Diners' Choice: American restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall 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!

Auro

5.0

5 (231)

$50 and over

American

Calistoga

About the restaurant

Calistoga's only Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef Rogelio Garcia crafts seven courses from Napa Valley's peak ingredients, applying French technique with Mexican and Japanese influences. Book the alfresco patio or the intimate dining room and enjoy vineyard and mountain views, or reserve the Chef's Table inside the kitchen. Sommelier Derek Stevenson pairs each course from his 450-label wine list - Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence winner. Experience what happens when Napa Valley's bounty meets Four Seasons hospitality and world-class artistry.

Top review

MarcVIP

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Wonderful ambience, excellent service with wonderful interactions... food so good but not enough savory bites. Didn't need all the sweets... with a few starter nibbles and then five awesome but tiny savory courses, either have to bump up the portions on each course or add a couple more savory courses. Aside from this, wonderful ...!

Discover more

Experience

DANA Estates Wine Dinner | July 30, 2025

Experience

Realm Cellars Wine Dinner | August 27, 2025

Experience

Chris Carpenter Wine Dinner | September 24, 2025

Golden Bear Station

4.9

4.9 (463)

$31 to $50

American

Kenwood

About the restaurant

Golden Bear Station is a New American restaurant that offers a unique perspective through the lens from the owners of Animo and Mu Ramen.

Mu Ramen and Animo owners Joshua Smookler and Heidy He have received exceptional recognition, including a prestigious 2-star review from the New York Times in 2015. The New York Times also dubbed them as the best ramen in NYC, while Eater named them the best ramen in America in 2016. Animo, on the other hand, has been praised by the San Francisco Chronicle and recognized as one of Esquire's Best New Restaurant in America in 2022. Both restaurants have earned a place and acknowledgement in the Michelin guide.

Golden Bear Station strives to encompass the essence of a local establishment and a haven for aficionados of wine and gastronomy. It serves as a gathering place where individuals flock to savor global and seasonal delicacies.

Top review

Bill

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Absolutely incredible food and service! We loved our experience.

Discover more

Popular dish

Porterhouse (for two)

Popular dish

Ribeye

Saison

4.9

4.9 (69)

$50 and over

American

SOMA

About the restaurant

Saison is a two Michelin-starred, open wood fire restaurant under the leadership of Executive Chef Richard Lee, emphasizing the bounty of California’s evolving terroir and its incredible farmers, ranchers, and fishermen and women. Saison is driven by Lee’s dedication to purity and innovation, paired with a Grand Award-winning wine list in a dynamic space where guest and team celebrate an intimate, culture-shifting experience. Chef Lee builds upon Saison’s formidable foundation as the original fine dining establishment in the U.S. to use open hearth cooking, crafting nuanced flavors with intention that are inspired by the culinary diversity of Northern California.

Saison has one of the country’s largest and most remarkable selections of Old and New World wine, with a special emphasis on Burgundy, originally established by Saison Hospitality co-founder and Saison Winery winemaker Mark Bright and now curated by Beverage Director and Assistant General Manager Molly Greene.

Top review

MicahVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Being a foodie, my wife and I live to have wonderful day experiences and great food. Saison was best of the best top quality in every aspect. Can’t wait to return. This will become a regular venue for us.

Discover more

Experience

Tasting Menu By Our Kitchen

Experience

Tasting Menu In Our Barside Salon

Experience

Abridged Menu In Our Barside Salon

Juanita & Maude

4.9

4.9 (1833)

$50 and over

American

Albany

About the restaurant

An intimate neighborhood restaurant, Juanita & Maude features Chef Scott Eastman's personal take on American Cuisine. The daily changing menu highlights classic dishes including Michelin Guide's top 5 hamburger in California. His refined comfort food is matched with seasonal craft cocktails and an international wine list.

Juanita & Maude's lively dining room or serene outdoor patio is the perfect spot for a night out, celebration or special occasion. Conveniently located near the corner of Solano and San Pablo Avenues.

Top review

Deborah

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Consistently delicious, fresh and inventive food. The big cherry buratta crostini and homemade pasta were especially tasty. We ate on their enclosed outdoor patio. They had well placed heaters which made the space cozy. I really appreciate that the dining area is relatively quiet so you can easily have a conversation. Wonderful service too. My favorite neighborhood gem.

The Hero Ranch Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (2834)

$31 to $50

American

Saratoga

About the restaurant

Hero Ranch Kitchen was created by two friends that had a very simple idea. “Lets create a space and a place that we would want to go to.” “Lets serve our favorite dishes…whether it's the finest Wagyu steaks, or a 1lb burger…lets create a menu that we can all enjoy. Let's use the best ingredients and sell the best wines in the industry at prices that are always fair and approachable.” Let's build our restaurants in a neighborhood community where we can all enjoy each other’s company. HRK is a reflection of our life's greatest hits!” We hope you will enjoy.

Top review

Yueya

Dined 3 days ago

Loved the food there! Tried scallops this time, it was so fresh, tender and sweet, my current favorite now!!!

Discover more

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Mustards Grill

4.8

4.8 (11200)

$31 to $50

American

Yountville

About the restaurant

Aged for almost 37 years in the Napa Valley…
Since its beginnings as a local gathering spot over 35 years ago, Mustards Grill has blossomed into a destination for all who appreciate memorable food, superb wines and a warm welcome. Mustards food is Chef/Owner Cindy Pawlcyn’s mix of American regional dishes with global influences. The list of “Way Too Many Wines” represents the best from appellations throughout California and the New World.

Mustards is an American Grill, featuring flavors from around the globe. The wood-burning grill produces such favorites as Cindy’s famous Mongolian Pork Chop, Sonoma Rabbit, and the ½ pound Niman Ranch hamburger. The oakwood smoker fills the restaurant with aromas of BBQ baby back ribs, Wood Oven Duck, and our Oooeee Smoked Pork. Specialties include Seared Ahi Tuna on sesame crackers and Crispy Calamari tossed with curried slaw. The eclectic wine list features Way Too Many Wines from The Napa Valley, Sonoma, The Oregon, and Europe!

Top review

LindaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

What a great place to go. The food is really excellent, and the wait staff are superb.

Market

4.9

4.9 (4271)

$30 and under

American

St. Helena

About the restaurant

Market in St. Helena invites you to enjoy a refined yet welcoming dining experience rooted in the heart of wine country. Our menu features a modern take on American classics, crafted with care using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local organic farms. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared to highlight bold flavors and beautiful presentation.

Whether you're joining us for a relaxed lunch or a full dinner experience, you’ll feel right at home in our elegant, comfortable setting. We take pride in offering warm, genuine hospitality and a deep connection to the local community. Our strong relationships with Napa Valley wineries allow us to recommend the perfect glass of wine to elevate any dish.

At Market, every detail is designed to delight—from the food and wine to the atmosphere and service. We look forward to sharing our passion for great food and hospitality with you soon.

Top review

mikeVIP

Dined 3 days ago

A great place for lunch or dinner. Love the interior look. Staff work as a team and are always helpful and attentive. Food selection is varied and yummy.

Discover more

4.8

4.8 (2185)

$31 to $50

American

Calistoga

About the restaurant

A locals favorite in historic craftsman home, with lovely heated/ shaded patios. Lovina is uniquely tip-free; our pricing includes a living wage, 401k with employer match, two weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, and health/ dental insurance benefits for all our hard-working employees! Recognized as "Best of the Best" on Trip Adviser for Vegan/ Gluten-Free options, Lovina also satisfies omnivores with locally famous Bolognese and wild Halibut. Our menu is seasonal and locally sourced. Woman-owned by Calistoga local Jennifer Bennett (previous owner of Zazie restaurant in SF), Lovina is unique & welcoming. We feature Jen's handmade pottery, thrown, glazed, and at her home studio here in Calistoga.

Top review

lisaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Wonderful dinner, everything was delicious. Always terrific service in a beautiful atmosphere. We dined on the patio - so lovely!

Discover more

Heritage Pork & Beef Bolognese

Mountain House

4.8

4.8 (445)

$31 to $50

American

Woodside

About the restaurant

The Mountain House has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Serving as a rest stop for travelers, loggers and homesteaders in the Santa Cruz Mountains- we have evolved into a beloved destination known for our Coastal Countryside cuisine and rustic, intimate ambiance. Offering a menu highlighting game meats, locally sourced ingredients, and a curated selection of California and Old World wines, the Mountain House is one of the most unique settings in California. From a roadhouse to fine dining, the unassuming red cabin has stood the test of time along with the majestic redwoods that surround it.

Today, the restaurant is owned and operated by distinguished chefs Dmitry Elperin and William Roberts. We offer a three-course prix fixe menu for in our dining rooms and additionally, we serve an à la carte menu in our bar and lounge, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Take the scenic route to The Mountain House, where nature, history, and hospitality converge.

Top review

KateVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Sat at the Bar. Food was excellent. Thaddeus was excellent too!

Menlo Tavern

4.8

4.8 (492)

$31 to $50

American

Menlo Park

About the restaurant

Enjoy one of our new cocktails and dine on our seasonal menus or cozy up to the fireplace with a glass of wine. 'Smores by the firepits are a continued favorite for all ages!

Daily breakfast and weekend brunch are even more special with friends and family. Treat your favorite client or coworker to lunch or enjoy a romantic dinner with a loved one in the dining room. Come find out why our guests have voted us best American restaurant on the peninsula!

Join us for Tavern Time, our daily Happy Hour from 3-5PM. And don’t forget about holidays! Reservations fill quickly for holiday celebrations, so be sure to plan ahead.

Reservations are available here for groups of up to six guests. For parties of more than 10 guests, please contact the Menlo Tavern directly at (650) 330-2794.

Top review

Lisa

Dined 2 days ago

Great Tim as always!! Great food and service. We will be back soon. Thank you! ~Lisa

Explore Diners' Choice best of San Francisco Bay Area

Explore more Diners' Choice lists