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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Cole Valley

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31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Progress restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2466)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Western Addition
Booked 27 times today
The Progress is a vehicle for a completely local production. Innovative meals are served with memorable wine & cocktails. The Greatest Dinner Party Ever.
A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(56)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 29 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!
A photo of Foreign Cinema restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(8815)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Mission District
Booked 61 times today
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.
A photo of Starlite restaurant
4.4
Awesome(159)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 27 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 Boulevard restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(9088)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 31 times today
Chefs Nancy Oakes, Chef Dana Younkin and our entire team, look forward to welcoming you to a refreshed and reimagined Boulevard! The dining room features a 3 course prix fixe menu with a multitude of choices. For the more spontaneous sorts; our bar, lounge and chef's counter is available on a walk-in basis and limited reservations. An a la carte menu is offered in these areas. For private events and larger groups, please check our our website.
A photo of Cultivar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(239)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 1 time 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.
A photo of Blind Butcher restaurant
4.5
Awesome(499)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • The Castro
Booked 8 times today
Nestled in the Castro District off Eighteenth and Hartford, Blind Butcher San Francisco features an urban setting that is modern and sophisticated, yet stunningly warm and inviting. The globally inspired New American menu features hand cut prime steaks, bountiful seafood and local organic produce. From small to big bites each dish highlights an inventive flair for marrying diverse flavors with natural organic ingredients into a gastronomic delight. Our wine program offers a superb variety that inspires daring pairings at prices that encourage exploration. Our professional staff is dedicated to crafting a memorable dining experience for our guests, and they share a commitment to quality and a passion to serve you.
A photo of Bon Delire restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(105)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 39 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 Flores - Union Street restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(566)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 37 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.
A photo of El Techo restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(399)
Price: Moderate
• Latin American • Mission District
Booked 10 times today
El Techo is the heated and covered open-air rooftop restaurant above Lolinda. Offering sweeping city views, pan-Latin American casual cuisine, and crafty classic cocktails, we are the perfect venue for your celebration or as a compliment to your dinner at the Mission's finest steakhouse. Fun food, festive cocktails "del Sol" and the best rooftop skyline in SF.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Alex
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Second time being here but I brought more of my family this time and it was incredible. I would get everything again, service was amazing too. Would recommend to anyone!
    More info
    The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
    4.8
  • TZVETENINA
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Starlite is an amazing place if you want to have a magical experience! One of the best rooftop in San Francisco! The staff was so friendly and helpful. We were served right away! The drinks were DELICIOUS! Our bartender Mark was fantastic! And of course the locations and the view were breathtaking! I am definitely coming back!
    More info
    StarlitePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.4
  • Anna
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We LOVED this restaurant. We sat inside so we couldn’t see the movie, but that wasn’t really an issue. The restaurant itself was stunning. Our server David was absolutely lovely. He really made our experience. The food was great, we got the smoked salmon, burrata with pears, sesame chicken, and pork chop. Everything was delicious. For dessert we got crème brûlée and a sort of chocolate mousse. Fantastic. It’s an expensive date but you pay for the food and the experience. Would go again!
    More info
    Foreign CinemaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission District
    4.8
  • Sandra
    San Francisco Bay Area •44 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    One of the prettiest places to eat in San Francisco or anywhere for that matter especially at Christmas. Lovely dining experience. Dining room is pre fixe but lots of offerings make it a great deal before you add wine/cocktails but it’s a great bar list so splurge! Service is excellent although watch they don’t rush you through your courses. A great place to take friends or visitors in town or for any celebration. The bar and kitchen view seats are great for people watching.
    More info
    BoulevardPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.7
  • Marla
    San Francisco Bay Area •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Staff was fabulous!!! Very friendly and attentive. Food was good, nice variety and well styled.
    More info
    Little Original Joe's -- MarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
    4.9
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