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Best Authentic Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

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201 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Teakwood restaurant
1. Teakwood
4.6
Exceptional(280)
Price: Moderate
• Burmese • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 25 times today
NOW OPEN!Bringing the vibrance of Burmese culture and its surrounding cultural influences to Hayes Valley, San Francisco.
A photo of ¡Chao Pescao! restaurant
2. ¡Chao Pescao!
4.4
Awesome(626)
Price: Moderate
• Latin American • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 16 times today
Chao Pescao is a new casual Latin Caribbean restaurant from longtime San Francisco restaurateur Rene Denis inspired by his Cuban-Colombian heritage. The name, translating roughly to “see you later alligator,” captures the friendly and fun spirit of the restaurant. Cocktails are inspired by many of the traditional drinks from Latin America, while the food pulls from the comforting Cuban and Colombian home cooking of Denis’s childhood. The menu is rounded out with other Latin American favorites with particular emphasis on dishes designed for delivery. Chao Pescao is located in the Civic Center Plaza at the heart of the city, across from City Hall.
A photo of Nakama Sushi - San Francisco restaurant
3. Nakama Sushi - San Francisco
4.9
Exceptional(359)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 15 times today
Nakama means friends/buddies and Nakama Sushi is the result of 2 friends coming together to bring to San Francisans an affordable omakase style menu featuring the highest quality fresh fish. Nakama Sushi also offer an excellent A la carte which is great for the pre-performance. In a city full of expensive dining options, Nakama is proud to offer you an excellent value. Nakama Sushi offer fine selections of beer, wine and sake. Bring your friends, family to Nakama Sushi for a memorable meal.
A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
4. Che Fico San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(1883)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 77 times today
Che Fico, is a California Italian restaurant from Chefs David Nayfeld and Matt Brewer in San Francisco's NOPA neighborhood. The food focuses on Italian cuisine through the lens of California. It’s our vision of Northern California as if it is a region in Italy, our connection to the region, and our love for Italian culinary practices. The rustic, market-driven menu features handmade pasta, pizzas, antipasti, housemade salumi, meat, and fish plus dishes from the Jewish-Roman heritage known as “Cucina Ebraica.” The beverage program focuses heavily on both Italian and Californian wines with a cocktail program that utilizes a variety of spirits, amaros, and seasonal ingredients. Che Fico is a place to gather with friends and enjoy warm hospitality, food, and drink, through an approachable menu and convivial ambiance.
A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant
5. Kokkari Estiatorio
4.8
Exceptional(9152)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 125 times today
Kokkari (pronounced “Ko-Kar-ee”) is a small fishing village located on the islands of Samos in the Aegean Sea, whose name is derived from the small onions that were once produced in the nearby fields. Its fertile soil and Mediterranean climate translated into an abundance of fresh produce as well as treasured seafood and game. Legend tells that Kokkari is the site where Orion, a mighty hunter and a young man of gigantic stature and great beauty, fell in love with the daughter of the king of Chios. For the love of her, Orion forged the island for wild game and seafood to prepare elaborate banquets in celebration of their love. Today, we hope you will enjoy your own celebration as you dine at Kokkari Estiatorio on food “fit for the Gods” prepared with an Aegean palate and the style of innovative California fare.
A photo of The Parthenon restaurant
6. The Parthenon
4.5
Awesome(62)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 33 times today
Welcome to The Parthenon, your gateway to the authentic flavors of Greece nestled in the heart of San Francisco. As a Mediterranean Wine Bar and Mezes, we offer a rich tapestry of Greek culinary delights that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed Greek islands.Our menu is a celebration of traditional Greek cuisine, with a contemporary twist.Pair your meal with a selection from our Mediterranean Wine Bar, and don't forget to save room for our delectable sides, including Greek Fries and Garlic Fries.
A photo of Elena's restaurant
7. Elena's
4.7
Exceptional(483)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 99 times today
Welcome to Elena's -- a place where a family’s love for authentic Mexican food is celebrated and combined with California-inspired elements and signature Mexican-American dishes. We offer reservations for up to 8 guests via OpenTable. At the time of your reservation, we kindly request the entire party be present to be seated. Tables will be held for up to 10 minutes after the reservation time. For parties that arrive later, the table will be released but we will do our best to accommodate the reservation with the next available table. Reservation requests via phone or email are not available at this time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!
A photo of Zuni Cafe restaurant
8. Zuni Cafe
4.6
Exceptional(7848)
Price: Expensive
• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 90 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.
A photo of Wayfare Tavern restaurant
9. Wayfare Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(7823)
Price: Moderate
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 88 times today
Wayfare Tavern is a true American tavern in the heart of San Francisco, offering an authentic dining experience. Its menu, crafted by Chef Tyler Florence, features traditional American dishes and a selection of locally sourced wines. The restaurant's design, inspired by Victorian-era parlor and an Edwardian men's club, adds to its authenticity. Reviewers frequently mention the restaurant's 'well-executed' food, 'comfortable' ambience, and 'seamless' service. One reviewer even noted the vibe of the restaurant as 'classic'.
A photo of 54 Mint restaurant
10. 54 Mint
4.7
Exceptional(3406)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • SOMA
Booked 14 times today
54 Mint is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown San Francisco across from the old US Mint Building. We offer authentic Roman cuisine prepared only with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Our pastas, bread and desserts are made fresh in house on a daily basis. Our bar offers an extended variety of Italian wines, craft cocktails and high-end imported and local spirits.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Lindsay
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Service, quality, flavor: all impeccable. The gardiniera was so perfectly balanced, fresh and interesting with celery, radish, and fennel. I knew it would be great, but was even better than that. My table mate who doesn’t generally care for anything pickled was blown away. The chicories were gorgeous, colorful, and delicious. The tagliatelle was absolutely stunning both texturally and depth of flavor. Tiramisu and chocolate budino are exquisite, truly. Save room for dessert. I loved the NA passion fruit cocktail and sparkling blanc de blanc. Such a treat to have something n thoughtful and delicious for folks who aren’t drinking. It’s a beautiful dining room. I sat on the banquet on the south wall and felt like I was under a spotlite. A little less overhead light intensity would take it from a 9 to a 10.
    More info
    Che Fico San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Panhandle / USF
    •
    4.7
  • JonVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    ¡Chao Pescao! was a great discovery. Needed a restaurant to go to before the Ballet. Excellent cocktails, great gluten-free options for the GF contingent... empanadas were fantastic, GF or otherwise. Less than 10-minute walk to the Symphony or Opera House. We'll be going back.
    More info
    ¡Chao Pescao!Price: Moderate• Latin American• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    •
    4.4
  • Angela
    California Central Coast •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Amazing dining experience for my husband's birthday. Daria was our server and was excellent. We loved her suggestions on the menu as well. We enjoyed the octopus (best I've ever had), lamb meatballs, Gigantes, Smelt, and the goat stew to finish. We were absolutely stuffed and definitely slept like babies! Everything was stunning. I've heard such wonderful things before coming here, and they had exceeded my expectations.
    More info
    Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.8
  • Andrew
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Incredible! Uncle Ben is the best host ever! He treated us like family! Gave us a surprise gift at the end too!
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    Nakama Sushi - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    •
    4.9
  • AngieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 19, 2024
    Made reservations for a group of 8 for dinner before the symphony. Our overall experience was fabulous! From start to finish the food and cocktails were scrumptious. If you order the lava cake expect a wait and it's worth it!
    More info
    TeakwoodPrice: Moderate• Burmese• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    •
    4.6

Discover best authentic restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Discover the heart of authentic dining in the Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness area of San Francisco Bay Area. This eclectic neighborhood buzzes with an array of restaurants that exemplify authenticity, each offering a unique culinary experience rooted in genuine flavors and traditional cooking methods. From the finest sushi omakase to traditional Italian eateries and classic San Francisco seafood spots, the district caters to all palates with its commitment to quality and authenticity. The dining scene here is diverse, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of San Francisco, and is especially popular among those who appreciate a meal that promises both tradition and a memorable dining experience. Patrons can expect not only mouth-watering dishes but also exceptional service and ambiance that truly enhance each dining occasion. Whether you're a local food lover or a visitor looking to taste the authentic flavors of San Francisco, the restaurants in this area are sure to provide an unforgettable culinary journey. Embrace the charm and sophistication of this vibrant dining locale, perfect for anyone seeking an authentic connection to food and culture.

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