Restaurants near City Lights Booksellers

960 restaurants available nearby

1. Tosca Café

4.7

Exceptional(152)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 22 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"

2. China Live

4.7

Exceptional(3206)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 93 times today

China Live, Eater's "Restaurant of the Year," features fresh, seasonal Chinese cuisine cooked from specialized stations that merge traditional Chinese and Western culinary equipment. Our main dining area, with views of our exhibition kitchens, plays centerpiece, appointed with chairs and tables all handcrafted in China from reclaimed Chinese elm. We also offer outside dining.

A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant

3. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4198)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 79 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.

4. BIX

4.7

Exceptional(4981)

Price: Expensive

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 21 times today

An exceptionally stylish supper club, civilized speakeasy, a sophisticated saloon. Each of these "personae" is housed in a soaring two-story interior distinguished by a gently curving mahogany bar, fluted columns with ornate capitals, stunning original art, plush banquettes, cozy booths, starched linens, glittering glasses, and polished flatware. Overall, the ambiance is pure 1930's and 1940's - tasteful art moderne reminiscent of the glory days of Cunard and French Line ships. Fashionable and glamorous are the hallmarks. Trendy is simply not a part of the BIX culture. The clientele at BIX ranges from San Francisco movers-and-shakers to "savvy travelers" - owner Doug Biederbeck's term for the many diners in the know from out of town who patronize his establishment. All of them step from the featureless alley into another world - a world of superb cookery and libations, of sparkling service, of stylish nostalgia, of polished live jazz. That world is BIX.

5. Trestle

4.8

Exceptional(2764)

Price: Expensive

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 34 times today

Hi Neighbor!At Trestle, we remember a time, not too long ago, where people took pause to enjoy a meal in the presence of great company, giving it the reverence and respect deserved. We provide a dining experience served in courses, with the satisfaction and warmth found at a family gathering, creating the foundation to a proper meal. Every day we feature a changing 3 course prix fixe menu with choices on each course for $45/person. We will have an optional additional pasta course for $12/person. Unfortunately, we do not offer ala-carte options.We are able to accommodate vegetarian options nightly. We do our best to accommodate other allergies/restrictions based on the menu for that evening. Due to our limited spacing, we can accommodate parties of 8 or less only.

A photo of Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant

6. Roka Akor - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(2259)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 51 times today

Roka Akor is a premier steakhouse serving the finest steak, seafood, and sushi. Renowned for our exquisite Japanese Wagyu and Certified Kobe Beef, we are part of an elite group of fewer than 40 restaurants in the U.S. — and 1 of only a few in San Francisco — licensed to serve this coveted delicacy. All of our meats and vegetables are expertly grilled to perfection over an Open Flame Charcoal Robata Grill. Elevate your dining experience with our award-winning wine list, premium sake, craft cocktails, and an extensive selection of fine whiskey.

A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant

7. The Empress by Boon

4.5

Awesome(1376)

Price: Very Expensive

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 21 times today

Empress by Boon is San Francisco’s newest, must-visit epicurean destination, offering a seasonal menu in modern Cantonese gastronomy. Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon applies traditional techniques to fresh, local ingredients to produce distinctive contemporary dishes infused with Cantonese flavors. The spacious restaurant occupies the former location of Chinatown’s celebrated Empress of China with striking city views. Reimagined by Chef Boon and team, the Empress was brought back to its former glory by embracing modern design elements while incorporating restored original features, creating a welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the history of the beloved location.

