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Best Californian Restaurants in South San Francisco

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68 restaurants available nearby

A photo of AC Waterfront Lounge restaurant
1. AC Waterfront Lounge
4.0
Excellent(25)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • South San Francisco
Booked 2 times today
Enjoy Spanish-inspired tapas and entrees with wine, beer, and handcrafted signature cocktails.
A photo of 3SIXTY Bar / Bistro / Market restaurant
2. 3SIXTY Bar / Bistro / Market
3.9
Excellent(319)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Burlingame
Booked 4 times today
Join us at 3SIXTY for an all-in-one dining experience! Food Thoughtfully Sourced, Carefully Served is Chef Michael Cantin's philosophy behind our seasonal menu which supports our local purveyors here in Northern California. We are inspired by the culture and diversity the Bay area represents, as well as you, our well-traveled guests. What may be comfort food for some will be new and enticing for others. Sharing this experience with guests from all over the world is our story.We are located on the Atrium level of the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport - come join us!(Complimentary self parking)
A photo of Nopa - San Francisco restaurant
3. Nopa - San Francisco
4.6
Exceptional(3516)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 51 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
4. State Bird Provisions
4.8
Exceptional(3212)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Western Addition
Booked 64 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
5. The Progress
4.9
Exceptional(2448)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Western Addition
Booked 33 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 Foreign Cinema restaurant
6. Foreign Cinema
4.8
Exceptional(8790)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Mission
Booked 68 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 The Waterfront Restaurant and Cafe restaurant
7. The Waterfront Restaurant and Cafe
4.5
Awesome(3648)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 16 times today
The Waterfront Restaurant and Cafe, nestled in the Financial District / Embarcadero of San Francisco, is a celebrated haven for Contemporary French / American cuisine. Offering "breathtaking Bay Bridge views from every table," this culinary gem pairs its scenic allure with an exquisite menu that captivates both locals and tourists. Patrons rave about the "amazing fresh food" and the "quiet atmosphere" that enhances each dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to excellence is evident in their well-executed Californian fare, earning glowing testimonials like "everything about The Waterfront Restaurant and Cafe was perfect!" and praise for their exceptional service and ambiance. This spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of Octavia restaurant
8. Octavia
4.8
Exceptional(2610)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Pacific Heights
Booked 13 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.
A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant
9. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection
4.1
Excellent(2458)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • SOMA
Booked 13 times today
Dining at The Garden Court in SOMA, San Francisco is an unforgettable experience that epitomizes the essence of luxurious Californian cuisine. Nestled within the historic Palace Hotel, this iconic venue is celebrated for its "amazing experience" and "stunning" ambiance, as noted by numerous glowing reviews. The restaurant's signature dishes, like the crab salad with the original Palace-created Green Goddess Dressing from 1923, highlight the innovation and authenticity that define Californian culinary excellence. Diners consistently praise the "fantastic service" and the quality of the meals, making The Garden Court a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of California's rich culinary heritage in a breathtaking setting.
A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
10. Che Fico San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(1855)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 43 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.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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