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Best Authentic Restaurants in SOMA

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230 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Taksim restaurant
1. Taksim
4.8
Exceptional(460)
Price: Expensive
• Turkish • SOMA
Booked 13 times today
Taksim offers an authentic Mediterranean dining experience, crafted with a modern approach. Reviewers have praised its 'authentic, scrumptious and flavorful' food, and its 'creative, beautifully presented' drinks. Its dedication to using the best ingredients and unique, playful take on classic dishes have made it a hit with customers. As one reviewer noted, it's 'true to the cuisine' and 'different and delicious'.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa) restaurant
2. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa)
4.6
Exceptional(307)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 20 times today
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other! Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!
A photo of Pazzia restaurant
3. Pazzia
4.9
Exceptional(301)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • SOMA
Booked 7 times today
Authentic Tuscan restaurant serving seasonal Italian fare with all the convivial charm and allure of the Florentine neighborhood of San Frediano.Opened in 1998 and located in the heart of what was then considered the city’s industrial warehouse district, tucked away on SoMa's Third Street, PAZZIA's buzzing dining room and outdoor patio quickly became a local favorite and destination spot for those “in the know”. From fresh house made pasta, thin crust pizza, grilled meats and seasonal specialties to classic Italian aperitivo cocktails and convivially energetic Italian staff, PAZZIA is the perfect spot for a date night, family gathering, office function or delicious night out with friends.PAZZIA offers indoor seating in a spacious dining room with banquette seating and views of the open kitchen, a more intimate lounge room with bar seating and tables around a fireplace and sheltered outdoor tables with heat lamps along the wide front patio.
A photo of The Roll restaurant
4. The Roll
4.9
Exceptional(11)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • SOMA
Booked 3 times today
All our dishes are created by Sushi Hakko Omakase’s Executive Chef Alex, and we started The Roll to share his incredible Japanese cuisine with more people in a casual and approachable way. Our main offerings include Futomaki (sushi rolls), Kaisen-Don (sashimi rice bowls), and Large-Sized Nigiri and Inari Sushi.
A photo of Four Kings restaurant
5. Four Kings
4.6
Exceptional(212)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 40 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
6. 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 The Parthenon restaurant
7. The Parthenon
4.5
Awesome(134)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 18 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 54 Mint restaurant
8. 54 Mint
4.6
Exceptional(3484)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • SOMA
Booked 23 times today
54 Mint is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown San Francisco across from the old US Mint Building. We offer authentic Roman cuisine prepared only with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Our pastas, bread and desserts are made fresh in house on a daily basis. Our bar offers an extended variety of Italian wines, craft cocktails and high-end imported and local spirits.
A photo of Elena's restaurant
9. 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 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.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • ElizabethVIP
    Southwest Florida •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Incredible experience! We had a lovely time. Service was exceptional. Explosion of flavors!
    More info
    TaksimPrice: Expensive• Turkish• SOMA
    •
    4.8
  • RichardVIP
    Los Angeles •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    As usual the experience was great and so was the food. The owner working there mentioned that he was short staffed and that one of his chefs called in sick so it might take a while to get our food. This was really not the case as he kept up on our drinks and the food came out in less than 15 minutes.
    More info
    The RollPrice: Moderate• Sushi• SOMA
    •
    4.9
  • Monika
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Top notch service. Every dish was perfection. The clams with bean sauce — great recommendation, underrated. We’ll be back
    More info
    Four KingsPrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
    •
    4.6
  • Brian
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 7, 2025
    Great food and great service. Great environment as wel
    More info
    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa)Price: Expensive• Japanese• SOMA
    •
    4.6
  • Mason
    Denver / Colorado •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 3, 2025
    The best restaurant in San Fransisco, quite possibly the Bay Area. I have lived here for 20 years and have eaten at some of the nicest and best restaurants. I have never eaten at a restaurant where everything you order off the menu sublime. On top of that, the service is unmatched. The owner is the nicest guy in the world and he is constantly making sure everyone gets the highest quality of service.
    More info
    PazziaPrice: Expensive• Italian• SOMA
    •
    4.9

Discover best authentic restaurants in SOMA

Discover the heart of San Francisco's authentic dining scene in the SOMA district, a vibrant area known for its diverse culinary offerings. Here, you can immerse yourself in a variety of authentic dining experiences that truly capture the essence of their cultural origins. Each restaurant in this bustling locale prides itself on delivering not only traditional flavors but also innovative dishes that remain true to their roots. From the meticulous use of fresh, high-quality ingredients to the skilled chefs who prepare them, these establishments ensure a memorable and genuine gastronomic journey. Patrons consistently laud the authenticity and creativity of the cuisine, often highlighting the exceptional service and inviting atmospheres that enhance their dining experience. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor looking to explore genuine flavors, the SOMA district in San Francisco offers an authentic taste adventure that shouldn't be missed.

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