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Best Historic Restaurants in Financial District / Embarcadero

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48 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
1. Historic John's Grill
4.7
Exceptional(7511)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 56 times today
John's Grill has been a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant is one of the city's oldest and most famous and is a favorite of celebrities who enjoy great steaks, expertly prepared fresh seafood with excellent service and a one of a kind atmosphere. John's Grill was a setting in author Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon.
A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant
2. The Empress by Boon
4.2
Awesome(1420)
Price: Very Expensive
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 13 times today
Empress by Boon is San Francisco’s newest, must-visit epicurean destination, offering a seasonal menu in modern Cantonese gastronomy. Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon applies traditional techniques to fresh, local ingredients to produce distinctive contemporary dishes infused with Cantonese flavors. The spacious restaurant occupies the former location of Chinatown’s celebrated Empress of China with striking city views. Reimagined by Chef Boon and team, the Empress was brought back to its former glory by embracing modern design elements while incorporating restored original features, creating a welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the history of the beloved location.
A photo of Perbacco restaurant
3. Perbacco
4.7
Exceptional(7044)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 47 times today
Sleek and modern with one foot firmly in the Old World is the feeling at Perbacco. The restaurant boasts a brick wall original to the historic 1913 Hind building, with other touches such as a bar top and floor tiles made from white Carrara marble. With 16 seats at the bar and 7 more intimate tables, Perbacco creates an atmosphere for a glass of wine or a light bite. Perbacco also features 2 dining rooms, one on the main floor and a smaller one on the Mezzanine, which has the added allure of serving as "theater", with windows to watch all the action in the kitchen below. Chef Staffan Terje strives to cook the finest food reflecting the Italian regions of Piemonte and Liguria. Handcrafted, house-made salumi, prosciutto and other charcuterie are not to be missed. Seasonal pastas, a tradition in Piemonte, range from the traditional ravioli to the more exotic agnolotti. Main courses feature dishes such as stuffed quail breast, a selection of seafood dishes, and vegetarian options.
A photo of The Vault Steakhouse restaurant
4. The Vault Steakhouse
4.3
Awesome(280)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 14 times today
Located in the original bank vault of the historic 555 California St building on the Concourse Level, The Vault Steakhouse offers indoor dining, a lounge and bar with an extensive cocktail, whiskey and wine program for a special occasion, business function, and date night - all in one place. Enjoy classics steakhouse cuts, creative and fun sides, tableside touches and more.Chefs Ryan Cerizo & Jason Halverson have collaborated to take all of the things we love about Steakhouse dining and elevate it with simple, delicious, modern day touches. Onsite parking is available for $5 in our 24 hour secured garage.
A photo of Tadich Grill - San Francisco restaurant
5. Tadich Grill - San Francisco
new
4.8
Exceptional(5)
Price: Expensive
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 88 times today
Step back in time at San Francisco's oldest restaurant, the Tadich Grill, established in 1849. This historic eatery has delighted generations with its classic seafood dishes and warm hospitality. As you enter, the elegant Art Deco interior, white-jacketed waiters, and crisp tablecloths create a sense of timeless sophistication. The aroma of fresh seafood fills the air, inviting you to explore the culinary delights within. The menu showcases signature dishes like Cioppino, a hearty seafood stew, and perfectly pan-fried Sand Dabs, beloved by patrons for years. You'll also find a variety of seafood options alongside classic American fare like steaks and chops. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or seeking a taste of San Francisco's history, the Tadich Grill is a must-visit. With exceptional cuisine, a charming ambiance, and friendly service, it’s no wonder this iconic restaurant has thrived for over a century.
A photo of Palio restaurant
6. Palio
4.8
Exceptional(1503)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 10 times today
Voted "2018 Best Overall Restaurant" by SF Bay Guardian readers, Palio is a favorite of downtown denizens looking for the perfect spot to make a deal, travelers who appreciate Michelin rated comfortable dining, and anyone seeking an exceptional group dining or private party venue. A place where historic techniques blend with a contemporary approach, and Michelin rated "comfortable" service personally overseen daily by owner Martino Di Grande. Palio’s menu (including gluten free and heart healthy options) is a veritable culinary tour of Italy; emphasizing the cooking of different regions as the seasons change. Palio's menu utilizes organic produce from small, local farms as well as sustainable agriculture and aquaculture. The Wine Spectator award winning list has always been exceptional, including a wide range of Italian varietals and California offerings. Full bar.
A photo of Le Central restaurant
7. Le Central
4.7
Exceptional(2165)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 18 times today
Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for five decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Located on the edge of the Financial District, Union Square, and Chinatown in a rare one story brick building adorned with its iconic pink neon sign and crowned by a vintage “Tabac” sign. Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a Parisian brasserie. With exposed brick walls, original imported brass bar, stained glass features, and cozy banquettes topped with brass railings. The atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy delicious French fare and exceptional wines and cocktails in an upscale, yet casual environment. Enjoy French classics like steak-frites, escargot, onion soup, and our world famous Cassoulet. Le Central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!
A photo of Toy Soldier restaurant
8. Toy Soldier
4.3
Awesome(142)
Price: Moderate
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 3 times today
CALIFORNIA & COMFORT CUISINE ON BELDEN PLACE Whether you're looking to have a quick lunch, conduct a business meeting, host a banquet or go on a first date, Toy Soldier is sure to deliver. We offer a casual & lively atmosphere sprawled across our main dining room, full bar, romantic upstairs lounge & outdoor dining area. We're serving up fun, military-inspired specialty cocktails and a wine program emphasizing Northern California. All libations have a focus on small producers and growers - our regional rotations will explore all the best California has to offer. Most importantly, we're offering up our pride & joy, our home-made beer - Toy Soldier IPA, brewed on-site in our brewery downstairs below the bar.
A photo of The Post Room restaurant
9. The Post Room
4.0
Excellent(199)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 25 times today
In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, a new Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge called The Post Room is nestled inside the historic Beacon Grand and overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby, the vibrant social venue will serve breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends and complemented by a dazzling live music program.
A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant
10. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection
3.9
Excellent(2489)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • SOMA
Booked 33 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.

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