Best Restaurants for People Watching in Chinatown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East BayMarinSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

Downtown / Union SquareFinancial District / EmbarcaderoMarina / Cow Hollow / PresidioMission DistrictNoe ValleyNorth Beach

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

30 restaurants available nearby

1. Tosca Café

4.7

Exceptional(156)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 7 times today

A legendary hangout in North Beach since it opened in 1919, and even more so from the 1980's onward when Jeanette Etheredge took over Tosca. Locals including Willie Brown, Lars Ulrich and Francis Ford Coppola were regular fixtures, Hunter S Thompson wrote his column for the SF Examiner in the corner booth, Bono, Lauren Hutton, and Mikhail Baryshnikov played pool in the back room, singing Opera and drinking Tosca House Cappuccinos. When Restaurateur Anna Weinberg and Interior Designer Ken Fulk heard Tosca Cafe was closing they joined forces to save it. As the new owners and passionate fans of the original establishment their goal was to return Tosca to its rightful place as a San Francisco institution. As Mikey Rapin wrote in Bon Appétit magazine: “It’s the kind of joint Beats got bounced, Bono belted opera, and a bullet hole memoralizes the night an A-LIST actor disagreed with a rockstar's choice of music"

A photo of Mona Lisa Mare e Monti restaurant

2. Mona Lisa Mare e Monti

4.5

Awesome(170)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 16 times today

Mona Lisa Mare e Monti , in San Francisco, serves classic Italian dishes crafted with top-quality local and seasonal produce in its charming and welcoming eatery. Mare e Monti is located in the Heart of North Beach's Little Italy. Our Restaurant specializes in Authentic Italian Seafood and Steaks. We also offer a variety of different cuts of Pasta's, which are created in house everyday! We are best known for our Bistecca Fiorentina, which is a 24oz porterhouse steak. Our Seafood is brought to use daily by our local Fishermen. Some of our most popular seafood dishes are our Zuppa Di Pesce or our Whole Dungeness Crab plate. We Look forward to seeing you soon, Ciao!

3. Barbara Pinseria

4.5

Awesome(180)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • North Beach

Booked 5 times today

Barbara is a lively Italian restaurant inspired by the rustic tradition of Roman pizzerie, opening in San Francisco’s historic Italian district of North Beach in September 2018 to serve as the neighborhood destination for casual dinning. We feature an energetic open kitchen, creating fresh takes on classics as well as original inventions showcasing seasonal and local ingredients, transporting taste of the eternal city to San Francisco. We offer craft cocktails, Italian and Californian wines, indoor and outdoor seating, and Barbara's fun, warm, style pairs well with the restaurant’s classic Italian comfort and friendly spirit.

A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

4. Kokkari Estiatorio

4.8

Exceptional(9201)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 110 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 Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant

5. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(6189)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 115 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.

6. Bon Delire

4.6

Exceptional(185)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 40 times today

Bon Délire’s chic yet approachable atmosphere draws inspiration from the cafés, lounges, and bistros of Paris. The interior boasts a sculpted horseshoe-shaped wooden bar, plush banquettes, and vibrant, European-imported furnishings that invite intimate dining and lounging. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with views of the Bay Bridge, or relax at the outdoor cafe-style seating, framed by planter boxes and umbrellas, perfect for people-watching along the Embarcadero.At night, the space comes alive with flickering projections of vintage French films and a relaxed, nostalgic soundtrack of throwback French and American tunes, making Bon Délire a sophisticated yet cozy setting for private and semi-private events.

A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant

7. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

4.8

Exceptional(71)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 23 times today

Welcome to Little Original Joe's -- an Italian-American neighborhood eatery featuring pizza, pasta, and parmigiana in San Francisco's Marina neighborhood! Limited reservations are available for up to 6 guests -- we look forward to seeing you soon!

8. Boulevard

4.8

Exceptional(9142)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 37 times today

Chefs Nancy Oakes, Chef Dana Younkin and our entire team, look forward to welcoming you to a refreshed and reimagined Boulevard! The dining room features a 3 course prix fixe menu with a multitude of choices. For the more spontaneous sorts; our bar, lounge and chef's counter is available on a walk-in basis and limited reservations. An a la carte menu is offered in these areas. For private events and larger groups, please check our our website.

9. The Progress

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 Che Fico San Francisco restaurant

10. Che Fico San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(1946)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 67 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Morgan
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great service, location, and ambience. A little loud. Food was delicious with good portions but the Valentine’s Day limited menu was a bit pricey. Can’t speak to the regular menu prices/value
More info
Tosca CaféPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Beach
•
4.7
A
Angelo
San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Everything was spectacular. Check out my post on Yelp.
More info
Mona Lisa Mare e MontiPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
4.5
B
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area •123 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
It is always a special experience to dine at the Rotunda because it is so much a part of San Francisco history and a beautiful venue! My friend Manuel had never been there so he had a blast seeing the space and enjoying the food. Ralph, our server, was polite and attentive and the food was good as always. I do enjoy a place where I am already recognized by the hosts especially since one feels like one is being greeted by family. :)
More info
The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.8
G
GailVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •56 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
This is one of our very favorite restaurants in San Francisco. Food and service are impeccable. It is particularly lovely to sit in the main room with the fireplace where they are often roasting meat. It is a special place. Don’t tell too many people!!
More info
Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.8
B
Ben
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 25, 2025
Barbara is THE spot. A must go for groups, it’s a vibe. Get some food, get some drinks. Enjoy it.
More info
Barbara PinseriaPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• North Beach
•
4.5

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