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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown / Union Square

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30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6196)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 87 times today
The Rotunda serves afternoon tea seven days a week beginning at 1:30 p.m. A tea experience reservation is necessary to enjoy our daily tea service. Any dietary restrictions must be noted at least 24 hours in advance of your reservation.Please use link below to reserve your tea experience.https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=889&restref=889&experienceId=35326Let THE ROTUNDA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.*February 22, the outside elevator is under construction. Enter through any of the outside NM entrances, take any elevator to the 4th floor.
A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant
4.3
Awesome(78)
Price: Very Expensive
• Asian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 5 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.
A photo of Aliment restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(949)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 3 times today
Aliment, is a family-owned and operated American Restaurant in Downtown San Francisco. Est. in 2013 and just a few blocks from Union Square, we serve organic new American cuisine with excellent choices of homemade cocktails, local Napa Wines, and local beers. Our team of chefs re-creates our menu on a seasonal basis. We pride ourselves in our belief in keeping San Francisco fun and unique by offering a diverse menu such as Lamb Chops, Grilled Seabass, Bread Pudding, and more!
A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9204)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 162 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 The Progress restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2509)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Western Addition
Booked 53 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 Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(72)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 82 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 Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1946)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 78 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 Bon Delire restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(188)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 51 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 Boulevard restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9144)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 66 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 STK - San Francisco restaurant
4.1
Excellent(1351)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 50 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • WendyVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The staff was exceptionally warm, Kokkari is still as cozy and delicious as ever. A classic San Francisco staple.
    More info
    Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.8
  • BennieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •124 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    It is always a wonderful experience to dine at the Rotunda! Kathrine was so fun as our server and it is sweet to be remembered by Willie and Marian at the front desk. The food was great; I had to order the well reviewed burger and it was as good as they said!
    More info
    The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7
  • Han
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Food was amazing and service was prompt. Our server was very charismatic and fun!
    More info
    Chotto Matte San FranciscoPrice: Very Expensive• Asian• Downtown / Union Square
    4.3
  • Julie Ann
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We got lucky getting the best table in the restaurant, across from the bar in a nook under the stairs, so we easily heard each other! We chose a plant forward menu and our waiter Kai (sp?) decided on the order of the dishes. I’d trust his judgment again because we had a great time. The pigs head hid a shaved fennel and pear salad underneath. I delightfully learned how different parts of fennel tastes when shaved so finely. The Hokkaido scallops were soooo good and fresh and compared to a sushi restaurant, a very good value. My partner normally doesn’t like shellfish but he loved the scallops. We ended the savory portion of the meal with the seaweed noodles and the grilled cabbage with dill pickle butter and roe. Both plates had amazing, complimentary sauces and Kai brought us some bread to savor the last drops. The One Punch Man cocktail complemented entire the meal so well with its fruity yet creamy flavor. We got the chocolate semifreddo for dessert for the texture. It had a toasted umeboshi meringue that tasted like dates if they were slightly pickled. I left food drunk and with very happy tastebuds. I loved the restraint in all the flavors. I think a lot of dishes could’ve easily gone sideways in less capable hands, or even the meal because this menu had a lot of citrus and pickled items, and instead they nailed it just right.
    More info
    The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
    4.8
  • CHRIS
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Sam was awesome from start to finish! Alan was an excellent waiter. We were very pleased with the service = 25% Tip! Thank you for a wonderful experience to celebratey birthday.
    More info
    AlimentPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.6
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