8. Cold Drinks Bar

4.6

Exceptional(55)

Price: Expensive

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Chinatown

Booked 2 times today

Serving Scotch-centric Cold Drinks, and featuring food from the Eight Tables by George Chen kitchen.*"The Six Best Cocktail Bars in San Francisco" – NEWSWEEK"25 Top-Shelf Cocktail Bars in San Francisco" – EaterSF"The best bars in San Francisco right now" – TimeOut San Francisco"The Bar Greatest Hits List" – The Infatuation*“It’s a pseudo-secret, just above the bustling scene at China Live, accessible via stairwell; black bats painted on the walls lead the way to the door. Inside is a swanky, Scotch-filled bar where the bartenders wear tuxedos, and the vibe is modern Shanghai with a dash of old school San Francisco. Drinks are heavy on the Scotch, and there are many to choose from, so don’t be shy.” – High-End Scotch Concoctions Headline the New Menu at Chinatown’s Cold Drinks Bar – EaterSF

9. Ideale

4.7

Exceptional(1557)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 15 times today

*Just awarded the prestigious "Gambero Rosso" for being one of the best Italian restaurants in America*"For an authentic Roman holiday without the airfare, this undiscovered North Beach gem is worth seeking out."(Zagat) .A bright, colorful Italian restaurant, Ideale is the modern version of a traditional Roman trattoria. It is "festive and boisterous...la vera cucina italiana." Ideale has been bringing Rome to North Beach for 30 yrs now with it's highly acclaimed chef, Maurizio Bruschi. Maurizio hails from 4 generations of Roman chefs, lovingly taught by his grandma, Serafina. The pastas & breads are all homemade & the ingredients are hand-picked daily. Zagat wrote, the "Italian fare is the real deal...one of the few no tourist eateries in North Beach.. excellent pasta & pizza..the service makes you feel like a friend..a delightful experience." Ideale has won numerous awards, including Zagat's "Best Italian Restaurants in America" & The Chronicle's "Best Pasta in North Beach."

10. Z & Y Peking Duck

4.5

Awesome(104)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 28 times today

Z & Y Peking Duck: After 200 years of waiting, San Francisco Chinatown finally welcomes authentic Peking duckZ & Y is a Michelin-recommended restaurant which also the critics' choice. Discover a culinary masterpiece at Z & Y Peking Duck. Chef Han, renowned for serving Chinese presidents, diplomats, and VIPs, brings centuries of tradition to the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown.Indulge in our signature Peking Duck, elevated with caviar, or savor other Cantonese classics like Miso Sea Bass and Xiao Long Bao. Experience two distinct atmospheres: modern upstairs or traditional downstairs. Perfect for special occasions, date nights, or group gatherings. Join us for a taste of Beijing in the Bay Area.

Dining near City Lights Booksellers at a glance

Updated on 21/12/2024

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From verified diners like you

D
DeidreVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Simply the BEST…. Great food, good value, fun and loud atmosphere ! Perfect for a holiday get together 🎅🏼🎉❤️💚❤️
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Original Joe's - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
4.7
A
AlexandraVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Wonderful, as always. Love the live jazz band as well. From the food menu, the wine list, the ambiance, it is a perfect spot to celebrate!
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BIXPrice: Expensive• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
R
Ronald
San Diego •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great menu, and our server was quite helpful in advising on dishes to consider. The SJB Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings were incredible, as was the Hong Kong Wok-Fried Egg Noodles with Mushroom & Bok Choy. Service was attentive. Would definitely return.
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China LivePrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.7
E
EmilyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Tosca remains one of my absolute favorites in San Francisco. The space, food, service all excellent. The night we went was Santa Con (ooops) + a huge private birthday party in the back room so it was bonkers, but the team did everything they could to keep it going! Will go back soon.
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Tosca CaféPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Beach
•
4.7
T
Terry
San Francisco Bay Area •108 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Dec 2024
We're smitten with Trestle and it's become one of our more commonly visited establishments. The service is always superb and the frequently changing menu is always fresh, seasonal and fantastic.
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TrestlePrice: Expensive• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.8

Restaurants near City Lights Booksellers

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960 restaurants available nearby

1. Tosca Café

2. China Live

3. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4. BIX

5. Trestle

6. Roka Akor - San Francisco

7. The Empress by Boon

8. Cold Drinks Bar

9. Ideale

10. Z & Y Peking Duck

Dining near City Lights Booksellers at a glance

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