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

Best Historic Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

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

42 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7389)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 40 times today
John's Grill has been a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant is one of the city's oldest and most famous and is a favorite of celebrities who enjoy great steaks, expertly prepared fresh seafood with excellent service and a one of a kind atmosphere. John's Grill was a setting in author Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4204)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 42 times today
Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.
A photo of The Post Room restaurant
4.1
Excellent(168)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 13 times today
In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, a new Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge called The Post Room is nestled inside the historic Beacon Grand and overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby, the vibrant social venue will serve breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends and complemented by a dazzling live music program.
A photo of Poggio restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6220)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Sausalito
Booked 27 times today
Poggio is a classic Italian trattoria with comfortable neighborhood charm and destination-caliber cuisine. Created by Larry Mindel, who also founded numerous other restaurants in the Bay Area and beyond, Poggio has been ranked among the very best Italian restaurants since it opened. Led by Executive Chef and Partner Ben Balesteri, Poggio’s daily changing menus use the best available local ingredients including dishes inspired by the seasonal bounty of our local farmers, ranchers and fishermen and the traditional methods of Italy, including wood-fired ovens, house made pastas from scratch and a wide variety of dishes serving guests breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We’re honored to have been awarded a Bib Gourmand distinction by the Michelin guide in 2017, 2018, and along with being named Best Italian restaurant in Marin County by Marin Magazine in 2021.
A photo of Spruce restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5402)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Presidio Heights
Booked 21 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!
A photo of Starlite restaurant
4.4
Awesome(159)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 33 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 Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5704)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • North Beach
Booked 52 times today
Founded in 1965, Scoma's Seafood Restaurant is located in the heart of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. Family-owned for three generations, our iconic waterfront restaurant is famous for serving the freshest seafood from pier-to-plate. An award-winning bar program includes an extensive wine list, local microbrews, and expertly crafted cocktails. For nearly 60 years, locals, visitors, politicians, athletes, actors, signers, and heads of state have been frequenting Scoma's for its old-school hospitality, delicious seafood, spectacular views, and impeccable cocktails. Located on a working pier, Scoma's has its own fish receiving station, dealing directly with local fishers for 100% sustainable seafood.***Scoma's gladly welcomes reservations, as well as walk-in guests on a first come first served basis. You can also call 415.771.4383 during our operation hours for assistance with reservations. *** WE OFFER COMPLIMENTORY PARKING***
A photo of Greens Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(11164)
Price: Very Expensive
• Vegetarian / Vegan • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 51 times today
Greens is open for indoor and outdoor dining, with take out available online or at our in-house kiosk. When reserving a table outdoors, we recommend bringing a jacket that is suitable for wind and chilly weather. Our heated dining pavilion is in front of the Greens building. Diners savor Greens imaginative vegetarian cuisine that features local and seasonal produce and the finest ingredients from our organic farm Green Gulch. Focusing on creative and nutritious meals balanced in flavor and textures, our menus are inspired by farmers, relationships and stories around the world. Located in Landmark Building A of the historic Fort Mason Center, Greens is home to some of the most dramatic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands that San Francisco has to offer.
A photo of Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant
4.1
Excellent(1998)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Nob Hill
Booked 7 times today
A visit to San Francisco is not complete without experiencing Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. The Tonga Room offers exceptional Polynesian Cuisine in a tropical setting that includes thunder and rainstorms. It is the perfect escape after a busy day of meetings or shopping along Union Square. Be sure to try the Mai Tai, voted the City's best by Conde Nast Traveler.Dinner is seated on a first-come first-served basis for all parties under 10. Hurricane Bar guests are welcomed on a first-come first-served basis.The Island Groove performs a live set starting at 7:00 pm. A $15 per person cover charge applies to all guests seated in the restaurant or bar during the entertainment, regardless of the time they arrive.If you would like to make a reservation for 10 or more people to the Tonga Room, please give us a call at 415-772-5000 or email us at tongaroom@fairmont.com.
A photo of The Trident restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2114)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Sausalito
Booked 8 times today
The Trident Restaurant is located "on the water" in historic Sausalito, CAOur heated outdoor decks provide a sensational dining experience with spectacular San Francisco bay views. Our outdoor deck is also dog friendly. Inside is an incredible recipe of art and architecture, complemented with a resemblance of an old yacht. The ceiling mural was original to the Trident and painted by Dave Richards, creator of Janis Joplin’s infamous 1965 Porsche Cabriolet. On the outside deck, discover one of the most stunning restaurant waterfront views on the west coast, which boasts the skyline of San Francisco, Angel Island and Alcatraz. Join us for brunch, lunch or dinner

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SarahVIP
    London •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our Christmas Day Brunch experience was fantastic. I have some food allergies so I had emailed The Post Room Team in advance and received a prompt, reassuring reply from the chef, Jose, who had clearly given my questions thoughtful and thorough consideration. On the day, I received personal service from Jose who was committed to avoiding issues with cross-contamination. All the food we ate was delicious and the dining room team could not have been more welcoming or accommodating. We were so well looked after, it was a faultless festive experience. We only went out for our Christmas meal this year because I had recent hand surgery and can’t cook much. However, our experience at The Post Room was so delightful, I am considering doing it again next year. Thank you to Jose and the whole team.
    More info
    The Post RoomPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
    4.1
  • Patolsen2VIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Another wonderful meal at Poggio. Very busy on Christmas Eve yet everything was perfect and timely. Our server, Daniela, made the evening better. Pappardelle pasta was outstanding and the featured Langhe Nebbiolo wine was delicious with it. Best restaurant in Marin.
    More info
    PoggioPrice: Expensive• Italian• Sausalito
    4.7
  • Kim
    Hawaii •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Had a lovely mid day meal for the holiday. Everything about it exceeded expectations.
    More info
    SprucePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Presidio Heights
    4.8
  • Brewster
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Excellent food especially the truffle fries and braised short ribs! Crab cake was only ok. Drinks were good. Noisy but we got a table in the bar area. Overall great time!
    More info
    Original Joe's - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    4.7
  • LisaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •60 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Lunch after a matinee is one of our Holiday traditions- this year it was just perfect. The restaurant was packed with diners waiting for tables lined up at the bar, so thank goodness we had a reservation (on a Monday at 3:00PM- who knew?). Once past that minor inconvenience, everything was absolutely wonderful. We shared the Tortelloni appetizer and even though I am an accomplished Italian home cook, it was the best we have ever had. Then we shared the Jack LaLane salad - partly because we grew up with him on TV and the nostalgia was undeniable- and it was perfect. It had a respectable amount of seafood and avocado and was very large. My husband said his Manhatten was excellent. We left vowing to come back soon and often.
    More info
    Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7
  • 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