Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in San Francisco Bay Area? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Blossom and Root Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (196)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Danville

About the restaurant

Featuring plant based ingredients, elevated cooking techniques, a creative beverage list and a colorful ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating. Blossom & Root is the Tri-Valley dining destination for anyone curious about - or naturally inclined towards contemporary vegan fare with an "Eat Local" emphasis. Private dining is available. The pretty space is full of blue patterns and hues, with lots of plants (decorative and possibly edible). Featuring just as creative of a bar program as menu. Steven Diehl has elevated the bar program to match our eclectic menu by Chef Chris Johnson. Together the team puts out beautiful food and beverages not to be missed.

Top review

NancyVIP

Dined on May 30, 2025

So tasty! And dishes I don't make at home. Refreshingly healthy as well.

Neumanali

4.8

4.8 (625)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Hayward

About the restaurant

Welcome to our beautifully restored Victorian with a contemporary twist. Neumanali opened fifteen years ago and quickly became a neighborhood favorite.

We are open for indoor dining. Patio seating is available. We are not requiring masks for those who have been vaccinated, however, we appreciate your adherence to the state masking requirements for those not vaccinated.

The menu features both fresh and seasonal entrees in addition to a selection of fun and unusual small plates. Perennial favorites are the pan-seared day boat scallops, grilled ribeye and pan seared pork chop. The wine list is a bit eclectic and features smaller, more difficult to find winery selections. Lush garden dining is available now.

Top review

Jeanine

Dined on Jun 1, 2025

Just a wonderful place for dinner. Delicious food and a quiet beautiful dining room. We can’t wait to go back!

Firefly Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (3083)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Noe Valley

About the restaurant

We serve food that, more often than not, accesses that part of our deepest soul where genuine expression can flow forth. We have always tried to give our food and service our best selves, as honest and vulnerable as we can muster. We strive to be a place where you might actually have a real connection; maybe with your server, maybe with your food or maybe with your possibly gracious host who is ACTUALLY glad you’re there.

Oh, you wanted a restaurant description? Sorry. Can’t really help you there. We’re not so big on labels. Our food is hard to nail down as we are constantly evolving and entirely seasonal and personal. We’ve used “Food you eat” as a tag line on occasion and that remains accurate. We could also describe it as “Food we really want you to eat”. When you’re here, tell us what you would call it.

Top review

Lisa

Dined 6 days ago

Terrific variety of vegetarian options. Very pleasantly surprised that we could hear each other while conversing. One main entree was outstanding - the risotto croquette with zucchini and bean stew. Wow!

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Popular dish

Key Lime Pie

The Progress

4.8

4.8 (2585)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Western Addition

About the restaurant

The Progress is a vehicle for a completely local production. Innovative meals are served with memorable wine & cocktails. The Greatest Dinner Party Ever.

Top review

JoelVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Food is very creative and good. Slightly on the expensive side but still a good value. Place is quite loud so a bit hard to carry a conversation.

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Experience

Radio-Coteau at The Progress

Goldfinch

4.7

4.7 (503)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Sebastopol

About the restaurant

Goldfinch, a modern American bistro located in Sonoma county, celebrates the riches of nature and the rewards of kindness and hard work. Collaboration and community are at the heart of our local and seasonally driven menu, all centered around an open-wood fire. Come eat and drink with us!

Top review

Joseph

Dined 4 days ago

We had an incredible time at Goldfinch. It was our first time in this area our first time in Sebastopol and at this restaurant. Our hostess, who was also our server was wonderful . Wonderful food Excellent oysters Great wine and cocktails Our bartender made the drinks perfectly for us The interior design was spot on and comfortable We will be back!

Baxters Restaurant & Bar

4.9

4.9 (69)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Benicia

About the restaurant

Baxters is a casual fine dining experience located on First Street in the waterside town of Benicia. We are known for our Beef Wellington and succulent Scallops.

Top review

Nerissa

Dined 6 days ago

I loved the ambience of Baxter’s. It was elegant and the background jazzy music definitely helped remind me that I was there to relax and enjoy great food. We had the beet salad, scallops, and tuxedo cake with ice cream. All of it was so delicious that we cleaned all of our plates. I can’t wait to go back!

