Best Southern American Restaurants in Cole Valley

125 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bambino's Ristorante restaurant

1. Bambino's Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(560)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Cole Valley

Bambino's Ristorante in the charming Cole Valley of San Francisco is a gem for Mediterranean cuisine enthusiasts. Esteemed for its authenticity and delightful ambiance, Bambino’s offers a culinary journey through the Mediterranean with dishes that are both classic and innovative. Patrons rave about the "meticulous preparation" of its Italian dishes, highlighting the "best crust" pizzas and delectable tiramisu as must-tries. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with reviews praising its "amazing quality food" and the personal touch of the owner, Costa, who enhances the dining experience by interacting with guests. Whether it’s a casual dinner, a special brunch, or a family celebration, Bambino's consistently delivers an exceptional Mediterranean feast, making it a top recommendation for anyone in San Francisco.

A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant

2. House of Prime Rib

4.9

Exceptional(15771)

Price: Very Expensive

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

Booked 281 times today

House of Prime Rib, nestled in the vibrant Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness neighborhood of San Francisco, is a bastion of exceptional American cuisine, specializing in an unparalleled prime rib experience. Celebrated for its 62-year legacy, this restaurant is a favorite for its "juicy and perfectly cooked" prime rib selections, from the English Cut to the King Henry Cut. Patrons rave about the "tender and flavorful" meat and the classic accompaniments like creamed spinach and Yorkshire pudding, emphasizing that it's not just a meal but an "unforgettable experience." The ambiance, described as energetic and celebratory, perfectly complements the top-notch service and old-school charm, making House of Prime Rib a must-visit for anyone seeking the quintessential American dining experience.

A photo of State Bird Provisions restaurant

3. State Bird Provisions

4.8

Exceptional(3212)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Western Addition

Booked 41 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.

4. Spruce

4.8

Exceptional(5366)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Presidio Heights

Booked 10 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!

5. The Progress

4.9

Exceptional(2448)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Western Addition

Booked 22 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.

6. Fable - SF

4.7

Exceptional(2173)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Castro

Booked 15 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.

7. Frances

4.8

Exceptional(3643)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern 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.

A photo of Bistro Central Parc restaurant

8. Bistro Central Parc

4.8

Exceptional(918)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 9 times today

Bistro Central Parc in the North Panhandle of San Francisco is a treasure trove of authentic American cuisine, delighting locals and visitors alike. With its cozy ambiance and attentive staff, the restaurant consistently serves up a culinary experience that resonates deeply with diners. Patrons rave about their experiences, with one noting, "I've gone two times now... The first time, I ordered the pasta, and I thought it was the best pasta dish I've ever had" – a testament to the quality and authenticity of their dishes. Known for its excellent service and fantastic early bird specials, Bistro Central Parc is described as a "quintessential neighborhood restaurant" where every meal is both a comfort and a discovery. This gem not only offers great value but also a heartfelt connection to the essence of American dining.

A photo of Firefly Restaurant restaurant

9. Firefly Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(2996)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Noe Valley

Booked 3 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.

10. Horsefeather

4.3

Awesome(21)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Western Addition

Booked 2 times today

Horsefeather in Western Addition, San Francisco, is a treasure trove of authentic American cuisine with a creative twist. The restaurant's New American food offerings, described as "fluid, diverse, and eclectic," seamlessly incorporate influences from various cultures and cuisines into shareable plates and full meals. Patrons rave about the unique dishes, highlighting the "killer food" such as the wagyu beef, fried chicken, and roasted cauliflower. One glowing review exclaimed, "This place is bomb diggity," while another insisted, "Go out of your way to eat here…" Horsefeather's commitment to quality, combined with its adeptly designed Arts & Crafts inspired interior and a vibrant cocktail list, makes it a standout destination for those seeking a top-notch American dining experience in San Francisco.

‘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

N
Nancy
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Celebrated my Dad's 80th Birthday listening to great Live music and eating delicious food! We will definitely be back SOON! Cheers & Love Biscuit & Blues and we will see you soon!
More info
Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Southern• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
E
Erin
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 20 Nov 2024
Prelude is such a gem that we are lucky to have in the Bay Area. In an era where tasting menus can often leave you underwhelmed and needing a slice of pizza at the end, Prelude did the exact opposite. While I did opt for the caviar supplement and added on the sweetbreads dish from the ala carte menu, even without the extras I still would have left full to the brim. Some can’t miss dishes are the stuffed chicken wing, the catfish dumplings, the aforementioned sweetbreads, and the pork chop. The service was warm, friendly, and attentive, and I found the by the glass wine options superb- I was particularly fond of a pour of a very special 1996 Chenin Blanc with dessert. I look forward to returning to Prelude again and again.
More info
PreludePrice: Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
L
Laura
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
4.0
Dined on 20 Nov 2024
First time at Hard Knox Cafe. We chose it because of the reviews and its proximity to the Legion of Honor. We met my niece and nephew and the staff was very accomodating of guest arriving at different times. The food arrived quickly and was very hot which was terrific. The portions are very generous and we had dinner the next night on the leftovers. The food was flavorful without being spicy. We ordered fried chicken dinner with yam fries and salad; ribs with corn and coleslaw; spicy fried chicken with collard greens and another vegetable; and a pulled pork sandwich with fries. We all enjoyed our food and will definitely be returning.
More info
Hard Knox Cafe on Clement StreetPrice: Moderate• Southern• Richmond District
•
4.8
C
Chadvip
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 Nov 2024
Excellent food! Highly recommended. Looking forward to going back.
More info
Hard Knox Cafe on 3rd StreetPrice: Moderate• Southern• Potrero Hill / Dogpatch
•
4.6

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Cole Valley

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in Cole Valley

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125 restaurants available nearby

1. Bambino's Ristorante

2. House of Prime Rib

3. State Bird Provisions

4. Spruce

5. The Progress

6. Fable - SF

7. Frances

8. Bistro Central Parc

9. Firefly Restaurant

10. Horsefeather

See what locals rave about

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