Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Parkside

47 restaurants available nearby

1. The Progress

4.8

Exceptional(2461)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Western Addition

Booked 42 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.

2. Spruce

4.8

Exceptional(5392)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Presidio Heights

Booked 44 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 Firefly Restaurant restaurant

3. Firefly Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(3003)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Noe Valley

Booked 21 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.

4. Octavia

4.7

Exceptional(2621)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Pacific Heights

Booked 25 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.

5. Frances

4.9

Exceptional(3655)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Castro

Booked 12 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.

6. Fable - SF

4.7

Exceptional(2184)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Castro

Booked 41 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 Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge restaurant

7. Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge

4.5

Awesome(1364)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 21 times today

Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge, dubbed "S.F's Hottest Rooftop" by S.F. Magazine, is a beacon of cocktail excellence in Downtown / Union Square, San Francisco. Elevating cocktail culture 120 feet above Market Street, Charmaine’s offers an experience where European chic meets California cool. The cocktails, described as "bomb" by delighted guests, stand out with their vibrant flavors and original combinations. Crafted by the renowned BVHospitality, these drinks feature unique bitters and syrups, ensuring each sip is a revelation. Patrons rave about the "amazing" service and "gorgeous views," making it a perfect spot for a memorable night out. With its stylish ambiance and innovative drink menu, Charmaine’s is a must-visit destination for cocktail aficionados.

8. Nightbird

4.7

Exceptional(824)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 5 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Hayes Valley of San Francisco, Nightbird stands out as a beacon of American cuisine. Led by the talented and James Beard-nominated Chef Kim Alter, the restaurant offers an exquisite 6 Course 6 Bite Menu that celebrates the essence of local, seasonal ingredients. Diners consistently laud the "amazing displays" and "outstanding experience" that Nightbird offers. One reviewer raves, "Every course of the prefix menu was unbelievable. Absolutely amazing experience." With its meticulous attention to detail and a menu that showcases America’s culinary diversity, Nightbird has become a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and high-quality American dining experience.

9. The Patio

4.7

Exceptional(277)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 6 times today

The Patio, nestled in the vibrant Marina/Cow Hollow district near Presidio in San Francisco, epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its commitment to freshness, innovation, and local flavors. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The kitchen obviously cares," highlighting the delicately dressed salads, al dente mac'n'cheese, and spoon-tender short ribs. The venue is a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, described as a gem for its inviting ambiance and top-notch service. Whether it's the perfectly cooked steak frittes or the innovative panna cotta dessert, The Patio delivers a Californian dining experience that is both memorable and heartwarming.

10. Violet’s

4.6

Exceptional(505)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Richmond District

Delight in the vibrant flavors of Contemporary Latin cuisine at Violet's in San Francisco's Richmond District. Under new ownership, Violet's has rejuvenated its menu, merging American classics with a Latin twist that leaves diners raving. Patrons exclaim over the "AMAZING restaurant week menu" and the "impeccably juicy and perfectly crispy fried chicken," affirming its status as a neighborhood gem. The hand-selected global wines and craft cocktails, like the "Family Business" with hibiscus-infused tequila, elevate every meal into a culinary adventure. Whether it's the "creamy, cheesy" spinach gnudi or the classic burgers, every dish showcases a unique flair. Violet's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a must-visit for lovers of Contemporary Latin cuisine.

‘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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kenneth
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day 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
L
LynnVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My favorite go to restaurant in SF! Everyone is very friendly and the food is consistently delicious. Great service. Cozy ambiance. ❤️
More info
Firefly RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Noe Valley
•
4.9
M
MelissaVIP
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We have been many times and Ryan is the absolute best! We enjoyed every one of his suggestions on food and wine :) He is the definition of customer service; someone consistently goes above and beyond to help customers, demonstrating genuine care, empathy, and a commitment to resolving issues effectively, creating a positive experience that builds strong customer loyalty :)
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SprucePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Presidio Heights
•
4.8
R
RyanVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We have been meaning to come here for awhile, so had the opportunity right before the holidays and enjoyed an amazing meal. We did the tasting menu for 2 of us (friend's dinner) and was not disappointed. Almost everything that came out was delightful with a couple of personal preferences that we didn't care for as much but still tasty. The desserts were amazing. The chocolate pavlova and the kiwi jelly is something that i'll remember and go back for again if they still have it.
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OctaviaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Pacific Heights
•
4.7
LH
LarryHVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •31 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Outstanding food, particularly the signature duck and the Guinea hen. Kai is a superb waiter. He should own his own restaurant. Price reasonable for San Francisco.
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The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
•
4.8

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Parkside

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47 restaurants available nearby

1. The Progress

2. Spruce

3. Firefly Restaurant

4. Octavia

5. Frances

6. Fable - SF

7. Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge

8. Nightbird

9. The Patio

10. Violet’s

See what locals rave about

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