Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in Downtown / Union Square

30 restaurants available nearby

1. Level III

3.7

Very Good(398)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Union Square

Experience social food and modern cocktails at a new level - Level Three. An exciting and sophisticated dining experience inside the JW Marriott San Francisco. This chic restaurant and lounge features a menu of delicious sharable plates crafted from the freshest, local, seasonal ingredients complemented with an extraordinary cocktail menu custom-created by an acclaimed local mixologist. Situated on the third floor lobby level of the hotel highlighted by a 16 story atrium, you can dine on extravagant plates like Dungeness Crab Cake Benedict, Croque Madame, Avocado Toast, "The Burger", Artisinal Grilled Cheese, Filet Mignon, and our Daily Catch!

2. Causwells

4.6

Exceptional(528)

Price: Moderate

• American • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 39 times today

Established in 2014 and reopened in 2022 with a reimagined interior, seasonal menu, and unique cocktail program, Causwells is a neighborhood American bistro rooted in the northern California style of cooking. Chef Adam Rosenblum draws from his diverse background to create a comforting menu that spotlights local, seasonal ingredients influenced by classic American dishes, European inspiration, and the American South. The cocktail menu from Beverage Director and Managing Partner Elmer Mejicanos redefines the American bistro, pulling inspiration from reimagined classics to seasonal offerings, to tableside experiences. Stop by Causwells’ new art deco-inspired space to enjoy a deliciously unique cocktail and smash-style Americana Cheeseburger – some say it’s the best in the country!

3. Trestle

4.8

Exceptional(2770)

Price: Expensive

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 33 times today

Hi Neighbor!At Trestle, we remember a time, not too long ago, where people took pause to enjoy a meal in the presence of great company, giving it the reverence and respect deserved. We provide a dining experience served in courses, with the satisfaction and warmth found at a family gathering, creating the foundation to a proper meal. Every day we feature a changing 3 course prix fixe menu with choices on each course for $45/person. We will have an optional additional pasta course for $12/person. Unfortunately, we do not offer ala-carte options.We are able to accommodate vegetarian options nightly. We do our best to accommodate other allergies/restrictions based on the menu for that evening. Due to our limited spacing, we can accommodate parties of 8 or less only.

4. AKIKOS

4.8

Exceptional(1614)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • SOMA

Booked 7 times today

Located in the vibrant East Cut neighborhood, just a 15-minute walk from the Ferry Building, our diverse and sustainability-driven menu offers a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Omakase experience. We blend innovative takes on Japanese cuisine with local, seasonal ingredients and fish sourced from Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu Fish Market. Signature dishes, such as our Shokupan—grilled milk bread topped with toro and golden Kaluga caviar—and the aged, soy-cured bluefin tuna nigiri, showcase a harmonious fusion of premium seafood and thoughtfully curated ingredients, presented with creative flair.Please note, we currently offer Omakase experiences exclusively for lunch and dinner, with no à la carte options available. For guests seeking to enhance their experience, additional nigiri selections are available a la carte from our nama menu after the tasting. The Omakase lunch experience is priced at $150 per guest, and the Omakase dinner experience is priced at $255 per guest.

5. Gary Danko

4.8

Exceptional(1640)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Fisherman's Wharf

Booked 28 times today

Twenty-five years after opening its doors in San Francisco’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, Restaurant Gary Danko continues to refine its award-winning combination of classic French cooking, thoughtful and inventive use of local ingredients and personable yet impeccable service.In a warm, enveloping space overhung with fresh flowers and vibrant artworks, an evening at Gary Danko is both intimate and theatrical—a loving nod to an old-world dining experience with its heart thoroughly planted in the new: fresh, locally grown and raised foods drawn from the region’s vast seasonal offerings, prepared with precision and flair.

A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant

6. The Empress by Boon

4.5

Awesome(1380)

Price: Very Expensive

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 23 times today

Empress by Boon is San Francisco’s newest, must-visit epicurean destination, offering a seasonal menu in modern Cantonese gastronomy. Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon applies traditional techniques to fresh, local ingredients to produce distinctive contemporary dishes infused with Cantonese flavors. The spacious restaurant occupies the former location of Chinatown’s celebrated Empress of China with striking city views. Reimagined by Chef Boon and team, the Empress was brought back to its former glory by embracing modern design elements while incorporating restored original features, creating a welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the history of the beloved location.

