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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in The Castro

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156 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Frances restaurant
1. Frances
4.8
Exceptional(3714)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • The Castro
Booked 30 times today
At Frances, chef Melissa Perello’s seasonal menu reflects modern California sensibilities and focuses on ingredients from local markets, farms and producers in a casual, neighborhood setting. Named after Chef Perello’s grandmother, Frances is an ode to refined but comfortable sensibilities in both food and decor. Whether it’s the technique-rich, yet simple approach to food, or the open, familiar atmosphere and stellar service, Frances' honest, focused approach has resonated with customers and critics alike.
A photo of Starbelly restaurant
2. Starbelly
4.5
Awesome(1636)
Price: Moderate
• American • The Castro
Booked 46 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 Canela Bistro Bar restaurant
3. Canela Bistro Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1606)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • The Castro
Booked 9 times today
Take a trip to Spain without your passport! Established in 2011, Canela's Spanish and California cuisine has been drawing in locals and visitors alike. Crafted with a mix of ingredients and wines imported from Spain as well as California's bounty, Canela's mix of tapas and paella is made to please. Mat Schuster, Canela’s executive chef, has dedicated his life to creating sophisticated and unforgettable flavors with you in mind. Honored to be awarded a Certified Restaurant from Spain by the Spanish Trade Commission, we offer over 75 bottles of unique wine from Spain, some that you will only find here. Whether you want to have a formal dinner, casual tapas, small plates, paella, glass of wine, and homemade dessert, come to Canela and be assured that you will find what you are looking for.
A photo of L'Ardoise restaurant
4. L'Ardoise
4.8
Exceptional(3453)
Price: Expensive
• French • The Castro
Booked 17 times today
L'Ardoise is a beloved neighborhood gem in San Francisco's Castro area. Reviewers rave about its traditional French cuisine, cozy ambiance, and excellent service. One reviewer noted, 'Delicious neighborhood gem. Always enjoy a brasserie style meal here.' Another echoed, 'A neighborhood gem that feels like you're walking into Paris.' The restaurant's authentic French bistro vibe and consistent quality food and service have earned it a loyal following in the community.
A photo of La Mediterranee restaurant
5. La Mediterranee
4.7
Exceptional(21)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • The Castro
Booked 3 times today
Consistently voted “Best Middle Eastern” and “Best Mediterranean” in the San Francisco Bay Area.Since 1981, La Méditerranée Noe, situated in the heart of the Castro District, has been serving award winning dishes to locals and visitors alike. Mid-East and Mediterranean cuisine is inspired by Armenian and Lebanese family recipes. Each dish is made using only the finest spices and freshest ingredients, and our catering platters are perfect for get-togethers of all kinds. Serving affordable lunch specials, Happy Hour, and dinner specials, our cozy café is always welcoming. Locals love to catch a sunny table at our sidewalk seating for our weekend brunch! With good food at reasonable prices, and service that is always friendly, La Mediterranee Noe is proud to be a bright spot in the community!
A photo of Elena's restaurant
6. Elena's
4.7
Exceptional(798)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 116 times today
Welcome to Elena's -- a place where a family’s love for authentic Mexican food is celebrated and combined with California-inspired elements and signature Mexican-American dishes. We offer reservations for up to 8 guests via OpenTable. At the time of your reservation, we kindly request the entire party be present to be seated. Tables will be held for up to 10 minutes after the reservation time. For parties that arrive later, the table will be released but we will do our best to accommodate the reservation with the next available table. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!
A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
7. Che Fico San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(2029)
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 Nopa - San Francisco restaurant
8. Nopa - San Francisco
4.6
Exceptional(3665)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 87 times today
Nopa is a San Francisco gathering place north of the Panhandle, serving urban rustic food and specializing in organic wood-fired cuisine. We serve simple dishes created with seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors.
A photo of Zuni Cafe restaurant
9. Zuni Cafe
4.7
Exceptional(8055)
Price: Expensive
• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 97 times today
Zuni Café opened in San Francisco, California on February 15, 1979. Our daily changing menus are inspired by seasonal organic ingredients and incorporate traditional French and Italian cuisine. As Zuni continues to evolve, in its own distinctive and delicious way, it strives to remain the way it’s always been: at the same time rustic and cosmopolitan, audacious and familiar, intimate and convivial.RESERVATIONS ARE TAKEN UP TO 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE.TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR A 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT.
A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant
10. Little Original Joe's -- Marina
4.8
Exceptional(121)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 31 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!

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Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in The Castro

Discover the charm of San Francisco's Castro neighborhood with our curated selection of "neighborhood gem" restaurants. Each venue is celebrated for its unique ambiance, exceptional service, and a commitment to culinary excellence, making them perfect for any dining occasion. From cozy, intimate settings ideal for romantic dinners to vibrant, welcoming spaces suitable for gatherings with friends, the Castro offers a diverse dining scene that catively reflects the area's eclectic culture. These restaurants are praised for their ability to blend innovative menus with the comforting feel of a neighborhood spot, ensuring a memorable dining experience with every visit. Whether you're a local or a tourist, exploring these gems provides not only a taste of top-notch cuisine but also a genuine slice of Castro's community spirit. Experience why these establishments have earned the title of "neighborhood gems" and continue to enchant residents and visitors alike.

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