Best Californian Restaurants in Forest Hill / West Portal

82 restaurants available nearby

A photo of State Bird Provisions restaurant

1. State Bird Provisions

4.8

Exceptional(3209)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Western Addition

Booked 63 times today

State Bird Provisions in San Francisco's Western Addition neighborhood offers a truly American dining experience that captures both the spirit and innovation of contemporary American cuisine. Renowned for its unique approach, the restaurant features a dim sum-style service that delivers a parade of creative and seasonal dishes, earning high praise from diners. Guests rave about the "extraordinary place with extraordinarily good food" and the "interesting, seasonal, and well-balanced flavors." The energy and creativity of the menu make every visit a delightful adventure, with standouts like the duck liver mousse and the smoked trout dip. The combination of top-notch service and a lively atmosphere ensures a memorable dining experience that epitomizes the best of American culinary excellence. This gem is a proud testament to the rich, evolving food scene of San Francisco.

2. Foreign Cinema

4.8

Exceptional(8785)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Mission District

Booked 95 times today

At Foreign Cinema in San Francisco's Mission District, Mediterranean cuisine is elevated to an art form, infused with California flair. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "Best pork chop I’ve ever eaten!" and another praising the "creatively combined flavors" in their meals. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by indie films and elegant decor, complements its culinary delights perfectly. The consistent acclaim for their food and service makes Foreign Cinema a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch Mediterranean dining experience in a uniquely charming setting. Whether it's the Lolita cocktail or the superbly prepared swordfish, every dish promises a memorable taste of the Mediterranean.

A photo of Nopa - San Francisco restaurant

3. Nopa - San Francisco

4.6

Exceptional(3515)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 100 times today

Nopa in San Francisco is a jewel of Californian cuisine, celebrated for its urban rustic food and mastery in wood-fired dishes. Praised for its “amazing, fresh food” and warm, welcoming ambiance, Nopa sources seasonal ingredients locally, ensuring each dish, from the "halibut crudo" to the "pork chop with blueberries," is both fresh and flavorful. Diners consistently rave about the quality and attention to detail, noting that Nopa "always delivers a top-tier experience." The restaurant's commitment to authenticity and the local food scene makes it a must-visit. As one reviewer puts it, Nopa is the "quintessential Californian restaurant," making it a cherished spot in the North Panhandle of San Francisco.

A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant

4. Che Fico San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(1854)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 71 times today

Che Fico in San Francisco's vibrant North Panhandle neighborhood is a gem of Italian cuisine, seamlessly blending California's bountiful produce with the rich traditions of Northern Italy. Chefs David Nayfeld and Matt Brewer craft a menu that sings with authenticity and innovation, from handmade pastas to exquisite pizzas, all rooted in Italian culinary traditions yet influenced by local Californian flavors. Critics rave about the “delicious food” and “exceptional service,” highlighting dishes like the “tagliatelle to die for” and the unique Jewish-Roman offerings. The ambiance is “lively” and “welcoming,” perfect for a celebratory meal or a cozy dinner. As one diner put it, Che Fico provides “the best Italian dining experience in San Francisco,” making it a must-visit for anyone craving top-notch Italian fare with a creative twist.

5. Fable - SF

4.7

Exceptional(2172)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • The Castro

Booked 22 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Fable - SF epitomizes the spirit of Californian cuisine with its fresh, seasonal offerings and a delightful garden patio setting. Recognized for serving "the best brunch in town," this charming spot impresses with its innovative dishes that showcase California's rich produce. Patrons rave about the experience, noting the "beautiful, sunny SF patio" and "spectacular food and drinks." With glowing reviews like "the food is always good and the service too…there is nothing quite like sitting in the back patio," Fable - SF stands out as a quintessential destination for those seeking authentic and high-quality Californian dining in a picturesque outdoor setting.

6. Frances

4.8

Exceptional(3642)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • The Castro

Booked 27 times today

Frances, nestled in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, is a contemporary American gem where culinary creativity shines. Chef Melissa Perello presents a menu that epitomizes modern California cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients sourced from neighboring markets, farms, and producers. The restaurant, named after Perello’s grandmother, encapsulates a fusion of refined yet comfortable sensibilities in both its food and decor. Guests rave about dishes like "the best gnocchi we’ve had anywhere" and the "flawlessly cooked" pork chop. With reviews praising its "creative dishes and wonderful wine pairings," Frances stands out as a top destination for those seeking a stellar dining experience. The ambiance is described as "cozy and elegant," making it perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.

