Best Girls Night Out Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Canela Bistro Bar
A blend of authentic Spanish flavors with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Notable Picks
8.8
Canela offers a cozy ambiance with a menu featuring traditional Spanish tapas and an extensive selection of Spanish wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Pintxos, Churros with Chocolate Sauce, Paella Mixta
What Makes it Special: A blend of authentic Spanish flavors with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
#2
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.
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
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.
#5
Son & Garden
8.7
Whimsical, floral-forward brunch plates and high-tea tiers arrive in pastel hues with edible blooms and sculpted sweets. Lines form for photogenic benedicts, soufflé pancakes, and ube drinks in a garden-themed dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bear-shaped pancakes, Crab cake benedict, Ube latte
What Makes it Special: Garden-themed plating and desserts designed to be photographed.
#6
Verjus
8.7
French-leaning wine bar from the Quince team with an evening kitchen turning out precise small plates and a deep bottle list. Crowded bar energy and polished execution make it an elevated yet lively date-night pick in Jackson Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pain perdu dessert, Razor clams with Meyer lemon, Steak tartare
What Makes it Special: French bistro cooking meets serious natural-wine program in a chic salon.
#7
A16
8.6
Southern Italian cooking anchored by a serious wine program and wood-fired pies. Marina regulars come for burrata, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and seasonal pastas in a lively room with a parklet for casual al fresco meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Burrata with olive oil, Cavatelli with sausage
What Makes it Special: Award-winning Southern Italian cooking with a deep, thoughtful wine list.
#8
Barcha
8.6
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Mediterranean small plates and North African-leaning spices served on a well-run heated patio steps from Market Street. Popular with business lunches and post-work groups, it balances shareable mezze with full plates and a capable bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Duck Kabsa, Lamb Kefta Skewers, Hummus & Warm Pita
What Makes it Special: One of FiDi’s most reliable heated patios for Mediterranean plates.
8.6
Roman-leaning thin-crust pizzas and serious cocktails anchor this Mission stalwart. Locals slide in late for crisp pies, efficient service, and a buzzy Valencia Street vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Funghi, Calabrese
What Makes it Special: Late-running kitchen turning out crackly Roman-style pies with strong cocktails.
#10
Besharam
8.6
Chef Heena Patel’s Dogpatch restaurant focuses on Gujarati flavors presented with polish and seasonal California produce. It’s a destination for chaat, veg-forward plates, and thoughtful spice work in a contemporary art-space setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pani Puri, Khichdi with seasonal vegetables, Undhiyu (seasonal)
What Makes it Special: Gujarati cuisine elevated with seasonal California produce.
#11
Chotto Matte
8.6
High-energy Nikkei destination atop Union Square serving sashimi, tiraditos, and specialty rolls with polished cocktail service. Guests come for the dramatic indoor–outdoor setting and precise fish quality that holds up across the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s sashimi selection, Tiradito flight, Nikkei specialty rolls
What Makes it Special: Rooftop Nikkei experience pairing elegant sushi with skyline views.
#12
Cured Fish Bar
8.6
Evening raw bar featuring oysters, crudos, and Japanese-influenced curing with a tight menu and thoughtful beverage pairings. It’s the most seafood-focused spot in town, best for small plates and conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters on the Half Shell, Hamachi Crudo, Cured Scallop
What Makes it Special: Oyster-and-crudo bar with precise Japanese-influenced techniques.
#13
Fin Thai SF
8.6
Contemporary Thai on the Russian Hill stretch of Polk with a polished room and seafood lean. Elevated takes on classics and a cocktail list make it a low-key date choice that stays neighborhood at heart.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steamed Sea Bass with Lime & Chili, Crab Fried Rice, Tom Yum Seafood Noodle Soup
What Makes it Special: Seafood-forward Thai plates in a refined, intimate space.
#14
Funky Elephant
8.6
Modern Thai with bold, spicy signatures served in a neon-lit, music-forward room. The Mission outpost keeps the heat and fun high without losing technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Party Wings (chili jam), Pad Thai Old Skool, Charcoal-Grilled Pork
What Makes it Special: High-heat, party-energy Thai with standout wings and curries.
#15
Kuma on Valencia
8.6
A modern sushi spot offering a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors, known for its creative rolls and curated sake selection.
