Best Restaurants for People Watching in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East BayMarinSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

Downtown / Union SquareFinancial District / EmbarcaderoMarina / Cow Hollow / PresidioMission DistrictNoe ValleyNorth Beach

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

30 restaurants available nearby

1. The Progress

4.8

Exceptional(2528)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Western Addition

Booked 65 times today

The Progress is a vehicle for a completely local production. Innovative meals are served with memorable wine & cocktails. The Greatest Dinner Party Ever.

A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

2. Kokkari Estiatorio

4.8

Exceptional(9244)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 154 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 Che Fico San Francisco restaurant

3. Che Fico San Francisco

4.6

Exceptional(1960)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 76 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 The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant

4. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(6227)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 86 times today

The Rotunda serves afternoon tea seven days a week beginning at 1:30 p.m. A tea experience reservation is necessary to enjoy our daily tea service. Any dietary restrictions must be noted at least 24 hours in advance of your reservation.Please use link below to reserve your tea experience.https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=889&restref=889&experienceId=35326Let THE ROTUNDA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.*February 22, the outside elevator is under construction. Enter through any of the outside NM entrances, take any elevator to the 4th floor.

A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant

5. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

4.8

Exceptional(83)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 49 times today

Welcome to Little Original Joe's -- an Italian-American neighborhood eatery featuring pizza, pasta, and parmigiana in San Francisco's Marina neighborhood! Limited reservations are available for up to 6 guests -- we look forward to seeing you soon!

6. Bon Delire

4.6

Exceptional(221)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 60 times today

Bon Délire’s chic yet approachable atmosphere draws inspiration from the cafés, lounges, and bistros of Paris. The interior boasts a sculpted horseshoe-shaped wooden bar, plush banquettes, and vibrant, European-imported furnishings that invite intimate dining and lounging. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with views of the Bay Bridge, or relax at the outdoor cafe-style seating, framed by planter boxes and umbrellas, perfect for people-watching along the Embarcadero.At night, the space comes alive with flickering projections of vintage French films and a relaxed, nostalgic soundtrack of throwback French and American tunes, making Bon Délire a sophisticated yet cozy setting for private and semi-private events.

7. Boulevard

4.8

Exceptional(9151)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 66 times today

Chefs Nancy Oakes, Chef Dana Younkin and our entire team, look forward to welcoming you to a refreshed and reimagined Boulevard! The dining room features a 3 course prix fixe menu with a multitude of choices. For the more spontaneous sorts; our bar, lounge and chef's counter is available on a walk-in basis and limited reservations. An a la carte menu is offered in these areas. For private events and larger groups, please check our our website.

A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant

8. Chotto Matte San Francisco

4.3

Awesome(85)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Asian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 19 times today

Situated in Downtown San Francisco, Chotto Matte is renowned for its signature Nikkei Cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and electric atmosphere. Chotto Matte’s chic, contemporary interior is inspired by its Japanese & Peruvian roots, making it a unique dining experience, every time. Key highlights include Chotto’s recognizable bold design, tropical foliage and theatrical robata grill.

9. Cultivar

4.6

Exceptional(250)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 11 times today

Mo-Sat: Food until 9pm, Wine until 10pm Sun: Food until 8:45pm Wine until 9pmSat/Sun: Brunch: 11am-3pm Cultivar San Francisco is an wine-centric farm to table restaurant by Cultivar Wine. The menu is inspired by locally-sourced seasonal ingredients including from our culinary garden at Caspar Estate. The menu complements hand-crafted wines from our Cultivar Winery and boutique wines from California and beyond. Cultivar Wine club flights are available. Cultivar Wine Club members get 20% off their Cultivar wine and Cultivar food. Join our Cultivar Wine Club!Our back patio has a fireplace, heaters and festive lighting, perfect setting for a private dinner or a celebration. Sidewalk tables on Chestnut have heaters, great for people watching and guests with dogs. Seasonal dishes and Cultivar Wines available for take out and to go.Our location is near the Lyon St. entrance to the Presidio, near the Palace of Fine Arts and in the Marina District of San Francisco.

10. Taksim

4.8

Exceptional(427)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Turkish • SOMA

Booked 20 times today

Taksim is inspired by a modern approach to authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Our team has a profound love for Mediterranean gastronomy, a dedication to refinement, and a commitment to using the best ingredients.Taksim focuses on contemporary and often playful versions of classic ideas. Our seasonal menu reflects a fresh gastronomic outlook rooted in memories, where each dish is conceived with a specific culinary philosophy.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
C-Y
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined today
As people in the industry, the Progress has been our go-to for birthdays and celebrations for years. The food, service, ambiance and drinks are always amazing, and the team know how to add special touches to make any occasion memorable.
More info
The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis - St. Paul •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Absolutely excellent from start to finish — amazing staff, ambiance and food… even the table bread was astounding. I’ll be back!
More info
Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Some of the tables around us were so noisy that we could not hear our own conversation
More info
Che Fico San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Panhandle / USF
•
4.6
L
lisaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great food (burger, tuna tartare, and truffle fries) and wonderful ambiance. Love this place!!
More info
The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
R
Richard
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
Wonderful lunch, service and lovely space. My new favorite go to restaurant for business or romantic lunch.
More info
Little Original Joe's -- MarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.8