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San Francisco’s Most Iconic Restaurants

by The OpenTable team

Updated 15 December 2023

Seasons change, trends come and go, but these restaurants have withstood the test of time—and have become integral parts of the San Francisco dining scene. Here are San Francisco’s OpenTable Classics: the places that continue to excel after 10+ years. There’s a reason they’re still around: they keep giving us a reason to come back.

A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

Kokkari Estiatorio

4.8

4.8 (9146)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Financial District / Embarcadero

About the restaurant

There are many things about this financial district spot that make you feel like you’re either in an ornate ski lodge or someone’s large home in the mountains. High ceilings with wood beams, oriental rugs, warm lighting, and an oversized fireplace add wonderful ambiance to SF’s most remarkable Mediterranean restaurant. Their taramosalata and tzatziki served with warm pita are exceptional ways to start things off before the onslaught of mouth-watering meats begins (you can’t go wrong no matter what you order). Also—keep in mind—Kokkari is pricey and a conservative white-tablecloth sort of place, so choose your occasion to visit accordingly.

Top review

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Timothy

Dined 3 days ago

We had a fantastic dinner - the grilled octopus and shrimp were delicious - as was the saganaki. For mains - the lamb chops were delicious as was the sea bass! Incredible meal all around.

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A photo of Roasted Prawns of a restaurant

A photo of Octopus Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Whole Fish of a restaurant

A photo of Foreign Cinema restaurant

4.8

4.8 (8815)

$31 to $50

Californian

Mission District

About the restaurant

It’s hard to believe this much-loved, uber-popular, and constantly-busy Mission restaurant has been at the top of its game since 1999. Nothing about this place feels dated. The name (and restaurant) has all the sultry mystique of an old French film, and sometimes that’s exactly what they’ll be playing in their outdoor courtyard, which is definitely where you want to sit. Brunch is a great time here, but nighttime is special—their courtyard’s strung-up lights twinkle, movies play on a brick wall, and the place just glows—so come for dinner, and order the fried chicken or pork chop.

Top review

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TalVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Outstanding dinner! Crème brûlée is back on the menu 🤩everything else was perfect too!

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A photo of New Year's Eve Dinner 2024/2025 of a restaurant

New Year's Eve Dinner 2024/2025

A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant

House of Prime Rib

4.8

4.8 (15834)

$50 and over

Steak

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

About the restaurant

This SF classic has been around since 1949 (it’s as good as ever), and they devotedly follow the traditional steakhouse model: you’re here for one thing, steak’s what they know and they do magical things with it. They’re known for their unique food service, and have a much-loved chopped salad, which they dress tableside in a chilled spinning bowl. Their pure—21-day aged—prime rib is also carved tableside (however thick you’d like it) from roaming stainless steel carts. Your steak comes with potatoes (mashed or baked & loaded), creamed spinach or creamed corn (so good), and Yorkshire pudding. Instead of regular bread, you should opt for their special corn bread, which is amazing and served hot. This spot is a dazzling meat masterpiece, and you’ll love it.

Top review

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Taffy

Dined 3 days ago

We returned for a second visit this holiday season; it was wonderful. Got adventurous and had the creamed corn. I noticed my daughters snuck more than an initial half teaspoon taste. It was very, very good. Not watery creamy. This had a nice texture. Try it! The prime rib was exceptional. I had the smaller portion. One daughter had the thinner slices. One daughter had the regular cut. All were sumptuous! Had a baked potato instead of the mashed. It was yummy. We ordered an apple crisp to share between the three of us. It was delicious with a nice amount of apple slices hidden under the topping and surrounded by the usual warm spices. Our server was great! She was friendly, attentive but didn’t hover. Thank you all for a wonderful evening! I may not be back for a while. Palo Alto daughter is moving to Duarte. CA this summer. If she needs help moving, we’ll have to do a farewell visit at House of Prime Rib. Again, thank you!

A photo of Zuni Cafe restaurant

4.6

4.6 (7846)

$31 to $50

Modern European

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

About the restaurant

This well-lit, loft-looking space, has two-story floor-to-ceiling windows, which creates a bright and relaxing environment to eat their amazing food in. They make an epic roast chicken (for two), a very special burger, and have a nice assortment of oysters. But, really, all of their food is great and pairs well with their roundup of refreshing cocktails.

