Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in San Francisco

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in San Francisco? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club

4.9

4.9 (854)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

About the restaurant

***Best Jazz Club in the City, by San Francisco Magazine***
Mr. Tipple’s is a craft cocktail bar featuring live jazz.
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Reservations have a 90min time limit from reservation time.
There is a $20/guest min for table service
Mr. Tipple’s heralds back to a 1950s NYC basement. Cozy. Dark. Boozy. The intimate setting features local jazz artists up close and personal. It’s a joint where you come as you are, hear great music, tap your toes, and sip a properly chilled cocktail.
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My name is Mr. Tipple. Just a simple and laughable bloke hailing from London. I run a recording studio. My friends joke that you’ll oft find me spinning cocktails, not reeling tape. After a few too many, I usually just sit back and enjoy the music, having forgotten to hit record. Regardless, the band is always jiving, the whiskey is always cold, and we’re having a smashing good time.

Top review

Dan

Dined 6 days ago

Great jazz venue. Cocktails wonderful done. Service spot on.

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Popular dish

Sui Gao Dumplings

Popular dish

Shanghai Soup Dumplings

Experience

- Music Focused Preferred Seats - Center Section

The Palm Court at RH San Francisco

4.8

4.8 (1766)

$50 and over

American

Potrero Hill / Dogpatch

About the restaurant

The Palm Court is located in RH San Francisco's Gallery at the Historic Bethlehem Steel Building. Recalling the distinctive glamour of San Francisco's Gilded Age, the stunning statement space is sheathed in Italian Calacatta gold marble and features a cascading center fountain, towering Medjool date palms and glimmering chandeliers. Adjacent to the restaurant, two luminous wine bars offer exceptional wines and Champagnes from around the world.

For group dining inquiries, please email: sfhospitality@rh.com

Top review

Jason

Dined 2 days ago

The Palm Court at RH was an experience. I came here for an anniversary dinner and the ambiance was like eating at a rich friends house. Like bitcoin rich. We were greeted as soon as we entered the door and brought to this magnificent and elegant dining room. Our waitress was very knowledgeable of the property and experience guest usually seek. Since it was our first time there we were shy, but she advised us to just grab a drink and explore the building like a museum. Each floor was like a page from a magazine. I loved seeing my girlfriend's face as every corner we turned she gained inspiration. On to dinner, we started with the mini Lobster/Caviar appetizer and for the main we had the Branzino and Wagyu Ribeye along with Baked Sweet Potatoes and some veg. Each dish tasted great. The fish was delicate and flaky and was cooked to perfection. A squeeze of fresh lemon really enhanced the sweetness of the fish. The steak was rich and tender. It had a nice char on the outside and it was our favorite dish of the night. Also don't sleep on the sides. The baked sweet potato was awesome. The marshmallow/butter cream was sweet and savory, I would get this unique side every time. For dessert we had the chocolate chip cookies and creme brulee. Both were executed very well. 10/10 experience and I can see myself coming back for their brunch.

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Popular dish

Rotisserie Chicken

Popular dish

Caramelized Banana Split

Popular dish

Wagyu Ribeye

Sushi Hashiri

5.0

5 (216)

$50 and over

Sushi

SOMA

About the restaurant

A progressive approach executed from a deep history of Kappo and Omakase Edomae Sushi. Two of Japan’s historical culinary concepts brought together combining hyper-seasonal ingredients and premium fish selections direct from our private purveyor inside the world renown Toyosu fish market in Tokyo, Japan. Hashiri’s focus is to exemplify its re-evolving cuisine to showcase Japan’s richest seasonal ingredients.

HASHIRI "KODAWARI EDOMAE SUSHI" - $300
Hyper seasonal multi course Kappo & Omakase Edomae Sushi dining experience at the sushi counter.

HASHIRI " OMAKASE EDOMAE SUSHI" - $200
Hyper seasonal Omakase Edomae Sushi dining experience at the sushi counter.

Due to our limited seating and the effort involved in curating our menu with internationally sourced ingredients, we kindly ask for your understanding regarding our cancellation policy. Cancellations or no-shows within 72 hours of your reservation will incur the full cost of the dining experience.

Top review

ShigeVIP

Dined 6 days ago

great experience overall - great service and food!

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Experience

"OMAKASE EDOMAE SUSHI"

Experience

"KODAWARI EDOMAE SUSHI"

The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.8

4.8 (6077)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown / Union Square

About the restaurant

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=35326

Let 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.

Top review

Nancy

Dined 5 days ago

We had a lovely time and enjoyed the high tea very much. The food was delicious except the curry chicken salad on croissant had no flavor and was dry. Everything else was wonderful. The service was excellent. It was a fun splurge.

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4.9

4.9 (509)

$31 to $50

Spanish

Russian Hill

About the restaurant

Welcome to Abrazo! We are a neighborhood restaurant nestled in the historic and beautiful Russian Hill neighborhood. Chef/Owner Michael Pawliks menu features contemporary Spanish-Californian inspired cuisine, sourcing only the freshest and most traditional ingredients. Abrazo features a lofty 18ft ceiling, a cozy bar, and a private dining room that seats 16. The wine list features the best of Spain's legendary wine regions alongside Napa Valley classics.

