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Best Historic Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

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112 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7484)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 62 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 The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant
3.9
Excellent(2479)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • SOMA
Booked 20 times today
Featuring innovative intercontinental cuisine, the famed Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in a glorious setting. This historic landmark serves Breakfast daily, 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch Monday-Thursday and an enchanting Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The Garden Court features a stained glass dome, Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers and is noted on San Francisco’s Historic Register as Landmark #18. Our Executive Chef invites you to try our signature crab salad lightly dressed in our own Green Goddess Dressing, a true Palace original created in 1923.
A photo of The Vault Steakhouse restaurant
4.3
Awesome(277)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 4 times today
Located in the original bank vault of the historic 555 California St building on the Concourse Level, The Vault Steakhouse offers indoor dining, a lounge and bar with an extensive cocktail, whiskey and wine program for a special occasion, business function, and date night - all in one place. Enjoy classics steakhouse cuts, creative and fun sides, tableside touches and more.Chefs Ryan Cerizo & Jason Halverson have collaborated to take all of the things we love about Steakhouse dining and elevate it with simple, delicious, modern day touches. Onsite parking is available for $5 in our 24 hour secured garage.
A photo of Le Central restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2153)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 8 times today
Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for five decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Located on the edge of the Financial District, Union Square, and Chinatown in a rare one story brick building adorned with its iconic pink neon sign and crowned by a vintage “Tabac” sign. Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a Parisian brasserie. With exposed brick walls, original imported brass bar, stained glass features, and cozy banquettes topped with brass railings. The atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy delicious French fare and exceptional wines and cocktails in an upscale, yet casual environment. Enjoy French classics like steak-frites, escargot, onion soup, and our world famous Cassoulet. Le Central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!
A photo of The Post Room restaurant
4.0
Excellent(191)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 16 times today
In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, a new Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge called The Post Room is nestled inside the historic Beacon Grand and overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby, the vibrant social venue will serve breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends and complemented by a dazzling live music program.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4276)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 99 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 Starlite restaurant
4.4
Awesome(193)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 36 times today
Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.
A photo of Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant
4.0
Excellent(2023)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Nob Hill
Booked 23 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.This booking is for dinner service not for drinks and/or appetizers only. 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.No-show reservations/cancellations for any reason outside of 48-hours will be charged $50 per guest on the evening of the reservation. Each reservation guarantees a table in our dining room for a 2-hour experience.For Parties over 10, contact TongaRoom@Fairmont.com to discuss reservations.
A photo of Boulevard restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9142)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 36 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.
A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1408)
Price: Very Expensive
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 13 times today
Empress by Boon is San Francisco’s newest, must-visit epicurean destination, offering a seasonal menu in modern Cantonese gastronomy. Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon applies traditional techniques to fresh, local ingredients to produce distinctive contemporary dishes infused with Cantonese flavors. The spacious restaurant occupies the former location of Chinatown’s celebrated Empress of China with striking city views. Reimagined by Chef Boon and team, the Empress was brought back to its former glory by embracing modern design elements while incorporating restored original features, creating a welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the history of the beloved location.

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