Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Cole Valley

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

East BayMarinPeninsulaSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

AlamedaBerkeleyBernal HeightsChinatownCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessCow Hollow

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

181 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant

1. Che Fico San Francisco

4.6

Exceptional(1959)

$$$$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.

A photo of State Bird Provisions restaurant

2. State Bird Provisions

4.7

Exceptional(3318)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Western Addition

Booked 90 times today

State Bird Provisions started as a recipe for serving quail, it has slowly evolved into a restaurant without any programmed elements.

3. Four Kings

4.7

Exceptional(164)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 45 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 Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant

4. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

4.8

Exceptional(83)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 56 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!

A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant

5. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4300)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 136 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.

6. Z & Y Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(320)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 8 times today

Chef Han has served two Chinese Presidents and was the previous Executive Chef in the office of the Consulate General of China in San Francisco.Z & Y Restaurant is an award winning and Michelin Guide recommended San Francisco Chinese restaurant which prepares all your favorite authentic Chinese cuisine, Szechuan regional specialties including spicy and non-spicy dishes, Mandarin style dim sum and family dishes.San Francisco residents, as well as tourist and dignitaries from all around the world come to Z & Y Restaurant for business lunch, dinners, special events and to order our fast and reliable Chinese take out.At Z & Y Restaurant, we prepare delicious Chinese cuisine that is full of flavor. We consider ourselves to be the best Chinese food restaurant around and with one bite from our amazing menu, we are confident you will feel the same. We invite you to come in and become a new loyal customer.

A photo of Canela Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant

7. Canela Bistro & Wine Bar

4.8

Exceptional(1587)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • The Castro

Booked 13 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.

8. Starbelly

4.6

Exceptional(1604)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • The Castro

Booked 41 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.

9. Altamirano

4.5

Awesome(112)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Peruvian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 21 times today

NOW OPEN! Altamirano Restaurant & Bar is a new Peruvian restaurant, conveniently located in the NOPA neighborhood of San Francisco. Open the door to a spacious bar that flows seamlessly into the luxe dining room, with the exhibition kitchen in full view. Meander outside to the dynamic outdoor dining courtyard, featuring a fire pit, ample seating, a bar, and a TV to watch your favorite sports teams. Led by a team of culinary and hospitality professionals, service is comfortable yet elevated. Overseen by Chef Carlos Altamirano and led by Chef Eric Chumacero, the menu is a modern take on the flavors of Peru. Bold tastes and unique preparations will delight your senses and pop on your palette. Drinks highlight traditional Peruvian ingredients but with a contemporary twist. We can't wait to welcome you soon!

10. Horsefeather

4.4

Awesome(43)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Western Addition

Booked 34 times today

A casual neighborhood cocktail gathering place, with an adeptly designed interior loosely inspired by the American Arts & Crafts Period. Featuring a well-executed list of cocktails with fresh ingredients, house-made syrups and showcasing New American food offerings that are fluid, diverse and eclectic, offering full meals and shareable plates inspired by all cuisines and cultures.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
4.0
Dined on Feb 25, 2025
The food was great, but unfortunately they kicked us out super early, when we'd barely finished our meal, even though we hadn't even started that late.
More info
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Thai• Mission District
•
4.4
J
Joseph
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 23, 2025
Delicious food, fast and friendly service, and was so easy and accommodating to my large group! Everyone had a great time and kept ranting and raving about the food. Thank you for making my 40th birthday so special!
More info
Z & Y RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.6
I
Isabel
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 23, 2025
Great food and drinks Pozole was amazing, as well as the burritos and salad!
More info
Matador - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.5
A
Alpa
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 21, 2025
Good food and knowledgeable staff. I have been there a couple of times and always had a good experience. This time around four of us shared a lot of small plates. Keeping everyone’s dietary needs of no meat, or no gluten, or no shell fish, we were still able to get a good array of small plates to feel satisfied and full. I have had the main entrees too and they are equally delicious. The desserts offered were delicious too.
More info
Base CampPrice: Moderate• Asian• Mission District
•
4.8
A
AmyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 27, 2024
Great service, tasty food, fun ambiance- I would definitely come back!
More info
Basil Canteen @ 11th StreetPrice: Moderate• Thai• SOMA
•
4.4