Must-Try Dishes:
Firefly Squid Roll, Chirashi Don, Uni Ikura Handroll
What Makes it Special: Blends traditional sushi with innovative flavors and a curated sake list.
#16
Le Soleil
8.6
Le Soleil offers a refined take on Vietnamese classics, blending traditional flavors with contemporary presentation. Known for its elegant ambiance and attentive service, it's a favorite for both casual diners and special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Curry Crab, Hai Nan Chicken, Squid Ink Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Elevated Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist in a chic setting.
#17
Locanda Wine Bar
8.6
Stylish downtown wine bar and cucina pairing house pastas with a deep Italian and local wine list. It’s the dress-up option on First Street—ambience, service cadence, and plating suit date nights and celebratory dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle al Ragù, Burrata with Seasonal Garnishes, Branzino al Limone
What Makes it Special: Refined pastas and a serious wine program in a polished room.
#18
Pearl 6101
8.6
Seafood-forward New American cooking—housemade pastas, crudos, and roasted fish—served in a polished, intimate room. Locals book it for thoughtful plates, strong aperitifs, and a neighborhood date-night feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Trout Dip, Seasonal Seafood Pasta, Whole Roasted Fish
What Makes it Special: Refined, seafood-leaning menu with housemade pastas and aperitif program.
#19
Sasa
8.6
Modern Japanese izakaya with a serious raw bar and composed nigiri, ideal for a polished, linger-worthy date. Seasonal fish, craft cocktails, and a sleek room make it the most refined sushi-adjacent option downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri set, Hamachi sashimi with citrus, Bluefin toro nigiri (when available)
What Makes it Special: Izakaya-style menu with elevated sushi and craft cocktails in a stylish space.
#20
Taksim
8.6
Modern Turkish and broader Eastern Mediterranean plates—think house-made manti, flame-kissed chops, and seasonal meze—served in a polished SoMa room. Guests come for balanced spicing, a thoughtful wine list, and professional pacing suited to date nights or small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef & lamb manti, Australian lamb chops, Whole branzino
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven Anatolian flavors with seasonal California produce.
#21
Tiya
8.6
Modern New Indian by chefs Sujan and Pujan Sarkar, pairing precise, seasonal plates with a serious cocktail program. The polished room and counter detail make it a go-to for special-occasion dinners in the Marina.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goan crab curry with kokum, Lamb chops with mint-coriander jus, Black dal with cultured ghee
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven, contemporary Indian with a destination cocktail bar.
#22
AltoVino
8.5
Wine-driven Italian dining on the Nob Hill/North Beach slope with seasonal pastas and thoughtful pairings. Intimate room and a list that roams Italy’s regions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle al Ragù, Spaghettoni all’Amatriciana, Stuffed Fried Olives
What Makes it Special: Region-hopping Italian menu anchored by a serious wine list.
#23
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.
#24
Gola
8.5
Tunisian-led Mediterranean with brik, tagines, and seafood served in a cocktail-forward space. Locals come for bright spices, Boukha after-dinner sips, and distinctive plates you won’t see elsewhere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brika au Thon, Lamb Tagine with preserved lemon, Grilled Octopus
What Makes it Special: San Francisco’s only Tunisian-focused kitchen with cocktail bar energy.
8.5
Glam raw bar and cocktail lounge with retro palm-print décor and a strong seafood plateau game. Ideal for oysters, lobster rolls, and after-work drinks in a chic FiDi setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Plateau, Lobster Roll, Deviled Eggs with Trout Roe
What Makes it Special: Stylish FiDi raw bar balancing cocktails and seafood classics.
#26
KAIYŌ Restaurant
8.5
Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese) sushi, tiraditos, and cocktails served on a 12th-floor rooftop overlooking South Beach. Opened in 2022 atop the Hyatt Place, it’s the neighborhood’s camera-friendly spot before or after Oracle Park events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Acevichado Roll, Nikkei Nigiri Set, Tuna Tiradito
What Makes it Special: Skyline-view Nikkei sushi and tiraditos on a true rooftop.
#27
Loló
8.5
Jaliscan-Californian plates and a serious agave list in a colorful, design-forward room; weeknight drink specials make pre-dinner cocktails popular. Fried avocado tacos and seafood tostadas anchor the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried avocado taco, Tuna tostada, Carnitas en cazuela
What Makes it Special: Vivid design and Jaliscan-inspired plates with agave-centric cocktails.
