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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Bernal Heights

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53 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Blue Plate restaurant
1. Blue Plate
4.8
Exceptional(1523)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Bernal Heights
Booked 5 times today
Blue Plate in Bernal Heights, San Francisco, is a haven for wine lovers and a standout spot for Wine Bar cuisine. Celebrated for its "fantastic" wine pairings and a wine list that perfectly complements dishes like the praised octopus and succulent meatloaf, Blue Plate ensures each sip enriches the dining experience. Patrons rave about the Wine Bar's ability to enhance meals, noting how the selections are "interesting" and seamlessly match the vibrant, fresh flavors of their dishes. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special occasion, Blue Plate's wine offerings are sure to elevate your meal, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic and delightful Wine Bar experience in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
2. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco
4.8
Exceptional(6006)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 147 times today
The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco's Union Square is a quintessential destination for those seeking an exceptional American dining experience. Known for its elegant ambiance and meticulous service, The Rotunda offers a luxurious afternoon tea service that has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Patrons rave about the "delicious assortment of food" and "excellent ambience," highlighting the restaurant's ability to deliver a top-tier culinary experience. From the superb seafood selections like the praised shrimp and crab Louie salad to the classic American burger, every dish is crafted with excellence. Guests continually commend the Rotunda for its "outstanding service" and "beautiful setting," making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the finest American cuisine in a stunning, historic venue.
A photo of The Progress restaurant
3. The Progress
4.9
Exceptional(2443)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Western Addition
Booked 43 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 Firefly Restaurant restaurant
4. Firefly Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2997)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Noe Valley
Booked 23 times today
Discover the heart of American cuisine at Firefly Restaurant in Noe Valley, San Francisco, where every dish tells a story of tradition and creativity. Renowned for its ever-evolving seasonal menu, Firefly stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence. Patrons often describe their dining experience as unforgettable, with one diner noting, "the fried chicken was excellent," while another praised the "food cooked to perfection." The restaurant's dedication to accommodating diverse dietary needs, such as vegan and gluten-free options, further showcases its commitment to all diners. Firefly's vibrant atmosphere and thoughtful service make it a cherished gem in the community, where both the food and the warm, inviting ambiance bring people back time and again. Whether it's the "sublime" trout or the "ambrosial" furikake-crusted trout, each meal is a celebration of authentic American flavors, lovingly prepared and served.
A photo of Spruce restaurant
5. Spruce
4.8
Exceptional(5361)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Presidio Heights
Booked 54 times today
Open for lunch (two courses/$65), brunch (three courses/$98), and dinner (three courses/$125), Spruce offers seasonal prix-fixe menus crafted by Chef Mark Sullivan. Each menu offers a wide range of options, as well as luxurious additions (examples: caviar, truffles) for supplemental prices. Our cuisines is complemented by an extensive wine list which holds "Wine Spectator" magazine's highest honor, a Grand Award. The bar/lounge is available for walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis. We look forward to welcoming you to Spruce soon!
A photo of Octavia restaurant
6. Octavia
4.8
Exceptional(2609)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Pacific Heights
Booked 14 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 Angler San Francisco restaurant
7. Angler San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(227)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 29 times today
Angler San Francisco, a Michelin-starred gem nestled on the Embarcadero waterfront, offers an unparalleled seafood experience that is both authentic and innovative. With a focus on the freshest ingredients sourced from Northern California, Angler celebrates the natural flavors of the sea, enhanced by the primal touch of their wood burning hearth. Diners rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes, describing them as "spectacular" and "sublime," with special mentions of the perfectly cooked fish and inventive seafood sauces. The ambiance and views complement the culinary journey, making every visit to Angler a memorable feast of the senses. Whether you opt for the praised tasting menu or the exceptional 'Let Us Cook For You' option, Angler promises an extraordinary dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District.
A photo of Prospect restaurant
8. Prospect
4.7
Exceptional(2706)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • SOMA
Booked 11 times today
Prospect, nestled in the vibrant SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, stands as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. Launched by the powerhouse team behind Boulevard, including James Beard award-winning chef Nancy Oakes, Prospect offers a culinary experience that dazzles with freshness and innovation. Reviewers rave about dishes like the "tender melt-in-your-mouth pork" and the "fresh lobster with delicious mushrooms," showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. The ambiance is described as "modern and creative," perfect for everything from a casual bite to a special occasion. With its warm, welcoming service and a menu that captures the essence of American dining with a modern twist, Prospect is a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier dining experience in San Francisco.
