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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Financial District / Embarcadero

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21 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant
1. Little Original Joe's -- Marina
4.8
Exceptional(121)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 70 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 Bon Delire restaurant
2. Bon Delire
4.5
Awesome(354)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 47 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.
A photo of Waterbar restaurant
3. Waterbar
4.6
Exceptional(11135)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 150 times today
Waterbar is a seafood-centric restaurant located on the waterfront with spectacular panoramic views of the bay and city skyline, exceptional design, and a menu of the freshest sustainable fish and seafood. Featuring stunning outdoor (dog-friendly) dining on the waterfront patio, a relaxed atmosphere and floor-to-ceiling circular aquariums filled with an eye-catching array of fish and marine life from the Pacific Ocean. Waterbar is not to be missed.
A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
4. Che Fico San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(2026)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 60 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.” We also offer a tasty Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. 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, family or a date night and enjoy warm hospitality, food, and drink, through an approachable menu and convivial ambiance.
A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant
5. Chotto Matte San Francisco
4.3
Awesome(110)
Price: Very Expensive
• Asian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 6 times today
Situated in Downtown San Francisco, Chotto Matte is renowned for its signature Nikkei Cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and electric atmosphere. Chotto Matte’s chic, contemporary interior is inspired by its Japanese & Peruvian roots, making it a unique dining experience, every time. Key highlights include Chotto’s recognizable bold design, tropical foliage and theatrical robata grill.
A photo of Flores - Union Street restaurant
6. Flores - Union Street
4.4
Awesome(600)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 41 times today
Flores is San Francisco’s Mexican restaurant serving traditional Mexican food and contemporary cocktails. At Flores, we stay true to our roots, finding inspiration in Mexico’s food, landscape and culture. We’re serious about our food, but we’re even more serious about having fun.5% surcharge will be added to all guest checks for employee benefit, including health insurance, commuter benefit, sick days, and minimum wage ordinance.
A photo of Cultivar restaurant
7. Cultivar
4.5
Awesome(262)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 6 times today
Cultivar San Francisco is a farm to table restaurant by Cultivar Wine that now featuring craft cocktails. The menu is inspired by locally-sourced seasonal ingredients including from our culinary garden at Caspar Estate. The menu complements hand-crafted wines from our Cultivar Winery and boutique wines from California and beyond. Our back patio has a fireplace, heaters and festive lighting, perfect setting for a private dinner or a celebration. Sidewalk tables on Chestnut have heaters, great for people watching and guests with dogs. Seasonal dishes and Cultivar Wines available for take out and to go. We also offer off site catering.Our location is near the Lyon St. entrance to the Presidio, near the Palace of Fine Arts and in the Marina District of San Francisco.Mo-Sat: Food until 9pm, Wine until 10pm Sun: Food until 8:45pm Wine until 9pmSat/Sun: Brunch: 11am-3pm
A photo of Caché restaurant
8. Caché
4.6
Exceptional(78)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Sunset District
Booked 40 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 Starbelly restaurant
9. Starbelly
4.5
Awesome(1636)
Price: Moderate
• American • The Castro
Booked 34 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.
A photo of Acquolina restaurant
10. Acquolina
4.7
Exceptional(498)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 10 times today
In Italian, Acquolina means “mouthwatering” – illustrating what happens when you see a delicious, inviting dish. This phenomenon can only happen when food is made with passion and love. For us, food “is a social matter. ” In turn, Acquolina weds a passion for food with a real respect for the community in which it stands – welcoming a mix of locals and visitors, singles and families, welcoming guests of all ages and lifestyles.At Acquolina, we endeavor to create a vibrant and lively atmosphere where our patrons can revel in the experience of an authentic and “regional” Italian meal. The Tuscan-infused menu is meant to pair with an assortment of wines, with samplings from Italy and California. In the spirit of the Tuscan Trattoria, everything is meant to be authentic – the pasta boiler and the pizza oven came direct from Italy, brought here to guarantee a perfect plate of “al dente” pasta and a perfect slice of thin crust pizza.

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