Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown / Union Square

32 restaurants available nearby

1. Starlite

4.4

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 26 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 Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant

2. Chotto Matte San Francisco

4.3

Awesome(65)

Price: Very Expensive

• Asian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 13 times today

Coming Soon Fall 2023! Situated in Downtown San Francisco, Chotto Matte is renowned for its signature Nikkei Cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and electric atmosphere. Chotto Matte’s chic, contemporary interior is inspired by its Japanese & Peruvian roots, making it a unique dining experience, every time. Key highlights include Chotto’s recognisable bold design, tropical foliage and theatrical robata grill.

3. Aliment

4.7

Exceptional(944)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 1 time today

Aliment, is a family-owned and operated American Restaurant in Downtown San Francisco. Est. in 2013 and just a few blocks from Union Square, we serve organic new American cuisine with excellent choices of homemade cocktails, local Napa Wines, and local beers. Our team of chefs re-creates our menu on a seasonal basis. We pride ourselves in our belief in keeping San Francisco fun and unique by offering a diverse menu such as Lamb Chops, Grilled Seabass, Bread Pudding, and more!

A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant

4. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

4.9

Exceptional(55)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 33 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!

5. The Progress

4.8

Exceptional(2466)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Western Addition

Booked 28 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.

6. Boulevard

4.7

Exceptional(9088)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 37 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.

7. Foreign Cinema

4.8

Exceptional(8815)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Mission District

Booked 64 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.

8. Bon Delire

new

4.7

Exceptional(105)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 36 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 STK - San Francisco restaurant

9. STK - San Francisco

4.0

Excellent(1275)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 99 times today

STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.

A photo of COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant

10. COQUETA - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3366)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 20 times today

Brought to you by Award Winning Chef Michael Chiarello and located at Pier 5 on the bustling San Francisco Waterfront, Coqueta is inspired by the cuisines of Spain. Chef Chiarello feels that Spain’s signature ‘small plates’ coupled with the social vibrancy of their dining scene is the perfect combination for San Francisco, which has its own deep-rooted history with the country. Focusing on regional dishes from Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country and beyond, the menu will feature Chiarello's interpretation of traditional Spanish cuisine and, as has always been his tradition, will highlight the bounty of fresh, local ingredients from land and sea.Coqueta means “flirt” or “infatuation” in Spanish, and represents Michael Chiarello and his team’s exploration and interpretation of Spanish Cuisine, wine and inspired cocktails, while highlighting the bounty of Northern California.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
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!
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The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
•
4.8
T
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
M
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.
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Little Original Joe's -- MarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.9
P
Peter
San Francisco Bay Area •23 reviews
4.0
Dined on Dec 16, 2024
A very chic spot. On the eighth floor, seemingly “above it all.” A worthy successor to the now closed Hakkasan.
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Chotto Matte San FranciscoPrice: Very Expensive• Asian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.3
B
Beth
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 13, 2024
Alfredo and the team took incredible care of us, and manager Sam was so fabulous, too. Most importantly, the food tastes as good as it looks!!
More info
AlimentPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown / Union Square

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32 restaurants available nearby

1. Starlite

2. Chotto Matte San Francisco

3. Aliment

4. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

5. The Progress

6. Boulevard

7. Foreign Cinema

8. Bon Delire

9. STK - San Francisco

10. COQUETA - San Francisco

See what locals rave about

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