Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in San Francisco

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in San Francisco? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Sushi Hakko

5.0

5 (254)

$50 and over

Japanese

Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

About the restaurant

**Welcome to Sushi Hakko on Union St. + Fillmore St.**
We'd like to offer our tasting menu that's reflecting Chef Alex Kim and his team's pursuit of top notch sushi experience. Our approach is a harmonious crossover of authentic Edo-mae style with Western skill. From fish to rice, cooking rice to garnish prep - a true synergy of not only Californian but Japan.

**Sushi Bar Experience**
For the best experience of our tasting menu, we'd recommend the sushi bar seating, where chef will serve and explain the dish by dish, piece by piece with an extensive information of the skills and ingredients.

**Regular Tables**
Our regular tables are also available for the tasting menu and you can make a reservation at any time slot to your convenience.

*Large Group*
For any party of 7 or more, please kindly call us at 415.814.2886 or email at sushihakko@gmail.com. We will get back to you asap.

All parties will be subject to a 20% service charge.

We look forward to serving you soon.

Top review

Chris

Dined on Aug 28, 2024

Attentive service, chef very engaging and talented

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Experience

The Roll Table Experience

Experience

Sushi Hakko Bar Experience

Experience

Sushi Hakko Table Experience

Hard Knox Cafe on Clement Street

4.9

4.9 (136)

$30 and under

Southern

Richmond District

About the restaurant

Hard Knox Café offers San Francisco diners the best in southern home-style cooking. It is sometimes said that someone has gotten their education from the school of “hard knocks” meaning one born from experience rather than classroom training. Southern cooking is much like that as it is most often learned from family and growing up southern rather than a culinary course. Southern cooking also means lots of stick-to-your-ribs goodness and great hospitality. Both are in great supply at the Hard Knox Café. Great soul food like gumbo, po-boys (shrimp or catfish), pulled pork, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, oxtails, BBQ ribs and fried chicken are good for what ails you. Catering services are also offered by the Hard Knox Café.

Top review

Bethvip

Dined 7 days ago

The wait staff is so friendly, regardless of person has your table. And surprisingly my favorite side is stewed cabbage! Who knew

The Patio

4.9

4.9 (272)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

About the restaurant

Although we try to accommodate every request for the back patio, we are experiencing high demand and have limited seating in order to observe social distancing. We also offer outdoor seating on the sidewalk and new parklet, as well as limited indoor seating. Thank you for understanding and we look forward to seeing you soon!

We are following the health guidelines to keep our guests and staff safe. Due to these circumstances, we kindly ask that you do not show up early or late, and honor a 1.5 hour maximum duration to your reservation.

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Top review

Lindsey

Dined 1 day ago

We had a “Just married brunch” for some newlyweds. The patio staff was so accommodating in helping us surprise the couple and were very attentive. Would highly recommend throwing a special event here.

Monk's Kettle

4.9

4.9 (23)

$30 and under

American

Mission District

About the restaurant

The Monk’s Kettle is a neighborhood tavern in San Francisco’s Mission District offering upscale pub fare and a broad and balanced craft beer list.

A place where all are welcome, where the mission is simply to create a place people want to be.

Named the Best Beer Bar in California. Named one of the best Burgers and Fried Chicken Sandwiches in the region.

Monks Kettle is moving to Rockridge in Oakland later this summer. Our last day of service in San Francisco is Sunday June 30. We hope to reopen in Rockridge around September.

Top review

Reviewer

Dined on Apr 28, 2024

Delicious food, drinks, and really friendly staff. Always a great experience!

Abrazo

4.9

4.9 (486)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Russian Hill

About the restaurant

Welcome to Abrazo! We are a neighborhood restaurant nestled in the historic and beautiful Russian Hill neighborhood. Chef/Owner Michael Pawliks menu features contemporary Spanish-Californian inspired cuisine, sourcing only the freshest and most traditional ingredients. Abrazo features a lofty 18ft ceiling, a cozy bar, and a private dining room that seats 16. The wine list features the best of Spain's legendary wine regions alongside Napa Valley classics.

