Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Price
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Award-winning
Accessibility

51 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Patio restaurant
1. 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.
A photo of The Brixton restaurant
2. The Brixton
4.2
Awesome(523)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 12 times today
The Brixton, nestled in San Francisco's vibrant Marina district, is a standout for Contemporary American cuisine with a modern gastropub flair. Chef Joey Altman's carefully curated menu features favorites from savory chops to innovative sushi stacks, appealing to a wide range of palates. Diners rave about the "off the hook" Chilaquiles and the "pretty darn good Brixton Burger," highlighting the quality and creativity of the offerings. With a "wonderful atmosphere" and an inviting, edgy ambiance, The Brixton is praised for its "delicious food" and exceptional service, making it a must-visit for an authentic, contemporary American dining experience.
A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
3. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco
4.8
Exceptional(6103)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 62 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
4. The Progress
4.8
Exceptional(2468)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Western Addition
Booked 50 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 Octavia restaurant
5. Octavia
4.7
Exceptional(2624)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Pacific Heights
Booked 18 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 Spruce restaurant
6. Spruce
4.8
Exceptional(5407)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Presidio Heights
Booked 51 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 Wayfare Tavern restaurant
7. Wayfare Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(7831)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 65 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 Angler San Francisco restaurant
8. Angler San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(255)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 24 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 Trestle restaurant
9. Trestle
4.8
Exceptional(2770)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 33 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.
A photo of Prospect restaurant
10. Prospect
4.6
Exceptional(2711)
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.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • ReneeVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •41 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Love the friendly service and the food. We've ordered multiple dishes for brunch and dinner and the food was overall very tasty. Cocktails are good too!
    More info
    The BrixtonPrice: Expensive• American• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
    •
    4.2
  • KylieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Always a pleasure and an impeccable experience at The Rotunda. From the drinks arriving before the meal (so many places get this incorrect), to the consommé, to the popovers with strawberry butter, to the large portions of entrees, everything about this place is perfect. My mom and I split the burger (as usual) and it was great. They’ve moved from it being a single thick burger to two smaller patties. The pickles are beyond delicious. I left being like, this is where I want to have every birthday for the rest of my life.
    More info
    The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4.8
  • Tim
    Los Angeles •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    These are innovative, awake and aware professionals. The original energy and spirit of the restaurant are alive and evolving. Service: Excellent. Food: Excellent. Ambience: Excellent, energetic, present, engaging. This is what an exceptional experience feels like. Thanks to everyone at The Progress.
    More info
    The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
    •
    4.8
  • Audrey
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food quality at Octavia is very high. The chefs really know what they’re doing. We had a pre-fixe menu for Christmas Eve dinner and they accommodated dietary restrictions with advanced notice. They actually called a few days in advance of the reservation to confirm the dietary restrictions which was really nice. We had 9 courses I think and they were all delicious. My favorites were the soup and the pasta dishes. The service was also very good, the servers were very attending and accommodating. There was one dish I didn’t eat much of because it had radicchio in it which I don’t like, and our server offered to have the kitchen make me a replacement dish with a different lettuce instead. The only negative of Octavia is that it feels very cramped. The space is small and they squeeze in a lot of tables so you’re sitting basically on top of other diners and it’s a little awkward. Everything else was great though. I would definitely recommend Octavia as a good place for special occasions or bringing out of town visitors.
    More info
    OctaviaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Pacific Heights
    •
    4.7
  • MargaretVIP
    California Central Coast •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 15 Dec 2024
    Good restaurant good food Will go back again Good service
    More info
    The PatioPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
    •
    4.7

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Discover the vibrant dining scene of San Francisco's Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio area, a prime destination for contemporary American cuisine. This neighborhood boasts an array of restaurants that cater to a sophisticated palate, offering dishes that are as innovative as they are delicious. Each restaurant in the area brings its unique flair to the table, whether through sustainably sourced ingredients, festive atmospheres, or culinary creativity that reflects the American dining ethos. Patrons can expect top-notch service, beautifully presented food, and settings that range from cozy patios to lively, themed brunches. Reviews consistently praise these establishments for their commitment to quality and their ability to provide a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the contemporary American restaurants in this San Francisco locale promise culinary delights that are not to be missed, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of American innovation and tradition.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Restaurant Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo