Best Casual Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Each course was perfectly placed and presented. A very special meal and dining experience overall. The team were attentive to our timeframe and made sure we made it to our show on time. Truly excellent Michelin style service. Top notch.

My wife and I recently took my sister and her husband, who were visiting from Charlotte, to State Bird Provisions, and it was nothing short of amazing. The food was absolutely exceptional—each dish was a perfect blend of creativity and flavor. My sister and her husband couldn’t stop raving about how unique the food was, especially the bold use of spices. It was a hit with all of us! The ambiance was also fantastic. The space has a warm and inviting vibe that strikes the perfect balance between trendy and comfortable, making it a great spot for both special occasions and casual nights out. What truly elevated our experience, though, was our waiter. He was excellent—extremely friendly, attentive, and impressively knowledgeable about the menu. He had such a genuine enthusiasm for the food and shared thoughtful recommendations, which we greatly appreciated. At one point, we mentioned we’d heard Ryan Gosling had dined here, and he surprised us by saying he’d actually been Ryan’s waiter! He even told us about the time Ryan came in with Eva Mendes and their two kids. Such a cool story to hear directly from someone who was part of it! State Bird Provisions delivered on every level: amazing food, great atmosphere, and top-notch service. My sister and her husband loved it as much as we did. We’ll definitely be back and can’t recommend it highly enough!

------ they even have an absinthe list for all the different kinds of absinthe that they sell to diners ! the one i picked had a slight licorice taste . our waiter knew that i would like a slightly less sweet riesling, so he brought a sample for me to try. super service . . .

¡Chao Pescao! was a great discovery. Needed a restaurant to go to before the Ballet. Excellent cocktails, great gluten-free options for the GF contingent... empanadas were fantastic, GF or otherwise. Less than 10-minute walk to the Symphony or Opera House. We'll be going back.

It was a little chilly and a tad noisy. Food was delish. Service was the best! We'll be back.