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Best Historic Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

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49 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
1. Historic John's Grill
4.7
Exceptional(7550)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 99 times today
John's Grill has been a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant is one of the city's oldest and most famous and is a favorite of celebrities who enjoy great steaks, expertly prepared fresh seafood with excellent service and a one of a kind atmosphere. John's Grill was a setting in author Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon.
A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
2. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(6257)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 78 times today
The Rotunda serves afternoon tea seven days a week beginning at 1:30 p.m. A tea experience reservation is necessary to enjoy our daily tea service. Any dietary restrictions must be noted at least 24 hours in advance of your reservation.Please use link below to reserve your tea experience.https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=889&restref=889&experienceId=35326Let THE ROTUNDA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.The Rotunda is located on the 4th floor of Neiman Marcus. We are accessible through our elevator on the Geary Street entrance or through any NM entrance.
A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant
3. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection
4.1
Excellent(2509)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • SOMA
Booked 17 times today
Featuring innovative intercontinental cuisine, the famed Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in a glorious setting. This historic landmark serves Breakfast daily, 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch Monday-Thursday and an enchanting Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The Garden Court features a stained glass dome, Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers and is noted on San Francisco’s Historic Register as Landmark #18. Our Executive Chef invites you to try our signature crab salad lightly dressed in our own Green Goddess Dressing, a true Palace original created in 1923.
A photo of The Vault Steakhouse restaurant
4. The Vault Steakhouse
4.3
Awesome(290)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 13 times today
Located in the original bank vault of the historic 555 California St building on the Concourse Level, The Vault Steakhouse offers indoor dining, a lounge and bar with an extensive cocktail, whiskey and wine program for a special occasion, business function, and date night - all in one place. Enjoy classics steakhouse cuts, creative and fun sides, tableside touches and more.Chefs Ryan Cerizo & Jason Halverson have collaborated to take all of the things we love about Steakhouse dining and elevate it with simple, delicious, modern day touches. Onsite parking is available for $5 in our 24 hour secured garage.
A photo of Le Central restaurant
5. Le Central
4.6
Exceptional(2181)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 21 times today
Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for five decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Located on the edge of the Financial District, Union Square, and Chinatown in a rare one story brick building adorned with its iconic pink neon sign and crowned by a vintage “Tabac” sign. Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a Parisian brasserie. With exposed brick walls, original imported brass bar, stained glass features, and cozy banquettes topped with brass railings. The atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy delicious French fare and exceptional wines and cocktails in an upscale, yet casual environment. Enjoy French classics like steak-frites, escargot, onion soup, and our world famous Cassoulet. Le Central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!
A photo of Monte’s Restaurant & Bar restaurant
6. Monte’s Restaurant & Bar
4.4
Awesome(10)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 2 times today
Located in downtown San Francisco at the corner of Montgomery and California Streets, Monte’s Restaurant and Bar is convenient to the cable car stop and features expansive windows in a comfortable, elegant atmosphere. Enjoy locally crafted meals in addition to signature cocktails and drinks at our San Francisco bar.Monte’s Restaurant is open for Breakfast and Lunch and Monte’s Bar provides walk-in Dinner service from 4:00pm – 10:00pm.Drinks are served in the bar until 11:00pm.
A photo of Four Kings restaurant
7. Four Kings
4.6
Exceptional(194)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 14 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 Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
8. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(4356)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 123 times today
Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.
A photo of Starlite restaurant
9. Starlite
4.6
Exceptional(217)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 21 times today
Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.
A photo of Back to Back restaurant
10. Back to Back
4.8
Exceptional(91)
Price: Expensive
• Pizzeria • Nob Hill
Booked 20 times today
Back to Back is where Italian and Californian flavors collide in the heart of Nob Hill, San Francisco. Our wood-fired pizzas, inspired by Naples and New York, are crafted with locally sourced ingredients for a taste of California's bounty. Alongside shared plates and hearty pasta dishes, our curated wine list features natural and classic wines from around the world, while signature cocktails add a touch of creativity to your experience.As you dine, immerse yourself in the ambiance with music from our vinyl record collection. Join us at Back to Back for a culinary journey celebrating the fusion of tradition and innovation. Book your table today and savor the best of Italian-Californian cuisine by Head Chef, Saif Alomari.Founded by brother and sister, both from SF ❤️.

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