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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Forest Hill / West Portal

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46 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(6103)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 62 times today
The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco's Union Square is a quintessential destination for those seeking an exceptional American dining experience. Known for its elegant ambiance and meticulous service, The Rotunda offers a luxurious afternoon tea service that has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Patrons rave about the "delicious assortment of food" and "excellent ambience," highlighting the restaurant's ability to deliver a top-tier culinary experience. From the superb seafood selections like the praised shrimp and crab Louie salad to the classic American burger, every dish is crafted with excellence. Guests continually commend the Rotunda for its "outstanding service" and "beautiful setting," making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the finest American cuisine in a stunning, historic venue.
A photo of The Progress restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2468)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Western Addition
Booked 46 times today
The Progress, located in San Francisco's vibrant Western Addition, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its innovative and locally-sourced dishes. Guests frequently rave about the "beyond amazing" duck and the inventive flavor combinations that make each visit a culinary adventure. With its reputation for "exceptional food and impeccable service," The Progress offers a dynamic dining experience, described by many as "the greatest dinner party ever." It's not just the food that impresses; the cocktails are crafted with creativity, leading one guest to proclaim, "My wife had one of the most creative and delicious drinks she had ever had." Whether it's the warmly recommended small plates or the standout duck, The Progress ensures a memorable and delightful meal with every visit, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best of Contemporary American dining in San Francisco.
A photo of Spruce restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5406)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Presidio Heights
Booked 53 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 Firefly Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3006)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Noe Valley
Booked 26 times today
Discover the heart of American cuisine at Firefly Restaurant in Noe Valley, San Francisco, where every dish tells a story of tradition and creativity. Renowned for its ever-evolving seasonal menu, Firefly stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence. Patrons often describe their dining experience as unforgettable, with one diner noting, "the fried chicken was excellent," while another praised the "food cooked to perfection." The restaurant's dedication to accommodating diverse dietary needs, such as vegan and gluten-free options, further showcases its commitment to all diners. Firefly's vibrant atmosphere and thoughtful service make it a cherished gem in the community, where both the food and the warm, inviting ambiance bring people back time and again. Whether it's the "sublime" trout or the "ambrosial" furikake-crusted trout, each meal is a celebration of authentic American flavors, lovingly prepared and served.
A photo of Octavia restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2624)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Pacific Heights
Booked 21 times today
Nestled in the charming Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, Octavia shines as a gem of Contemporary American cuisine. With Chef Melissa Perello at the helm, this elegant eatery is celebrated for its beautifully defined flavors and a menu that evolves daily, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. Reviewers rave about their dining experiences, noting the "thoughtful, delicious dishes" and "exceptional service." The much-acclaimed tasting menu is described as "way more food than expected," offering "great value" and a showcase of creativity with every course. Diners consistently highlight the knowledgeable staff and the intimate, beautifully designed space, making Octavia a must-visit for those seeking an outstanding representation of modern American fare in San Francisco.
A photo of Frances restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3658)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • The Castro
Booked 16 times today
Frances, nestled in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, is a contemporary American gem where culinary creativity shines. Chef Melissa Perello presents a menu that epitomizes modern California cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients sourced from neighboring markets, farms, and producers. The restaurant, named after Perello’s grandmother, encapsulates a fusion of refined yet comfortable sensibilities in both its food and decor. Guests rave about dishes like "the best gnocchi we’ve had anywhere" and the "flawlessly cooked" pork chop. With reviews praising its "creative dishes and wonderful wine pairings," Frances stands out as a top destination for those seeking a stellar dining experience. The ambiance is described as "cozy and elegant," making it perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.
A photo of Fable - SF restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2189)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • The Castro
Booked 41 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Fable - SF epitomizes the spirit of Californian cuisine with its fresh, seasonal offerings and a delightful garden patio setting. Recognized for serving "the best brunch in town," this charming spot impresses with its innovative dishes that showcase California's rich produce. Patrons rave about the experience, noting the "beautiful, sunny SF patio" and "spectacular food and drinks." With glowing reviews like "the food is always good and the service too…there is nothing quite like sitting in the back patio," Fable - SF stands out as a quintessential destination for those seeking authentic and high-quality Californian dining in a picturesque outdoor setting.