A photo of Wayfare Tavern restaurant
9. Wayfare Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(7767)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 94 times today
At the heart of San Francisco's bustling Financial District, Wayfare Tavern stands as a beacon of American cuisine, offering a nostalgic yet refined dining experience. Chef Tyler Florence masterfully crafts a menu that captures the essence of early 20th century American fare, earning accolades from diners who rave about the "outstanding" food and service. Known for its moist and flavorful fried chicken and rustic yet elegant setting reminiscent of a Victorian parlor, Wayfare Tavern delivers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Patrons consistently praise the "perfectly cooked" dishes and the tavern's ability to turn a meal into a cherished memory, making it a cornerstone of the San Francisco dining scene.
A photo of Trestle restaurant
10. Trestle
4.8
Exceptional(2746)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 30 times today
Trestle, nestled in the vibrant Financial District/Embarcadero area of San Francisco, epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its innovative and seasonal fare. Celebrated for its unique approach to dining, Trestle offers a daily-changing 3-course prix fixe menu that captures the freshness and variety characteristic of Californian gastronomy. Reviewers rave about the authenticity and creativity in dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The duck confit is the best I ever had," and another noting the "flavorful, expertly prepared food." The attentive service and cozy ambiance complement the exceptional dining experience, making Trestle a true gem for those seeking genuine and high-quality Californian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Richard
    South Carolina •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I have to come to Firefly at least once per trip to San Francisco! It’s the epitome of a. Neighborhood gem. Food. Ambience. Energy and service is terrific. Love firefly !
    More info
    Firefly RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Noe Valley
    •
    4.9
  • Colleenvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This is what an excellent dining experience is about. From the greeter at the front, full of warm welcomes on a rainy evening to the general manager re-seating us due to a wobbly table we had the most amazing evening. Service is excellent, Christian and the house managers were attentive polite and professional. The sommelier as well chose our white and red wines and nailed it! The food goes without saying, we had pear salad, crudeo and pasta. The special white truffle pasta as a share was amazing. Duck, scallops, lobster pasta as mains. Benigets for dessert with a vanilla and dark chocolate sauce. Cocktails also supreme, old fashioned, martini's and a Paper Plate! We really had such a wonderful time and it reminded me of the wonder of our city and the talented restaurant chefs, and servers in the Presidio.
    More info
    SprucePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Presidio Heights
    •
    4.8
  • Gaylevip
    San Francisco Bay Area •36 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We appreciate considerate and efficient service at the Rotunda. Our sandwiches were tasty and huge. It is such a beautiful setting and viewing the Union Square Christmas tree put us in the holiday mood.
    More info
    The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4.8
  • Sam
    Atlanta Metro •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    What a find! Food choices were great- love the fact they are shareable as it's hard sometimes for my wife and me to try different things at a restaurant with individual/full portions. Quality was excellent as dishes are innovative, accurately described, and tasty. Don't pass on the caviar potato cloud (insider tip- order one for yourself instead of sharing)! And the drinks are also innovative and quite balanced in their flavor profiles!
    More info
    The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
    •
    4.9
  • ann
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 18 Oct 2024
    Blue Plate is known for their meatloaf & fried chicken. My friend & I shared both; they were delicious!
    More info
    Blue PlatePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Bernal Heights
    •
    4.8

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Bernal Heights

Discover the essence of contemporary American cuisine in the vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. Renowned for its unique blend of innovation and tradition, this area offers a variety of dining options that cater to the tastes of modern epicureans. The restaurants here excel in integrating locally-sourced ingredients with creative culinary techniques to deliver exceptional dishes that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of San Francisco. From intimate bistros to bustling eateries, each establishment provides a distinct atmosphere that complements their food offerings, making every dining experience memorable. The Bernal Heights area is celebrated for its commitment to quality and sustainability, ensuring that each meal is not only delicious but also responsibly crafted. Whether you are a local food lover or a visitor eager to explore San Francisco’s culinary delights, Bernal Heights is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking top-notch contemporary American dining.

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