Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

East BaySan Francisco

Neighborhoods

BerkeleyCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessDowntown / Union SquareFinancial District / EmbarcaderoFisherman's WharfMission District

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

28 restaurants available nearby

1. The Parthenon

4.4

Awesome(88)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 16 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.

2. Corzetti

4.4

Awesome(393)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 20 times today

Step off the bustling streets of Union Square and into a glamorous, coastal Italian getaway. Corzetti is a Ligurian restaurant and bar that evokes summers spent on the Italian Riviera where life moves at a slower pace, and seaside restaurants serve up menus influenced by the day’s catch and peak-season produce from the region.Chef Tali Missirlian's focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and handmade pasta reflects our commitment to sustainability and quality. You'll find fresh seafood-forward dishes on our menu including pizza, pasta and more, which pair perfectly with creative cocktails from our bar and an extensive list of Italian wines. Come in for lunch, happy hour, or a quick dinner before a show. Host birthday parties and get togethers in our private dining room. From our cozy and intimate atmosphere to our knowledgeable and attentive service, Corzetti invites you to savor the essence of Liguria's relaxed seaside culture in the heart of the city.

A photo of Zingari Ristorante + Jazz Bar restaurant

3. Zingari Ristorante + Jazz Bar

4.0

Excellent(2695)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 2 times today

Zingari means Gypsies in Italian. Adventure through Italy at a beautiful Italian steakhouse and seafood restaurant in San Francisco. Enjoy an eclectic menu inspired by stories from Italy experienced by our skilled and professional staff. Indulge in Italian tapas, fresh handmade pasta, and selection of raw, roasted, or grilled meats and fish. Plus a proper selection for vegan and vegetarian diners. Find the same quality within our wine cellar and aperitivo bar. Zingari is family-owned and operated with a team, sharing real hospitality that goes beyond the plate. Cin Cin!

A photo of Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar restaurant

4. Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar

4.0

Excellent(798)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 12 times today

Ula is a beautiful European Mediterranean restaurant and tapas bar in San Francisco. Sip your martini or quality wine with a seafood-centric menu that has a focus on raw, roasted, and grilled fish and various roasted and grilled meats, pasta, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan selections. The restaurant is maximalist art deco with fixtures that depict jellyfish, oysters, and grand maritime vessels. Just a hop from Union Square, the delightfully vintage dining room begs to be paired with a nostalgic trolley ride and a stroll through the heart of the city. Dining is available inside only (and you wouldn’t want it any other way). We look forward to serving you. From the Mediterranean with Love. All welcome.

A photo of bota tapas and paella bar restaurant

5. bota tapas and paella bar

4.5

Awesome(963)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Tapas / Small Plates • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 8 times today

Bota is an authentic Spanish style tapas and paella bar located in the heart of Union Square in San Francisco. A place to go to share food, savor rustic flavors and enjoy Spanish wine in a casual, yet chic, environment. Inspired by the concept behind our name “BOTA”, a vessel to share wine with the people around you.

6. Bouche

4.6

Exceptional(1937)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 11 times today

Bouche is a California-French restaurant with an oft-changing seasonal menu created by the renowned Parisian Chef Jeremy Blaringhem. The beer and wine list is centered on small producers from both California and France. Our Kitchen Is Exclusively Offering seasonal Menu.A brunch service a la carte is offered Sat & Sun 11am-2.30pm in our outdoors heated parklet area only.Items on the menus are subject to change with seasonOur goal is to share our passion for food and wine in our romantic & sexy "hole in the wall" restaurant. Come and fall in love with our recipes and style of cooking served by our wonderful team wearing a big smile. Be Brave enough to order our signature dish "The adventurous". A blind dish created to challenge your palet and boundaries.Nothing Fancy... Simply expect real food, real ingredients , real people , real laughs ... a love experience.As a small family business we really appreciate your support.Bon appétit

7. Cable 55

4.6

Exceptional(24)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Unspecified • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 2 times today

In the heart of San Francisco's popular neighborhood at Market and Fifth, the contemporary Cable 55 restaurant is found in the sleek Parc 55 San Francisco - a Hilton Hotel, offering tourists and residents a stylish venue and delicious change of pace from rich American classics by infusing them with a light, local flair. As a Surfrider Foundation Ocean Friendly Restaurant, Cable 55 is dedicated to sustainably serving you.

8. Rise Over Run

4.4

Awesome(208)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 2 times today

Gaze out over sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline at Rise Over Run, the lush outdoor rooftop and indoor solarium. Share a South East Asian inspired cocktail — by local legend Danny Louie — or snack on food offerings of Executive Chef Morgan Depaulo.Walk-ins are welcomed and encouraged! Reservations are nice, too.For private event and large group inquiries please email us at SFOTL_events@hilton.com

A photo of Tratto - San Francisco restaurant

9. Tratto - San Francisco

4.3

Awesome(846)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 7 times today

Re-Opening June 2, 2021A spirited, bar-driven restaurant serving rustic Italian fare with modern sensibilities. Tratto means the stroke of a pen or a mark in Italian, nodding to both the neighborhood’s artistic history and the name of The Marker, the boutique hotel next door. Tratto’s flavorful menu of simple, delicious and shareable dishes coupled with casual, communal-style dining creates a neighborhood bar experience inspired by the Italian tradition of “aperitivo,” or happy hour.Guests can enjoy playful twists on classic Italian cocktails, boozy Italian sodas, and beer and wine from California and Italy, including a jug of house wine from the taps.Choose from a wide selection of traditional small-plate antipasti, house-made pastas and pizzas, entrees served family-style, seasonal side dishes, and classic Italian desserts including ice creams, gelatos and sorbets.

10. Cesario's

4.5

Awesome(1534)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 5 times today

Since 1991 Cesario’s has been serving fine Northern Italian and comfort food. We have an extensive global wine list. We are located close to the theater district and Union Square.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

SP
ScottP
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined today
A great evening with the right amount of attention and good advice on what to select.
More info
The ParthenonPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.4
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We were 3 after a conference and it was perfect to chat and debrief and enjoy great pasta/pizza and wine brilliant dessert also. Walking distance from Moscone
More info
CorzettiPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.4
R
Roberto
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This is the best kept secret of San Francisco!! From the beginning to dessert - fantastic
More info
Ula Restaurant & Tapas BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4
L
Leslie
San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great service. Tasty food. Well located. We’ll be back.
More info
bota tapas and paella barPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
We truly enjoyed the small room with the jazz music. It is like having your own private event. Food was great too.
More info
Zingari Ristorante + Jazz BarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Downtown / Union Square
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4