Best Historic Restaurants in Financial District / Embarcadero

44 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant

1. Historic John's Grill

4.7

Exceptional(7433)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 61 times today

John's Grill has been a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant is one of the city's oldest and most famous and is a favorite of celebrities who enjoy great steaks, expertly prepared fresh seafood with excellent service and a one of a kind atmosphere. John's Grill was a setting in author Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon.

A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant

2. The Empress by Boon

4.5

Awesome(1384)

Price: Very Expensive

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 28 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.

3. Perbacco

4.7

Exceptional(7026)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 60 times today

Sleek and modern with one foot firmly in the Old World is the feeling at Perbacco. The restaurant boasts a brick wall original to the historic 1913 Hind building, with other touches such as a bar top and floor tiles made from white Carrara marble. With 16 seats at the bar and 7 more intimate tables, Perbacco creates an atmosphere for a glass of wine or a light bite. Perbacco also features 2 dining rooms, one on the main floor and a smaller one on the Mezzanine, which has the added allure of serving as "theater", with windows to watch all the action in the kitchen below. Chef Staffan Terje strives to cook the finest food reflecting the Italian regions of Piemonte and Liguria. Handcrafted, house-made salumi, prosciutto and other charcuterie are not to be missed. Seasonal pastas, a tradition in Piemonte, range from the traditional ravioli to the more exotic agnolotti. Main courses feature dishes such as stuffed quail breast, a selection of seafood dishes, and vegetarian options.

A photo of The Vault Steakhouse restaurant

4. The Vault Steakhouse

4.4

Awesome(270)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 11 times today

Located in the original bank vault of the historic 555 California St building on the Concourse Level, The Vault Steakhouse offers indoor dining, a lounge and bar with an extensive cocktail, whiskey and wine program for a special occasion, business function, and date night - all in one place. Enjoy classics steakhouse cuts, creative and fun sides, tableside touches and more.Chefs Ryan Cerizo & Jason Halverson have collaborated to take all of the things we love about Steakhouse dining and elevate it with simple, delicious, modern day touches. Onsite parking is available for $5 in our 24 hour secured garage.

5. Palio

4.6

Exceptional(1498)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 11 times today

Voted "2018 Best Overall Restaurant" by SF Bay Guardian readers, Palio is a favorite of downtown denizens looking for the perfect spot to make a deal, travelers who appreciate Michelin rated comfortable dining, and anyone seeking an exceptional group dining or private party venue. A place where historic techniques blend with a contemporary approach, and Michelin rated "comfortable" service personally overseen daily by owner Martino Di Grande. Palio’s menu (including gluten free and heart healthy options) is a veritable culinary tour of Italy; emphasizing the cooking of different regions as the seasons change. Palio's menu utilizes organic produce from small, local farms as well as sustainable agriculture and aquaculture. The Wine Spectator award winning list has always been exceptional, including a wide range of Italian varietals and California offerings. Full bar.

6. Le Central

4.7

Exceptional(2137)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 14 times today

Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for five decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Located on the edge of the Financial District, Union Square, and Chinatown in a rare one story brick building adorned with its iconic pink neon sign and crowned by a vintage “Tabac” sign. Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a Parisian brasserie. With exposed brick walls, original imported brass bar, stained glass features, and cozy banquettes topped with brass railings. The atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy delicious French fare and exceptional wines and cocktails in an upscale, yet casual environment. Enjoy French classics like steak-frites, escargot, onion soup, and our world famous Cassoulet. Le Central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!

A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant

7. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

3.9

Excellent(2469)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • SOMA

Booked 10 times today

Featuring innovative intercontinental cuisine, the famed Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in a glorious setting. This historic landmark serves Breakfast daily, 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch Monday-Thursday and an enchanting Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The Garden Court features a stained glass dome, Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers and is noted on San Francisco’s Historic Register as Landmark #18. Our Executive Chef invites you to try our signature crab salad lightly dressed in our own Green Goddess Dressing, a true Palace original created in 1923.

8. The Post Room

4.1

Excellent(183)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 18 times today

In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, a new Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge called The Post Room is nestled inside the historic Beacon Grand and overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby, the vibrant social venue will serve breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends and complemented by a dazzling live music program.

A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant

9. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4233)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 139 times today

Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.

10. Starlite

4.4

Awesome(169)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 30 times today

Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
David
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great food and service! Really awesome ambiance with the decor. Only opportunity for improvement is the oysters re small for the price. Lobster bisque is the best I’ve ever had!
More info
Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
K
KirkVIP
Hawaii •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
food and service were excellent! some of the best gnocchi that I have ever tasted...light and fluffy and simply melts in your mouth! Great meal!
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PerbaccoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
S
SteveVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •44 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Fabulous food with great, engaging staff Beautiful space and wonderful wine list
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The Empress by BoonPrice: Very Expensive• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.5
M
MarianneVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
4.0
Dined on Dec 26, 2024
We dined at Palio on Christmas Day. We had a lovely meal and the restaurant offered a very nice menu, mainly from their regular dinner menu. We had pasta with bolognese sauce (perfect for the cold evening, the pasta was fresh and the sauce was simmered to perfection), the NY Steak, slightly more cooked than my medium rare preference but the meat was top quality so didn't affect the taste. We also had the seafood stew, served with risotto, (very flavorful). We enjoyed our evening very much and appreciated that the owner, Martino, stopped by to check on us during the meal. It's hard to find a quality restaurant on such a holiday but Palio was just right for our party. I highly recommend this restaurant on any night. Their bar is great and the pizzas are perfect for sharing with friends and colleagues.
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PalioPrice: Expensive• Italian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
N
NadjaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •19 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 24, 2024
Incredibly attentive service and a delightful evening all around. Cocktail was perfect, great suggestions on the menu, and we felt very well cared for. Adjust the Caesar salad to your liking (ask for less lemon for a 2 person serving), pick your steak knife (NY and ribeye were both outstanding) and add the Mac and cheese!
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The Vault SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.4

Best Historic Restaurants in Financial District / Embarcadero

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44 restaurants available nearby

1. Historic John's Grill

2. The Empress by Boon

3. Perbacco

4. The Vault Steakhouse

5. Palio

6. Le Central

7. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

8. The Post Room

9. Original Joe's - San Francisco

10. Starlite

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