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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

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51 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
1. Historic John's Grill
4.7
Exceptional(7296)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 67 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 Biscuits and Blues restaurant
2. Biscuits and Blues
4.7
Exceptional(2011)
Price: Expensive
• Southern • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 5 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 Cafe de la Presse restaurant
3. Cafe de la Presse
4.5
Awesome(1904)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 6 times today
For centuries, cafes the world over have provided patrons with entertainment that draws on all walks of life. In these gathering places of art, politics, fashion, and everyday events, cafe-goers partake in a unique convergence of eclectic culture and traditional cuisine. Parisian-inspired Cafe de la Presse continues the trend with international literature, classic fare, and the age-old pastime of dining, relaxing, and conversing in a vibrant atmosphere.
A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant
4. House of Prime Rib
4.8
Exceptional(15756)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 237 times today
62 years of loyal customers can't be wrong. We are grateful to all of our customers, employees, and critics (...though we may not always agree!). The only way to find out the truth is with a visit. Oft imitated, never duplicated. Thank you in advance.
A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant
5. Kokkari Estiatorio
4.9
Exceptional(9088)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 111 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.
A photo of The Progress restaurant
6. The Progress
4.9
Exceptional(2443)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Western Addition
Booked 44 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 Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant
7. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco
4.1
Excellent(1982)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Nob Hill
Booked 2 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 Waterbar restaurant
8. Waterbar
4.6
Exceptional(10888)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 76 times today
Waterbar is a seafood-centric restaurant located on the waterfront with spectacular panoramic views of the bay and city skyline, exceptional design, and a menu of the freshest sustainable fish and seafood. Featuring stunning outdoor (dog-friendly) dining on the waterfront patio, a relaxed atmosphere and floor-to-ceiling circular aquariums filled with an eye-catching array of fish and marine life from the Pacific Ocean. Waterbar is not to be missed.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
9. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(4162)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 103 times today
Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.
A photo of Trestle restaurant
10. Trestle
4.8
Exceptional(2746)
Price: Expensive
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 23 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mark
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    John’s Grill is one of my most favorite restaurants in SF. The staff are efficient and friendly. The ambiance is great, and I enjoy taking first-timers to this gem. The food is great, and my favorite is Jack LaLanne seafood salad with a glass of Chardonnay. Steaks and pasta dishes are great too! Make a toast or two to Hammett, Bogart, Astor, Greenstreet etc. Save a bit of time to check out The Maltese Falcon and other film noir items upstairs. Enjoy the day!
    More info
    Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4.7
  • Nancy
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Celebrated my Dad's 80th Birthday listening to great Live music and eating delicious food! We will definitely be back SOON! Cheers & Love Biscuit & Blues and we will see you soon!
    More info
    Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Southern• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4.7
  • Christian
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Went for my boyfriends birthday, as a first timer it most definitely won’t be our last! The service from Ian was AMAZING of itself but the food was perfect! Such an awesome experience and we cannot wait to come back with friends and family.
    More info
    House of Prime RibPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    •
    4.8
  • brittavip
    San Francisco Bay Area •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I used to love this place, then I moved abroad for 20 years, but went here again, and it is just as good as I remember!! grilled perfection! the dining room is cozy and warm, the booth seats comfortable. our server was the best - attentive but not intrusive - he really did an outstanding job (don't recall his name but has worked there 9 years and has 2 little kids, brown hair with some facial hair - shout out to him - he did a great job!) appetizers arrived lightning fast - aubergine and warm pita, grilled stuffed calamari(YUM), lamb meatballs (nomnomnom), baked gigante beans. mains were lamb skewers (yum) and branzino(5star), which was insanely delish and highly recommended. dessert was baklava, which I don't normally love, but theirs was sooo good and spicy, I highly recommend, and we got an ice cream sundae which was enormous and tasty. im so pleased Kokkari is still around and better than ever. great meal - thanks to the entire team!! can't wait to go back !!
    More info
    Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.9
  • Loisvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 4, 2024
    The service was great. The food was delicious. We sat outside at the very French cafe tables & had a great time.
    More info
    Cafe de la PressePrice: Moderate• French• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4.5

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

Discover the vibrant culinary scene in Downtown / Union Square, San Francisco, where dining is not just about food but an unforgettable experience. This area is a treasure trove of "hot spots" that cater to every palate, featuring a variety of cuisines from modern French to traditional Italian and innovative Asian American. Each restaurant in this locale is renowned for its unique ambiance, exceptional service, and culinary excellence, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. Whether you're looking for a chic rooftop lounge, a cozy spot with communal vibes, or a place that offers live music alongside delicious dishes, Downtown / Union Square has it all. These restaurants are celebrated for their creative menus and the expertise of their chefs, ensuring a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Ideal for everything from a casual outing to a special occasion, each establishment provides a distinct atmosphere that enhances the overall dining pleasure. Explore these culinary gems in the heart of San Francisco for a taste of the city's dynamic and diverse dining scene.

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