Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

186 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Nightbird restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(846)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 4 times today
Nightbird offers a 12 Course , from chef, owner and James Beard Nominated, Kim Alter. It is an elegant boutique restaurant in the heart of San Francisco (Hayes Valley) embracing California's freshest, seasonal, local ingredients. the price of the menu is $195/person with a 16% service charge, 6% Heathy SF, and tax. Please understand we have 10 tables in our dining room, for that reason we do have the policy below.Cancellation policy: If cancelled after the 48 hour window, we charge the card on file $195 per person.For parties over 4 people, one weeks notice is needed for a cancellation. If cancelled after the 5 working day window, we charge the card on file $195 per person.
A photo of Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7383)
Price: Expensive
• French • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 23 times today
We are currently accepting reservations for lunch, brunch, and dinner.Effective 09/26/2022:Outdoor seating will not be available.
A photo of Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(893)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 16 times today
***Best Jazz Club in the City, by San Francisco Magazine***Mr. Tipple’s is a craft cocktail bar featuring live jazz.-Reservations have a 90min time limit from reservation time. There is a $20/guest min for table serviceMr. Tipple’s heralds back to a 1950s NYC basement. Cozy. Dark. Boozy. The intimate setting features local jazz artists up close and personal. It’s a joint where you come as you are, hear great music, tap your toes, and sip a properly chilled cocktail.-My name is Mr. Tipple. Just a simple and laughable bloke hailing from London. I run a recording studio. My friends joke that you’ll oft find me spinning cocktails, not reeling tape. After a few too many, I usually just sit back and enjoy the music, having forgotten to hit record. Regardless, the band is always jiving, the whiskey is always cold, and we’re having a smashing good time.
A photo of Hayes Street Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4331)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 38 times today
Hayes Street Grill is a beloved neighborhood gem, nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Civic Center district. As one reviewer puts it, it's 'a caring restaurant with good food and good service' that retains the tradition of a classic SF gem. The restaurant specializes in seafood, with reviews consistently praising the freshness and quality of the food. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with ever-competent wait staff, making it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors alike.
A photo of ¡Chao Pescao! restaurant
4.3
Awesome(644)
Price: Moderate
• Latin American • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 10 times today
Chao Pescao is a new casual Latin Caribbean restaurant from longtime San Francisco restaurateur Rene Denis inspired by his Cuban-Colombian heritage. The name, translating roughly to “see you later alligator,” captures the friendly and fun spirit of the restaurant. Cocktails are inspired by many of the traditional drinks from Latin America, while the food pulls from the comforting Cuban and Colombian home cooking of Denis’s childhood. The menu is rounded out with other Latin American favorites with particular emphasis on dishes designed for delivery. Chao Pescao is located in the Civic Center Plaza at the heart of the city, across from City Hall.
A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant
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 Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9204)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 165 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
4.8
Exceptional(2509)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Western Addition
Booked 58 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 Foreign Cinema restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8868)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Mission District
Booked 125 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 The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6196)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 93 times today
The Rotunda serves afternoon tea seven days a week beginning at 1:30 p.m. A tea experience reservation is necessary to enjoy our daily tea service. Any dietary restrictions must be noted at least 24 hours in advance of your reservation.Please use link below to reserve your tea experience.https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=889&restref=889&experienceId=35326Let THE ROTUNDA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.*February 22, the outside elevator is under construction. Enter through any of the outside NM entrances, take any elevator to the 4th floor.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • EdieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •185 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I love that the evening simply unfolds for you with no decisions to be made. Each course was a surprise and delight. The chef is creative and really focuses on extracting the most flavor from each bite. The service is always excellent. It always amazes me that we can have this type of meal pre-ballet without feeling overly rushed.
    More info
    NightbirdPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.7
  • MichaelVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •274 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Hayes Street is always good. Consistent, unfussy delicious food, friendly efficient staff and I love what it says about the owner/management that many of the staff members have been there for years. The Bay Area is blessed with many other terrific seafood restaurants with more innovative or complex fare but for a beautiful piece of fish, simply and beautifully prepared, nothing beats Hayes Street Grill. Ditto their perfect French Fries. One "ding" for a dry, lifeless cheesecake but the creme brûlée was delicious. So nice to see it really busy last night well after the Opera, Symphony, Jazz Center rush.
    More info
    Hayes Street GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.7
  • SusanVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Oe if the best restaurants in San Francisco--always delicious food, amazing service, welcoming and warm
    More info
    Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SFPrice: Expensive• French• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.8
  • JonathanVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Wonderful experience at Mr Tipples - including terrific Dim Sum and wonderful music from the Emily Day Swingtet! Service was excellent and they accommodated early arrivals in the heavy rain.
    More info
    Mr. Tipple’s Jazz ClubPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.8
  • StephanieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great new find for pre-theater or concert! Food was great - unusual, great variety, well-prepared, tasty. Service was friendly and helpful. Only issue was that the kitchen was clearly backed up and our food was delayed - 25 minutes from order placed until appetizer was delivered. It would have been helpful to have had our server check in with us during that time. Still, we loved the atmosphere and enjoyed the meal tremendously. And got out on time without feeling rushed while eating. Definitely recommend!
    More info
    ¡Chao Pescao!Price: Moderate• Latin American• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.3

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Discover the charm of "neighborhood gems" in the vibrant Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness area of San Francisco. This eclectic district is renowned for its unique dining experiences that cater to both locals and visitors seeking something truly special. Each restaurant in this category offers a distinct ambiance and menu, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of San Francisco. From cozy, intimate settings perfect for a romantic evening to lively, bustling atmospheres ideal for a group night out, there’s something to suit every taste and occasion. The dining scene here is characterized by a commitment to quality and a flair for creative culinary expressions, making each meal memorable. Enjoy the blend of excellent service, innovative cuisine, and a warm welcome that defines these neighborhood gems. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, these restaurants promise a delightful exploration of local flavors and gourmet craftsmanship.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo