Best Restaurants for People Watching in South San Francisco

24 restaurants available nearby

1. Foreign Cinema

4.8

Exceptional(8778)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Mission

Booked 114 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 The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant

2. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(6006)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 141 times today

The Rotunda serves afternoon tea seven days a week beginning at 2:30 p.m. (1:30p.m. Sundays). A tea experience reservation is necessary to enjoy our daily tea service. Any dietary restrictions must be noted at least 24 hours in advance of your reservation.Please use link below to reserve your tea experience.https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=889&restref=889&experienceId=35326Let THE ROTUNDA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.*February 22, the outside elevator is under construction. Enter through any of the outside NM entrances, take any elevator to the 4th floor.

3. Starlite

4.4

Awesome(143)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 48 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.

4. El Techo

4.6

Exceptional(395)

Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Mission

Booked 13 times today

El Techo is the heated and covered open-air rooftop restaurant above Lolinda. Offering sweeping city views, pan-Latin American casual cuisine, and crafty classic cocktails, we are the perfect venue for your celebration or as a compliment to your dinner at the Mission's finest steakhouse. Fun food, festive cocktails "del Sol" and the best rooftop skyline in SF.

A photo of COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant

5. COQUETA - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3339)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 32 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.

6. Bon Delire

new

4.6

Exceptional(60)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 10 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 Flores - Union Street restaurant

7. Flores - Union Street

4.6

Exceptional(560)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 40 times today

Flores is San Francisco’s Mexican restaurant serving traditional Mexican food and contemporary cocktails. At Flores, we stay true to our roots, finding inspiration in Mexico’s food, landscape and culture. We’re serious about our food, but we’re even more serious about having fun.5% surcharge will be added to all guest checks for employee benefit, including health insurance, commuter benefit, sick days, and minimum wage ordinance.

8. Blind Butcher

4.5

Awesome(485)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Castro

Booked 33 times today

Nestled in the Castro District off Eighteenth and Hartford, Blind Butcher San Francisco features an urban setting that is modern and sophisticated, yet stunningly warm and inviting. The globally inspired New American menu features hand cut prime steaks, bountiful seafood and local organic produce. From small to big bites each dish highlights an inventive flair for marrying diverse flavors with natural organic ingredients into a gastronomic delight. Our wine program offers a superb variety that inspires daring pairings at prices that encourage exploration. Our professional staff is dedicated to crafting a memorable dining experience for our guests, and they share a commitment to quality and a passion to serve you.

A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant

9. Chotto Matte San Francisco

4.5

Awesome(57)

Price: Very Expensive

• Asian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 8 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.

10. Taksim

4.9

Exceptional(358)

Price: Expensive

• Turkish • SOMA

Booked 19 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

M
Matthew
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great ambience
More info
StarlitePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.4
L
Lauravip
San Francisco Bay Area •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We went to Coqueta to celebrate my niece's birthday. They were not very busy mid-day on a Thursday. Service was exceptional, attentive, helpful, simply lovely. My favorite dishes were the steak, patatas bravas, boquerones, octopus, the beet and kale salads. The Manchego with grapes, grape must jam (?) was delicious, as well as the croquetas de jamon. The cocktails were great. I had one of the gin and tonics (Balta?), and heard good things about one of the Margaritas and the white wine selected by my sister. The Catalan style vegetables with nuts and raisins was good, but I am used to spinach instead of broccoli and would have preferred that. The Marcona almonds were fresh, but very salty. Their menu has something for everyone, though it was a challenge to accommodate the preferences of an 11 year old grand niece who does not like seafood, mayonnaise (aioli on croquetas and by patatas bravas. Look forward to returning.
More info
COQUETA - San FranciscoPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
G
Gaylevip
San Francisco Bay Area •36 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We appreciate considerate and efficient service at the Rotunda. Our sandwiches were tasty and huge. It is such a beautiful setting and viewing the Union Square Christmas tree put us in the holiday mood.
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The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.8
J
Joevip
San Diego •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had such a fantastic time at Foreign Cinema! From the warm welcome when we arrived to the excellent servers and the delicious food, it was an all star visit. It's no wonder Foreign Cinema is an icon in San Francisco. We can't wait to go back!
More info
Foreign CinemaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission
•
4.8
I
isai
Los Angeles •1 review
4.0
Dined on 15 Nov 2024
Price was perfect besides the mice that started running
More info
El TechoPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Mission
•
4.6

Best Restaurants for People Watching in South San Francisco

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24 restaurants available nearby

1. Foreign Cinema

2. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

3. Starlite

4. El Techo

5. COQUETA - San Francisco

6. Bon Delire

7. Flores - Union Street

8. Blind Butcher

9. Chotto Matte San Francisco

10. Taksim

See what locals rave about

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