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Best Authentic Restaurants in The Castro

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193 restaurants available nearby

A photo of L'Ardoise restaurant
1. L'Ardoise
4.9
Exceptional(3374)
Price: Expensive
• French • The Castro
Booked 9 times today
French Bistro serving traditional and authentic fare in a cozy atmosphere.
A photo of Canela Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant
2. Canela Bistro & Wine Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1570)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • The Castro
Booked 3 times today
Take a trip to Spain without your passport! Established in 2011, Canela's Spanish and California cuisine has been drawing in locals and visitors alike. Crafted with a mix of ingredients and wines imported from Spain as well as California's bounty, Canela's mix of tapas and paella is made to please. Mat Schuster, Canela’s executive chef, has dedicated his life to creating sophisticated and unforgettable flavors with you in mind. Honored to be awarded a Certified Restaurant from Spain by the Spanish Trade Commission, we offer over 75 bottles of unique wine from Spain, some that you will only find here. Whether you want to have a formal dinner, casual tapas, small plates, paella, glass of wine, and homemade dessert, come to Canela and be assured that you will find what you are looking for.
A photo of Cafe Mystique restaurant
3. Cafe Mystique
4.6
Exceptional(37)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • The Castro
Booked 2 times today
We feature American, Italian and Mediterranean dishes using fair-trade products from local markets. Every plate that comes out of our kitchen is rich in authentic flavors and ingredients.Thanks for dinning at Cafe Mystique where you find a delicious and fresh gourmet food.
A photo of Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4. Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar
4.3
Awesome(18)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • The Castro
Booked 3 times today
Our chef: Arun Dangi has curated modern indian dishes still retaining its authentic flavors and traditional cooking style. Our take on pizza, pasta, salad and sandwiches are incorporated with aromatic herbs and spices used in Indian curries and also cooking method in a flavorful way.
A photo of Elena's restaurant
5. Elena's
4.7
Exceptional(494)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 115 times today
Welcome to Elena's -- a place where a family’s love for authentic Mexican food is celebrated and combined with California-inspired elements and signature Mexican-American dishes. We offer reservations for up to 8 guests via OpenTable. At the time of your reservation, we kindly request the entire party be present to be seated. Tables will be held for up to 10 minutes after the reservation time. For parties that arrive later, the table will be released but we will do our best to accommodate the reservation with the next available table. Reservation requests via phone or email are not available at this time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!
A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
6. Che Fico San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(1889)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 52 times today
Che Fico, is a California Italian restaurant from Chefs David Nayfeld and Matt Brewer in San Francisco's NOPA neighborhood. The food focuses on Italian cuisine through the lens of California. It’s our vision of Northern California as if it is a region in Italy, our connection to the region, and our love for Italian culinary practices. The rustic, market-driven menu features handmade pasta, pizzas, antipasti, housemade salumi, meat, and fish plus dishes from the Jewish-Roman heritage known as “Cucina Ebraica.” The beverage program focuses heavily on both Italian and Californian wines with a cocktail program that utilizes a variety of spirits, amaros, and seasonal ingredients. Che Fico is a place to gather with friends and enjoy warm hospitality, food, and drink, through an approachable menu and convivial ambiance.
A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant
7. Kokkari Estiatorio
4.9
Exceptional(9152)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 142 times today
Kokkari (pronounced “Ko-Kar-ee”) is a small fishing village located on the islands of Samos in the Aegean Sea, whose name is derived from the small onions that were once produced in the nearby fields. Its fertile soil and Mediterranean climate translated into an abundance of fresh produce as well as treasured seafood and game. Legend tells that Kokkari is the site where Orion, a mighty hunter and a young man of gigantic stature and great beauty, fell in love with the daughter of the king of Chios. For the love of her, Orion forged the island for wild game and seafood to prepare elaborate banquets in celebration of their love. Today, we hope you will enjoy your own celebration as you dine at Kokkari Estiatorio on food “fit for the Gods” prepared with an Aegean palate and the style of innovative California fare.
A photo of Zuni Cafe restaurant
8. Zuni Cafe
4.6
Exceptional(7857)
Price: Expensive
• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 68 times today
