Best Casual Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

Price

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Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

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East BayMarinPeninsulaSan Francisco

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AlamedaAlbanyBayviewBerkeleyBernal HeightsChinatown

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine winesHot spot

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

77 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. The Cavalier

4.6

Exceptional(1806)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 15 times today

The Cavalier is a London-inspired brasserie, located adjacent to Hotel Zetta in San Francisco's SoMA neighborhood. The upscale British influenced restaurant is brought to you by Executive Chef Jennifer Puccio, managing partner James Nicholas, and award winning San Francisco designer, Ken Fulk. The 135-seat restaurant is divided into four unique, intimate spaces: the Blue Bar, Main Dining Room, Wine Stables, and Rail Car. The interior is designed with deep leather banquettes, polished brass, zinc and white marble, lending a posh and sultry feel.

2. Cable 55

4.1

Excellent(25)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Unspecified • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 1 time today

In the heart of San Francisco's popular neighborhood at Market and Fifth, the contemporary Cable 55 restaurant is found in the sleek Parc 55 San Francisco - a Hilton Hotel, offering tourists and residents a stylish venue and delicious change of pace from rich American classics by infusing them with a light, local flair. As a Surfrider Foundation Ocean Friendly Restaurant, Cable 55 is dedicated to sustainably serving you.

3. Rise Over Run

4.3

Awesome(227)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 14 times today

Gaze out over sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline at Rise Over Run, the lush outdoor rooftop and indoor solarium. Share a South East Asian inspired cocktail — by local legend Danny Louie — or snack on vibrant dishes, incorporating locally-sourced ingredients.Walk-ins are welcomed and encouraged! Reservations are nice, too.For private event and large group inquiries please email us at SFOTL_events@hilton.com

A photo of Elements Bar at ONE65 restaurant

4. Elements Bar at ONE65

4.2

Awesome(47)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 2 times today

One of the city's few upper floor bars, ELEMENTS Bar & Lounge is a sophisticated destination bar serving an extensive range of cocktails, fine wines, whiskies and large variety of spirits in a luxurious, intimate setting. A special menu designed for the lounge provides a selection of inviting food options designed to enjoy with drinks. ELEMENTS Bar & Lounge is located on the 4th floor of the innovative culinary destination - ONE65. The bar offers Happy hour from Tuesday to Saturday. Live DJ sets by our Resident DJs every Friday and Saturday.

5. Bartlett Hall

4.4

Awesome(522)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 2 times today

Bartlett Hall, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square neighborhood, is a modern saloon and eatery that fuses the city’s historic elements with today’s conveniences. With award winning beers made in house, Bartlett offers a special program that pairs beer and food delightfully. A menu of California-inspired American fare, including a variety of burgers, small plates and entrees, are served daily. Bartlett Hall is located at 242 O’Farrell Street www.bartletthallsf.com, or call 415-433-4332. Our Food Menu is available 3:00 PM-9:00 PM, Monday-Wednesday, and 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Thursday-Sunday. Happy Hour Menu: 3:00-5:00 Monday-Friday.

6. PLS on Post

4.0

Excellent(2)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Tenderloin

At PLS on Post, we serve up a generous helping of Peace, Love, and Soul. Our casual vibe makes PLS the perfect spot to kick back, dig in, and unwind. Whether you're here for a quick burger fix or a round of drinks with friends, it's all groovy.

A photo of The Barnes Restaurant and Bar restaurant

7. The Barnes Restaurant and Bar

4.1

Excellent(3)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

The Barnes Restaurant + Bar offers an upgraded dining and beverage experience in a modern setting in Union Square in the center of San Francisco. The cocktails are incredibly delicious and elegant, with something for every palate, including zero proof drinks. The dish is ideal for sharing or having dinner with friends because it uses locally sourced, handcrafted ingredients and showcases distinctive San Francisco flavors. Locals are encouraged to make The Barnes their go-to place for coffee and cocktails.Enjoy The Barnes burger, Skuna bay fish, organic roasted chicken, or ribeye steak frites to sate a larger appetite. The famed woodfire Mr. Espresso coffee from San Francisco is included on the specialty coffee menu, which also offers a choice of other options like traditional breakfast tea and classic Americana or espresso.

