From chic terraces overlooking bustling streets to outdoor patios perched high above the cable cars, the best rooftop restaurants in San Francisco serve up stellar food, top-notch cocktails, and stunning views.
Dine on elegant snacks at an Art Deco-inspired escape in the Financial District/Embarcadero. Dig into playful tapas with panoramic vistas at a lively hotspot in SOMA. Feast on wood-fired pizzas at a cozy neighborhood favorite in the Sunset District.
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Read on for a guide to the 9 best rooftop restaurants in San Francisco.
For old-school Italian cuisine at one of the best rooftop restaurants in San Francisco: Fiorella Sunset (Sunset District)
Just steps from Golden Gate Park, Fiorella Sunset is a quintessential neighborhood Italian restaurant. The charming bi-level space has a compact second-floor rooftop, complete with festive string lights and hanging plants. Settle into one of the cozy tables to feast on the restaurant’s famed Neopolitan-style pizzas and sip on a spritz from the top-notch cocktail menu. Don’t miss Fiorella Sunset’s popular weekday aperitivo hour.
For a garden oasis at one of the best rooftop restaurants in San Francisco: Dirty Habit (Downtown/Union Square)
Located on the fifth floor of Hotel Zelos, Dirty Habit is a luxe escape in the heart of SOMA. Settle into a plush sofa on the rooftop patio decked with twinkling lights, fire pits, and towering bamboo for stellar cocktails like the house manhattan and signature old fashioneds, with add-ons like smoke and crystal clear ice. Expect a concise menu of New American dishes, like NY strip and frites, plus shareable snacks like oysters and crab cakes.
For expansive views of the city skyline: Rise Over Run (Downtown/Union Square)
Soak in breathtaking views at Rise Over Run, located on the top floor of the LINE SF. Snag one of the green velvet seats at the marble bar in the glass-roofed solarium filled with tropical plants to share a fried chicken bucket with friends or enjoy the restaurant’s take on other Thai street food classics like black pepper prawns. Bonus points for creative cocktails, like a Thai-inspired twist on the classic negroni, from star bartender Danny Louie.
For Asian-inflected snacks at one of the best rooftop restaurants in SF: Charmaine’s Rooftop Lounge (Downtown/Union Square)
Located in the Proper Hotel, Charmaine’s Rooftop Lounge consistently tops lists of the best rooftop restaurants in San Francisco. Grab a seat in one of the low-slung striped chairs ringing cozy fire pits to sip on standout cocktails from Bon Vivants Hospitality (Trick Dog), including several zero-proof options. Snacks—think lemongrass chicken wings, skewers, and dips—are made for sharing. Come at sunset for sweeping city views, and don’t miss the weekday 7@7 Happy Hour for food and drink specials.
For tapas and panoramic views: Shelby’s Rooftop (SOMA)
Head to Shelby’s Rooftop on the 12th floor of SOMA’s Canopy by Hilton for panoramic views of downtown, Oracle Park, and the Bay Bridge. Choose from intimate covered seating near heaters or snag a cozy sofa by the railing in the stylish indoor-outdoor space outfitted with plants and sophisticated neutral-toned furniture. Expect top-notch house-aged cocktails along with a compact menu of tapas (get the paprika-spiced octopus) and mains like paella and roasted bone marrow.
For a wood-fired fare in a low-key setting: Rooftop at 25 Lusk (SOMA)
One of the best rooftop restaurants in San Francisco, Rooftop at 25 Lusk is the ideal destination for casual group hangs. Large wooden tables provide space for the whole crew, while heat lamps keep you warm once the fog rolls in and strings of lights hang down. After catching a Giants game at Oracle Park, feast on wood-fired pizzas and bar snacks while sipping on local draft beers or specialty cocktails like a spicy passion fruit margarita.
For an Art Deco-inspired escape at one of the best rooftop restaurants in San Francisco: Starlite (Financial District/Embarcadero)
For throwback vibes, visit this historic rooftop bar of the Beacon Grand Hotel. Fully renovated in 2024, the Art Deco-inspired interiors—think dim lighting, velvet upholstery, and gold accents—are the backdrop for panoramic views of downtown San Francisco. Scott Baird of Trick Dog consulted on the drinks list, with standouts like an espresso martini and pisco punch. MICHELIN-pedigreed chef Johnny Spero advised on elegant snacks like baked oysters, tuna crudo, and furikake fries.
For one of the best rooftop restaurants in SF: The Palm Court at RH San Francisco (Potrero Hill/Dogpatch)
In the historic Bethlehem Steel Building, The Palm Court at RH San Francisco is an homage to Gilded Age opulence. The interior features a striking marble fountain, towering floor-to-ceiling palm trees, and glittering chandeliers. The food is equally decadent—think wagyu ribeye, whole grilled branzino, and caviar-topped mini lobster rolls. Refreshing spritzes and a pitch-perfect wine list round out the elegant menu.
For Peruvian and Japanese-accented fare: Chotto Matte San Francisco (Downtown/Union Square)
Chotto Matte San Francisco is a sprawling clubstaurant perched above Union Square. Dressed with tropical plants, eclectic light fixtures, and wood tones, the sleek lounge serves up an extensive, seafood-forward Peruvian- and Japanese-accented menu from chef Jordan Sclare, an alum of London’s MICHELIN-Starred Nobu. Choose from raw and sushi bar dishes and robata grilled vegetables and meats, or go all-in on one of the restaurant’s tasting menus.
From glamorous open air terraces to swanky rooftop destinations with dazzling skyline views, the best rooftop restaurants in San Francisco serve up some of the city’s best food and drinks. Whether you’re looking for a low-key hangout or an intimate table for date night, there’s a rooftop restaurant in San Francisco for every mood and occasion.
