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Best Authentic Restaurants in The Castro

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197 restaurants available nearby

A photo of L'Ardoise restaurant
1. L'Ardoise
4.9
Exceptional(3364)
Price: Expensive
• French • The Castro
Booked 7 times today
French Bistro serving traditional and authentic fare in a cozy atmosphere.
A photo of Canela Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant
2. Canela Bistro & Wine Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1564)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • The Castro
Booked 9 times today
Take a trip to Spain without your passport! Established in 2011, Canela's Spanish and California cuisine has been drawing in locals and visitors alike. Crafted with a mix of ingredients and wines imported from Spain as well as California's bounty, Canela's mix of tapas and paella is made to please. Mat Schuster, Canela’s executive chef, has dedicated his life to creating sophisticated and unforgettable flavors with you in mind. Honored to be awarded a Certified Restaurant from Spain by the Spanish Trade Commission, we offer over 75 bottles of unique wine from Spain, some that you will only find here. Whether you want to have a formal dinner, casual tapas, small plates, paella, glass of wine, and homemade dessert, come to Canela and be assured that you will find what you are looking for.
A photo of Cafe Mystique restaurant
3. Cafe Mystique
4.6
Exceptional(35)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • The Castro
Booked 2 times today
We feature American, Italian and Mediterranean dishes using fair-trade products from local markets. Every plate that comes out of our kitchen is rich in authentic flavors and ingredients.Thanks for dinning at Cafe Mystique where you find a delicious and fresh gourmet food.
A photo of Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4. Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar
4.6
Exceptional(18)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • The Castro
Booked 1 time today
Our chef: Arun Dangi has curated modern indian dishes still retaining its authentic flavors and traditional cooking style. Our take on pizza, pasta, salad and sandwiches are incorporated with aromatic herbs and spices used in Indian curries and also cooking method in a flavorful way.
A photo of Elena's restaurant
5. Elena's
4.7
Exceptional(467)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 121 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
6. Che Fico San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(1878)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 50 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
7. Kokkari Estiatorio
4.9
Exceptional(9136)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 109 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
8. Zuni Cafe
4.6
Exceptional(7845)
Price: Expensive
• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 80 times today
Zuni Café opened in San Francisco, California on February 15, 1979. Our daily changing menus are inspired by seasonal organic ingredients and incorporate traditional French and Italian cuisine. As Zuni continues to evolve, in its own distinctive and delicious way, it strives to remain the way it’s always been: at the same time rustic and cosmopolitan, audacious and familiar, intimate and convivial.RESERVATIONS ARE TAKEN UP TO 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE.TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR A 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT.
A photo of The Parthenon restaurant
9. The Parthenon
4.5
Awesome(59)
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 Wayfare Tavern restaurant
10. Wayfare Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(7807)
Price: Moderate
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 63 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'.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • BhaskarVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •155 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    We had a great experience at Canela today for wine and tapas. Matthew is an excellent server who provided very good service and made us have a pleasant evening at Canela. Tapas are delicious and wine was good.
    More info
    Canela Bistro & Wine BarPrice: Expensive• Spanish• The Castro
    •
    4.8
  • Carlos
    Tahoe / Reno Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Here’s the revised review: I had an excellent experience overall at Elena’s! The drinks were fantastic, and the atmosphere was perfect. The bartender was awesome—super attentive and friendly. The busboys were amazing, going above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. Honestly, they gave me better service than my waitress, who wasn’t quite on the ball. While her service left something to be desired, the rest of the staff really stepped up and made it a great night. Big thanks to the team at Elena’s for making it memorable!
    More info
    Elena'sPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Forest Hill / West Portal
    •
    4.7
  • Guido
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    L'Ardoise is a treasure: reliable through the years, exceptional food, and perfect celebratory ambiance. I love going back for special occasions!
    More info
    L'ArdoisePrice: Expensive• French• The Castro
    •
    4.9
  • LeonVIP
    Philadelphia County •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 15, 2024
    Excellent food, and no 5% San Francisco employee mandate surcharge. Management of this Restaurant should be commended for not having that . We will be back. Everything from the food to the dining experience was top-notch 
    More info
    Cafe MystiquePrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• The Castro
    •
    4.6
  • Sari
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 12, 2024
    Delicious variety of foods. Lovely space and lovely staff
    More info
    Castro Indian Restaurant & BarPrice: Moderate• Indian• The Castro
    •
    4.6

Discover best authentic restaurants in The Castro

Discover the heart of authentic dining in San Francisco's vibrant Castro District. This area is renowned for its eclectic and genuine culinary offerings, where each restaurant promises a unique taste of local and international flavors. In your search for authenticity, you'll find establishments that emphasize farm-to-table ingredients, reflecting the rich agricultural bounty of the San Francisco Bay Area. The dining scene here is characterized by a warm, inviting ambiance that compleases both locals and visitors alike, making it a true foodie's delight. Restaurants in The Castro stand out for their commitment to quality and passion for service, often featuring menus that are both inventive and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you're craving an intimate dining experience or a lively meal in a bustling setting, the authenticity of The Castro's culinary landscape offers something for every palate. Delight in the expertise and care that go into every dish, crafted to offer not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience in one of San Francisco's most iconic neighborhoods.

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