7. Nightbird

4.6

Exceptional(828)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 8 times today

Nightbird offers a 12 Course , from chef, owner and James Beard Nominated, Kim Alter. It is an elegant boutique restaurant in the heart of San Francisco (Hayes Valley) embracing California's freshest, seasonal, local ingredients. the price of the menu is $195/person with a 16% service charge, 6% Heathy SF, and tax. Please understand we have 10 tables in our dining room, for that reason we do have the policy below.Cancellation policy: If cancelled after the 48 hour window, we charge the card on file $195 per person.For parties over 4 people, one weeks notice is needed for a cancellation. If cancelled after the 5 working day window, we charge the card on file $195 per person.

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 Park Tavern on Washington Square restaurant

9. Park Tavern on Washington Square

3.7

Very Good(34)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • North Beach

Booked 40 times today

Park Tavern on Washington Square has long been a vibrant staple and foundation of the North Beach community. Now, under the helm of renowned American chef-partner Jonathan Waxman and fifth-generation San Franciscan James Nicholas, Park Tavern on Washington Square celebrates San Francisco’s vibrant dining scene with a fresh new era. The restaurant has several private dining options available for groups and parties. As a Bay Area native and one of the pioneers of “California cuisine” Chef Waxman leans into his roots, celebrating the region’s local ingredients showcased in simple, seasonal dishes. Guests can enjoy a menu including Yellowfin Tuna Crudo with avocado, blood oranges, and fresno chili salsa, Cavatelli with dungeness crab, lemon, and parmesan, and Kurobuta Pork Chop Milanese with new potatoes and pepperonata. A few of Waxman’s trademark dishes make an appearance including the JW Kale Salad with anchovy dressing and breadcrumbs, and the famed JW Chicken with salsa verde.

10. Villon

4.2

Awesome(1263)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 5 times today

Menu highlights San Francisco Proper Hotel's take on California cuisine, with a focus on seasonal vegetables and local ingredients. In Proper fashion the cocktail list features our take on classics with a twist. Credit card requiredThis restaurant requires a credit card to secure this reservation. All credit card information will be processed securely. No-shows or cancellations less than 1 day in advance may be subject to a charge of $25 per person.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
AmyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing service outside from a new waitress. From someone who is always cold, the outside seating was perfectly heated. The burgers were incredible.
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CauswellsPrice: Moderate• American• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.6
R
RYAN
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Very cool Omakase for lunch. I love the quality of sushi, particularly aged ones.
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AKIKOSPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• SOMA
•
4.8
P
PeterVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Completely exceptional in all aspects! Consistently among the very best in the city!
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Gary DankoPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Fisherman's Wharf
•
4.8
H
h
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
a family holiday celebration evening. we had dec 23rd chef's tasting menu. we included a family share of risotto & pasta. five entrees in all. our family are world travelers & food connsoisseurs. i'm a self-taught international cook. able sons can cook. it takes culinary uniqueness to impress our family. it's the holiday. a full house on 1st hour. k, chef does best of ability. beginning entrees were tasty, but not about presentation like in restaurant photos, but we like it rudimentary. i sense kitchen staff became overwrought 2nd half. entrees became salty. a low salt person, i was dehydrated from salt. my hot water was not replenished. ah, chai was around the corner. boba drinks a block away. still highly commend front of house staff. a full house, and they work well as a team ensuring & assuring our family enjoyed our restaurant experience during our 1st visit. a rarity... they check in our outerwears & umbrellas.
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TrestlePrice: Expensive• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.8
A
Anne
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
A great location to meet friends for breakfast! We had a small, more private area as a party of 8. We were able to enjoy each other's company and spend time with each other before traveling home. Food was excellent, service was outstanding.
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Level IIIPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
•
3.7

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Downtown / Union Square

Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in Downtown / Union Square

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30 restaurants available nearby

1. Level III

2. Causwells

3. Trestle

4. AKIKOS

5. Gary Danko

6. The Empress by Boon

7. Nightbird

8. COQUETA - San Francisco

9. Park Tavern on Washington Square

10. Villon

See what locals rave about

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