Best Restaurants for People Watching in San Francisco Bay Area

33 restaurants available nearby

1. Dalida

4.7

Exceptional(800)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Presidio

Booked 66 times today

Beautiful Modern Mediterranean restaurant by Chefs Laura and Sayat (Star Chefs and San Francisco Chronicle Rising Stars) at the Main Parade Lawn in the heart of the Presidio National Park. The restaurant's menus feature Presidio-inspired seasonal craft cocktails, a progressive wine menu, and a cuisine that balances the comfort of familiar Mediterranean flavors with California sensibilities. In cohesion with the Presidio National Park, the design features soft, natural colors; repurposed furniture items from the Presidio; and a mural and a hand-drawn wall paper by Bay Area artist Emily Parkinson. Diners can enjoy a patio with a view of Alcatraz; an intimate private dining room; a lofty main dining room surrounded by windows on two sides; a cozy bar that is a local favorite; and an open-concept kitchen counter with counter seats and high tables.

A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant

2. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

4.8

Exceptional(47)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 28 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!

3. Poggio

4.7

Exceptional(6182)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Sausalito

Booked 62 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 The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant

4. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(6007)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 129 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.

5. Cultivar

4.8

Exceptional(237)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 27 times today

Mo-Sat: Food until 9pm, Wine until 10pm Sun: Food until 8:45pm Wine until 9pmSat/Sun: Brunch: 11am-3pm Cultivar San Francisco is an wine-centric farm to table restaurant by Cultivar Wine. The menu is inspired by locally-sourced seasonal ingredients including from our culinary garden at Caspar Estate. The menu complements hand-crafted wines from our Cultivar Winery and boutique wines from California and beyond. Cultivar Wine club flights are available. Cultivar Wine Club members get 20% off their Cultivar wine and Cultivar food. Join our Cultivar Wine Club!Our back patio has a fireplace, heaters and festive lighting, perfect setting for a private dinner or a celebration. Sidewalk tables on Chestnut have heaters, great for people watching and guests with dogs. Seasonal dishes and Cultivar Wines available for take out and to go.Our location is near the Lyon St. entrance to the Presidio, near the Palace of Fine Arts and in the Marina District of San Francisco.

6. Starlite

4.4

Awesome(144)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 45 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 Flores - Union Street restaurant

7. Flores - Union Street

4.6

Exceptional(560)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 53 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. Bon Delire

new

4.6

Exceptional(66)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 44 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 COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant

9. COQUETA - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3340)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 39 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 Angelino Restaurant restaurant

10. Angelino Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1019)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Sausalito

Booked 7 times today

We are open for indoor and outdoor seating and curbside pickup Tuesday - Sunday 5:00 - 9:00 pm. To view our full menu and daily specials, visit our website at www.angelinorestaurant.com. Please call us at (415) 331-5225 to place an order or order online for curbside pickup.Angelino Restaurant strives to give each customer a peek into Italy's spirit: delicious food, world-class wine, and unforgettable memories with family and friends. Experience the rich culture of Italy through the superb cuisine, friendly atmosphere, and warm hospitality of the Ancona family and the staff of Angelino Restaurant. Executive Chef Alfredo Ancona excels at blending traditional Italian flavors with high-quality local ingredients. Chef Alfredo crafts our menu to highlight the freshest ingredients each season has to offer. Freshly baked bread, house-made pasta, and locally caught seafood are among the highlights of what new and old customers love to enjoy with us.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Ruth
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
other than being served chicken consommé before we were asked what our food restrictions were it was a lovely afternoon tea at the Rotunda. my fiancé is English and he was impressed! the staff were friendly, accommodating and happy to serve us. the food was surprisingly filling. desserts were decadent. sandwiches were scrumptious. the NUIT À VERSAILLES tea was fragrant and soothing especially after getting drenched in the morning rain. the ambiance was delightful as its history.
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The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.8
H
Haggai
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
The angel hair didn’t have enough sauce and lacked flavor, In general this was a disappointing meal. The chocolate desert was the only excellent dish.
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PoggioPrice: Expensive• Italian• Sausalito
•
4.7
M
Mary Louvip
San Francisco Bay Area •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Fun menu with emphasis on plates to share, creative use of seasonal ingredients and the pita bread is to die for. The Breaking Bread appetizer sampler is a must order. Lamb chops were divine. Our server was friendly, helpful and attentive, but not overly so--made for a delicious, relaxing weekday lunch with girlfriends.
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DalidaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Presidio
•
4.7
C
Charlesvip
San Francisco Bay Area •40 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
My first time here and can't wait to come back. Beautiful looking restaurant. I went with 2 of my clients for lunch. The 3 appetizers were perfect. Zucchini Fries , Nancy's Caprese , and Beef Carpaccio .... all delicious . I had Black Truffle Cavatelli w/ Toasted bread crumbs , I seriously thought I was back in Italy ! The Lemon Bowtie pasta with Shrimp was another incredible dish . Another dish , Johns House made Raviolis was another super dish . Service was above Parr .... Ben our server ,went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and well served. don't miss this neighborhood Gem !
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Little Original Joe's -- MarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.8
D
David
Los Angeles •25 reviews
5.0
Dined on 10 Nov 2024
Just a great overall experience! I’ll be back. And will recommend this to everyone I know.
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CultivarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.8

Best Restaurants for People Watching in San Francisco Bay Area

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Award-winning

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33 restaurants available nearby

1. Dalida

2. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

3. Poggio

4. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

5. Cultivar

6. Starlite

7. Flores - Union Street

8. Bon Delire

9. COQUETA - San Francisco

10. Angelino Restaurant

See what locals rave about

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