Best Historic Restaurants in South San Francisco

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant

1. Historic John's Grill

4.7

Exceptional(7308)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 60 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 Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant

2. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

4.1

Excellent(2458)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • SOMA

Booked 12 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.

3. The Post Room

4.4

Awesome(140)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 21 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 Palm Court at RH San Francisco restaurant

4. The Palm Court at RH San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(1739)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Potrero Hill / Dogpatch

Booked 92 times today

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

5. Starlite

4.4

Awesome(146)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 65 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.

6. Top of the Mark

4.3

Awesome(825)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas / Small Plates • Nob Hill

Booked 21 times today

Number 1 in California and San Francisco, and 2nd in the nation on USAToday's 10 Best Hotel Bars.Nestled on the 19th floor of the historic InterContinental Mark Hopkins, Top of the Mark's breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco's skyline and iconic landmarks, including the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, the enigmatic Alcatraz, Union Square, and more, will leave you spellbound. Sip on our signature cocktails as you soak in the atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Our appetizer and dessert selection will tantalize your taste buds, with options that complement our cocktails perfectly. What's more, we offer live entertainment each Saturday evening, where you can let the music move you on the dance floor.Join us at San Francisco's legendary sky lounge, the Top of the Mark, for a night filled with unforgettable moments, where every sip, bite, and dance move is a journey into the extraordinary.

7. Perbacco

4.7

Exceptional(6989)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 33 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.

8. Cassava

4.7

Exceptional(733)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • North Beach

Cassava is a French-Californian bistro in the heart of the historic North Beach neighborhood in San Francisco, semi-finalist of James Beard Foundation Award 2023. The dinner offers 3 experiences nightly of the signature 3 course prix fixe menu, 5 course tasting menu both with beverage pairing options, and also a la carte. Full menu is available at the bar for dining as well.Wine list focuses on classic region wines including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone with approachability and vibrant expressions. Beverage pairing menus includes wine and sake, and there are always 2 wines selected for "potentially life changing" by the glass to entice everyone.Cassava is located in the heart of North Beach that is perfect for business team dinners and meetings. The private dining room seats up to 18 guests, and the entire restaurant can seat up to 50 guests and up to 150 for standing receptions. Brunch is offered on weekends with bistro inspired menu items and the famous Japanese breakfast.

A photo of Biscuits and Blues restaurant

9. Biscuits and Blues

4.7

Exceptional(2013)

Price: Expensive

• Southern • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 6 times today

Located in the heart of San Francisco's historic Theater District, Biscuits and Blues is a West Coast musical landmark where every seat provides an up-close, live music experience. Our all-ages supper club is a great place for the whole family to experience America's greatest musical heritage! We have live music six nights a week featuring national and Bay Area acts. Our full bar and soulful Southern menu compliments the savory sounds of our top-notch talent. If you’re trying to decide between food and music, you can indulge in both with us! Show times and prices may vary and are dependent on specific acts. No refunds-no cancellations for show tickets. Every ticket has a seat. Singles will be assigned a bar seat or shareable table seat when available.

A photo of The Vault Steakhouse restaurant

10. The Vault Steakhouse

4.6

Exceptional(252)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 3 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Danvip
Hawaii •4 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great drinks great service great view. Thank you very much Dr. DAN LYNCH.
More info
StarlitePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.4
A
Anavip
London •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Although it was Thanksgiving we decided to order from the menu, and we have no regrets! Our wonderful waitress recommended I have the lamb chops (stating they were the best thing on the menu)…and they were superb! My husband had the surf and turf, but honestly we would order just the steak next time! We started our meal with the prawn cocktail (fabulous) and the lobster ravioli (too salty for our taste). Greetings from Mexico!
More info
Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
W
Williamvip
San Francisco Bay Area •80 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
What a wonderful restaurant, live music with a singer, and a table for 5 just close enough. Several stations, as it was Thanksgiving. Salads, pastas, great veggies and excellent turkey, roast beef and porchetta. Delicious desserts. And wonderful wines, all included. Excellent and attentive service from all staff, a great start to the Holidays. Enjoy!
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The Post RoomPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.4
A
Adriennevip
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Celebrated my dad’s birthday on Nov. 27th and the food and service was impeccable. Sang was not only attentive and accommodating, his food recommendations were spot on! The staff’s great hospitality is a reflection of the great and outstanding leadership of Nico, the GM. 10/10
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The Palm Court at RH San FranciscoPrice: Very Expensive• American• Potrero Hill / Dogpatch
•
4.7
S
Susanvip
Greater Boston •45 reviews
5.0
Dined on Sep 29, 2024
Fantastic buffett with great variety and love the new omelette bar. Gorgeous room with attentive service.
More info
The Garden Court - Luxury CollectionPrice: Expensive• Californian• SOMA
•
4.1

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Best Historic Restaurants in South San Francisco

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. Historic John's Grill

2. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

3. The Post Room

4. The Palm Court at RH San Francisco

5. Starlite

6. Top of the Mark

7. Perbacco

8. Cassava

9. Biscuits and Blues

10. The Vault Steakhouse

See what locals rave about

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