Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

East BayMarinPeninsulaSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

AlamedaBerkeleyBernal HeightsChinatownCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessCow Hollow

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

198 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Elephant Sushi Hayes Valley restaurant

1. Elephant Sushi Hayes Valley

4.7

Exceptional(332)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Sushi • Western Addition

Booked 27 times today

We are rooted in the Japanese tradition of splendidly fresh ingredients sourced from all over the world and delivered to us every day. In our sushi chef’s able hands these traditions are magically transformed into something special – we dance with tradition!! Elephant Sushi is a family of hospitality professionals passionate about the craft of sushi, cocktails and service.After years of creating and experimentation, what you see is a menu of all time stars, crafted by our loving hands and a never ending desire to exceed your expectations. Our strong relationship with purveyors ensures immaculately sourced fish delivered every day. Food service is our pride.Arigato gozaimasu!

2. Teakwood

4.6

Exceptional(356)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Burmese • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 43 times today

NOW OPEN!Bringing the vibrance of Burmese culture and its surrounding cultural influences to Hayes Valley, San Francisco.

A photo of Hayes Street Grill restaurant

3. Hayes Street Grill

4.6

Exceptional(4386)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 33 times today

Hayes Street Grill is a neo-traditional fish house in San Francisco's Civic Center district, across the street from the Performing Arts Center, opposite Davies Symphony Hall and a block from both the Opera House and City Hall. We use an international mix of recipes, unified with a theme of fish and seafood. Above every other consideration, we want the freshness and pristine quality of the fish, produce, and naturally-raised meats to speak for themselves.The Hayes Street Grill's walls are covered with autographed photos of the artists who consider the restaurant their club. Though we've remodeled since our opening 33 years ago, the original brass coat hooks along the walls remain, as does our founding philosophy of cooking only the food we would serve at home to our families, albeit dressed up a little, with a religious dedication to wholesomeness.

4. Xebec-sf

4.7

Exceptional(69)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Western Addition

Booked 13 times today

Are you ready to embark on a mouth-watering journey down the Mediterranean coast, infused with the tantalizing flavors and techniques of Japan? Join us now to experience this meeting of cultures that will leave your taste buds craving for more!

5. ¡Chao Pescao!

4.4

Awesome(662)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 8 times today

Chao Pescao is a new casual Latin Caribbean restaurant from longtime San Francisco restaurateur Rene Denis inspired by his Cuban-Colombian heritage. The name, translating roughly to “see you later alligator,” captures the friendly and fun spirit of the restaurant. Cocktails are inspired by many of the traditional drinks from Latin America, while the food pulls from the comforting Cuban and Colombian home cooking of Denis’s childhood. The menu is rounded out with other Latin American favorites with particular emphasis on dishes designed for delivery. Chao Pescao is located in the Civic Center Plaza at the heart of the city, across from City Hall.

6. Jang

4.1

Excellent(50)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Korean • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 5 times today

Experience Korean Dining Like Never Before. At Jang, we honor the essence of Korean cuisine through a daring blend of tradition and modernity. Named after the cornerstone of Korean flavor—fermented sauces—our restaurant is dedicated to celebrating this foundational ingredient while reimagining its role in contemporary dining.Our chefs craft each dish with the finest seasonal produce sourced from local farms and the best proteins and fish from around the globe. This commitment to quality ensures that every meal is not only a tribute to traditional Korean flavors but also a canvas for innovation. By blending time-honored techniques with cutting-edge culinary artistry, we create a harmonious symphony of ingredients that highlight the rich, umami-packed depth of our fermented sauces.At Jang, our menu is a curated selection of dishes designed to push the boundaries of Korean cuisine. Offering an unforgettable dining experience that seamlessly merges authenticity with avant-garde flair.

A photo of Nakama Sushi - San Francisco restaurant

7. Nakama Sushi - San Francisco

4.6

Exceptional(388)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 12 times today

Nakama means friends/buddies and Nakama Sushi is the result of 2 friends coming together to bring to San Francisans an affordable omakase style menu featuring the highest quality fresh fish. Nakama Sushi also offer an excellent A la carte which is great for the pre-performance. In a city full of expensive dining options, Nakama is proud to offer you an excellent value. Nakama Sushi offer fine selections of beer, wine and sake. Bring your friends, family to Nakama Sushi for a memorable meal.

A photo of Hardwood Bar & Smokery restaurant

8. Hardwood Bar & Smokery

4.4

Awesome(99)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • SOMA

Booked 5 times today

Neighborhood Bar featuring Bay Area BBQ, Craft Beer, Cocktails & MoreCome by and enjoy great food, great drinks, and great vibes!Hardwood Bar & Smokery features Bay Area BBQ smoked over Northern California white oak and local almond wood.A labor of love which has become a staple here at Hardwood.

A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant

9. House of Prime Rib

4.8

Exceptional(16109)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 188 times today

62 years of loyal customers can't be wrong. We are grateful to all of our customers, employees, and critics (...though we may not always agree!). The only way to find out the truth is with a visit. Oft imitated, never duplicated. Thank you in advance.

10. Four Kings

4.6

Exceptional(195)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 6 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,

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

H
Himanshu
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Apr 27, 2025
Bombay Brasserie offers a refined take on Indian cuisine, blending authentic flavors with a modern, elegant setting. The food is rich and flavorful — highlights include the butter chicken and lamb rogan josh — and the service is warm and attentive. A great spot for a special night out.
More info
Bombay BrasseriePrice: Expensive• French / Indian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.3
K
KarenVIP
Los Angeles •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 25, 2025
Excellent food and service in a fun, lively atmosphere. Definitely going back!
More info
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Thai• Mission District
•
4.5
S
Susan
Portland / Oregon •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 24, 2025
Excellent service and delicious food. Many options for all.
More info
Matador - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.5
M
Michael
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 22, 2025
Every dish I've had across 3 visits to this restaurant has been outstanding. Staff are friendly and attentive and the atmosphere is vibing.
More info
Base CampPrice: Moderate• Asian• Mission District
•
4.8
B
BerndVIP
California Central Coast •12 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 21, 2025
Great food! The tables are a little close to each other, and there is some noise. The servers are professionals, but not too uplifting.
More info
Z & Y RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.5

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