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Best Authentic Restaurants in Cole Valley

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196 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Bambino's Ristorante restaurant
1. Bambino's Ristorante
4.9
Exceptional(572)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Cole Valley
Booked 3 times today
In a warm, open and attentive setting, Bambino’s Ristorante offers a tasteful and varied mix of classic Italian and original fare. We serve Dinner, Lunch and Weekend Brunch. Reserve or drop in for anything from a snack to a celebration.
A photo of Elena's restaurant
2. Elena's
4.7
Exceptional(798)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 117 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. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!
A photo of Four Kings restaurant
3. Four Kings
4.6
Exceptional(212)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 39 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 Wayfare Tavern restaurant
4. Wayfare Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(7961)
Price: Moderate
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 75 times today
Wayfare Tavern is a true American tavern in the heart of San Francisco, offering an authentic dining experience. Its menu, crafted by Chef Tyler Florence, features traditional American dishes and a selection of locally sourced wines. The restaurant's design, inspired by Victorian-era parlor and an Edwardian men's club, adds to its authenticity. Reviewers frequently mention the restaurant's 'well-executed' food, 'comfortable' ambience, and 'seamless' service. One reviewer even noted the vibe of the restaurant as 'classic'.
A photo of Dalida restaurant
5. Dalida
4.7
Exceptional(1194)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Presidio
Booked 95 times today
Beautiful Modern Mediterranean restaurant by Chefs Laura and Sayat (Star Chefs and San Francisco Chronicle Rising Stars) at the Main Parade Lawn in the heart of the Presidio National Park. The restaurant's menus feature Presidio-inspired seasonal craft cocktails, a progressive wine menu, and a cuisine that balances the comfort of familiar Mediterranean flavors with California sensibilities. In cohesion with the Presidio National Park, the design features soft, natural colors; repurposed furniture items from the Presidio; and a mural and a hand-drawn wall paper by Bay Area artist Emily Parkinson. Diners can enjoy a patio with a view of Alcatraz; an intimate private dining room; a lofty main dining room surrounded by windows on two sides; a cozy bar that is a local favorite; and an open-concept kitchen counter with counter seats and high tables.
A photo of Caché restaurant
6. Caché
4.6
Exceptional(78)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Sunset District
Booked 48 times today
Located in San Francisco’s vibrant Inner Sunset neighborhood, just steps from the iconic Golden Gate Park, Caché combines French roots with Michelin-star expertise to offer seasonal dishes that are both refined and imaginative. Our ever-changing menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner feature the Bay Area’s best ingredients—from fresh-caught seafood to farm-fresh vegetables—while adding creative twists to beloved French classics.
A photo of The Parthenon restaurant
7. The Parthenon
4.5
Awesome(134)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 20 times today
Welcome to The Parthenon, your gateway to the authentic flavors of Greece nestled in the heart of San Francisco. As a Mediterranean Wine Bar and Mezes, we offer a rich tapestry of Greek culinary delights that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed Greek islands.Our menu is a celebration of traditional Greek cuisine, with a contemporary twist.Pair your meal with a selection from our Mediterranean Wine Bar, and don't forget to save room for our delectable sides, including Greek Fries and Garlic Fries.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
8. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(4407)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 112 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 Copra restaurant
9. Copra
4.7
Exceptional(101)
Price: Very Expensive
• Indian • Western Addition
Booked 99 times today
Copra: A Culinary Journey to the Heart of South IndiaNestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Fillmore district, Copra is an enchanting restaurant that transports you to the sun-kissed shores of South India. Helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Srijith "Sri" Gopinathan, Copra is a love letter to his culinary heritage, showcasing the vibrant flavors of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Sri Lanka.Step into a world of lush greenery and intricate macrame, where the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices and the gentle hum of conversation. The menu, a tapestry of traditional recipes and modern interpretations, is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
A photo of Bon Delire restaurant
10. Bon Delire
4.5
Awesome(356)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 50 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.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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