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Best Authentic Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

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201 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Teakwood restaurant
4.5
Awesome(309)
Price: Moderate
• Burmese • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 44 times today
NOW OPEN!Bringing the vibrance of Burmese culture and its surrounding cultural influences to Hayes Valley, San Francisco.
A photo of A Mano restaurant
4.4
Awesome(13)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Western Addition
Booked 76 times today
A Mano: Where Italian Tradition Meets California FlairStep into a Mano, a San Francisco haven for handcrafted Italian cuisine. Our name, meaning "by hand," reflects our dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients and time-honored cooking methods. In our warm and inviting space, you'll be greeted by the aroma of wood-fired pizzas and the gentle hum of conversation. Our menu features a symphony of flavors, from delicate handmade pastas to vibrant salads and hearty secondi. Each dish is a testament to our passion for authentic Italian flavors with a touch of California sunshine.Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner, a lively gathering with friends, or a solo escape into culinary bliss, a Mano offers an unforgettable experience. Join us and savor the taste of Italy, made with love, right here in San Francisco.
A photo of Nakama Sushi - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(374)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 16 times today
Nakama means friends/buddies and Nakama Sushi is the result of 2 friends coming together to bring to San Francisans an affordable omakase style menu featuring the highest quality fresh fish. Nakama Sushi also offer an excellent A la carte which is great for the pre-performance. In a city full of expensive dining options, Nakama is proud to offer you an excellent value. Nakama Sushi offer fine selections of beer, wine and sake. Bring your friends, family to Nakama Sushi for a memorable meal.
A photo of ¡Chao Pescao! restaurant
4.3
Awesome(644)
Price: Moderate
• Latin American • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 6 times today
Chao Pescao is a new casual Latin Caribbean restaurant from longtime San Francisco restaurateur Rene Denis inspired by his Cuban-Colombian heritage. The name, translating roughly to “see you later alligator,” captures the friendly and fun spirit of the restaurant. Cocktails are inspired by many of the traditional drinks from Latin America, while the food pulls from the comforting Cuban and Colombian home cooking of Denis’s childhood. The menu is rounded out with other Latin American favorites with particular emphasis on dishes designed for delivery. Chao Pescao is located in the Civic Center Plaza at the heart of the city, across from City Hall.
A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9201)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 100 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 Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1946)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 73 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 The Parthenon restaurant
4.4
Awesome(81)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 14 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 Zuni Cafe restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7907)
Price: Expensive
• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 94 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 Elena's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(592)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 137 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. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!
A photo of Wayfare Tavern restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7860)
Price: Moderate
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 64 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
  • Mary P
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We return to Teakwood again and again because of the quality of food and the proximity to the Davies Symphony Hall. It was a busy evening and our waiter did not pay too much attention to us after food was delivered. Tables were small and crowded. When we’re ready to pay, I had to get up to find somebody. It is a more comfortable experience if you can get a booth, with 3 or more guests. Otherwise, just go for the food, not the ambience or service.
    More info
    TeakwoodPrice: Moderate• Burmese• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.5
  • Jean
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I had high expectations for this sushi restaurant based on all the hype, and while it was certainly authentic, fresh, and well-prepared, it didn’t quite live up to what I was anticipating. The fish quality was excellent, and you can tell the chefs take pride in their craft. Each piece was beautifully presented, and the flavors were clean and well-balanced. Service was attentive and professional, with staff ensuring everything was to our liking. The ambiance added to the experience, making it a great spot for sushi lovers. However, despite all these positives, I left feeling that it didn’t quite exceed or even match the high expectations I had coming in. Perhaps it was the overwhelming hype that set the bar too high, or maybe I was expecting something truly exceptional. Overall, it’s a solid choice for quality sushi with great service, but if you’re going in with sky-high expectations, you might find it very good—but not mind-blowing.
    More info
    Nakama Sushi - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.7
  • StephanieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great new find for pre-theater or concert! Food was great - unusual, great variety, well-prepared, tasty. Service was friendly and helpful. Only issue was that the kitchen was clearly backed up and our food was delayed - 25 minutes from order placed until appetizer was delivered. It would have been helpful to have had our server check in with us during that time. Still, we loved the atmosphere and enjoyed the meal tremendously. And got out on time without feeling rushed while eating. Definitely recommend!
    More info
    ¡Chao Pescao!Price: Moderate• Latin American• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.3
  • Gregory
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The restaurant was excellent but the OpenTable experience was horrible. We tried to adjust our arrival time and the app said there were no tables available within 2 hours of the time frame. We had a 4:15 reservation and wished to move it to 4:45. When we left at 5:30 there were still plenty of tables available. We left a note for the restaurant and that went unanswered.
    More info
    A ManoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Western Addition
    4.4
  • GailVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •56 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    This is one of our very favorite restaurants in San Francisco. Food and service are impeccable. It is particularly lovely to sit in the main room with the fireplace where they are often roasting meat. It is a special place. Don’t tell too many people!!
    More info
    Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.8

Discover best authentic restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Discover the heart of authentic dining in the Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness area of San Francisco Bay Area. This eclectic neighborhood buzzes with an array of restaurants that exemplify authenticity, each offering a unique culinary experience rooted in genuine flavors and traditional cooking methods. From the finest sushi omakase to traditional Italian eateries and classic San Francisco seafood spots, the district caters to all palates with its commitment to quality and authenticity. The dining scene here is diverse, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of San Francisco, and is especially popular among those who appreciate a meal that promises both tradition and a memorable dining experience. Patrons can expect not only mouth-watering dishes but also exceptional service and ambiance that truly enhance each dining occasion. Whether you're a local food lover or a visitor looking to taste the authentic flavors of San Francisco, the restaurants in this area are sure to provide an unforgettable culinary journey. Embrace the charm and sophistication of this vibrant dining locale, perfect for anyone seeking an authentic connection to food and culture.

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