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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

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56 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
1. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco
4.8
Exceptional(6102)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 69 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.
A photo of Spruce restaurant
2. Spruce
4.8
Exceptional(5406)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Presidio Heights
Booked 67 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 Octavia restaurant
3. Octavia
4.7
Exceptional(2624)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Pacific Heights
Booked 23 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 Angler San Francisco restaurant
4. Angler San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(255)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 30 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.
A photo of Sula restaurant
5. Sula
4.7
Exceptional(225)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Sausalito
Booked 38 times today
Sula in Sausalito truly embodies the essence of Farm-to-table cuisine, offering diners a delightful culinary journey with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The restaurant prides itself on serving dishes that are both beautifully plated and bursting with flavors sourced directly from local farms. Guests consistently rave about the "excellent food and service," with special mentions of the "beautifully presented and tasty" dishes that make every meal memorable. The use of fresh, local ingredients ensures that each dish served is not only sustainable but also supports local agriculture, making Sula a gem for those seeking authentic and consciential dining in Northern California.
A photo of Wayfare Tavern restaurant
6. Wayfare Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(7829)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 71 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.
A photo of Trestle restaurant
7. Trestle
4.8
Exceptional(2770)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 33 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.
A photo of One Market Restaurant restaurant
8. One Market Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4368)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 8 times today
One Market Restaurant, nestled in the bustling Financial District/Embarcadero of San Francisco, epitomizes the essence of high-quality American cuisine with its blend of classic dishes and innovative culinary twists. Diners rave about the authenticity and diversity of the menu, describing the saffron risotto with shrimp and chorizo as "to die for!" and praising the perfectly cooked roast prime rib. The ambiance, combined with impeccable service, makes every meal memorable, with one guest noting, "Every course and dish we ordered was perfectly prepared." One Market stands out not only for its food but also for the warmth and professionalism of its staff, like Tonya, their award-winning sommelier, who enhances dining experiences with her expert pairings. This gem is consistently lauded for its dedication to delivering a superb dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of American dining in San Francisco.
A photo of Boulevard restaurant
9. Boulevard
4.7
Exceptional(9097)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 35 times today
Boulevard, nestled in the vibrant Financial District/Embarcadero area of San Francisco, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with an innovative twist. The restaurant recently refreshed its approach, offering a multi-course prefix menu that dazzles diners. Reviewers rave about its culinary delights, describing dishes like the "out of this world" strawberry yuzu sundae and flavor-packed stuffed morels as highlights of their dining experience. Boulevard's commitment to quality is evident, with one patron noting, "Boulevard never disappoints! Excellent food. We have eaten there many times and it is always exceptional." This gem provides not just a meal but a memorable dining adventure, making it a must-visit for those seeking exceptional Contemporary American fare in a sophisticated setting.
A photo of The Patio restaurant
10. The Patio
4.7
Exceptional(277)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 10 times today
The Patio, nestled in the vibrant Marina/Cow Hollow district near Presidio in San Francisco, epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its commitment to freshness, innovation, and local flavors. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The kitchen obviously cares," highlighting the delicately dressed salads, al dente mac'n'cheese, and spoon-tender short ribs. The venue is a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, described as a gem for its inviting ambiance and top-notch service. Whether it's the perfectly cooked steak frittes or the innovative panna cotta dessert, The Patio delivers a Californian dining experience that is both memorable and heartwarming.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • KylieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Always a pleasure and an impeccable experience at The Rotunda. From the drinks arriving before the meal (so many places get this incorrect), to the consommé, to the popovers with strawberry butter, to the large portions of entrees, everything about this place is perfect. My mom and I split the burger (as usual) and it was great. They’ve moved from it being a single thick burger to two smaller patties. The pickles are beyond delicious. I left being like, this is where I want to have every birthday for the rest of my life.
    More info
    The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4.8
  • AudreyVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    All the staffs are very courteous, nice, friendly and notice details quickly. From the starter, Oysters were fresh, and with the seaweed vinaigrette, it elevated the oyster a lot. With the frog leg, the meat is so tender and juicy. Sauce on the side offers a nice acidity touch for fried dish. I loved the fact that they took inspiration from Nashville Hot Chicken and curated to their own version, everything on the plate were seasoned perfectly even with the pickle they served on the side. Grilled half sea bream was wonderful, I can taste the charbroiled flavor. Fish was very crispy,meaty, juicy and buttery. With the Meyer lemon herb salad, it definitely made the dish more refreshing. Overall, I really enjoyed the whole experience. Thank you for everything and for sure I will come back soon.
    More info
    Angler San FranciscoPrice: Very Expensive• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.7
  • Audrey
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food quality at Octavia is very high. The chefs really know what they’re doing. We had a pre-fixe menu for Christmas Eve dinner and they accommodated dietary restrictions with advanced notice. They actually called a few days in advance of the reservation to confirm the dietary restrictions which was really nice. We had 9 courses I think and they were all delicious. My favorites were the soup and the pasta dishes. The service was also very good, the servers were very attending and accommodating. There was one dish I didn’t eat much of because it had radicchio in it which I don’t like, and our server offered to have the kitchen make me a replacement dish with a different lettuce instead. The only negative of Octavia is that it feels very cramped. The space is small and they squeeze in a lot of tables so you’re sitting basically on top of other diners and it’s a little awkward. Everything else was great though. I would definitely recommend Octavia as a good place for special occasions or bringing out of town visitors.
    More info
    OctaviaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Pacific Heights
    •
    4.7
  • Annette
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our family dinner at the Wayfare Tavern on Christmas Eve was just as magical and delicious as I was hoping! The atmosphere transports you to another place and time in the most wonderful way. It was cozy, beautiful and comfortable. The staff were attentive and the food perfectly prepared and served in a timely manner. We started with the magnificent deviled eggs and enjoyed the lobster, with burrata mashed potatoes and broccolini, macaroni and cheese and the burger. Bravo Wayfare Tavern! We will be back!
    More info
    Wayfare TavernPrice: Moderate• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.6
  • Edward
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The best SF has to offer. Everything here is PERFECT! I have been for brunch, lunch and dinner and it never disappoints. Highly recommended!!!
    More info
    SprucePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Presidio Heights
    •
    4.8

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

Discover the essence of contemporary American cuisine in the exclusive San Francisco Bay Area dining scene. Renowned for its innovative approach and commitment to quality, the area offers a variety of restaurants that specialize in modern American dishes, each providing a unique culinary experience. These establishments celebrate the fusion of diverse flavors and techniques, reflecting the vibrant and eclectic nature of Bay Area culture. Patrons can expect menus rich with creative and carefully crafted dishes that emphasize fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The dining atmosphere ranges from casual chic to sophisticated elegance, ensuring an enjoyable experience for any occasion. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor looking to indulge in high-quality contemporary American fare, the San Francisco Bay Area's exclusive restaurants are sure to impress with their culinary excellence and exceptional service. Dive into a world of exquisite tastes and unforgettable dining adventures in one of the most iconic food destinations in the United States.

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