We hope to see you soon!

Top review

DoriaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Super lovely dinner date at Abrazo. We split three small plates and the paella and it was the perfect amount of food for two. Highlights were the grilled persimmon salad and the octopus! My only tip would be to uber there or leave ample time for parking!

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4.8

4.8 (76)

$50 and over

Japanese

Russian Hill

About the restaurant

Nisei presents a contemporary approach to Japanese American cuisine by combining deep Japanese flavors, refined cooking technique, and Northern California's finest ingredients. The restaurant is a personal reflection of Chef David Yoshimura's unique experience as a Michelin starred chef and second generation Japanese American, or Nisei.

Nisei can accommodate most severe allergies with advance notice, however due to the nature of the tasting menu format, we can not meet all dietary restrictions or aversions. In order to maintain the spirit of our cuisine, the following items can not be removed: Salt, sugar, soy sauce, and egg cooked into items.

All Experience prices below reflect a 20% Service Fee and 8.63% SF Sales Tax applied to the base price of each experience. This Service Fee goes towards paying our employees a livable wage as well as providing health insurance.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 5 days ago

It was a beautiful experience, so much flavor with a lovely combination of different textures and ingredients. Marvelous service they were all very sweet and nice.

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Experience

Winter Menu Reservations at Nisei

Experience

New Year's Eve at Nisei

Experience

Osechi Ryori

Altamirano

4.7

4.7 (74)

$30 and under

Peruvian

North Panhandle / USF

About the restaurant

NOW OPEN! Altamirano Restaurant & Bar is a new Peruvian restaurant, conveniently located in the NOPA neighborhood of San Francisco. Open the door to a spacious bar that flows seamlessly into the luxe dining room, with the exhibition kitchen in full view. Meander outside to the dynamic outdoor dining courtyard, featuring a fire pit, ample seating, a bar, and a TV to watch your favorite sports teams. Led by a team of culinary and hospitality professionals, service is comfortable yet elevated.
Overseen by Chef Carlos Altamirano and led by Chef Eric Chumacero, the menu is a modern take on the flavors of Peru. Bold tastes and unique preparations will delight your senses and pop on your palette. Drinks highlight traditional Peruvian ingredients but with a contemporary twist.
We can't wait to welcome you soon!

Top review

Patti

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season with friends!

Spruce

4.8

4.8 (5391)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Presidio Heights

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

MelissaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We have been many times and Ryan is the absolute best! We enjoyed every one of his suggestions on food and wine :) He is the definition of customer service; someone consistently goes above and beyond to help customers, demonstrating genuine care, empathy, and a commitment to resolving issues effectively, creating a positive experience that builds strong customer loyalty :)

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Maine Lobster Spaghetti

Frascati

4.9

4.9 (2560)

$31 to $50

Italian

Russian Hill

About the restaurant

Frascati is a Mediterranean style bistro, located in one of San Francisco’s most desirable neighborhoods – Russian Hill. When a guest walks through the door of Frascati, he or she is initially treated to a friendly and comfortable dining room. Frascati encompasses a truly European aura, but is also a cozy, San Francisco neighborhood bistro. This tri-level restaurant features warm colors, high ceilings, antique light fixtures and street views of cable cars clanging up and down Hyde Street. The natural light and energetic atmosphere all convey a lively spirit.

Our cuisine is inspired from the Mediterranean coast and has strong Californian influences. The menu shifts frequently to utilize the best and freshest ingredients any season has to offer. Also, we pride ourselves on all of our house made desserts and ice creams.

Of equal importance, Frascati has become known for having an eclectic wine list which nicely complements the food.

Top review

DianeVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Wonderful food and delightful experience. Waiter was charming

Foreign Cinema

4.8

4.8 (8808)

$31 to $50

Californian

Mission District

About the restaurant

Foreign Cinema is a one of a kind, nationally acclaimed restaurant combining independent films with California-Mediterranean cooking. Enjoy an airy yet chic setting, complete with indoor dining room with a fireplace, outdoor courtyard with 35mm film screening starting at dusk, mezzanine, gallery curated by Modernism West & full bar in the main dining room. Foreign Cinema has something for everyone including their DJ/live music bar, Laszlo. Enjoy special happy hours, uniquely craft cocktails, zero proof selections, full Foreign Cinema dinner menu, and lively music to end your evening.

We are currently booking for Outdoor Patio & Indoor/Standard seating 60 days in advance. A ‘standard seating’ reservation is indoor dining. Reservations for 10+ may be booked through private dining department - contact janine@foreigncinema.com for more information.

Top review

Jeffry

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent service! Leo and the rest of the staff were friendly and attentive. Food was great as usual. I have been going here for 20 years and ate at Boulevard and Waterbar this past week and Foreign Cinema was my favorite!

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Experience

New Year's Eve Dinner 2024/2025

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