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Best Authentic Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

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78 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of The Parthenon restaurant
4.5
Awesome(132)
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 Bodega SF restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(102)
Price: Moderate
• Vietnamese • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 25 times today
Bodega SF is an evolution of Matthew Ho’s family's restaurant, Bodega Bistro, which operated from 2003-2017 out of San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, serving traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine. The brand’s success continued as Ho organized pop-up events, eventually transitioning to meal packages throughout the pandemic to meet demand. In 2022, Ho and his partners opened Bodega SF’s brick-and-mortar location, again located in the Tenderloin District, bringing high-quality Vietnamese cuisine back to the community with a modernized, casual fine dining experience. The family-style concept allows visitors to sample its variety of authentic, creative dishes.
A photo of ABSteak by Chef Akira Back - San Francisco restaurant
4.5
Awesome(56)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • SOMA
Booked 13 times today
Korean steakhouse with dry-aged meats, expertly crafted cocktails and world-class service where the heart and soul of authentic Korean flavors seamlessly intertwine with the essence of a fine steakhouse.
A photo of bota tapas and paella bar restaurant
4.3
Awesome(977)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 3 times today
Bota is an authentic Spanish style tapas and paella bar located in the heart of Union Square in San Francisco. A place to go to share food, savor rustic flavors and enjoy Spanish wine in a casual, yet chic, environment. Inspired by the concept behind our name “BOTA”, a vessel to share wine with the people around you.
A photo of Matador - San Francisco restaurant
4.4
Awesome(210)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 15 times today
Matador – San Francisco is a restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine. It offers delivery and takeout, and also provides catering services. The restaurant is recommended for lunch and dinner, and has garage and street parking. It is a good place for groups, and the attire and ambiance inside is casual. Matador – San Francisco offers full alcohol bar and the noise level during peak hours is average. The restaurant offers free WI-FI access and has outdoor seating as well.The menu at Matador – San Francisco includes classic Mexican dishes such as carnitas tacos, guacamole, mezcal with pineapple syrup and lemon, house salad with shrimp, salsa, and pozole. The waiting staff is friendly, courteous, and fast in taking orders and serving food.
A photo of Amber India - San Francisco restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2881)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 34 times today
At Amber India in downtown San Francisco, we blend the rich traditions of North Indian cuisine with a modern dining experience. Our menu features favorites like butter chicken, aromatic biryanis, and tandoori specialties, all crafted with authentic spices and techniques. Whether you prefer vegetarian dishes or hearty meats, there's something for everyone.Our three-story restaurant, with vaulted ceilings and a lively LED light show behind the bar, offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. We can host up to 140 guests, with a private dining room for gatherings of up to 25. Located near Union Square, Amber India is ideal for a casual meal or special celebration.For over 20 years, we’ve been a beloved part of the Bay Area dining scene, known for our flavorful food, excellent service, and warm hospitality. Join us for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch to experience what makes Amber India a local favorite.
A photo of Wayfare Tavern restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7952)
Price: Moderate
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 82 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 Radiant Table - San Francisco restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(14)
Price: Very Expensive
• Fusion / Eclectic • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 3 times today
The Radiant Table is an immersive dining experience, thoughtfully designed for those who are passionate about food, storytelling, and authentic connection. Imagine enjoying a trio of oysters and watching ocean waves crash and roll across the table or tasting the earthy profile of a mushroom while the forest floor grows to life right in front of you.Guests are seated at shared tables accommodating up to eight people, encouraging conversation and discovery. At its heart, The Radiant Table seeks to spotlight the incredible culinary talent of the Bay Area region.Each night is a special moment in time, never to be repeated. The Radiant Table features a new chef and multi-course menu every night. WHAT’S INCLUDED🍽️ A four-course dinner by a different chef each night🌌 Immersive 3D art projected on your table🍾 Welcome drink in lounge upon arrival🍷 Curated beer, wine & cocktails available for purchase👨‍🍳 Meet the chef and hear the story behind the menu
A photo of 54 Mint restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3482)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • SOMA
Booked 25 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
4.7
Exceptional(789)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 110 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!

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Discover best authentic restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

Discover the charm of authentic dining in the heart of San Francisco's bustling Downtown/Union Square area. This vibrant locale is renowned for its diverse and dynamic dining scene, offering a plethora of options that cater to lovers of genuine, high-quality meals. Whether you're craving the rich flavors of Asian American cuisine, the delightful bites of European tapas, or the classic comfort of Italian dishes, this district has something to entice every palate. Each restaurant in this selection is celebrated for its commitment to authenticity, from the carefully curated menus to the thoughtfully designed interiors that reflect their cultural heritage. Patrons can expect not only a feast for their taste buds but also an engaging atmosphere that enhances each dining experience. These establishments stand out for their ability to merge traditional recipes with local influences, creating a unique dining experience that is both genuine and innovative. Perfect for food enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike, Downtown/Union Square is truly a cornerstone of authentic dining in San Francisco.

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