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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Emeryville

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27 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt restaurant
1. Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt
4.7
Exceptional(663)
Price: Moderate
• American • Oakland
Booked 50 times today
May and David Wasem's flagship location Grand Lake Kitchen location offers American classics and warm hospitality. An all-day cafe specializing in brunch and dinner! Maximum party size for regular reservations is 8 at Lake Merritt and 15at the Dimond location.Grand Lake Kitchen at Lake Merritt has a full bar, bustling dining room, outdoor patio, take-out counter, and The Bubble Room (private dining)
A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant
2. Little Original Joe's -- Marina
4.9
Exceptional(60)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 53 times today
Welcome to Little Original Joe's -- an Italian-American neighborhood eatery featuring pizza, pasta, and parmigiana in San Francisco's Marina neighborhood! Limited reservations are available for up to 6 guests -- we look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of The Progress restaurant
3. The Progress
4.8
Exceptional(2469)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Western Addition
Booked 56 times today
The Progress is a vehicle for a completely local production. Innovative meals are served with memorable wine & cocktails. The Greatest Dinner Party Ever.
A photo of Foreign Cinema restaurant
4. Foreign Cinema
4.8
Exceptional(8819)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Mission District
Booked 93 times today
Foreign Cinema is a one of a kind, nationally acclaimed restaurant combining independent films with California-Mediterranean cooking. Enjoy an airy yet chic setting, complete with indoor dining room with a fireplace, outdoor courtyard with 35mm film screening starting at dusk, mezzanine, gallery curated by Modernism West & full bar in the main dining room. Foreign Cinema has something for everyone including their DJ/live music bar, Laszlo. Enjoy special happy hours, uniquely craft cocktails, zero proof selections, full Foreign Cinema dinner menu, and lively music to end your evening.We are currently booking for Outdoor Patio & Indoor/Standard seating 60 days in advance. A ‘standard seating’ reservation is indoor dining. Reservations for 10+ may be booked through private dining department - contact janine@foreigncinema.com for more information.
A photo of Boulevard restaurant
5. Boulevard
4.7
Exceptional(9101)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 34 times today
Chefs Nancy Oakes, Chef Dana Younkin and our entire team, look forward to welcoming you to a refreshed and reimagined Boulevard! The dining room features a 3 course prix fixe menu with a multitude of choices. For the more spontaneous sorts; our bar, lounge and chef's counter is available on a walk-in basis and limited reservations. An a la carte menu is offered in these areas. For private events and larger groups, please check our our website.
A photo of Bon Delire restaurant
6. Bon Delire
4.7
Exceptional(110)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 50 times today
Bon Délire’s chic yet approachable atmosphere draws inspiration from the cafés, lounges, and bistros of Paris. The interior boasts a sculpted horseshoe-shaped wooden bar, plush banquettes, and vibrant, European-imported furnishings that invite intimate dining and lounging. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with views of the Bay Bridge, or relax at the outdoor cafe-style seating, framed by planter boxes and umbrellas, perfect for people-watching along the Embarcadero.At night, the space comes alive with flickering projections of vintage French films and a relaxed, nostalgic soundtrack of throwback French and American tunes, making Bon Délire a sophisticated yet cozy setting for private and semi-private events.
A photo of STK - San Francisco restaurant
7. STK - San Francisco
4.0
Excellent(1288)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 109 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant
8. COQUETA - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(3367)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 52 times today
Brought to you by Award Winning Chef Michael Chiarello and located at Pier 5 on the bustling San Francisco Waterfront, Coqueta is inspired by the cuisines of Spain. Chef Chiarello feels that Spain’s signature ‘small plates’ coupled with the social vibrancy of their dining scene is the perfect combination for San Francisco, which has its own deep-rooted history with the country. Focusing on regional dishes from Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country and beyond, the menu will feature Chiarello's interpretation of traditional Spanish cuisine and, as has always been his tradition, will highlight the bounty of fresh, local ingredients from land and sea.Coqueta means “flirt” or “infatuation” in Spanish, and represents Michael Chiarello and his team’s exploration and interpretation of Spanish Cuisine, wine and inspired cocktails, while highlighting the bounty of Northern California.
A photo of Cultivar restaurant
9. Cultivar
4.8
Exceptional(239)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 7 times today
Mo-Sat: Food until 9pm, Wine until 10pm Sun: Food until 8:45pm Wine until 9pmSat/Sun: Brunch: 11am-3pm Cultivar San Francisco is an wine-centric farm to table restaurant by Cultivar Wine. The menu is inspired by locally-sourced seasonal ingredients including from our culinary garden at Caspar Estate. The menu complements hand-crafted wines from our Cultivar Winery and boutique wines from California and beyond. Cultivar Wine club flights are available. Cultivar Wine Club members get 20% off their Cultivar wine and Cultivar food. Join our Cultivar Wine Club!Our back patio has a fireplace, heaters and festive lighting, perfect setting for a private dinner or a celebration. Sidewalk tables on Chestnut have heaters, great for people watching and guests with dogs. Seasonal dishes and Cultivar Wines available for take out and to go.Our location is near the Lyon St. entrance to the Presidio, near the Palace of Fine Arts and in the Marina District of San Francisco.
A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant
10. Chotto Matte San Francisco
4.3
Awesome(66)
Price: Very Expensive
• Asian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 14 times today
Situated in Downtown San Francisco, Chotto Matte is renowned for its signature Nikkei Cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and electric atmosphere. Chotto Matte’s chic, contemporary interior is inspired by its Japanese & Peruvian roots, making it a unique dining experience, every time. Key highlights include Chotto’s recognizable bold design, tropical foliage and theatrical robata grill.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Ana
    San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Always a great vibe. Service was attentive and helpful. Drinks are dope, food is on point. Brunch menu is delicious! All around a good experience. Cheers to the team!
    More info
    Foreign CinemaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission District
    •
    4.8
  • rebecca
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This was our 31st year celebrating Christmas at Boulevard. We have had the same table every year . Even as our family grew, the birth of our son, then his girlfriend, who became his wife. Even as the world has changed Boulevard has been the one constant that hasn’t. From beautiful decor, amazing food and wonderful people. Thank you Boulevard for making another Christmas perfection. I hope to see thirty more years of Celebrating at your amazing restaurant.
    More info
    BoulevardPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.7
  • Tim
    Los Angeles •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    These are innovative, awake and aware professionals. The original energy and spirit of the restaurant are alive and evolving. Service: Excellent. Food: Excellent. Ambience: Excellent, energetic, present, engaging. This is what an exceptional experience feels like. Thanks to everyone at The Progress.
    More info
    The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
    •
    4.8
  • AudreyVIP
    Los Angeles •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The roasted tomato burrata with pesto starter was amazing. I had the kale salad with salmon and my husband had the chicken pot pie. It was all delicious. Servers (we sat at the bar) were very attentive. Seems to be a neighborhood spot as all the customers seem to know each other, which is nice. We’ll definitely be back.
    More info
    Little Original Joe's -- MarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
    •
    4.9
  • Daniel
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Brunch today was our (3 adults + 3 teenagers) first experience. Great in every respect! Chose GLK Lake Merritt based upon Open Table info and patron reviews. A follow up visit is a must!!
    More info
    Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake MerrittPrice: Moderate• American• Oakland
    •
    4.7

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