Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in South San Francisco

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Elena's

4.7

Exceptional(513)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal

Booked 131 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. Reservation requests via phone or email are not available at this time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!

A photo of Original Joe's Westlake restaurant

2. Original Joe's Westlake

4.8

Exceptional(4909)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Daly City

Booked 142 times today

After a two-year closure, Original Joe's, San Francisco’s quintessential Italian-American dining destination, revitalized iconic Daly City institution Joe’s of Westlake, and reintroduced it into the community as Original Joe’s Westlake. An anchor of Daly City from 1956 to 2014, Original Joe’s Westlake underwent an extensive two-year renovation, complete with a front-to-back interior remodel, including the kitchen and all dining spaces, and an exterior and landscaping overhaul. Following the Original Joe’s tradition, Westlake continues to prepare unpretentious, old-school Italian-American fare in an open kitchen for all to see. The menu is carefully crafted to reflect a past-meets-present hybrid of what Joe’s of Westlake used to be and what Original Joe’s Westlake is today.

3. China Live

4.7

Exceptional(3230)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 106 times today

China Live, Eater's "Restaurant of the Year," features fresh, seasonal Chinese cuisine cooked from specialized stations that merge traditional Chinese and Western culinary equipment. Our main dining area, with views of our exhibition kitchens, plays centerpiece, appointed with chairs and tables all handcrafted in China from reclaimed Chinese elm. We also offer outside dining.

4. Foreign Cinema

4.7

Exceptional(8837)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Mission District

Booked 178 times today

Foreign Cinema is a one of a kind, nationally acclaimed restaurant combining independent films with California-Mediterranean cooking. Enjoy an airy yet chic setting, complete with indoor dining room with a fireplace, outdoor courtyard with 35mm film screening starting at dusk, mezzanine, gallery curated by Modernism West & full bar in the main dining room. Foreign Cinema has something for everyone including their DJ/live music bar, Laszlo. Enjoy special happy hours, uniquely craft cocktails, zero proof selections, full Foreign Cinema dinner menu, and lively music to end your evening.We are currently booking for Outdoor Patio & Indoor/Standard seating 60 days in advance. A ‘standard seating’ reservation is indoor dining. Reservations for 10+ may be booked through private dining department - contact janine@foreigncinema.com for more information.

5. Four Kings

4.6

Exceptional(134)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 50 times today

## Four Kings: A Nostalgic Journey Through Cantonese Cuisine Step into Four Kings and be transported to a vibrant world of nostalgia and flavor. This San Francisco gem, helmed by chefs Franky Ho and Mike Long, serves up a modern take on Cantonese cuisine, infused with the chefs' personal memories and a playful spirit. The atmosphere is electric, with 90s Cantopop tunes filling the air and retro Hong Kong memorabilia adorning the walls. The open kitchen allows you to witness the culinary artistry firsthand, as chefs prepare dishes like the signature **fried squab** and the innovative **mapo spaghetti**. The menu is a celebration of bold flavors and unexpected combinations. Start with the **XO escargot with milk bread**, a decadent treat that will leave you wanting more. For a taste of tradition, try the **Hong Kong black peppered steak**, cooked to perfection and bursting with savory notes. Vegetarians will delight in the **garlic pea shoots**, a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the freshest ingredients. Four Kings is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. It's a place to gather with friends, share delicious food, and reminisce about the golden age of Hong Kong cinema. So come hungry, come curious,

A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

6. Kokkari Estiatorio

4.9

Exceptional(9166)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 230 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 Nopa - San Francisco restaurant

7. Nopa - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3545)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 94 times today

Nopa is a San Francisco gathering place north of the Panhandle, serving urban rustic food and specializing in organic wood-fired cuisine. We serve simple dishes created with seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors.

8. The Progress

4.8

Exceptional(2477)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Western Addition

Booked 59 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.

9. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7844)

Price: Moderate

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 87 times today

Chef Tyler Florence brings his passion for high quality and style to San Francisco with his new flagship restaurant, Wayfare Tavern. A classic San Francisco Tavern featuring authentic American dishes inspired by local cuisine at the turn of the 20th century, the menu ranges from classic comforts to rustic delicacies. The beverage menu features locally-sourced wines including a selection of Florence's own label, quality draft beers and organic root beer as well as classic Victorian-era cocktails.All three floors of the restaurant have been designed keeping historical accuracy in mind making Wayfare Tavern reminiscent of a Victorian parlor and an Edwardian men's club, where anything goes from black-tie to blue jeans. Pull up a stool to the Chef's Counter at the open kitchen and look on as Chef prepares your lunch or head to the Library and Billiard Room for a game of pool. Wayfare Tavern is a truly unparalleled dining experience translated from a century ago. Photo: John Lee.

A photo of Angler San Francisco restaurant

10. Angler San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(262)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 54 times today

Angler is a seafood-focused Saison Hospitality Group restaurant with one Michelin star on the Embarcadero waterfront, featuring views of our expansive wood burning hearth and the San Francisco Bay, where each dish is touched by fire and intended to be shared.Our sourcing is deliberate and our menus closely follow the seasons of Northern California. Chef de Cuisine, Joe Hou

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Stephanie
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined today
We had a lovely dinner with family. Always enjoy China Live. A great place for locals and visitors alike.
More info
China LivePrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.7
M
Marcie
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always a treat! My go-to place with my girlfriends every 3 mos and times with other family and friends. Everyone so accommodating and food is wonderfully delicious… yum!!!
More info
Original Joe's WestlakePrice: Moderate• Italian• Daly City
•
4.8
K
Kimberlyn
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
I celebrated a birthday and the environment was perfect for a celebration dinner. There’s both an indoor and outdoor section, and the outdoor section plays the movie for the night. The indoor section doesn’t have a full view of the movie, but it wasn’t a personal issue for me as it was moreso an ambiance thing. I wouldn’t mind trying the outdoor section one day, though. As a note, food portions weren’t exactly plentiful, however, if split family style it can definitely work! The salad, oysters, and steak were all delicious. Service was also very friendly and accommodating. Overall, I would definitely come back for special occasions.
More info
Foreign CinemaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission District
•
4.7
L
LynnVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Elena’s has tasty food and a really kind, attentive staff. They serve delicious, thin crunchy chips.
More info
Elena'sPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Forest Hill / West Portal
•
4.7
K
Kent
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 24, 2024
Great place! Will go back again. Worth all the hype.
More info
Four KingsPrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.6

Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in South San Francisco

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23 restaurants available nearby

1. Elena's

2. Original Joe's Westlake

3. China Live

4. Foreign Cinema

5. Four Kings

6. Kokkari Estiatorio

7. Nopa - San Francisco

8. The Progress

9. Wayfare Tavern

10. Angler San Francisco

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