#28
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.
8.5
Progressive Indian cooking meets a serious bar program in a sleek South Beach room. Expect creative takes on classics, balanced spice profiles, and polished service suitable for business dinners or night-out plans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pani Puri shots, Lamb shank or pork belly vindaloo, Jackfruit kofta
What Makes it Special: Modern techniques and cocktails amplify regional Indian flavors.
8.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Happy Hour Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Historic tiki lounge inside the Fairmont with daily ‘storms,’ live music, and a popular happy hour where wings and island snacks pair with classic rum cocktails. Come for the spectacle; stay for a surprisingly crisp fry on the wings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Chicken Wings, Ahi Poke Tostadas, Kalua Pork Tacos
What Makes it Special: Iconic tiki setting with a lagoon, rainstorms, and happy hour bites.
#31
a Mano
8.4
Handmade pastas and Italian small plates served on a lively Hayes Valley corner with plenty of al fresco seating. Locals line up for fresh, seasonal dishes and an upbeat patio scene that works for dates or friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle with short rib sugo, Cacio e pepe, Burrata with seasonal accoutrements
What Makes it Special: Fresh, handmade pastas with a high-energy patio scene.
8.4
Spanish tapas and paella served from the Warwick’s streetfront space with heated outdoor tables. It’s a downtown go-to for shareable plates and a glass of Tempranillo before shows near Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood paella, Gambas al ajillo, Pulpo a la plancha
What Makes it Special: Downtown Spanish tapas with patio seating and reliable paella.
#33
Freekeh
8.4
Palestinian-led kitchen doing mezze, rolled shawarma, and hearth-leaning comfort plates with bright spices. Locals hit it for shareable spreads and reliable dinner service in a lively Mission setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Musakhan chicken with sumac & onions, Chicken shawarma roll with toum, Muhammara with walnuts & pepper paste
What Makes it Special: Palestinian family-run spot with shareable mezze and musakhan.
#34
Lolinda
8.4
Argentine-inspired steakhouse in the heart of the Mission serving wood-fired cuts and shareable plates with Latin accents. Locals come for well-seared ribeyes, house chimichurri, and a lively rooftop-adjacent vibe that works for dates or groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ojo de bife (ribeye), Entraña (skirt steak) with chimichurri, Chorizo & provoleta
What Makes it Special: Wood-fired Argentine cuts with bright Latin sides and sauces.
#35
Matador
8.4
Lower Nob Hill tequila bar slinging daily happy hour with $3.50 street tacos and strong margaritas. Go for barbacoa or carnitas on house tortillas and settle into a lively after-work scene near Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa street taco, Carnitas street taco, Potato flautas
What Makes it Special: All-day daily happy hour with legit street-taco pricing downtown.
#36
Otra
8.4
Modern casa for fresh-masa plates and mezcal-forward cocktails in a lively Lower Haight room. The menu skews produce- and seafood-friendly with tight execution and a neighborhood feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tetela de hongos, Pescado al pastor tacos, Aguachile
What Makes it Special: Fresh-masa cookery with a mezcal bar and polished, modern plates.
#37
Sorella
8.4
A polished Polk Street room for modern Italian plates, house pastas, and a strong cocktail and wine program. It draws a stylish crowd and works for celebratory nights without going full white-tablecloth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe, Seasonal crudo, Tagliatelle with ragù bianco
What Makes it Special: Modern Italian flavors with cocktail bar energy on Polk.
8.4
Neighborhood standby for agave cocktails and mix-and-match tacos with a weekday happy hour that draws after-work crowds. Portions are fair, salsas are bright, and the room hums without getting chaotic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Guajillo-braised beef taco, Chicken tinga taco, Queso dip with chips
What Makes it Special: Reliable weekday happy hour with a deep agave program.
8.4
Weekend-only Korean bites-and-soju hangout with DJ energy and shareable plates. Late-night service runs to midnight on peak nights, with fried chicken, tteokbokki, and raw marinated crab built for groups and drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy garlic Korean fried chicken, Rosé tteokbokki, Raw marinated crab (seasonal)
What Makes it Special: Korean drinking food with soju cocktails and a lively late-night scene.
