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Best Authentic Restaurants in Cole Valley

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186 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bambino's Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(560)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Cole Valley
Booked 3 times today
In a warm, open and attentive setting, Bambino’s Ristorante offers a tasteful and varied mix of classic Italian and original fare. We serve Dinner, Lunch and Weekend Brunch. Reserve or drop in for anything from a snack to a celebration.
A photo of Elena's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(417)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 81 times today
Welcome to Elena's -- a place where a family’s love for authentic Mexican food is celebrated and combined with California-inspired elements and signature Mexican-American dishes. We offer reservations for up to 8 guests via OpenTable. At the time of your reservation, we kindly request the entire party be present to be seated. Tables will be held for up to 10 minutes after the reservation time. For parties that arrive later, the table will be released but we will do our best to accommodate the reservation with the next available table. Reservation requests via phone or email are not available at this time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!
A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1849)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 90 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 Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(9088)
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 Zuni Cafe restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7826)
Price: Expensive
• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 137 times today
DINNER:Tuesday - Sunday5:00 pm – 9:30 pmLUNCH:Friday, Saturday, Sunday11:00 am – 4:00 pmWe are closed on MondaysRESERVATIONS ARE TAKEN UP TO 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE.TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR A 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT.
A photo of Trestle restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2746)
Price: Expensive
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 48 times today
Hi Neighbor!At Trestle, we remember a time, not too long ago, where people took pause to enjoy a meal in the presence of great company, giving it the reverence and respect deserved. We provide a dining experience served in courses, with the satisfaction and warmth found at a family gathering, creating the foundation to a proper meal. Every day we feature a changing 3 course prix fixe menu with choices on each course for $45/person. We will have an optional additional pasta course for $12/person. Unfortunately, we do not offer ala-carte options.We are able to accommodate vegetarian options nightly. We do our best to accommodate other allergies/restrictions based on the menu for that evening. Due to our limited spacing, we can accommodate parties of 8 or less only.
A photo of Wayfare Tavern restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7763)
Price: Moderate
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 146 times today
Wayfare Tavern is a true American tavern in the heart of San Francisco, offering an authentic dining experience. Its menu, crafted by Chef Tyler Florence, features traditional American dishes and a selection of locally sourced wines. The restaurant's design, inspired by Victorian-era parlor and an Edwardian men's club, adds to its authenticity. Reviewers frequently mention the restaurant's 'well-executed' food, 'comfortable' ambience, and 'seamless' service. One reviewer even noted the vibe of the restaurant as 'classic'.
A photo of Delfina Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(947)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission District
Booked 48 times today
Delfina is a bustling, James Beard Award-winning neighborhood trattoria in San Francisco’s Mission District. Owned by Anne and Craig Stoll.
A photo of The Parthenon restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(41)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 31 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.
A photo of Altamirano restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(59)
Price: Moderate
• Peruvian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 25 times today
NOW OPEN! Altamirano Restaurant & Bar is a new Peruvian restaurant, conveniently located in the NOPA neighborhood of San Francisco. Open the door to a spacious bar that flows seamlessly into the luxe dining room, with the exhibition kitchen in full view. Meander outside to the dynamic outdoor dining courtyard, featuring a fire pit, ample seating, a bar, and a TV to watch your favorite sports teams. Led by a team of culinary and hospitality professionals, service is comfortable yet elevated. Overseen by Chef Carlos Altamirano and led by Chef Eric Chumacero, the menu is a modern take on the flavors of Peru. Bold tastes and unique preparations will delight your senses and pop on your palette. Drinks highlight traditional Peruvian ingredients but with a contemporary twist. We can't wait to welcome you soon!
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Ronaldvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I have eaten many meals at Zuni over decades and the quality has been amazingly consistent over that time. It’s often just what I want to eat. I had a baguette steak that reminded me of France in the 1970s. The prices have definitely increased. It’s not out of line with similar places, but it used to seem cheaper than other places of equivalent quality. No longer. It’s every bit as expensive as other fine dining places if more relaxed than some.
    More info
    Zuni CafePrice: Expensive• Modern European• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.6
  • brittavip
    San Francisco Bay Area •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I used to love this place, then I moved abroad for 20 years, but went here again, and it is just as good as I remember!! grilled perfection! the dining room is cozy and warm, the booth seats comfortable. our server was the best - attentive but not intrusive - he really did an outstanding job (don't recall his name but has worked there 9 years and has 2 little kids, brown hair with some facial hair - shout out to him - he did a great job!) appetizers arrived lightning fast - aubergine and warm pita, grilled stuffed calamari(YUM), lamb meatballs (nomnomnom), baked gigante beans. mains were lamb skewers (yum) and branzino(5star), which was insanely delish and highly recommended. dessert was baklava, which I don't normally love, but theirs was sooo good and spicy, I highly recommend, and we got an ice cream sundae which was enormous and tasty. im so pleased Kokkari is still around and better than ever. great meal - thanks to the entire team!! can't wait to go back !!
    More info
    Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.9
  • Douglasvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •206 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    While the noise level is very high, the food and service is excellent!! The beet salad was possibly the best either of us have ever eaten, the agnolotti is exceptional, and the chocolate desert was rich without over doing it! What a fantastic evening we were able to share at a truly exceptional restaurant in SF. Thanks for making it special.
    More info
    Che Fico San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Panhandle / USF
    4.7
  • Alson
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Upscale Mexican food in the sunset district. Authentic taste and flavors but spice level is scaled down for clientele. Nothing very spicy. Still, food was tasty! Good ambience, excellent service. Clean throughout. This is definitely not the mission district experience, if that’s what you’re looking for. But very good authentic food in a clean, upscale pleasant environment. Not a taqueria!
    More info
    Elena'sPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Forest Hill / West Portal
    4.7
  • JC
    Cleveland / Akron / Canton •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 2, 2024
    Authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Cole Valley. Hard to find this level of quality and service at reasonable prices these days.
    More info
    Bambino's RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Cole Valley
    4.7
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