7. Dalida

4.7

Exceptional(810)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Presidio

Booked 52 times today

Nestled in the heart of Presidio National Park, Dalida stands as a beacon of Californian cuisine, expertly blending Mediterranean influences with the fresh, local ethos of California. Chefs Laura and Sayat, celebrated as San Francisco Chronicle Rising Stars, craft dishes that are both familiar and innovative, earning rave reviews for their culinary artistry. Diners consistently praise the restaurant's vibrant flavors and meticulous presentation, with one patron exclaiming, "This is the best dining experience I've had for quite awhile." Dalida's dedication to quality is evident in its seasonal craft cocktails and progressive wine menu, which beautifully complement each meal. With its stunning views of Alcatraz and locally inspired decor, Dalida offers a dining experience that is quintessentially Californian and deeply rooted in the San Francisco community.

A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant

8. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

4.1

Excellent(2458)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • SOMA

Booked 18 times today

Dining at The Garden Court in SOMA, San Francisco is an unforgettable experience that epitomizes the essence of luxurious Californian cuisine. Nestled within the historic Palace Hotel, this iconic venue is celebrated for its "amazing experience" and "stunning" ambiance, as noted by numerous glowing reviews. The restaurant's signature dishes, like the crab salad with the original Palace-created Green Goddess Dressing from 1923, highlight the innovation and authenticity that define Californian culinary excellence. Diners consistently praise the "fantastic service" and the quality of the meals, making The Garden Court a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of California's rich culinary heritage in a breathtaking setting.

A photo of Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge restaurant

9. Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge

4.5

Awesome(1359)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 13 times today

Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge, dubbed "S.F's Hottest Rooftop" by S.F. Magazine, is a beacon of cocktail excellence in Downtown / Union Square, San Francisco. Elevating cocktail culture 120 feet above Market Street, Charmaine’s offers an experience where European chic meets California cool. The cocktails, described as "bomb" by delighted guests, stand out with their vibrant flavors and original combinations. Crafted by the renowned BVHospitality, these drinks feature unique bitters and syrups, ensuring each sip is a revelation. Patrons rave about the "amazing" service and "gorgeous views," making it a perfect spot for a memorable night out. With its stylish ambiance and innovative drink menu, Charmaine’s is a must-visit destination for cocktail aficionados.

10. Blind Butcher

4.5

Awesome(486)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • The Castro

Booked 27 times today

Blind Butcher in The Castro, San Francisco, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a symphony of flavors that delight and surprise. Nestled in a sophisticated yet inviting urban setting, the restaurant boasts a New American menu that skillfully combines hand-cut prime steaks, fresh seafood, and local organic produce. Each dish is crafted with an inventive flair, perfectly balancing diverse flavors with high-quality ingredients. Diners rave about the culinary experience, with one patron noting, "Everything was FIRE!" and another celebrating the perfect steak and lobster Mac and cheese combo. The Blind Butcher's commitment to quality and its innovative culinary approach make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in San Francisco.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tammy
San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Hadn't been to Foreign Cinema in a long time; no matter - it's still a great hang! Great food; very attentive staff; excellent wine selection and I love the mix of us in the room: couples, families with children, solos. My partner and I had a wonderful time and we'll go more often!
More info
Foreign CinemaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission District
•
4.8
S
Spencer
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
10 out of 10, this place was AMAZING! The blended service of ordering items of the menu and Dim sum style with the carts was fantastic. Our server gave up great advise in only ordering a few things from the menu then waiting for the carts to come around. We went here for my wife's birthday and she was so happy we did. We will for sure be back for another special occasion.
More info
State Bird ProvisionsPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Western Addition
•
4.8
L
Lindsay
California Central Coast •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
This is the second time visiting Fable and both times have been good. The small tables directly next to the “Forest” are a little close together. When I was seated, already pretty close to my table, another diner got frustrated with the space available for their chair at the table behind me. When I tried to get up to leave; it was pretty tight with not much space. Food was delicious and cocktails are good during brunch. Have not been for dinner.
More info
Fable - SFPrice: Moderate• Californian• The Castro
•
4.7
R
Robin
Hawaii •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We really enjoyed our dinner at Nopa. Beginning with the bread and butter. All I can say is order it. Next we had the Tortelli which was excellent (not to be missed). We also had the Tagliatelle with the bolognese sauce which was very good. For dessert we had the key lime pie which was good but the ice cream that came for the birthday person was outstanding. Our server who was excellent said it was ginger snap but it didn’t taste like ginger. Best ice cream I’ve ever eaten. Can’t wait to go back for my birthday and have that ice cream.
More info
Nopa - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Californian• North Panhandle / USF
•
4.6
D
Dawonvip
New York City •11 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
Stunning meal and ambiance. Well balanced menu and ever bite was delicious.
More info
FrancesPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• The Castro
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

Forest Hill / West Portal

Californian

Best Californian Restaurants in Forest Hill / West Portal

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

82 restaurants available nearby

1. State Bird Provisions

2. Foreign Cinema

3. Nopa - San Francisco

4. Che Fico San Francisco

5. Fable - SF

6. Frances

7. Dalida

8. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

9. Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge

10. Blind Butcher

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable