Best American Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Kiln
Two-star Michelin tasting menu with Nordic-leaning preservation techniques.
Essential Picks
#1
Kiln
9.1
Chef John Wesley’s two-Michelin-star tasting room channels Nordic preservation—curing, drying, fermenting—into elegant, deceptively simple courses. Locals book it for milestone dinners where service precision, pacing, and technique lead the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Puffed beef tendon snack, Squab lacquered with burnt honey & truffled jus, Seasonal preserved seafood course
What Makes it Special: Two-star Michelin tasting menu with Nordic-leaning preservation techniques.
#2
Lazy Bear
9.1
Ticketed, modern American tasting menu in a lively supper-club setting. Known for meticulous technique and seasonal courses served with polished hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brown-butter Parker House rolls, Charcoal-kissed meats course, Campfire marshmallow dessert
What Makes it Special: A ticketed supper-club where chefs present courses tableside.
#3
Saison
9.1
Two-Michelin-star temple of open-fire Californian cooking led by Executive Chef Richard Lee. A destination tasting menu where hearth, rare product, and a deep cellar draw celebratory diners to South Beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tasting menu (seasonal course progression), Hearth-grilled seafood course, Aged duck (when offered)
What Makes it Special: Live-fire tasting menu with elite service and cellar.
Notable Picks
#4
Birdsong
8.9
Two-Michelin-star New American tasting menu where whole-animal cookery, wood fire, and precise technique define the experience. Locals book it for celebratory nights and a front-row look at aging and butchery in the open kitchen.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aged duck service, Lacquered quail with Parker House rolls, Sea urchin cream puff
What Makes it Special: Whole-animal, fire-driven tasting menu with meticulous aging and craft.
#5
Gary Danko
8.9
Fine-dining institution marrying French technique with California produce in a polished, special-occasion room. Locals book it for milestone dinners and the tableside cheese cart.
Must-Try Dishes:
Glazed Oysters, Lobster Course, Cheese Cart Selection
What Makes it Special: Classic French-inflected tasting menus with impeccable old-school service.
#6
Ernest
8.8
Brandon Rice’s energetic Mission kitchen blends California produce with global flavor cues. The menu shifts often, anchored by playful signatures and a buzzy room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi rice with beef tartare & ikura, Koji-marinated steak, Basque cheesecake
What Makes it Special: Ever-evolving menu with cult classics that rarely leave.
#7
Frances
8.8
Chef-owner Melissa Perello’s refined neighborhood spot balances technique with comfort. Seasonal California cooking, polished service, and a cozy room make it a Castro destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon Beignets, Grilled Bavette Steak, Seasonal Farmers’ Market Salad
What Makes it Special: Technique-driven seasonal menu from acclaimed chef-owner Melissa Perello.
8.8
Long-running North Beach landmark serving photogenic pancakes, French toast, and omelets across from Washington Square Park. Lines form for scratch baking and generous plates that play well in natural light.
Must-Try Dishes:
Monte Cristo, Mʼs French Toast Sampler, Dungeness Crab Benedict (seasonal)
What Makes it Special: Since 1964, a brunch institution with from-scratch baking and park views.
#9
Miller & Lux
8.8
Tyler Florence’s modern American steakhouse at Chase Center focuses on precision—think tableside Caesar, pristine steaks, and polished service. Locals book it for celebratory dinners before or after events, with bayfront sunsets sealing the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside Caesar, Bone-In Ribeye (Snake River Farms), Banana Cream Pie
What Makes it Special: Refined steakhouse with high-touch service and tableside classics.
#10
Range Life
8.8
Seasonal California cooking in a restored brick building with a serious beverage program. Menus change frequently, but precise technique and farmer partnerships anchor the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Tartare, Market Fish with Seasonal Vegetables, Pastured Steak
What Makes it Special: Finesse-driven, seasonal cooking with strong local sourcing.
#11
Sabio on Main
8.8
Chef-driven Californian plates with a polished wine list, served on two patios overlooking downtown where dogs are welcome. Locals book it for date nights and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Cavatelli, Crispy Pork Belly, Chef’s Tasting Menu
What Makes it Special: Refined seasonal cooking on a dog-friendly downtown patio.
8.8
A reservation-obsessed California small-plates spot where carts and an à la carte menu deliver inventive, seasonally driven bites. Locals book for the buzzy energy, sharp execution, and a signature fried quail that still anchors the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried quail ('state bird'), Mushroom–bean donabe, Hand-cut noodles with chile salsa
What Makes it Special: Ever-evolving small plates with a signature fried quail and rolling carts.
8.7
Old-school, downtown steakhouse known for prime cuts, classic sides, and a deep wine list. Locals book it for milestone dinners where polished service and consistent execution matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in ribeye, Filet mignon, Lobster tail
What Makes it Special: Classic New York–style steakhouse dining with an acclaimed wine program.
8.7
Since 1949, this landmark carves 21-day aged prime rib tableside with classic English trimmings. Locals book far ahead for consistent roasts, martinis, and old-school service that runs like a ritual.
Must-Try Dishes:
House of Prime Rib Cut, Creamed Spinach, Yorkshire Pudding
What Makes it Special: Prime rib carved from roving silver carts with full classic sides.
8.7
Hawaiian-rooted New American from chef-owner Ravi Kapur with bright, layered flavors and a lively dining room. The menu balances raw seafood, smoky grilled meats, and shareable plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Poke, Steamed Beef Tongue Buns, Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Hawaiian flavors filtered through a modern California lens.
#16
Merchant Roots
8.7
An intimate, themed tasting menu where courses change with each immersive concept. Expect playful technique and storytelling—think refined bites that span from whimsical canapés to polished, dessert-forward finales.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quail Egg with Black Trumpet Purée, Mushroom ‘Fairy Ring’ Gnudi, Enoki Tempura in Smoked Dashi
What Makes it Special: Seasonally themed, story-driven tasting menus with theatrical polish.
#17
The Progress
8.7
Next door to State Bird, this polished, share-friendly spot leans seasonal NorCal with large-format platters and composed small plates. It’s a dressed-up night out without stiffness—great for groups who want range and finesse.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted quail, Kedgeree (salted fish & rice), Stuffed cabbage rolls
What Makes it Special: Seasonal NorCal cooking with family-style showpieces and refined small plates.
#18
Trestle
8.7
Compact New American spot offering a tightly executed prix-fixe that overdelivers on technique and value. Pastas and seasonal mains change often, with polished service in a cozy Jackson Square room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal pasta (rotating), Mushroom risotto, Sticky toffee pudding
What Makes it Special: A focused prix-fixe with Bib-caliber execution at approachable pricing.
8.6
Tiny Castro institution (since 1977) serving spot-on seafood—oysters, chowder, cioppino—in a classic counter setting. Locals line up for simple, impeccably fresh plates and old-school hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters on the Half Shell, New England Clam Chowder, Cioppino
What Makes it Special: Castro legacy counter famed for pristine shellfish and cioppino.
#20
Beep's Burgers
8.6
Classic drive-in slinging griddled burgers, shakes, and fries since 1962 across from City College. Lines move fast and patties land hot with crisp edges and melty cheese.
Must-Try Dishes:
Half-Pounder with Cheese, Rocket Burger, Chocolate Shake
What Makes it Special: Old-school roadside stand with space-age sign and reliably great smash-style burgers.
#21
Gentilly
8.6
New American with Cajun/Creole leanings: shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and cocktails in a lively Mission Street space. It blends Southern comfort with SF sensibilities for a buzzy dinner or brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp & grits, Maple-glazed fried chicken, Beignets with dipping sauces
What Makes it Special: Cajun-influenced New American plates with a strong cocktail program.
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family-run sandwich shop known for hefty toasted builds and zippy house sauces. The Taraval outpost keeps lines moving at lunch and offers plenty of kid-friendly options and shareable halves.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Turkey on Dutch Crunch, Spicy Italian, Tuna Melt
What Makes it Special: Made-to-order toasted sandwiches with signature spreads at budget prices.
8.6
Open-air rooftop dining with retractable roof offers panoramic views of Mt. Diablo alongside creative New American small plates and handcrafted cocktails. The living wall, water features, and reclaimed brick create a sophisticated atmosphere that transforms from sunset lounge to star-filled late-night destination on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Cod in Banana Leaf, Lamb Meatballs, Truffle Fries
What Makes it Special: Only rooftop dining in downtown with retractable roof and Mt. Diablo views
8.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Business Lunch Power Players
Neighborhood deli known for hefty, made-to-order sandwiches on Dutch crunch and sourdough. Lines move fast and the crew keeps classics like the Roxie Special and BBQ beef dialed in with reliable portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roxie Special (turkey, pastrami, jack, veggies), BBQ Beef Sandwich, Italian Salami Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Old-school deli turning out SF-sized, customization-friendly sandwiches.
8.6
Classic Wharf institution (since 1965) serving dock-to-table seafood in a waterfront setting. Old-school hospitality and generous portions make it a reliable choice for cioppino and crab.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cioppino, Dungeness crab Louis, Clam chowder
What Makes it Special: Pier-side seafood house with its own fish receiving dock.