Top review

D

DaleVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent service Cocktails excellent Do not care for aioli on fish so ordered risotto which was very good, but normally order fish

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A photo of Chicken for Two of a restaurant

Chicken for Two

A photo of Zuni Caesar Salad of a restaurant

Zuni Caesar Salad

A photo of Shoestring Potatoes of a restaurant

Shoestring Potatoes

A photo of Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant

Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

4.8

4.8 (7353)

$31 to $50

French

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

About the restaurant

Don’t be scared off by the name, there’s no chance you’ll forget anything about your meal here (though it depends how much absinthe you drink). They’ve definitely got the whole French thing down pat (great pâté too)—dim lighting, red velvet banquettes, and an undeniably romantic vibe—you could very well be in a Parisian brasserie. And while they certainly have the staples you’d hope for, they’ve been around long enough to have a few special dishes in a class of their own. A section of their menu is dedicated to these famed “Absinthe Classics”: French onion soup, soft garlic pretzels with cheddar mornay, steak tartare with quail egg yolk, and coq au vin with bacon. Clearly, they have great cocktails too, so order brazenly.

Top review

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EmilyVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent lunch, excellent cocktails, warm and thoughtful service. Our server asked right away if we were going to a performance and made sure we got there on time, without any sense of rushing. Highly recommend!

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A photo of Salade Lyonnaise of a restaurant

Salade Lyonnaise

A photo of Eggs Benedict of a restaurant

A photo of Marlowe restaurant

4.5

4.5 (2913)

$30 and under

American

SOMA

About the restaurant

This American eatery is the third restaurant from the great team behind Park Tavern and the Cavalier. They serve the same beloved burger at Park Tavern, which is made with about 20% lamb and comes with horseradish aioli and bacon. But, before you dig into that, order the deviled eggs (also with bacon) and the Brussels sprout chips.

Top review

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Tatjana

Dined 2 days ago

Food is terrific. The best burger in San Francisco. They have this amazing horseradish aioli on it and I always ask for a small container to go as an extra. Staff are always friendly. It’s our go to place for many occasions formal and informal

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A photo of Warm Deviled Egg of a restaurant

Warm Deviled Egg

A photo of Marlowe Fries of a restaurant

A photo of Marlowe Burger of a restaurant

A photo of Boulevard restaurant

4.7

4.7 (9094)

$50 and over

Californian

Financial District / Embarcadero

About the restaurant

Aside from their impressive menu of traditional Californian-French dishes, this iconic SF restaurant (a stronghold from the 90s) gives you a breathtaking view of the Bay. They’re not joking around with quality here, from the ACME bread they serve to all the locally-sourced and pristine ingredients they use, everything is top-notch. They make especially great fish—like halibut, salmon, and abalone—but their filet mignon and soft shell crab are also quite noteworthy. Their fine dining experience is great for groups, possibly on the more mature side (this is not a hip and trendy spot, it’s a classic) and ideally celebrating something special.

Top review

A

amyVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Really wonderful experience. Delicious food and ambieance

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A photo of Wine Vault - $2,200 F&B Minimum - Semi Private of a restaurant

Wine Vault - $2,200 F&B Minimum - Semi Private

A photo of NYE Early Dinner - Two Course $135 each - 2 Hours of a restaurant

NYE Early Dinner - Two Course $135 each - 2 Hours

A photo of NYE at Boulevard $285 per person of a restaurant

NYE at Boulevard $285 per person

A photo of Spruce restaurant

4.8

4.8 (5403)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Presidio Heights

About the restaurant

Spruce is in Presidio Heights and both are quite fancy. While this upscale American restaurant is steeply priced (and probably best for a special occasion), it’s also knock-it-out-of-the-park delicious. Whatever pricey protein you choose—from the lobster and steak to the duck breast and foie gras terrine—it’ll be exceptional. A more accessible and equally delicious option here is the (enormous) burger, and if you’d prefer a more low-key experience, you can enjoy it at the bar, which has a much less formal feeling.

Top review

K

Kim

Dined 3 days ago

Had a lovely mid day meal for the holiday. Everything about it exceeded expectations.

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A photo of Caviar Service of a restaurant

A photo of Beignets of a restaurant

A photo of Maine Lobster Spaghetti of a restaurant

Maine Lobster Spaghetti

A photo of Perbacco restaurant

4.7

4.7 (7019)

$30 and under

Italian

Financial District / Embarcadero

About the restaurant

A busy and bustling financial district spot, which is a popular destination for all the suits who work in the area. This sister restaurant to Barbacco (next door) uses fresh and locally-sourced Californian ingredients to create classic Italian dishes. Burrata is a beloved way to start meals in the Bay, and Perbacco’s got a great one with black truffles. Their short rib is delicious as a standalone entré and also in the ragu served with pappardelle. But, their duck breast and quail “cacciatora” are also popular orders.

Top review

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Emma

Dined 2 days ago

They prepared a very special and memorable dinner for my family. The staff’s attention is excellent, and it would be impossible not to highlight the outstanding service. On top of that, the food was exquisite. At first, we were hoping to find more options on the menu, but after taking Chef Tobias’s recommendations, I can trust that any of the dishes will be absolutely delicious. A truly great restaurant in every aspect.

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