Valette

4.8

4.8 (3943)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Healdsburg

About the restaurant

Contemporary American: Portraying what Sonoma County has to offer with refined elegance and simplicity.

We will showcase what the region has to offer by focusing on the amazing network of farmers and artisan producers in the area. The relationships we have formed with our purveyors have given us the opportunity to work with what is available while providing the flexibility of changing our menu weekly.

We are determined to provide warm and personable service by dedicated professionals who love what they do. Every guest will feel as if we were inviting them into our own homes.

The wine program is inspired by the incredible history and diversity of the region that surrounds us. Here you can explore classic varieties made by the pioneers whose dedication has made Northern California one of the most exciting wine growing regions in the world.

Top review

George

Dined 1 day ago

Dining at Valette is nothing short of exceptional—a wonderful blend of culinary artistry, attentive service, and a welcoming, elegant atmosphere. The location is easy to find - right off the Healdsburg Square. Each dish is a thoughtful celebration of Sonoma’s seasonal bounty, crafted with precision and imagination. From the steak to the tuna tartare to the jam and bread dessert - truly fantastic! Equally impressive is the service: warm, knowledgeable, and gracious. In short, Valette is everything you want in a restaurant: exceptional food, excellent service, and a space that makes you want to linger. It’s a true gem in the heart of wine country, and well worth the visit.

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Popular dish

Day Boat Scallops en Croute

Popular dish

Coriander Crusted Duck Breast

Popular dish

Prime New York Strip Loin

The Village Pub

4.8

4.8 (4128)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Woodside

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Woodside, The Village Pub is a culinary gem that has captivated the palates of discerning diners for over two decades. The restaurant's contemporary Californian cuisine, rooted in the culinary traditions of France and the Mediterranean, is a symphony of flavors that celebrates the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Each dish is a testament to the chef's artistry, with every component meticulously crafted to showcase the essence of each ingredient. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that diners can always savor the bounty of the harvest. The Village Pub's partnership with SMIP Ranch, a nearby organic farm, is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and sustainability. The farm's heirloom produce, cultivated with care and harvested exclusively for the restaurant, adds an unparalleled depth of flavor to every dish. The restaurant's ambiance is as inviting as its cuisine. The cozy front lounge and more formal dining area offer a choice of settings, each with its own unique charm. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes The Village Pub the perfect place for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or simply a delightful evening out with friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned gourmand or a curious newcomer, The Village Pub promises an unforgettable culinary experience. Come and

Top review

Kirill

Dined 4 days ago

A very well maintained restaurant, great food and service, would definitely visit it again.

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Experience

Father's Day Brunch

Gatehouse Restaurant at The Culinary Institute of America

4.8

4.8 (1245)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

St. Helena

About the restaurant

Join us for a unique dining experience that is unmatched in the Napa Valley. Set on the historic campus of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone, Gatehouse Restaurant showcases the talents of CIA students who have completed two years of rigorous study, under the supervision of our world-class faculty. Enjoy a meal inspired by local produce from the college’s own farms and gardens, and other high-quality ingredients. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Top review

Erika

Dined 2 days ago

Enjoyed every bite and the wine pairing was superb. Being served by student chefs was charming and fun!

B&V Whiskey Bar & Grille

4.8

4.8 (371)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sonoma

About the restaurant

Award winning Chef Carlo Cavallo’s upscale gastropub concept, B&V Whiskey Bar & Grille is located in the Historic Sonoma Creamery building across the street from the Old Mission in the Sonoma Plaza. We are Sonoma Plaza's only brew pub, whiskey bar. B&V's menu format is wine country inspired with farm to table elements, Italian and French influences, and good old fashion steak house. Chef Carlo Cavallo has won best beef in America, and been on Food Networks Guy Fieri show.

Top review

AliciaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Three members of my family are celiacs which always makes it difficult to eat at a burger/pub. We were so impressed with how well the restaurant was able to take care of us. We even ate french fries! Lots and lots of french fries. Our waitress understood our allergy and was really good at taking care with our food. Everything was delicious and we will definitely go back.

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