Best Restaurants for People Watching in Mission District

34 restaurants available nearby

1. Foreign Cinema

4.8

Exceptional(8785)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Mission District

Booked 92 times today

Foreign Cinema is a one of a kind, nationally acclaimed restaurant combining independent films with California-Mediterranean cooking. Enjoy an airy yet chic setting, complete with indoor dining room with a fireplace, outdoor courtyard with 35mm film screening starting at dusk, mezzanine, gallery curated by Modernism West & full bar in the main dining room. Foreign Cinema has something for everyone including their DJ/live music bar, Laszlo. Enjoy special happy hours, uniquely craft cocktails, zero proof selections, full Foreign Cinema dinner menu, and lively music to end your evening.We are currently booking for Outdoor Patio & Indoor/Standard seating 60 days in advance. A ‘standard seating’ reservation is indoor dining. Reservations for 10+ may be booked through private dining department - contact janine@foreigncinema.com for more information.

2. El Techo

4.6

Exceptional(395)

Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Mission District

Booked 15 times today

El Techo is the heated and covered open-air rooftop restaurant above Lolinda. Offering sweeping city views, pan-Latin American casual cuisine, and crafty classic cocktails, we are the perfect venue for your celebration or as a compliment to your dinner at the Mission's finest steakhouse. Fun food, festive cocktails "del Sol" and the best rooftop skyline in SF.

3. Curio

4.4

Awesome(290)

Price: Moderate

• Comfort Food • Mission District

Booked 7 times today

Curio is a bar and restaurant that honors all things unconventional. Located next to The Chapel, the Mission’s most prominent performance venue, the space brings together some of life’s greatest pleasures – well-crafted cocktails, regional American food, and live music. The eclectic space draws inspiration from the building’s past as a mortuary, exploring the mysterious themes of life and time.

4. Dalida

4.7

Exceptional(810)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Presidio

Booked 44 times today

Beautiful Modern Mediterranean restaurant by Chefs Laura and Sayat (Star Chefs and San Francisco Chronicle Rising Stars) at the Main Parade Lawn in the heart of the Presidio National Park. The restaurant's menus feature Presidio-inspired seasonal craft cocktails, a progressive wine menu, and a cuisine that balances the comfort of familiar Mediterranean flavors with California sensibilities. In cohesion with the Presidio National Park, the design features soft, natural colors; repurposed furniture items from the Presidio; and a mural and a hand-drawn wall paper by Bay Area artist Emily Parkinson. Diners can enjoy a patio with a view of Alcatraz; an intimate private dining room; a lofty main dining room surrounded by windows on two sides; a cozy bar that is a local favorite; and an open-concept kitchen counter with counter seats and high tables.

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

5. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

4.8

Exceptional(48)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 40 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!

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

6. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(6018)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 105 times today

The Rotunda serves afternoon tea seven days a week beginning at 2:30 p.m. (1:30p.m. Sundays). 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.

7. Starlite

4.4

Awesome(145)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 27 times today

Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.

8. Blind Butcher

4.5

Awesome(486)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • The Castro

Booked 30 times today

Nestled in the Castro District off Eighteenth and Hartford, Blind Butcher San Francisco features an urban setting that is modern and sophisticated, yet stunningly warm and inviting. The globally inspired New American menu features hand cut prime steaks, bountiful seafood and local organic produce. From small to big bites each dish highlights an inventive flair for marrying diverse flavors with natural organic ingredients into a gastronomic delight. Our wine program offers a superb variety that inspires daring pairings at prices that encourage exploration. Our professional staff is dedicated to crafting a memorable dining experience for our guests, and they share a commitment to quality and a passion to serve you.

9. Cultivar

4.8

Exceptional(237)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 8 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. Bon Delire

new

4.6

Exceptional(67)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 62 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tammy
San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Hadn't been to Foreign Cinema in a long time; no matter - it's still a great hang! Great food; very attentive staff; excellent wine selection and I love the mix of us in the room: couples, families with children, solos. My partner and I had a wonderful time and we'll go more often!
More info
Foreign CinemaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission District
•
4.8
R
Rosa
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Awesome in all aspects we weren’t rushed which I a plus
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Little Original Joe's -- MarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.8
M
Mary Louvip
San Francisco Bay Area •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Fun menu with emphasis on plates to share, creative use of seasonal ingredients and the pita bread is to die for. The Breaking Bread appetizer sampler is a must order. Lamb chops were divine. Our server was friendly, helpful and attentive, but not overly so--made for a delicious, relaxing weekday lunch with girlfriends.
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DalidaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Presidio
•
4.7
I
isai
Los Angeles •1 review
4.0
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
Price was perfect besides the mice that started running
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El TechoPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Mission District
•
4.6
I
Irene
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
Unique and flavorful dish! I had the king Trumpet mushroom dish.
More info
CurioPrice: Moderate• Comfort Food• Mission District
•
4.4

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Mission District

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Mission District

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34 restaurants available nearby

1. Foreign Cinema

2. El Techo

3. Curio

4. Dalida

5. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

6. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

7. Starlite

8. Blind Butcher

9. Cultivar

10. Bon Delire

See what locals rave about

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