Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Financial District / Embarcadero

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Award-winning
Accessibility

25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Boulevard restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(9087)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 44 times today
Chefs Nancy Oakes, Chef Dana Younkin and our entire team, look forward to welcoming you to a refreshed and reimagined Boulevard! The dining room features a 3 course prix fixe menu with a multitude of choices. For the more spontaneous sorts; our bar, lounge and chef's counter is available on a walk-in basis and limited reservations. An a la carte menu is offered in these areas. For private events and larger groups, please check our our website.
A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(54)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 31 times today
Welcome to Little Original Joe's -- an Italian-American neighborhood eatery featuring pizza, pasta, and parmigiana in San Francisco's Marina neighborhood! Limited reservations are available for up to 6 guests -- we look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of Starlite restaurant
4.4
Awesome(159)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 34 times today
Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.
A photo of Bon Delire restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(105)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 53 times today
Bon Délire’s chic yet approachable atmosphere draws inspiration from the cafés, lounges, and bistros of Paris. The interior boasts a sculpted horseshoe-shaped wooden bar, plush banquettes, and vibrant, European-imported furnishings that invite intimate dining and lounging. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with views of the Bay Bridge, or relax at the outdoor cafe-style seating, framed by planter boxes and umbrellas, perfect for people-watching along the Embarcadero.At night, the space comes alive with flickering projections of vintage French films and a relaxed, nostalgic soundtrack of throwback French and American tunes, making Bon Délire a sophisticated yet cozy setting for private and semi-private events.
A photo of STK - San Francisco restaurant
4.0
Excellent(1273)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 111 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3365)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 38 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.
A photo of Foreign Cinema restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(8815)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Mission District
Booked 72 times today
Foreign Cinema is a one of a kind, nationally acclaimed restaurant combining independent films with California-Mediterranean cooking. Enjoy an airy yet chic setting, complete with indoor dining room with a fireplace, outdoor courtyard with 35mm film screening starting at dusk, mezzanine, gallery curated by Modernism West & full bar in the main dining room. Foreign Cinema has something for everyone including their DJ/live music bar, Laszlo. Enjoy special happy hours, uniquely craft cocktails, zero proof selections, full Foreign Cinema dinner menu, and lively music to end your evening.We are currently booking for Outdoor Patio & Indoor/Standard seating 60 days in advance. A ‘standard seating’ reservation is indoor dining. Reservations for 10+ may be booked through private dining department - contact janine@foreigncinema.com for more information.
A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant
4.4
Awesome(64)
Price: Very Expensive
• Asian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 10 times today
Coming Soon Fall 2023! Situated in Downtown San Francisco, Chotto Matte is renowned for its signature Nikkei Cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and electric atmosphere. Chotto Matte’s chic, contemporary interior is inspired by its Japanese & Peruvian roots, making it a unique dining experience, every time. Key highlights include Chotto’s recognisable bold design, tropical foliage and theatrical robata grill.
A photo of Tosca Café restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(152)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 20 times today
A legendary hangout in North Beach since it opened in 1919, and even more so from the 1980's onward when Jeanette Etheredge took over Tosca. Locals including Willie Brown, Lars Ulrich and Francis Ford Coppola were regular fixtures, Hunter S Thompson wrote his column for the SF Examiner in the corner booth, Bono, Lauren Hutton, and Mikhail Baryshnikov played pool in the back room, singing Opera and drinking Tosca House Cappuccinos. When Restaurateur Anna Weinberg and Interior Designer Ken Fulk heard Tosca Cafe was closing they joined forces to save it. As the new owners and passionate fans of the original establishment their goal was to return Tosca to its rightful place as a San Francisco institution. As Mikey Rapin wrote in Bon Appétit magazine: “It’s the kind of joint Beats got bounced, Bono belted opera, and a bullet hole memoralizes the night an A-LIST actor disagreed with a rockstar's choice of music"
A photo of Taksim restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(373)
Price: Expensive
• Turkish • SOMA
Booked 20 times today
Taksim is inspired by a modern approach to authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Our team has a profound love for Mediterranean gastronomy, a dedication to refinement, and a commitment to using the best ingredients.Taksim focuses on contemporary and often playful versions of classic ideas. Our seasonal menu reflects a fresh gastronomic outlook rooted in memories, where each dish is conceived with a specific culinary philosophy.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • TZVETENINA
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Starlite is an amazing place if you want to have a magical experience! One of the best rooftop in San Francisco! The staff was so friendly and helpful. We were served right away! The drinks were DELICIOUS! Our bartender Mark was fantastic! And of course the locations and the view were breathtaking! I am definitely coming back!
    More info
    StarlitePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.4
  • Audrey
    San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Loved it! Service was very attentive and they had wonderful suggestions from their menu. The steak tartare was delicious served on homemade potato chips. The deviled eggs were a wonderful surprise served upside down with a sauce and caviar on top. The Caesar salad was amazing…I shared this but won’t next time I return…it was delicious with the crunchy topping. We shared the roast chicken, which was so tender and had the most delicious pan gravy. And don’t leave without trying the Soft Serve dessert. It checks all the boxes…caramel, toasted hazelnuts, poached pears and ice cream.
    More info
    Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.7
  • Sandra
    San Francisco Bay Area •44 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    One of the prettiest places to eat in San Francisco or anywhere for that matter especially at Christmas. Lovely dining experience. Dining room is pre fixe but lots of offerings make it a great deal before you add wine/cocktails but it’s a great bar list so splurge! Service is excellent although watch they don’t rush you through your courses. A great place to take friends or visitors in town or for any celebration. The bar and kitchen view seats are great for people watching.
    More info
    BoulevardPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.7
  • Jamm
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I had an incredible dining experience at STK! The steak was cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and enhanced by the delicious butter. The sides were equally impressive; the truffle fries and Brussels sprouts were both flavorful and generously portioned. The service was fantastic—attentive and friendly throughout the evening. The festive Christmas ambience added to the charm, and the live DJ played great music, creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere. Highly recommend this 5-star experience for anyone looking for a top-tier meal and a great vibe!
    More info
    STK - San FranciscoPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4
  • Marla
    San Francisco Bay Area •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Staff was fabulous!!! Very friendly and attentive. Food was good, nice variety and well styled.
    More info
    Little Original Joe's -- MarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
    4.9
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo