you're looking for a memorable meal featuring hand-cut steaks, seafood, or inventive vegetarian dishes, the options are boundless. Reviewers consistently praise the area for its excellent service and the ability to maintain a cozy, yet sophisticated atmosphere. Dining in The Castro is not just a meal; it's an experience that reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of Californian cuisine.

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