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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

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168 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Hayes Street Grill restaurant
1. Hayes Street Grill
4.6
Exceptional(4386)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 30 times today
Hayes Street Grill is a beloved neighborhood gem, nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Civic Center district. As one reviewer puts it, it's 'a caring restaurant with good food and good service' that retains the tradition of a classic SF gem. The restaurant specializes in seafood, with reviews consistently praising the freshness and quality of the food. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with ever-competent wait staff, making it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors alike.
A photo of ¡Chao Pescao! restaurant
2. ¡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.
A photo of Zuni Cafe restaurant
3. Zuni Cafe
4.6
Exceptional(8005)
Price: Expensive
• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 112 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 Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
4. Che Fico San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(2000)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 76 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.” 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 and enjoy warm hospitality, food, and drink, through an approachable menu and convivial ambiance.
A photo of Elena's restaurant
5. Elena's
4.6
Exceptional(724)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 131 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 Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant
6. Little Original Joe's -- Marina
4.8
Exceptional(101)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 78 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 Nopa - San Francisco restaurant
7. Nopa - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(3633)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 108 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 Chouquet's restaurant
8. Chouquet's
4.8
Exceptional(1759)
Price: Moderate
• French • Pacific Heights
Booked 25 times today
Chouquet's is a local favorite, tucked into a charming spot in Pacific Heights. Reviewers rave about its 'authentic French food', 'excellent wine selection', and 'intimate' atmosphere. The service is consistently praised as 'friendly' and 'efficient'. Whether you're grabbing lunch at the bar or enjoying a Sunday brunch, Chouquet's is a neighborhood gem that never disappoints.
A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
9. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(6266)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 71 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 Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
10. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.8
Exceptional(4360)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 93 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.

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Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Discover the charm of "neighborhood gems" in the vibrant Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness area of San Francisco. This eclectic district is renowned for its unique dining experiences that cater to both locals and visitors seeking something truly special. Each restaurant in this category offers a distinct ambiance and menu, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of San Francisco. From cozy, intimate settings perfect for a romantic evening to lively, bustling atmospheres ideal for a group night out, there’s something to suit every taste and occasion. The dining scene here is characterized by a commitment to quality and a flair for creative culinary expressions, making each meal memorable. Enjoy the blend of excellent service, innovative cuisine, and a warm welcome that defines these neighborhood gems. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, these restaurants promise a delightful exploration of local flavors and gourmet craftsmanship.

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