#26
Surisan
8.6
Korean-inspired brunch near the Wharf with sleek plating and patio seating. Vibrant dishes and colorful sauces make camera-ready spreads without sacrificing flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire’s Bacon & Eggs, Kimchi Fried Rice with Pork Belly, Ube Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Modern Korean twists on American brunch with highly photogenic plates.
8.6
Historic seafood house (since 1861) serving chowder, cioppino, and classic sandwiches in a polished, business-friendly setting. Opens at 11:30, making it a reliable client lunch near the Bayshore corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clam House Chowder in Bread Bowl, Lazyman’s Cioppino, Lobster Roll
What Makes it Special: San Francisco’s oldest restaurant delivers classic seafood with gravitas.
#28
Abrazo
8.5
Abrazo offers a cozy neighborhood setting with Spanish-Californian cuisine, featuring seasonal dishes and an extensive wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Octopus, Croquetas, Seafood Paella
What Makes it Special: A neighborhood gem offering innovative Spanish-Californian dishes in a relaxed setting.
#29
Causwells
8.5
Neighborhood New American bistro known for the Americana smashburger and a refreshed cocktail program. Since 2014, it’s been a Marina standby for casual dates, happy hour, and brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Americana Burger, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Brussels Sprouts
What Makes it Special: Smashburger icon with a tight, seasonal New American menu.
#30
Frascati
8.5
Russian Hill bistro blending Mediterranean-leaning Italian plates with polished neighborhood hospitality. Handmade pastas and a thoughtful wine list make it a reliable date-night choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handmade pappardelle, Seared scallops, Burrata with seasonal accompaniments
What Makes it Special: Mediterranean-accented Italian cooking with intimate, cable-car-adjacent charm.
#31
Kitchen Story
8.5
Bustling Castro standby blending California comfort with Asian touches and the signature Millionaire’s Bacon. Locals line up for well-executed staples in a lively room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire’s Bacon, Ricotta pancakes, Eggs Benedict
What Makes it Special: California-meets-Asian brunch anchored by Millionaire’s Bacon.
#32
Nopa
8.5
Neighborhood stalwart known for a wood-grilled burger with a heaping side of hot, crisp Kennebec fries. Late-evening energy, polished service, and a seasonal menu keep it a reliable Divisadero anchor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kennebec French Fries, Wood-Grilled Burger + Fries, Spiced Ketchup
What Makes it Special: Expertly fried Kennebec potatoes beside a wood-grilled burger.
#33
Oyo
8.5
Pan-Latin plates with clear GF markings and vibrant flavors, from jerk chicken to seafood stews. A cocktail-forward room and lively service make it a downtown pick for groups that need reliable gluten-free choices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Run Down Fish (GF), Jerk Half Chicken (GF), Paella Oyo (GF)
What Makes it Special: A Latin menu with GF and GF* callouts across crowd-favorites.
#34
Park Tavern
8.5
Upscale North Beach standby running a strong ‘North Beach Hour’ with discounted bar bites, including crisp chicken wings. Polished service and park-side seating make post-work meetups easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Happy Hour Chicken Wings, Loaded Fries (HH), Park Tavern Burger (HH)
What Makes it Special: Refined bar program with HH wings in a stylish setting.
#35
The Richmond
8.5
Chef-owner John Owyang’s petite, semi-private dining rooms host a seasonal five-course tasting that delivers standout value. Locals book it for intimate dinners where precise, comforting New American plates rotate with the market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab cake (seasonal), Beet salad with cardamom carrots, Roasted steak with potato hash
What Makes it Special: A quietly personal, prix-fixe New American tasting with semi-private tables.
8.5
Small-plates bistro with a leafy patio steps from the main drag. While known for wine, the flexible menu and outdoor seating make it workable for families who like to share.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beet & Burrata, Seared Scallops, Truffle Fries
What Makes it Special: Tapas-style menu and patio make sharing easy with kids.
#37
25 Lusk
8.4
Since 2010, this polished SoMa landmark serves contemporary American plates in a dramatic, multi-level 1917 warehouse conversion. It’s a stylish pre- or post-game spot with strong cocktails and a scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-grilled steak with seasonal sides, Roasted scallops, House burger (lounge)
What Makes it Special: Design-forward warehouse setting with wood-fire accents.
