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Best Historic Restaurants in Financial District / Embarcadero

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46 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7454)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 64 times today
John's Grill has been a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant is one of the city's oldest and most famous and is a favorite of celebrities who enjoy great steaks, expertly prepared fresh seafood with excellent service and a one of a kind atmosphere. John's Grill was a setting in author Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon.
A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1389)
Price: Very Expensive
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 26 times today
Empress by Boon is San Francisco’s newest, must-visit epicurean destination, offering a seasonal menu in modern Cantonese gastronomy. Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon applies traditional techniques to fresh, local ingredients to produce distinctive contemporary dishes infused with Cantonese flavors. The spacious restaurant occupies the former location of Chinatown’s celebrated Empress of China with striking city views. Reimagined by Chef Boon and team, the Empress was brought back to its former glory by embracing modern design elements while incorporating restored original features, creating a welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the history of the beloved location.
A photo of Perbacco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7030)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 46 times today
Sleek and modern with one foot firmly in the Old World is the feeling at Perbacco. The restaurant boasts a brick wall original to the historic 1913 Hind building, with other touches such as a bar top and floor tiles made from white Carrara marble. With 16 seats at the bar and 7 more intimate tables, Perbacco creates an atmosphere for a glass of wine or a light bite. Perbacco also features 2 dining rooms, one on the main floor and a smaller one on the Mezzanine, which has the added allure of serving as "theater", with windows to watch all the action in the kitchen below. Chef Staffan Terje strives to cook the finest food reflecting the Italian regions of Piemonte and Liguria. Handcrafted, house-made salumi, prosciutto and other charcuterie are not to be missed. Seasonal pastas, a tradition in Piemonte, range from the traditional ravioli to the more exotic agnolotti. Main courses feature dishes such as stuffed quail breast, a selection of seafood dishes, and vegetarian options.
A photo of The Vault Steakhouse restaurant
4.3
Awesome(272)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 17 times today
Located in the original bank vault of the historic 555 California St building on the Concourse Level, The Vault Steakhouse offers indoor dining, a lounge and bar with an extensive cocktail, whiskey and wine program for a special occasion, business function, and date night - all in one place. Enjoy classics steakhouse cuts, creative and fun sides, tableside touches and more.Chefs Ryan Cerizo & Jason Halverson have collaborated to take all of the things we love about Steakhouse dining and elevate it with simple, delicious, modern day touches. Onsite parking is available for $5 in our 24 hour secured garage.
A photo of Palio restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1499)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 5 times today
Voted "2018 Best Overall Restaurant" by SF Bay Guardian readers, Palio is a favorite of downtown denizens looking for the perfect spot to make a deal, travelers who appreciate Michelin rated comfortable dining, and anyone seeking an exceptional group dining or private party venue. A place where historic techniques blend with a contemporary approach, and Michelin rated "comfortable" service personally overseen daily by owner Martino Di Grande. Palio’s menu (including gluten free and heart healthy options) is a veritable culinary tour of Italy; emphasizing the cooking of different regions as the seasons change. Palio's menu utilizes organic produce from small, local farms as well as sustainable agriculture and aquaculture. The Wine Spectator award winning list has always been exceptional, including a wide range of Italian varietals and California offerings. Full bar.
A photo of Le Central restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2145)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 20 times today
Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for five decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Located on the edge of the Financial District, Union Square, and Chinatown in a rare one story brick building adorned with its iconic pink neon sign and crowned by a vintage “Tabac” sign. Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a Parisian brasserie. With exposed brick walls, original imported brass bar, stained glass features, and cozy banquettes topped with brass railings. The atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy delicious French fare and exceptional wines and cocktails in an upscale, yet casual environment. Enjoy French classics like steak-frites, escargot, onion soup, and our world famous Cassoulet. Le Central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!
A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(15907)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 197 times today
62 years of loyal customers can't be wrong. We are grateful to all of our customers, employees, and critics (...though we may not always agree!). The only way to find out the truth is with a visit. Oft imitated, never duplicated. Thank you in advance.
A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant
3.8
Excellent(2469)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • SOMA
Booked 11 times today
Featuring innovative intercontinental cuisine, the famed Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in a glorious setting. This historic landmark serves Breakfast daily, 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch Monday-Thursday and an enchanting Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The Garden Court features a stained glass dome, Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers and is noted on San Francisco’s Historic Register as Landmark #18. Our Executive Chef invites you to try our signature crab salad lightly dressed in our own Green Goddess Dressing, a true Palace original created in 1923.
A photo of The Post Room restaurant
4.1
Excellent(183)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 13 times today
In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, a new Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge called The Post Room is nestled inside the historic Beacon Grand and overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby, the vibrant social venue will serve breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends and complemented by a dazzling live music program.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4252)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 130 times today
Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • LEONARD
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    It was 9 of us at the table. The live music was great. The food was excellent, and the waitress was there for our needs. Thanks we all had a wonderful time
    More info
    Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7
  • Patty
    San Francisco Bay Area •42 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Enjoyed this fixed prix menu. Starting off with small individual appetizers, followers by shared family style dishes. There were a total of 6 courses, although some of the courses had more than one item. The food was well prepare and tasty. There was more seafood at the beginning. Starting with a crab egg caviar course followed by a prawn and a spring roll. There was a three piece dim sum tasting. The pork bun was really delicious. Another highlight was the stir fried beef tenderloin and the duck. The duck was an add on. It well worth it. The skin was crispy and delicious. Enjoyed the dinner and there was plenty of food. They even accommodated one member of our party that has a shellfish allergy with good alternatives.
    More info
    The Empress by BoonPrice: Very Expensive• Chinese• Chinatown
    4.5
  • Garren
    San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great food! Everything we had was exceptional, like the burrata, Brussels sprouts, tajarin, and paparadelle. Appetizers have gotten a LOT smaller than they used to be and the cocktails were incredible small- almost like samples. Overall, service was excellent and the environment is nice. Will I go back? Absolutely but I’ll stop somewhere else to have my cocktail!
    More info
    PerbaccoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.7
  • Nancy
    New York City •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Palio is a gem in San Francisco’s Financial District, offering an elegant take on classic Italian cuisine. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance sets the tone for a refined dining experience—chic decor and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The menu is a thoughtful mix of traditional and modern Italian dishes. The Margherita pizza is perfectly crisp with a flavorful tomato base, while the wild boar ragu over pappardelle is rich and comforting. The Siciliana pizza, with its bold flavors, is another standout. Pair your meal with one of their impressive Italian wines or a creative cocktail from their full bar. Service is impeccable, with attentive staff who make excellent recommendations and ensure your dining experience is seamless. Whether you’re visiting for a business lunch or a special occasion, you’ll feel well taken care of. Palio is a must-visit for lovers of Italian cuisine and is particularly great for those seeking an upscale yet approachable dining experience.
    More info
    PalioPrice: Expensive• Italian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.7
  • Monique
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 12, 2025
    First time visiting this restaurant and it was the perfect place for our anniversary dinner. The service was great, food was delicious and the drinks were the best part. Looking forward to visiting again!
    More info
    The Vault SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.3
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