Zuni Café opened in San Francisco, California on February 15, 1979. Our daily changing menus are inspired by seasonal organic ingredients and incorporate traditional French and Italian cuisine. As Zuni continues to evolve, in its own distinctive and delicious way, it strives to remain the way it’s always been: at the same time rustic and cosmopolitan, audacious and familiar, intimate and convivial.RESERVATIONS ARE TAKEN UP TO 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE.TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR A 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT.
A photo of The Parthenon restaurant
9. The Parthenon
4.5
Awesome(69)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 16 times today
Welcome to The Parthenon, your gateway to the authentic flavors of Greece nestled in the heart of San Francisco. As a Mediterranean Wine Bar and Mezes, we offer a rich tapestry of Greek culinary delights that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed Greek islands.Our menu is a celebration of traditional Greek cuisine, with a contemporary twist.Pair your meal with a selection from our Mediterranean Wine Bar, and don't forget to save room for our delectable sides, including Greek Fries and Garlic Fries.
A photo of Wayfare Tavern restaurant
10. Wayfare Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(7835)
Price: Moderate
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 44 times today
Wayfare Tavern is a true American tavern in the heart of San Francisco, offering an authentic dining experience. Its menu, crafted by Chef Tyler Florence, features traditional American dishes and a selection of locally sourced wines. The restaurant's design, inspired by Victorian-era parlor and an Edwardian men's club, adds to its authenticity. Reviewers frequently mention the restaurant's 'well-executed' food, 'comfortable' ambience, and 'seamless' service. One reviewer even noted the vibe of the restaurant as 'classic'.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MichaelVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •62 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The Mystique is one of my reliable go-to comfort food experiences. This time I was good and had the salad rather than the garlic fries. Festive holiday atmosphere and comfortable all around.
    More info
    Cafe MystiquePrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Castro
    •
    4.6
  • NadjaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Will definitely be back- its slightly on the pricey side but really enjoyed the ambience. Would probably suggest a larger group so you can try more of the dishes! My gluten-free companion had lots to choose from and they even adjusted a couple of recipes.
    More info
    Canela Bistro & Wine BarPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Castro
    •
    4.8
  • GraceVIP
    Houston •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 25 Dec 2024
    RUN to eat here. The best meal I’ve had in SF after 7 years. Better than Quince, Rich Table, Osito, Earnest, Saison. I’m not even kidding and yes, I know those are different cusisines. The food is divine. Authentic French food and service (if they liked Americans).
    More info
    L'ArdoisePrice: Expensive• French• Castro
    •
    4.9
  • Debbie
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 24 Dec 2024
    Worth the hype! Experienced a Christmas miracle by snagging the last rez for two on Christmas Eve at Elena’s at 11:30 a.m. Fun seat mates, great staff (thanks Jordan!), delicious craft cocktails, superior ahi tacos and maybe the best Branzino I’ve ever had. My husband loved the pozole - not too spicy. Highly recommend. 💫
    More info
    Elena'sPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Forest Hill / West Portal
    •
    4.7
  • Sari
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 12 Nov 2024
    Delicious variety of foods. Lovely space and lovely staff
    More info
    Castro Indian Restaurant & BarPrice: Moderate• Indian• Castro
    •
    4.3

Discover best authentic restaurants in The Castro

Discover the heart of authentic dining in San Francisco's vibrant Castro District. This area is renowned for its eclectic and genuine culinary offerings, where each restaurant promises a unique taste of local and international flavors. In your search for authenticity, you'll find establishments that emphasize farm-to-table ingredients, reflecting the rich agricultural bounty of the San Francisco Bay Area. The dining scene here is characterized by a warm, inviting ambiance that compleases both locals and visitors alike, making it a true foodie's delight. Restaurants in The Castro stand out for their commitment to quality and passion for service, often featuring menus that are both inventive and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you're craving an intimate dining experience or a lively meal in a bustling setting, the authenticity of The Castro's culinary landscape offers something for every palate. Delight in the expertise and care that go into every dish, crafted to offer not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience in one of San Francisco's most iconic neighborhoods.

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