A photo of Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1369)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 15 times today
Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge, dubbed "S.F's Hottest Rooftop" by S.F. Magazine, is a beacon of cocktail excellence in Downtown / Union Square, San Francisco. Elevating cocktail culture 120 feet above Market Street, Charmaine’s offers an experience where European chic meets California cool. The cocktails, described as "bomb" by delighted guests, stand out with their vibrant flavors and original combinations. Crafted by the renowned BVHospitality, these drinks feature unique bitters and syrups, ensuring each sip is a revelation. Patrons rave about the "amazing" service and "gorgeous views," making it a perfect spot for a memorable night out. With its stylish ambiance and innovative drink menu, Charmaine’s is a must-visit destination for cocktail aficionados.
A photo of Nightbird restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(828)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 6 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Hayes Valley of San Francisco, Nightbird stands out as a beacon of American cuisine. Led by the talented and James Beard-nominated Chef Kim Alter, the restaurant offers an exquisite 6 Course 6 Bite Menu that celebrates the essence of local, seasonal ingredients. Diners consistently laud the "amazing displays" and "outstanding experience" that Nightbird offers. One reviewer raves, "Every course of the prefix menu was unbelievable. Absolutely amazing experience." With its meticulous attention to detail and a menu that showcases America’s culinary diversity, Nightbird has become a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and high-quality American dining experience.
A photo of Blind Butcher restaurant
4.5
Awesome(500)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • The Castro
Booked 22 times today
Blind Butcher in The Castro, San Francisco, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a symphony of flavors that delight and surprise. Nestled in a sophisticated yet inviting urban setting, the restaurant boasts a New American menu that skillfully combines hand-cut prime steaks, fresh seafood, and local organic produce. Each dish is crafted with an inventive flair, perfectly balancing diverse flavors with high-quality ingredients. Diners rave about the culinary experience, with one patron noting, "Everything was FIRE!" and another celebrating the perfect steak and lobster Mac and cheese combo. The Blind Butcher's commitment to quality and its innovative culinary approach make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in San Francisco.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Michelle
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We love Firefly! The food is always delicious and they are extremely vegan friendly. We can go out for a meal and have several options to choose from. The service is always great; we really like the people who work there and the atmosphere is lovely. It’s perfect for a date night or a fun meal with friends. Firefly is our favorite local spot and it’s a treat to come back again and again.
    More info
    Firefly RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Noe Valley
    4.9
  • KylieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Always a pleasure and an impeccable experience at The Rotunda. From the drinks arriving before the meal (so many places get this incorrect), to the consommé, to the popovers with strawberry butter, to the large portions of entrees, everything about this place is perfect. My mom and I split the burger (as usual) and it was great. They’ve moved from it being a single thick burger to two smaller patties. The pickles are beyond delicious. I left being like, this is where I want to have every birthday for the rest of my life.
    More info
    The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.8
  • Tim
    Los Angeles •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    These are innovative, awake and aware professionals. The original energy and spirit of the restaurant are alive and evolving. Service: Excellent. Food: Excellent. Ambience: Excellent, energetic, present, engaging. This is what an exceptional experience feels like. Thanks to everyone at The Progress.
    More info
    The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
    4.8
  • Audrey
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food quality at Octavia is very high. The chefs really know what they’re doing. We had a pre-fixe menu for Christmas Eve dinner and they accommodated dietary restrictions with advanced notice. They actually called a few days in advance of the reservation to confirm the dietary restrictions which was really nice. We had 9 courses I think and they were all delicious. My favorites were the soup and the pasta dishes. The service was also very good, the servers were very attending and accommodating. There was one dish I didn’t eat much of because it had radicchio in it which I don’t like, and our server offered to have the kitchen make me a replacement dish with a different lettuce instead. The only negative of Octavia is that it feels very cramped. The space is small and they squeeze in a lot of tables so you’re sitting basically on top of other diners and it’s a little awkward. Everything else was great though. I would definitely recommend Octavia as a good place for special occasions or bringing out of town visitors.
    More info
    OctaviaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Pacific Heights
    4.7
  • Edward
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The best SF has to offer. Everything here is PERFECT! I have been for brunch, lunch and dinner and it never disappoints. Highly recommended!!!
    More info
    SprucePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Presidio Heights
    4.8
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