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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

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99 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
1. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(6255)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 70 times today
The Rotunda serves afternoon tea seven days a week beginning at 1:30 p.m. A tea experience reservation is necessary to enjoy our daily tea service. Any dietary restrictions must be noted at least 24 hours in advance of your reservation.Please use link below to reserve your tea experience.https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=889&restref=889&experienceId=35326Let THE ROTUNDA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.*February 22, the outside elevator is under construction. Enter through any of the outside NM entrances, take any elevator to the 4th floor.
A photo of Wayfare Tavern restaurant
2. Wayfare Tavern
4.7
Exceptional(7891)
Price: Moderate
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 74 times today
Chef Tyler Florence brings his passion for high quality and style to San Francisco with his new flagship restaurant, Wayfare Tavern. A classic San Francisco Tavern featuring authentic American dishes inspired by local cuisine at the turn of the 20th century, the menu ranges from classic comforts to rustic delicacies. The beverage menu features locally-sourced wines including a selection of Florence's own label, quality draft beers and organic root beer as well as classic Victorian-era cocktails.All three floors of the restaurant have been designed keeping historical accuracy in mind making Wayfare Tavern reminiscent of a Victorian parlor and an Edwardian men's club, where anything goes from black-tie to blue jeans. Pull up a stool to the Chef's Counter at the open kitchen and look on as Chef prepares your lunch or head to the Library and Billiard Room for a game of pool. Wayfare Tavern is a truly unparalleled dining experience translated from a century ago. Photo: John Lee.
A photo of Le Central restaurant
3. Le Central
4.6
Exceptional(2181)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 8 times today
Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for five decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Located on the edge of the Financial District, Union Square, and Chinatown in a rare one story brick building adorned with its iconic pink neon sign and crowned by a vintage “Tabac” sign. Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a Parisian brasserie. With exposed brick walls, original imported brass bar, stained glass features, and cozy banquettes topped with brass railings. The atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy delicious French fare and exceptional wines and cocktails in an upscale, yet casual environment. Enjoy French classics like steak-frites, escargot, onion soup, and our world famous Cassoulet. Le Central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!
A photo of FANG restaurant
4. FANG
4.4
Awesome(2793)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • SOMA
Booked 30 times today
Fang is the sister restaurant of wildly popular restaurant, House of Nanking. Fang embodies both modern and authentic Chinese cuisines in a fine dining setting serving traditional Chinese fare, dim sum, as well as "off the menu" innovative dishes for the adventurous. Chef Peter Fang believes that good-tasting food is universal and should not be bound by how dishes were made in the past. With Chef Peter’s trademark inventiveness and eye for quality, the menu evolves and changes based on seasonally fresh ingredients from the same local Chinatown markets Peter has visited for decades. For fresh seasonal Chinese food in an elegant and modern setting, visit Fang.
A photo of Cafe de la Presse restaurant
5. Cafe de la Presse
4.4
Awesome(1924)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 12 times today
Cafe de la Presse is a gem in the neighborhood, offering a vibrant atmosphere where patrons can enjoy traditional French cuisine. With reviews praising its excellent food and service, it's the perfect spot for a meal or a quick bite. The ambience is described as 'lovely' and 'transporting', reminiscent of Paris. The restaurant is also lauded for its reasonable prices and friendly staff, making it a neighborhood favorite.
A photo of Bouche restaurant
6. Bouche
4.5
Awesome(1949)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 15 times today
Bouche is a California-French restaurant with an oft-changing seasonal menu created by the renowned Parisian Chef Jeremy Blaringhem. The beer and wine list is centered on small producers from both California and France. Our Kitchen Is Exclusively Offering seasonal Menu.A brunch service a la carte is offered Sat & Sun 11am-2.30pm in our outdoors heated parklet area only.Items on the menus are subject to change with seasonOur goal is to share our passion for food and wine in our romantic & sexy "hole in the wall" restaurant. Come and fall in love with our recipes and style of cooking served by our wonderful team wearing a big smile. Be Brave enough to order our signature dish "The adventurous". A blind dish created to challenge your palet and boundaries.Nothing Fancy... Simply expect real food, real ingredients , real people , real laughs ... a love experience.As a small family business we really appreciate your support.Bon appétit
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
7. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(4355)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 95 times today
Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.
A photo of BIX restaurant
8. BIX
4.7
Exceptional(5081)
Price: Expensive
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 39 times today
An exceptionally stylish supper club, civilized speakeasy, a sophisticated saloon. Each of these "personae" is housed in a soaring two-story interior distinguished by a gently curving mahogany bar, fluted columns with ornate capitals, stunning original art, plush banquettes, cozy booths, starched linens, glittering glasses, and polished flatware. Overall, the ambiance is pure 1930's and 1940's - tasteful art moderne reminiscent of the glory days of Cunard and French Line ships. Fashionable and glamorous are the hallmarks. Trendy is simply not a part of the BIX culture. The clientele at BIX ranges from San Francisco movers-and-shakers to "savvy travelers" - owner Doug Biederbeck's term for the many diners in the know from out of town who patronize his establishment. All of them step from the featureless alley into another world - a world of superb cookery and libations, of sparkling service, of stylish nostalgia, of polished live jazz. That world is BIX.
A photo of China Live restaurant
9. China Live
4.6
Exceptional(3354)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 75 times today
China Live, Eater's "Restaurant of the Year," features fresh, seasonal Chinese cuisine cooked from specialized stations that merge traditional Chinese and Western culinary equipment. Our main dining area, with views of our exhibition kitchens, plays centerpiece, appointed with chairs and tables all handcrafted in China from reclaimed Chinese elm. We also offer outside dining.
A photo of Zuni Cafe restaurant
10. Zuni Cafe
4.6
Exceptional(8002)
Price: Expensive
• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 100 times today
Zuni Café opened in San Francisco, California on February 15, 1979. Our daily changing menus are inspired by seasonal organic ingredients and incorporate traditional French and Italian cuisine. As Zuni continues to evolve, in its own distinctive and delicious way, it strives to remain the way it’s always been: at the same time rustic and cosmopolitan, audacious and familiar, intimate and convivial.RESERVATIONS ARE TAKEN UP TO 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE.TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR A 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT.

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Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

Discover the charm of San Francisco Bay Area's exclusive neighborhood gems with our curated selection of restaurants that embody the local spirit and offer unique dining experiences. These establishments are renowned for their intimate settings and exceptional service, making them perfect for locals and visitors seeking a memorable meal in a less tourist-centric environment. Each restaurant offers a diverse menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients and showcases the culinary prowess of the region. The dining scene in this part of the San Francisco Bay Area is vibrant and eclectic, catering to an array of tastes and preferences with a focus on innovative, locally-inspired cuisine. Whether you're planning a special night out or a casual meal with friends, these neighborhood gems provide a cozy atmosphere that encourages diners to linger and enjoy. Experience the authenticity and warmth of the Bay Area through these delightful culinary havens that promise an unforgettable dining experience.

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