Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchJapanese

Regions

East BayMarinPeninsulaSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

BerkeleyChinatownCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessDowntown / Union SquareFinancial District / EmbarcaderoFisherman's Wharf

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

48 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant

1. Historic John's Grill

4.7

Exceptional(7550)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 97 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.

2. The Post Room

4.3

Awesome(207)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 43 times today

In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, a new Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge called The Post Room is nestled inside the historic Beacon Grand and overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby, the vibrant social venue will serve breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends and complemented by a dazzling live music program.

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant

3. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(6257)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 93 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.

4. Starlite

4.6

Exceptional(217)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 19 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.

5. Corzetti

4.6

Exceptional(415)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 33 times today

Step off the bustling streets of Union Square and into a glamorous, coastal Italian getaway. Corzetti is a Ligurian restaurant and bar that evokes summers spent on the Italian Riviera where life moves at a slower pace, and seaside restaurants serve up menus influenced by the day’s catch and peak-season produce from the region.Chef Tali Missirlian's focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and handmade pasta reflects our commitment to sustainability and quality. You'll find fresh seafood-forward dishes on our menu including pizza, pasta and more, which pair perfectly with creative cocktails from our bar and an extensive list of Italian wines. Come in for lunch, happy hour, or a quick dinner before a show. Host birthday parties and get togethers in our private dining room. From our cozy and intimate atmosphere to our knowledgeable and attentive service, Corzetti invites you to savor the essence of Liguria's relaxed seaside culture in the heart of the city.

6. Top of the Mark

4.5

Awesome(887)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Tapas / Small Plates • Nob Hill

Booked 30 times today

Number 1 in California and San Francisco, and 2nd in the nation on USAToday's 10 Best Hotel Bars.Nestled on the 19th floor of the historic InterContinental Mark Hopkins, Top of the Mark's breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco's skyline and iconic landmarks, including the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, the enigmatic Alcatraz, Union Square, and more, will leave you spellbound. Sip on our signature cocktails as you soak in the atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Our appetizer and dessert selection will tantalize your taste buds, with options that complement our cocktails perfectly. What's more, we offer live entertainment each Saturday evening, where you can let the music move you on the dance floor.Join us at San Francisco's legendary sky lounge, the Top of the Mark, for a night filled with unforgettable moments, where every sip, bite, and dance move is a journey into the extraordinary.

A photo of Biscuits and Blues restaurant

7. Biscuits and Blues

4.5

Awesome(1995)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 1 time today

Located in the heart of San Francisco's historic Theater District, Biscuits and Blues is a West Coast musical landmark where every seat provides an up-close, live music experience. Our all-ages supper club is a great place for the whole family to experience America's greatest musical heritage! We have live music six nights a week featuring national and Bay Area acts. Our full bar and soulful Southern menu compliments the savory sounds of our top-notch talent. If you’re trying to decide between food and music, you can indulge in both with us! Show times and prices may vary and are dependent on specific acts. No refunds-no cancellations for show tickets. Every ticket has a seat. Singles will be assigned a bar seat or shareable table seat when available.

8. Bartlett Hall

4.4

Awesome(521)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 4 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.

A photo of Tower Salon - The Westin St. Francis restaurant

9. Tower Salon - The Westin St. Francis

3.7

Very Good(524)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

We'd like to inform you of our current relocation to Tower Salon A while the Oak Room undergoes renovations. Tower Salon A, conveniently situated in the tower building, past the concierge desk and adjacent to the tower glass elevators, is now hosting our services.Rest assured, while our location may have changed, our commitment to providing you with our signature hearty breakfast and full American buffet remains unchanged. You can continue to expect the same wonderful dining experience you've come to love.We appreciate your continued support during this renovation period. If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to welcoming you at Tower Salon A for a memorable dining experience.

A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant

10. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

4.1

Excellent(2509)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • SOMA

Booked 15 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
David
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •15 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Amazing cocktails, food and service in this elegant restaurant.
More info
The Post RoomPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.3
S
SaraVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Fabulous view and knowledgable and efficient service. Food was not quite up to the level it had been in prior visits, but still quite good. Seemed like crab was not as fresh as it has been before, but everything else—fruit, bisque, risotto—all outstanding.
More info
The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
M
MarkVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •59 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
A classic! Food was very good, we ate yostairs with live Jazz..good buzz in the room!
More info
Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
A
Andrea
Orange County •6 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Beautiful location and view. Food and drinks are a bit too pricey, but the customer service is great.
More info
StarlitePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
P
Peter
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 17, 2025
perfect place for a quiet, delicious business lunch. Place was not too busy and was quiet for conversation; server was attentive and friendly, food (pasta, foccacia, panna cotta) was excellent. Also super convenient to the Westin St Francis next door where the conference was. Excellent experience.
More info
CorzettiPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.6