8.4
Downtown Pleasanton's craft cocktail destination doubles as a serious burger spot, with the Baron Burger arriving on a brioche bun alongside addictive duck fat fries. The covered patio and 600-whiskey selection make this a neighborhood hub for both food and drink enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baron Burger, Duck Fat Fries, Short Rib Birria Tacos
What Makes it Special: Craft cocktail expertise meets elevated pub food with a 600-whiskey collection
#39
Boulevard
8.4
Nancy Oakes' Belle Epoque dining room near the Ferry Building has operated since 1993, collecting a James Beard Outstanding Restaurant award and years of Michelin stars along the way. The wood-fired American menu shifts seasonally but maintains signatures like scallops and pork chop. Prix fixe format starting around $119 reflects the special-occasion positioning; bar seating allows a la carte access.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood Oven Roasted Berkshire Pork Prime Rib Chop, Liberty Farms Duck Breast Roasted in Pancetta, Sea Scallops
What Makes it Special: Nancy Oakes' wood-fired American fine dining with Embarcadero bay views
#40
Deli Board
8.4
Cult-favorite sandwich counter serving oversized, chef-built deli stacks with house sauces and Dutch crunch. Lines peak at lunch as regulars chase rotating specials alongside staples like the Allison.
Must-Try Dishes:
Allison (pastrami + corned beef), Menschkowitz, Leroy Brown
What Makes it Special: Max-flavor, chef-designed sandwiches with serious heft and loyal following.
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Indonesian-Texas barbecue spot (opened 2025) serving halal brisket, dino ribs, and nasi sides—distinctive, conversation-starter lunch fare. Efficient counter flow and shared seating around Thrive City suit working lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Halal Brisket Plate, Dino Beef Rib, Rendang Brisket Bowl
What Makes it Special: Rare Indonesian-Texas BBQ with halal smoked meats.
#42
Firefly
8.4
Noe Valley stalwart (since 1993) for heartfelt California comfort with chefy touches. Warm service and neighborly energy make it a reliable weeknight or low-key celebration choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Seasonal Soup, Braised Short Rib
What Makes it Special: Long-running neighborhood kitchen marrying comfort cravings with seasonal produce.
8.4
Waterfront American seafood with wide bay views, oysters by the dozen, and a lively brunch that draws Mission Bay regulars. It’s the move for patio seating and seafood plates before a game or concert nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dungeness Crab Benedict, Oysters on the Half Shell, Fish & Chips
What Makes it Special: Bayfront patio with oysters, seafood plates, and strong brunch.
#44
Pacific Cafe
8.4
Old-school seafood spot (since 1974) known for warm hospitality and nightly fresh-fish specials; entrées include soup or salad. Families appreciate the straightforward plates and steady service near 34th Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Petrale sole with lemon butter, Sand dabs with fries, New England clam chowder
What Makes it Special: Decades-strong fresh-fish dinners with classic sides included.
#45
Piglet & Co
8.4
A Taiwanese-inspired restaurant offering nostalgic comfort food with a modern twist.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Chop Rice, Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, Bubble Tea
What Makes it Special: Blends traditional Taiwanese flavors with contemporary presentation.
#46
The Morris
8.4
Wine-driven modern American with a tight, technique-focused menu. Signature smoked duck and a deep bottle list make it a go-to for serious diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole/half smoked duck, Bone marrow toast, Country pâté
What Makes it Special: A benchmark smoked duck paired with a cellar-nerd wine list.
8.4
Modern steakhouse and piano lounge inside the original bank vault at 555 California, with prime cuts, Parker House rolls, and polished Hi Neighbor hospitality. Families celebrating milestones will find attentive service and spacious tables steps from major offices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in ribeye, Parker House rolls, Steak tartare
What Makes it Special: Steakhouse classics served in a historic bank vault with live piano.
#48
Town Hall
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
New American with Southern leanings in a brick-and-beam SoMa space built for dealmaking. Service is seasoned, portions are generous, and the menu travels well for working lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk fried chicken, Hangtown fry, Jalapeño cornbread
What Makes it Special: Comfort-forward business lunch classics delivered with crisp pacing.
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Owner-led American bistro where lunch moves efficiently and dinner brings polished versions of classics—from ribeye to salads and fish tacos. Sidewalk patio seating keeps it workable for families while feeling grown-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Cut Ribeye (Lunch/Dinner), Chopped Apple Salad, Fish Tacos
What Makes it Special: Polished takes on American staples with efficient pacing downtown.
8.3
Sunny-side neighborhood standby for crisp fried chicken & waffles, benedicts, and fresh-squeezed juices. Lines move quickly and plates land hot, making it a reliable weekend anchor on Chestnut.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken & Waffles, Eggs Benedict, Banana Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Dialed-in comfort brunch with crisp fry work and reliable pacing.