We hope to see you soon!

Top review

Linnea

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent small plates, including seasonal specials. Lovely staff saw to our needs! Only sorry to skip dessert - too full of wonderful octopus , shrimp and grilled stone fruit with duck confit

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4.8

4.8 (1240)

$31 to $50

Italian

Russian Hill

About the restaurant

Welcome to Amarena, our beloved classic neighborhood Italian restaurant.
Proudly serving the Russian Hill Neighborhood for over 20 years, dishing out delicious Italian classics while providing loving service. We hope to see you soon!

Top review

Lenore

Dined on Aug 12, 2024

This cozy neighborhood spot features a well priced Italian wine list, fresh lovely pastas, good salads and yummy proteins. I especially like the salmon, osso bucco and chicken. My husband can't get enough of the orchiette, fettucine, and anything else with a meat sauce. Cozy, seating outside and in and attentive friendly staff. It's a go to place for us.

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Experience

Happy Hours at Amarena everyday

Blue Plate

4.8

4.8 (1523)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bernal Heights

About the restaurant

The Blue Plate opened in 1999 as a casual spot where friends and neighbors can enjoy the best ingredients our seasons have to offer. Owners Cory Obenour and Jeff Trenam have created a space that feels like a home, with three distinct dining rooms each appointed with the work of local artists. In the back, a lush, night-fragrant garden offers an exotic retreat from the bustle of the city. The kitchen stays committed to using the highest quality local produce and meats in classic American and rustic Mediterranean dishes. Through a working friendship with Bay Area farmers, the Blue Plate is expanding the notion of "the blue plate special" to include dining that is casual, affordable, delicious and responsible.

Top review

nikib

Dined on Aug 21, 2024

Still AMAZING after all these years. Wonderful neighborhood spot. Incredible food and wine. Great service. We miss you Shannon!!!

Caffe Fiore - San Francisco

4.8

4.8 (379)

$30 and under

Italian

Mission District

About the restaurant

*For online orders, please visit www.caffefioresf.com*

An OpenTable favorite, Caffe Fiore is where European café culture meets fine Italian cuisine on the Mission/Noe Valley corridor in San Francisco. Serving classic Neapolitan and contemporary Italian favorites for dinner, our kitchen offers a fine selection of homemade dishes Tuesday through Saturday. Whether just for a glass of wine or a big dinner party, we look forward to seeing you at our home away from home, just a block away from the bustle of Valencia Street!

Top review

Stefano

Dined 7 days ago

Every single time dining here is a great experience overall, the food feels like home, the ambience and music is relaxing and welcoming, the owner is extremely friendly. A true local gem

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Experience

Thursday 50% off on select bottle of wine

Perry's Union Street

4.8

4.8 (677)

$30 and under

American

Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

About the restaurant

Having recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Union Street, Perry’s remains an enormously popular San Francisco institution. Perry Butler initially opened Perry’s in 1969, bringing to Union Street the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood saloons of New York’s Upper East Side. The blue and white checked tablecloths, hexagonal tiled floor, wood-paneled memorabilia clad walls, and menu of American classics produced an atmosphere that has held true today-- comfortable, inviting and cool.

Testament to its timeless appeal, Perry’s is known today, as much as ever, for its classic American food, its warm personable service and a fun, bustling bar. Perry"s traditional yet innovative menu includes a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, pastas, steaks and grilled fresh fish.

Top review

HeidiG

Dined on Aug 19, 2024

delicious soul, yummy hamburger! Everyone had a great time.

Taksim

4.8

4.8 (343)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

SOMA

About the restaurant

Taksim is inspired by a modern approach to authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Our team has a profound love for Mediterranean gastronomy, a dedication to refinement, and a commitment to using the best ingredients.

Taksim focuses on contemporary and often playful versions of classic ideas. Our seasonal menu reflects a fresh gastronomic outlook rooted in memories, where each dish is conceived with a specific culinary philosophy.

Top review

Jennifervip

Dined 1 day ago

Shish kebab was tender and moist! Service was great.

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