Best Lunch Restaurants in Cole Valley

237 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bambino's Ristorante restaurant

1. Bambino's Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(563)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Cole Valley

Booked 3 times today

In a warm, open and attentive setting, Bambino’s Ristorante offers a tasteful and varied mix of classic Italian and original fare. We serve Dinner, Lunch and Weekend Brunch. Reserve or drop in for anything from a snack to a celebration.

A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

2. Kokkari Estiatorio

4.8

Exceptional(9179)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 141 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.

3. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7852)

Price: Moderate

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 55 times today

Chef Tyler Florence brings his passion for high quality and style to San Francisco with his new flagship restaurant, Wayfare Tavern. A classic San Francisco Tavern featuring authentic American dishes inspired by local cuisine at the turn of the 20th century, the menu ranges from classic comforts to rustic delicacies. The beverage menu features locally-sourced wines including a selection of Florence's own label, quality draft beers and organic root beer as well as classic Victorian-era cocktails.All three floors of the restaurant have been designed keeping historical accuracy in mind making Wayfare Tavern reminiscent of a Victorian parlor and an Edwardian men's club, where anything goes from black-tie to blue jeans. Pull up a stool to the Chef's Counter at the open kitchen and look on as Chef prepares your lunch or head to the Library and Billiard Room for a game of pool. Wayfare Tavern is a truly unparalleled dining experience translated from a century ago. Photo: John Lee.

4. Barcha

4.7

Exceptional(1633)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 11 times today

We welcome you to our warm modern space with the largest heated patio in the Financial District! Our outdoor dining room is set up beautifully, and has the most romantic ambiance. Indoors, celebrate with us in our newly remodeled interior. Our inspiration is that of the Mediterranean with its wonderful diverse cultures, cuisines and wines. The menu reflects flavors from South of France, Spain, Tunisia and the Middle East. Be sure to try our legendary Persian Tahdig, Spiced Beef Dumplings, and the smoothest, most delicious hummus you've ever had!We look forward to welcoming you to Barcha!HAPPY HOUR IS BACK AT BARCHA!Come join us at Barcha for a new Happy Hour experience! We are featuring small bites with our unique spin on Mediterranean specialties. Available Monday through Thursday 3:30pm-5:30pm. Drink specials, beautiful food, and most importantly, the best company!

5. Starbelly

4.5

Awesome(1585)

Price: Moderate

• American • The Castro

Booked 45 times today

Starbelly is a modern, urban restaurant that serves California Comfort food in the heart of The Castro. Our garden patio and fun atmosphere make Starbelly a neighborhood favorite, serving lunch, brunch and dinner. Our craft cocktails, beer and wine lists all play well with our seasonal menu.

A photo of COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant

6. COQUETA - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3391)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 56 times today

Brought to you by Award Winning Chef Michael Chiarello and located at Pier 5 on the bustling San Francisco Waterfront, Coqueta is inspired by the cuisines of Spain. Chef Chiarello feels that Spain’s signature ‘small plates’ coupled with the social vibrancy of their dining scene is the perfect combination for San Francisco, which has its own deep-rooted history with the country. Focusing on regional dishes from Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country and beyond, the menu will feature Chiarello's interpretation of traditional Spanish cuisine and, as has always been his tradition, will highlight the bounty of fresh, local ingredients from land and sea.Coqueta means “flirt” or “infatuation” in Spanish, and represents Michael Chiarello and his team’s exploration and interpretation of Spanish Cuisine, wine and inspired cocktails, while highlighting the bounty of Northern California.

7. Elena's

4.7

Exceptional(529)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal

Booked 114 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!

8. Zuni Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(7882)

Price: Expensive

• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 109 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.

9. Spruce

4.7

Exceptional(5436)

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!

10. Marlowe

4.5

Awesome(2917)

Price: Moderate

• American • SOMA

Booked 29 times today

Opened in 2010 and relocated to its current location in 2014, Marlowe is a New American bistro located in San Francisco’s Soma neighborhood in the former COCO500 space. Brought to you by Executive Chef Jennifer Puccio and award-winning San Francisco designer Ken Fulk, Marlowe focuses on classic comfort foods with flavorful twists, like Chef Puccio’s signature Marlowe Burger, seasonal poulet vert, brussels sprouts chips and quail egg topped steak tartare. Taking inspiration from the butcher shops of the past, Marlowe is designed with a sleek but comfortable feel, featuring white subway tiles, white marble, deep blue banquettes, wood block tables and specials listed on rolls of butcher paper.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Karen
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Interesting menu, excellent ambiance! We both enjoyed our meals although my chicken was a little dry. The waiter recommended an excellent wine pairing as well. The service by far was the absolute best, especially Moises (sp?)! We are both gluten free (allergic), and he provided great recommendations to accommodate us.
More info
Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.8
M
Margaret
San Francisco Bay Area •79 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Wayfare has been a part of our community for a very long time and for that we’re very grateful. It’s a comfortable and classy place to enjoy really good food and drinks.
More info
Wayfare TavernPrice: Moderate• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
R
RoderickVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •35 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
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More info
StarbellyPrice: Moderate• American• The Castro
•
4.5
D
Diane
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food is always fresh and flavorful. One of my favorite restaurants in the city.
More info
BarchaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
D
Deanna
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on 8 Jan 2025
Beautiful restaurant and delicious food. Lunch time was very relaxing and the wait staff was so attentive!
More info
Bambino's RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Cole Valley
•
4.7

Best Lunch Restaurants in Cole Valley

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237 restaurants available nearby

1. Bambino's Ristorante

2. Kokkari Estiatorio

3. Wayfare Tavern

4. Barcha

5. Starbelly

6. COQUETA - San Francisco

7. Elena's

8. Zuni Cafe

9. Spruce

10. Marlowe

See what locals rave about

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