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

280 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant

1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

4.8

Exceptional(7355)

Price: Expensive

• French • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 30 times today

We are currently accepting reservations for lunch, brunch, and dinner.Effective 09/26/2022:Outdoor seating will not be available.

2. 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 Hayes Street Grill restaurant

3. Hayes Street Grill

4.7

Exceptional(4303)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 29 times today

Hayes Street Grill is a neo-traditional fish house in San Francisco's Civic Center district, across the street from the Performing Arts Center, opposite Davies Symphony Hall and a block from both the Opera House and City Hall. We use an international mix of recipes, unified with a theme of fish and seafood. Above every other consideration, we want the freshness and pristine quality of the fish, produce, and naturally-raised meats to speak for themselves.The Hayes Street Grill's walls are covered with autographed photos of the artists who consider the restaurant their club. Though we've remodeled since our opening 33 years ago, the original brass coat hooks along the walls remain, as does our founding philosophy of cooking only the food we would serve at home to our families, albeit dressed up a little, with a religious dedication to wholesomeness.

4. ¡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 Hardwood Bar & Smokery restaurant

5. Hardwood Bar & Smokery

4.5

Awesome(94)

Price: Moderate

• Barbecue • SOMA

Booked 4 times today

Neighborhood Bar featuring Bay Area BBQ, Craft Beer, Cocktails & MoreCome by and enjoy great food, great drinks, and great vibes!Hardwood Bar & Smokery features Bay Area BBQ smoked over Northern California white oak and local almond wood.A labor of love which has become a staple here at Hardwood.

A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

6. Kokkari Estiatorio

4.8

Exceptional(9152)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 124 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.

7. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7823)

Price: Moderate

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 86 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.

8. Barcha

4.7

Exceptional(1631)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 5 times today

We welcome you to our warm modern space with the largest heated patio in the Financial District! Our outdoor dining room is set up beautifully, and has the most romantic ambiance. Indoors, celebrate with us in our newly remodeled interior. Our inspiration is that of the Mediterranean with its wonderful diverse cultures, cuisines and wines. The menu reflects flavors from South of France, Spain, Tunisia and the Middle East. Be sure to try our legendary Persian Tahdig, Spiced Beef Dumplings, and the smoothest, most delicious hummus you've ever had!We look forward to welcoming you to Barcha!HAPPY HOUR IS BACK AT BARCHA!Come join us at Barcha for a new Happy Hour experience! We are featuring small bites with our unique spin on Mediterranean specialties. Available Monday through Thursday 3:30pm-5:30pm. Drink specials, beautiful food, and most importantly, the best company!

A photo of COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant

9. COQUETA - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3367)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 58 times today

Brought to you by Award Winning Chef Michael Chiarello and located at Pier 5 on the bustling San Francisco Waterfront, Coqueta is inspired by the cuisines of Spain. Chef Chiarello feels that Spain’s signature ‘small plates’ coupled with the social vibrancy of their dining scene is the perfect combination for San Francisco, which has its own deep-rooted history with the country. Focusing on regional dishes from Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country and beyond, the menu will feature Chiarello's interpretation of traditional Spanish cuisine and, as has always been his tradition, will highlight the bounty of fresh, local ingredients from land and sea.Coqueta means “flirt” or “infatuation” in Spanish, and represents Michael Chiarello and his team’s exploration and interpretation of Spanish Cuisine, wine and inspired cocktails, while highlighting the bounty of Northern California.

10. Zuni Cafe

4.6

Exceptional(7848)

Price: Expensive

• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 96 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

W
Wayne
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
------ they even have an absinthe list for all the different kinds of absinthe that they sell to diners ! the one i picked had a slight licorice taste . our waiter knew that i would like a slightly less sweet riesling, so he brought a sample for me to try. super service . . .
More info
Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SFPrice: Expensive• French• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.8
J
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
S
SonjaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •33 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
We were happy with the service, and family members liked the sole and the pork chop and were less impressed with fried oysters and White Sea bass dishes.
More info
Hayes Street GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.7
J
John
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
4.0
Dined on Dec 20, 2024
It was a little chilly and a tad noisy. Food was delish. Service was the best! We'll be back.
More info
Hardwood Bar & SmokeryPrice: Moderate• Barbecue• SOMA
•
4.5
A
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

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

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

280 restaurants available nearby

1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

2. Teakwood

3. Hayes Street Grill

4. ¡Chao Pescao!

5. Hardwood Bar & Smokery

6. Kokkari Estiatorio

7. Wayfare Tavern

8. Barcha

9. COQUETA - San Francisco

10. Zuni Cafe

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable