Best Authentic Restaurants in Cole Valley

119 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bambino's Ristorante restaurant

1. Bambino's Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(561)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Cole Valley

In a warm, open and attentive setting, Bambino’s Ristorante offers a tasteful and varied mix of classic Italian and original fare. We serve Dinner, Lunch and Weekend Brunch. Reserve or drop in for anything from a snack to a celebration.

2. Elena's

4.7

Exceptional(433)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal

Booked 85 times today

Welcome to Elena's -- a place where a family’s love for authentic Mexican food is celebrated and combined with California-inspired elements and signature Mexican-American dishes. We offer reservations for up to 8 guests via OpenTable. At the time of your reservation, we kindly request the entire party be present to be seated. Tables will be held for up to 10 minutes after the reservation time. For parties that arrive later, the table will be released but we will do our best to accommodate the reservation with the next available table. Reservation requests via phone or email are not available at this time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!

A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

3. Kokkari Estiatorio

4.9

Exceptional(9099)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 162 times today

Kokkari (pronounced “Ko-Kar-ee”) is a small fishing village located on the islands of Samos in the Aegean Sea, whose name is derived from the small onions that were once produced in the nearby fields. Its fertile soil and Mediterranean climate translated into an abundance of fresh produce as well as treasured seafood and game. Legend tells that Kokkari is the site where Orion, a mighty hunter and a young man of gigantic stature and great beauty, fell in love with the daughter of the king of Chios. For the love of her, Orion forged the island for wild game and seafood to prepare elaborate banquets in celebration of their love. Today, we hope you will enjoy your own celebration as you dine at Kokkari Estiatorio on food “fit for the Gods” prepared with an Aegean palate and the style of innovative California fare.

4. Zuni Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(7825)

Price: Expensive

• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 115 times today

DINNER:Tuesday - Sunday5:00 pm – 9:30 pmLUNCH:Friday, Saturday, Sunday11:00 am – 4:00 pmWe are closed on MondaysRESERVATIONS ARE TAKEN UP TO 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE.TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR A 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT.

5. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7781)

Price: Moderate

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 96 times today

Wayfare Tavern is a true American tavern in the heart of San Francisco, offering an authentic dining experience. Its menu, crafted by Chef Tyler Florence, features traditional American dishes and a selection of locally sourced wines. The restaurant's design, inspired by Victorian-era parlor and an Edwardian men's club, adds to its authenticity. Reviewers frequently mention the restaurant's 'well-executed' food, 'comfortable' ambience, and 'seamless' service. One reviewer even noted the vibe of the restaurant as 'classic'.

6. Trestle

4.8

Exceptional(2753)

Price: Expensive

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 29 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.

7. 54 Mint

4.8

Exceptional(3392)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • SOMA

Booked 15 times today

54 Mint is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown San Francisco across from the old US Mint Building. We offer authentic Roman cuisine prepared only with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Our pastas, bread and desserts are made fresh in house on a daily basis. Our bar offers an extended variety of Italian wines, craft cocktails and high-end imported and local spirits.

A photo of Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant

8. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco

4.1

Excellent(1990)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Nob Hill

Booked 13 times today

A visit to San Francisco is not complete without experiencing Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. The Tonga Room offers exceptional Polynesian Cuisine in a tropical setting that includes thunder and rainstorms. It is the perfect escape after a busy day of meetings or shopping along Union Square. Be sure to try the Mai Tai, voted the City's best by Conde Nast Traveler.Dinner is seated on a first-come first-served basis for all parties under 10. Hurricane Bar guests are welcomed on a first-come first-served basis.The Island Groove performs a live set starting at 7:00 pm. A $15 per person cover charge applies to all guests seated in the restaurant or bar during the entertainment, regardless of the time they arrive.If you would like to make a reservation for 10 or more people to the Tonga Room, please give us a call at 415-772-5000 or email us at tongaroom@fairmont.com.

A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant

9. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

4.1

Excellent(2459)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • SOMA

Booked 11 times today

Featuring innovative intercontinental cuisine, the famed Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in a glorious setting. This historic landmark serves Breakfast daily, 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch Monday-Thursday and an enchanting Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The Garden Court features a stained glass dome, Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers and is noted on San Francisco’s Historic Register as Landmark #18. Our Executive Chef invites you to try our signature crab salad lightly dressed in our own Green Goddess Dressing, a true Palace original created in 1923.

10. The Parthenon

4.5

Awesome(48)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 24 times today

Welcome to The Parthenon, your gateway to the authentic flavors of Greece nestled in the heart of San Francisco. As a Mediterranean Wine Bar and Mezes, we offer a rich tapestry of Greek culinary delights that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed Greek islands.Our menu is a celebration of traditional Greek cuisine, with a contemporary twist.Pair your meal with a selection from our Mediterranean Wine Bar, and don't forget to save room for our delectable sides, including Greek Fries and Garlic Fries.

‘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

A
April
Hawaii •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing experience at Wayfare! Customer service was excellent before we ever even arrived. We needed to move our reservation back and they were so polite and helpful. Our wait staff was excellent, friendly and attentive without being overbearing. We ordered the fried chicken, rigatoni and tavern burger and every dish was absolutely perfect. 10 out of 10 from us, so much so we bought a gift certificate on the spot to give to friends to make sure they go too!
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Wayfare TavernPrice: Moderate• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
P
Paula
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
A lovely, upscale, Mexican restaurant, with dishes taken to another level. Ambience is great, as well as the service. I got a last minute reservation, and we will be back often…you won’t be disappointed!
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Elena'sPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Forest Hill / West Portal
•
4.7
C
Clara
Greater Boston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Expensive but really great restaurant. Enter to a huge , chic, family style restaurant. Table for 20, table for two, open kitchen and lamb roasting on the flame. Chic but not intimidating. Warm and cozy. You will enter another universe, close to downtown SF. Food is really great, instantly making you travel in the Mediterranean sea. The food is simple but it’s working really well.
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Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.9
S
scott
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always, always, always one of the best dining experiences you will ever have.
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Zuni CafePrice: Expensive• Modern European• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.7
R
rita
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Perfect neighborhood place! It's been around for decades and has the personal touch and comfortable ambiance to get me to come back. Food is generous, delicious and the the owner is very friendly and attentive. We felt very cared for!
More info
Bambino's RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Cole Valley
•
4.7

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Cole Valley

Best Authentic Restaurants in Cole Valley

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119 restaurants available nearby

1. Bambino's Ristorante

2. Elena's

3. Kokkari Estiatorio

4. Zuni Cafe

5. Wayfare Tavern

6. Trestle

7. 54 Mint

8. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco

9. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

10. The Parthenon

See what locals rave about

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