8. 620 Jones

3.7

Very Good(2)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Tenderloin

Booked 9 times today

Perched above the streets of Union Square, 620 Jones offers a beautiful view of San Francisco’s skyline. This contemporary space blends urban sophistication with cozy charm, creating the perfect spot for sunset cocktails.The culinary experience is elevated by Chef Ollie Walleck of Sister, Mother, Crone, who brings his innovative touch to the menu. Expect an array of dishes that celebrate California’s local bounty, from shareable plates to hearty mains with a modern twist. Chef Walleck’s signature style—rooted in bold flavors—shines through every bite.Complementing the cuisine is a curated beverage program showcasing craft cocktails, locally sourced wines, and an impressive selection of beers. Whether you’re savoring a refreshing citrus spritz or a sophisticated Old Fashioned, there’s a drink to suit every mood.With its relaxed ambiance, live music on select evenings, and unbeatable views, 620 Jones is your go-to destination for memorable nights in the heart of San Francisco.

9. Cafe Shoji

4.7

Exceptional(22)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • SOMA

Booked 62 times today

Shoji's cafe program focuses on sharing our love for both traditional and modern coffee, as well as tea, to you. Through carefully curated local and international partnerships, we prepare these special offerings to highlight the producer's flavors profiles. We offer only coffee and tea during our cafe hours. *Reservations are required for indoor seating. Please note that parties of 2-3 guests may expect to be seated with another party in the same booth for a 60 minute block period (we will always try to accommodate so that guest can stay longer than their reservation but please be aware of the block period)

10. MESKI

4.5

Awesome(79)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Ethiopian • Nob Hill

Booked 32 times today

Meski will marry Ethiopian and Afro-Latin flavors in dishes like a T-bone steak in a berbere-coffee rub, above, served with chile-glazed plantains and pigeon peas.Meski, named after Fassil's late mother, will serve dishes like sancocho, a Dominican meat stew, infused here with Ethiopian spices. Sambusas will made from yuca, the fried pockets filled with berbere-spiced beef or lentils. As they've developed the menu, German said he's been delighted to notice parallels between his native Dominican cuisine and Ethiopian food. His mother's steak encebollado stew, for example, reminds him of Ethiopian beef tibs.Please note due to high demand and the intimate size of our restaurant, reservations for parties of six or fewer are allotted a 90-minute dining experience.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
andreaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
Love the green house location! Food and service were very good, would recommend!
More info
Rise Over RunPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.3
D
David
Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 30, 2025
The reviews are right, best fish and chips by far!
More info
The CavalierPrice: Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
B
BryanVIP
Chicago / Illinois •44 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 23, 2025
Were visiting SF for work and Bartlett Hall was around the corner from my hotel. Good food and a great selection of beer. Fun vibe!
More info
Bartlett HallPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.4
K
KimVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •58 reviews
4.0
Dined on Mar 15, 2025
We ordered the milk bread, scallops, and wagyu burger—all of which were delicious. The drinks were also great. Nicky checked on us regularly to ensure we were enjoying our meal, which we really appreciated. The background music was pleasant at first, but later in the evening, the volume was turned up a bit too high for our liking. Aside from that, we had a fantastic time.
More info
Elements Bar at ONE65Price: Expensive• French• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.2
R
RyanVIP
Orange County •40 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 17, 2024
Absolutely a phenomenal meal and service! First time dining at Cable 55 and first time staying at Parc 55. The staff is very friendly and attentive. I’ll definitely be back!
More info
Cable 55Price: Moderate• Unspecified• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.1

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