8.4
Chef Vanessa Dang brings 25+ years of culinary expertise to Vietnamese tapas with French influences. The art-filled space features an extensive wine list with 150+ bottles and a late-night happy hour on Friday and Saturday from 9pm until close, making it a favorite for post-dinner drinks and small bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Noodles, Salt and Pepper Prawns, Ahi Tuna Carpaccio
What Makes it Special: Vietnamese-French fusion tapas with late-night happy hour
8.3
Modern Mexican at Ghirardelli Square with blue-corn tortillas, strong margaritas, and a bay-adjacent patio. Happy hour draws Wharf walkers for taco platters and shareables with a solid tequila list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Birria Tacos, Halibut Fish Tacos, Fried Shrimp Tacos
What Makes it Special: Blue-corn taco platters and patio margaritas steps from the bay.
#42
Bay Pocha
8.3
Korean pocha-style pub known for late-night hours, shareable hot pots, and soju-friendly comfort dishes. Locals come for hearty portions and a lively, neon-lit room that runs past midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Budae Jjigae (Army Stew), Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon), Tteokbokki with cheese
What Makes it Special: Lively pocha setup with late-night Korean comfort classics.
#43
Biscuits & Blues
8.3
A Union Square blues club serving St. Louis–style BBQ ribs alongside Southern staples before and after live sets. Locals pair tender, sauced ribs with sweet potato fries and catch national touring acts in an intimate room.
Must-Try Dishes:
St. Louis–Style BBQ Ribs, Peppered Beef Brisket, Shrimp & Grits
What Makes it Special: Live blues with legit St. Louis–style ribs in a downtown club.
8.3
Neighborhood bistro near Forest Hill serving classic French fare—think escargots, French onion soup, duck confit—with a thoughtful wine list and a cozy, date-friendly room. Reliable pacing and a small patio make it an easy West Portal-area choice for unhurried dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Onion Soup, Duck Confit, Escargots
What Makes it Special: Long-running neighborhood French bistro with classic dishes and a calm, intimate room.
#45
Destapas
8.3
Destapas SF offers a modern take on Spanish tapas with a focus on plant-based options and a vibrant atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plant-Based Tuna Tartare, Vegan Paella, Patatas Bravas
What Makes it Special: A plant-based twist on traditional Spanish tapas in a lively setting.
#46
El Chato
8.3
Spanish-style taberna and wine bar focused on pintxos, tinned seafood, and a sharp vermouth and sherry program. Ideal for date-night grazing or a later-evening hang with thoughtful by-the-glass pours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gilda Pintxo, Pan con Tomate y Jamón, Tinned Conservas with Chips
What Makes it Special: Pintxos and conservas with a smart vermouth and sherry list.
#47
Fiorella (Polk)
8.3
Wood-fired pies with blistered crusts alongside Italian antipasti and wine in a lively room. The team keeps toppings focused and seasonal, with precise bakes that balance chew and char.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Diavola, Funghi with fontina & herbs
What Makes it Special: Wood-fired crusts with clean toppings and steady execution.
#48
Havana
8.3
The East Bay's destination for California-Cuban cuisine features over a dozen flavored mojitos and South Beach Miami-inspired decor. Mojito Mondays offer half-price cocktails all day, while weekend brunch includes bottomless mimosas and mojitos alongside Cuban breakfast favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paella, Chimichurri Skirt Steak, Plantain Crusted Pacific Cod
What Makes it Special: Over a dozen mojito flavors and authentic Cuban atmosphere
#49
Mamanoko
8.3
A lively Marina room turning out colorful rolls, nigiri, and shareable plates alongside a full bar. Plating skews vibrant and cocktail-friendly, ideal for snapping a few shots before diving in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Loch Duart salmon nigiri, Hamachi jalapeño, Wagyu croquette
What Makes it Special: Vivid plating and cocktails in a buzzy Chestnut Street setting.
#50
Nomu Skewers
8.3
Modern izakaya near Union Square fusing charcoal-grilled yakitori with a concise sushi/nigiri program and sake list. Consistent execution and lively service make it a reliable pre-show or after-work stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso black cod, Chirashi don, Daily sashimi specials
What Makes it Special: Izakaya energy with a legit sushi counter in one room.