Best Historic Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

45 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant

1. Historic John's Grill

4.7

Exceptional(7297)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 45 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

2. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4163)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 107 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.

3. The Post Room

4.4

Awesome(135)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 27 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.

4. Dalida

4.7

Exceptional(810)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Presidio

Booked 52 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.

5. Poggio

4.7

Exceptional(6183)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Sausalito

Booked 50 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.

6. Spruce

4.8

Exceptional(5365)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Presidio Heights

Booked 55 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!

7. Greens Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(11134)

Price: Very Expensive

• Vegetarian / Vegan • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 75 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 Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf restaurant

8. Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf

4.7

Exceptional(5645)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • North Beach

Booked 73 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***

9. The Trident

4.5

Awesome(2112)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Sausalito

Booked 5 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

10. Starlite

4.4

Awesome(145)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 30 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
ralph
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Always consistent never let you down clean courteous service everything San Francisco classic
More info
Original Joe's - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
4.7
S
Sam
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent dining experience, loved the ambience. The wait staff was great and would highly recommend visiting this restaurant!
More info
PoggioPrice: Expensive• Italian• Sausalito
•
4.7
M
Mark
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
John’s Grill is one of my most favorite restaurants in SF. The staff are efficient and friendly. The ambiance is great, and I enjoy taking first-timers to this gem. The food is great, and my favorite is Jack LaLanne seafood salad with a glass of Chardonnay. Steaks and pasta dishes are great too! Make a toast or two to Hammett, Bogart, Astor, Greenstreet etc. Save a bit of time to check out The Maltese Falcon and other film noir items upstairs. Enjoy the day!
More info
Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
M
Mary Louvip
San Francisco Bay Area •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 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.
More info
DalidaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Presidio
•
4.7
E
Emilyvip
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Wonderful service and good enough food. The room is cozy with a fire.
More info
The Post RoomPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.4

Best Historic Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

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45 restaurants available nearby

1. Historic John's Grill

2. Original Joe's - San Francisco

3. The Post Room

4. Dalida

5. Poggio

6. Spruce

7. Greens Restaurant

8. Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf

9. The Trident

10. Starlite

See what locals rave about

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