When the fog rolls in off the ocean and spills over Sutro Tower, it’s time to book your table at one of the best cozy restaurants in San Francisco.
Visit a North Beach institution for Italian American comfort food. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in a rustic favorite in the Financial District, or let a charcuterie plate at a charming bistro in The Castro transport you to a sidewalk cafe in France.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy cafe to hide from the rain or a hearty meal in front of a fire, here are the best cozy restaurants in San Francisco.
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For California cuisine at a San Francisco icon – visit Zuni Cafe (Civic Center/Hayes Valley/Van Ness)
Open since 1979, Zuni Cafe is a San Francisco institution known for its modern European dishes with a Cali twist. The atmosphere is classically romantic, complete with attentive, white-vested servers and live piano music. Bring a date or enjoy a meal all to yourself next to the wood-fired oven. Menu highlights include the roast chicken and heaping plates of shoestring fries. Add in a plate of oysters, and you’re set for an ultra-cozy meal.
For Mexican food with home-cooked flavors and incredible margaritas – book a table at Tia Margarita (Richmond District)
Serving huge portions of Northern Mexican favorites since 1963, Tia Margarita is a family-run restaurant goes all in on cozy vibes. Stained glass, an occasional piñata, and vintage tequila bottles set the tone for lively Mexican feasts starring enchiladas, carnitas, and combinations platters. Don’t miss the margaritas made with freshly squeezed lime or the flavorful (and complimentary) salsa. For the best deal, book a table on Taco Tuesday.
For an elegant steakhouse at one of the cozy restaurants San Francisco – enjoy a meal at House of Prime Rib (Civic Center/Hayes Valley/Van Ness)
Often ranked one of the country’s top steakhouses, House of Prime Rib has served huge slabs of high-quality, corn-fed beef since the 1940s. The main dining room evokes an English country manor with warm lighting, a roaring fire in the hearth, and antique furniture. Enjoy the roast beef served from a stainless-steel cart or the 21-day aged prime rib with accompaniments such as mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and Yorkshire pudding. Pair your meal with a bottle of red from the deep wine cellar.
For Italian American comfort food in a retro setting – grab a table at Original Joe’s (North Beach)
Open since 1937, Original Joe’s is where you go for classic Italian American dishes like eggplant parmigiana, house-made lasagna, and red wine-braised short ribs in an old-school setting. Think red leather booths, black-and-white-checkered floors, and historical photographs covering the walls. The space goes all in on soft, amber lighting that makes you feel warm and cozy as you dine. Pro tip: don’t miss the butter cake.
For elevated tavern fare from a celebrity chef – try Wayfare Tavern (Financial District/Embarcadero)
Led by celebrity chef Tyler Florence, Wayfare Tavern channels classic, turn-of-the-century American taverns. The interior is sophisticated and welcoming, with exposed brick walls, worn-in leather chairs, and gilded accents. Try upscale tavern-inspired dishes like the fried chicken, which is brined, sous vided, and drizzled with lemon. Other menu highlights include the deviled eggs, the tavern burger with brie and bacon, and the flaky popovers.
For attentive service at a quintessential neighborhood French bistro – find a table at L’Ardoise (The Castro)
Nestled near Duboce Triangle, L’Ardoise will transport you to the quaint streets of France—no passport required. French-born chef Thierry Clement serves up classic French dishes prepared with fresh California ingredients. Try the braised coq au vin, the black Angus filet mignon and white truffle oil, or the duck confit (cooked for seven hours). Intimate seating with low lighting encourages guests to sit closer, while red velvet curtains, a wall of wine, and warm service complete the cozy feel.
For standout cocktails in a sophisticated, retro-inspired lounge – reserve a table at Marianne’s (SOMA)
Situated inside posh British-inspired brasserie The Cavalier, Marianne’s is a sleek cocktail lounge with rock & roll influences. Inspired by Marianne Faithfull, the lounge welcomes guests with plush velvet sofas, moody lighting, zebra print upholstery, and a collection of retro knicknacks. Make the most of the intimate setting with rye-based cocktails, or go all out with bottle service. The kitchen also serves late-night bites like lamb ribs.
For fine dining with a California twist at one of the top cozy restaurants San Francisco – enjoy a meal at Boulevard (Financial District/Embarcadero)
Intricate mosaics and painted vines and flowers cover the walls at Boulevard. Located in the Audiffred building along the waterfront, this restaurant serves a contemporary America-meets-French three-course prix fixe menu in the elegant dining room. Boulevard is one of the best cozy restaurants in San Francisco because of the warm service. The servers go out of their way to ensure you feel completely at home while enjoying elevated California-inspired dishes like sea scallops or pork chop with chanterelle mushrooms.
For a rustic meal that will transport you to the Mediterranean coast – visit Kokkari Estiatorio (Financial District/Embarcadero)
The instant you step into Kokkari Estiatorio, you’ll feel like you’re in a tiny fishing village ready to relax after an afternoon exploring the coast. Although the atmosphere is elegant, the crackling fireplace, hanging pots, rough-hewn woods, and olive branches add rustic charm. Every dish on the Greek menu is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug, including the kokinisto me minestra, braised lamb shank served with orzo. Finally, choose from over 50 bottles on the wine list.
From braised coq au vin with red wine sauce served in a quaint French bistro to aged prime rib next to a roaring fire, enjoy your next meal at one of the best cozy restaurants in San Francisco.
Let the heat lamps keep you warm as you dine on anchovy toast or sip on a strong cocktail in a lounge filled with velvet. Enjoy a classic burger in a Victorian-inspired tavern, or chase the chill away with spicy salsa at a Northern Mexican restaurant with home-cooked flavors.
Whether you’re looking for comfort food or fine dining with locally sourced ingredients, these best cozy restaurants in San Francisco stand out.
