Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Japantown

55 restaurants available nearby

1. The Progress

4.9

Exceptional(2445)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Western Addition

Booked 40 times today

The Progress, located in San Francisco's vibrant Western Addition, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its innovative and locally-sourced dishes. Guests frequently rave about the "beyond amazing" duck and the inventive flavor combinations that make each visit a culinary adventure. With its reputation for "exceptional food and impeccable service," The Progress offers a dynamic dining experience, described by many as "the greatest dinner party ever." It's not just the food that impresses; the cocktails are crafted with creativity, leading one guest to proclaim, "My wife had one of the most creative and delicious drinks she had ever had." Whether it's the warmly recommended small plates or the standout duck, The Progress ensures a memorable and delightful meal with every visit, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best of Contemporary American dining in San Francisco.

2. Octavia

4.8

Exceptional(2610)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Pacific Heights

Booked 22 times today

Nestled in the charming Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, Octavia shines as a gem of Contemporary American cuisine. With Chef Melissa Perello at the helm, this elegant eatery is celebrated for its beautifully defined flavors and a menu that evolves daily, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. Reviewers rave about their dining experiences, noting the "thoughtful, delicious dishes" and "exceptional service." The much-acclaimed tasting menu is described as "way more food than expected," offering "great value" and a showcase of creativity with every course. Diners consistently highlight the knowledgeable staff and the intimate, beautifully designed space, making Octavia a must-visit for those seeking an outstanding representation of modern American fare in San Francisco.

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant

3. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(6018)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 100 times today

The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco's Union Square is a quintessential destination for those seeking an exceptional American dining experience. Known for its elegant ambiance and meticulous service, The Rotunda offers a luxurious afternoon tea service that has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Patrons rave about the "delicious assortment of food" and "excellent ambience," highlighting the restaurant's ability to deliver a top-tier culinary experience. From the superb seafood selections like the praised shrimp and crab Louie salad to the classic American burger, every dish is crafted with excellence. Guests continually commend the Rotunda for its "outstanding service" and "beautiful setting," making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the finest American cuisine in a stunning, historic venue.

4. Spruce

4.8

Exceptional(5365)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Presidio Heights

Booked 55 times today

Open for lunch (two courses/$65), brunch (three courses/$98), and dinner (three courses/$125), Spruce offers seasonal prix-fixe menus crafted by Chef Mark Sullivan. Each menu offers a wide range of options, as well as luxurious additions (examples: caviar, truffles) for supplemental prices. Our cuisines is complemented by an extensive wine list which holds "Wine Spectator" magazine's highest honor, a Grand Award. The bar/lounge is available for walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis. We look forward to welcoming you to Spruce soon!

A photo of Angler San Francisco restaurant

5. Angler San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(231)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 43 times today

Angler San Francisco, a Michelin-starred gem nestled on the Embarcadero waterfront, offers an unparalleled seafood experience that is both authentic and innovative. With a focus on the freshest ingredients sourced from Northern California, Angler celebrates the natural flavors of the sea, enhanced by the primal touch of their wood burning hearth. Diners rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes, describing them as "spectacular" and "sublime," with special mentions of the perfectly cooked fish and inventive seafood sauces. The ambiance and views complement the culinary journey, making every visit to Angler a memorable feast of the senses. Whether you opt for the praised tasting menu or the exceptional 'Let Us Cook For You' option, Angler promises an extraordinary dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District.

6. Trestle

4.8

Exceptional(2747)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 43 times today

Trestle, nestled in the vibrant Financial District/Embarcadero area of San Francisco, epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its innovative and seasonal fare. Celebrated for its unique approach to dining, Trestle offers a daily-changing 3-course prix fixe menu that captures the freshness and variety characteristic of Californian gastronomy. Reviewers rave about the authenticity and creativity in dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The duck confit is the best I ever had," and another noting the "flavorful, expertly prepared food." The attentive service and cozy ambiance complement the exceptional dining experience, making Trestle a true gem for those seeking genuine and high-quality Californian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.

7. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7774)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 133 times today

At the heart of San Francisco's bustling Financial District, Wayfare Tavern stands as a beacon of American cuisine, offering a nostalgic yet refined dining experience. Chef Tyler Florence masterfully crafts a menu that captures the essence of early 20th century American fare, earning accolades from diners who rave about the "outstanding" food and service. Known for its moist and flavorful fried chicken and rustic yet elegant setting reminiscent of a Victorian parlor, Wayfare Tavern delivers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Patrons consistently praise the "perfectly cooked" dishes and the tavern's ability to turn a meal into a cherished memory, making it a cornerstone of the San Francisco dining scene.

8. Prospect

4.7

Exceptional(2707)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • SOMA

Booked 19 times today

Prospect, nestled in the vibrant SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, stands as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. Launched by the powerhouse team behind Boulevard, including James Beard award-winning chef Nancy Oakes, Prospect offers a culinary experience that dazzles with freshness and innovation. Reviewers rave about dishes like the "tender melt-in-your-mouth pork" and the "fresh lobster with delicious mushrooms," showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. The ambiance is described as "modern and creative," perfect for everything from a casual bite to a special occasion. With its warm, welcoming service and a menu that captures the essence of American dining with a modern twist, Prospect is a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier dining experience in San Francisco.

A photo of Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge restaurant

9. Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge

4.5

Awesome(1359)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 14 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.

A photo of Firefly Restaurant restaurant

10. Firefly Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(2996)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Noe Valley

Booked 27 times today

Discover the heart of American cuisine at Firefly Restaurant in Noe Valley, San Francisco, where every dish tells a story of tradition and creativity. Renowned for its ever-evolving seasonal menu, Firefly stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence. Patrons often describe their dining experience as unforgettable, with one diner noting, "the fried chicken was excellent," while another praised the "food cooked to perfection." The restaurant's dedication to accommodating diverse dietary needs, such as vegan and gluten-free options, further showcases its commitment to all diners. Firefly's vibrant atmosphere and thoughtful service make it a cherished gem in the community, where both the food and the warm, inviting ambiance bring people back time and again. Whether it's the "sublime" trout or the "ambrosial" furikake-crusted trout, each meal is a celebration of authentic American flavors, lovingly prepared and served.

‘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

L
Lynn
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I had a party of five for the afternoon tea and I have to say it was amazing! Our party consisted of three adults and two children and everyone enjoyed the audience and the food and the special attention immensely! I could not recommend this location higher for afternoon tea. I am a huge fan of tea and this was the best one I have ever experienced! The food was delicious and the service outstanding. The location inside Neiman Marcus is absolutely beautiful and such a perfect place for a lovely afternoon! White
More info
The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.8
H
Holly
Vancouver / British Columbia •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Everything was delicious! So many flavours and textures.
More info
The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
•
4.9
D
danny
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing spot. Second visit in a week. Celebrating my 50th. Great food, service and atmosphere. Definitely on the pricey side but for occasional celebrations it’s great.
More info
Angler San FranciscoPrice: Very Expensive• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
C
Colleenvip
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This is what an excellent dining experience is about. From the greeter at the front, full of warm welcomes on a rainy evening to the general manager re-seating us due to a wobbly table we had the most amazing evening. Service is excellent, Christian and the house managers were attentive polite and professional. The sommelier as well chose our white and red wines and nailed it! The food goes without saying, we had pear salad, crudeo and pasta. The special white truffle pasta as a share was amazing. Duck, scallops, lobster pasta as mains. Benigets for dessert with a vanilla and dark chocolate sauce. Cocktails also supreme, old fashioned, martini's and a Paper Plate! We really had such a wonderful time and it reminded me of the wonder of our city and the talented restaurant chefs, and servers in the Presidio.
More info
SprucePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Presidio Heights
•
4.8
L
Lucy
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Food was absolutely incredible, service impeccable, restaurant soo beautiful!
More info
OctaviaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Pacific Heights
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

Japantown

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Japantown

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

55 restaurants available nearby

1. The Progress

2. Octavia

3. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4. Spruce

5. Angler San Francisco

6. Trestle

7. Wayfare Tavern

8. Prospect

9. Charmaine's Rooftop Lounge

10. Firefly Restaurant

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable