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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in The Castro

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179 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Frances restaurant
1. Frances
4.9
Exceptional(3671)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • The Castro
Booked 17 times today
At Frances, chef Melissa Perello’s seasonal menu reflects modern California sensibilities and focuses on ingredients from local markets, farms and producers in a casual, neighborhood setting. Named after Chef Perello’s grandmother, Frances is an ode to refined but comfortable sensibilities in both food and decor. Whether it’s the technique-rich, yet simple approach to food, or the open, familiar atmosphere and stellar service, Frances' honest, focused approach has resonated with customers and critics alike.
A photo of Starbelly restaurant
2. Starbelly
4.5
Awesome(1592)
Price: Moderate
• American • The Castro
Booked 51 times today
Starbelly is a modern, urban restaurant that serves California Comfort food in the heart of The Castro. Our garden patio and fun atmosphere make Starbelly a neighborhood favorite, serving lunch, brunch and dinner. Our craft cocktails, beer and wine lists all play well with our seasonal menu.
A photo of Canela Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant
3. Canela Bistro & Wine Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1582)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • The Castro
Booked 6 times today
Take a trip to Spain without your passport! Established in 2011, Canela's Spanish and California cuisine has been drawing in locals and visitors alike. Crafted with a mix of ingredients and wines imported from Spain as well as California's bounty, Canela's mix of tapas and paella is made to please. Mat Schuster, Canela’s executive chef, has dedicated his life to creating sophisticated and unforgettable flavors with you in mind. Honored to be awarded a Certified Restaurant from Spain by the Spanish Trade Commission, we offer over 75 bottles of unique wine from Spain, some that you will only find here. Whether you want to have a formal dinner, casual tapas, small plates, paella, glass of wine, and homemade dessert, come to Canela and be assured that you will find what you are looking for.
A photo of L'Ardoise restaurant
4. L'Ardoise
4.8
Exceptional(3395)
Price: Expensive
• French • The Castro
Booked 24 times today
L'Ardoise is a beloved neighborhood gem in San Francisco's Castro area. Reviewers rave about its traditional French cuisine, cozy ambiance, and excellent service. One reviewer noted, 'Delicious neighborhood gem. Always enjoy a brasserie style meal here.' Another echoed, 'A neighborhood gem that feels like you're walking into Paris.' The restaurant's authentic French bistro vibe and consistent quality food and service have earned it a loyal following in the community.
A photo of La Mediterranee restaurant
5. La Mediterranee
4.3
Awesome(16)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • The Castro
Booked 2 times today
Consistently voted “Best Middle Eastern” and “Best Mediterranean” in the San Francisco Bay Area.Since 1981, La Méditerranée Noe, situated in the heart of the Castro District, has been serving award winning dishes to locals and visitors alike. Mid-East and Mediterranean cuisine is inspired by Armenian and Lebanese family recipes. Each dish is made using only the finest spices and freshest ingredients, and our catering platters are perfect for get-togethers of all kinds. Serving affordable lunch specials, Happy Hour, and dinner specials, our cozy café is always welcoming. Locals love to catch a sunny table at our sidewalk seating for our weekend brunch! With good food at reasonable prices, and service that is always friendly, La Mediterranee Noe is proud to be a bright spot in the community!
A photo of Lark restaurant
6. Lark
4.7
Exceptional(87)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • The Castro
Booked 6 times today
Welcome to Lark. Join us at Lark for a unique and unforgettable dining experience that blends the best of modern American cuisine and the rich culinary heritage of Greek Anatolia. Our vibrant and stylish restaurant in Castro District of San Francisco. We look forward to having you!
A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant
7. House of Prime Rib
4.8
Exceptional(15963)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 175 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 Foreign Cinema restaurant
8. Foreign Cinema
4.7
Exceptional(8868)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Mission District
Booked 126 times today
Foreign Cinema is a beloved neighborhood gem in San Francisco's Mission District. It's a unique dining experience combining Californian-Mediterranean cuisine with independent films, creating an airy, chic atmosphere. Reviews rave about the inventive food, attentive service, and fantastic ambiance. One reviewer said, 'Foreign Cinema is one of those extraordinary gems in an ever changing culinary world.' Another highlighted, 'It’s definitely a classic place to visit if you’re looking for a great date spot or some nice solo dining.' It's an oasis in a neighborhood that's not to be missed!
A photo of Elena's restaurant
9. Elena's
4.7
Exceptional(594)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 160 times today
Welcome to Elena's -- a place where a family’s love for authentic Mexican food is celebrated and combined with California-inspired elements and signature Mexican-American dishes. We offer reservations for up to 8 guests via OpenTable. At the time of your reservation, we kindly request the entire party be present to be seated. Tables will be held for up to 10 minutes after the reservation time. For parties that arrive later, the table will be released but we will do our best to accommodate the reservation with the next available table. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!
A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
10. Che Fico San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(1946)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 76 times today
Che Fico, is a California Italian restaurant from Chefs David Nayfeld and Matt Brewer in San Francisco's NOPA neighborhood. The food focuses on Italian cuisine through the lens of California. It’s our vision of Northern California as if it is a region in Italy, our connection to the region, and our love for Italian culinary practices. The rustic, market-driven menu features handmade pasta, pizzas, antipasti, housemade salumi, meat, and fish plus dishes from the Jewish-Roman heritage known as “Cucina Ebraica.” The beverage program focuses heavily on both Italian and Californian wines with a cocktail program that utilizes a variety of spirits, amaros, and seasonal ingredients. Che Fico is a place to gather with friends and enjoy warm hospitality, food, and drink, through an approachable menu and convivial ambiance.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JonathanVIP
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We called with a last minute change to our reservation time and they accommodated us with no hassle. Server was great - food was fantastic! Great wine and cocktail selection.
    More info
    StarbellyPrice: Moderate• American• The Castro
    •
    4.5
  • AngusVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Had a wonderful birthday celebration at the restaurant tonight!! Staff and food was amazing. Thank you so much for a wonderful birthday celebration!! 🥳🎂🥂🍾
    More info
    Canela Bistro & Wine BarPrice: Expensive• Spanish• The Castro
    •
    4.8
  • Stephen
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Valentine's Day 2025. Food and service were phenomenal (as has always been my experience). Although the menu was similar (if not an exact replica) to what was offered in 2024, the food is so delicious and there are enough options offered that they could keep it the same for 3 years and you'd still have options to try something new. One key "rave" is that last year they had no non-alcoholic beverages to offer, but we were both pleasantly surprised and extremely happy that they heard our feedback and had a few non-alcoholic options available this year, including a non-alcoholic virgin champagne which was *very* good. 10/10 would recommend, and would of course come back for more.
    More info
    L'ArdoisePrice: Expensive• French• The Castro
    •
    4.8
  • Pat
    San Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The chef selection tasting menu was a special treat. Well spaced delivery. Great explanation without being overdone. Kudos the chef's and servers
    More info
    FrancesPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• The Castro
    •
    4.9
  • Tiffany
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Jan 31, 2025
    I’ve been to this location before, but I’ve been to the one on Fillmore Street. It had been a long time and I was very glad to see how busy they were and that the food was still excellent. The service was fantastic and they were very attentive.
    More info
    La MediterraneePrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• The Castro
    •
    4.3

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in The Castro

Discover the charm of San Francisco's Castro neighborhood with our curated selection of "neighborhood gem" restaurants. Each venue is celebrated for its unique ambiance, exceptional service, and a commitment to culinary excellence, making them perfect for any dining occasion. From cozy, intimate settings ideal for romantic dinners to vibrant, welcoming spaces suitable for gatherings with friends, the Castro offers a diverse dining scene that catively reflects the area's eclectic culture. These restaurants are praised for their ability to blend innovative menus with the comforting feel of a neighborhood spot, ensuring a memorable dining experience with every visit. Whether you're a local or a tourist, exploring these gems provides not only a taste of top-notch cuisine but also a genuine slice of Castro's community spirit. Experience why these establishments have earned the title of "neighborhood gems" and continue to enchant residents and visitors alike.

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