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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

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49 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7403)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 95 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 Biscuits and Blues restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2012)
Price: Expensive
• Southern • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 1 time today
Located in the heart of San Francisco's historic Theater District, Biscuits and Blues is a West Coast musical landmark where every seat provides an up-close, live music experience. Our all-ages supper club is a great place for the whole family to experience America's greatest musical heritage! We have live music six nights a week featuring national and Bay Area acts. Our full bar and soulful Southern menu compliments the savory sounds of our top-notch talent. If you’re trying to decide between food and music, you can indulge in both with us! Show times and prices may vary and are dependent on specific acts. No refunds-no cancellations for show tickets. Every ticket has a seat. Singles will be assigned a bar seat or shareable table seat when available.
A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(15835)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 256 times today
62 years of loyal customers can't be wrong. We are grateful to all of our customers, employees, and critics (...though we may not always agree!). The only way to find out the truth is with a visit. Oft imitated, never duplicated. Thank you in advance.
A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9152)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 125 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 Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant
4.1
Excellent(1999)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Nob Hill
Booked 7 times today
A visit to San Francisco is not complete without experiencing Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. The Tonga Room offers exceptional Polynesian Cuisine in a tropical setting that includes thunder and rainstorms. It is the perfect escape after a busy day of meetings or shopping along Union Square. Be sure to try the Mai Tai, voted the City's best by Conde Nast Traveler.Dinner is seated on a first-come first-served basis for all parties under 10. Hurricane Bar guests are welcomed on a first-come first-served basis.The Island Groove performs a live set starting at 7:00 pm. A $15 per person cover charge applies to all guests seated in the restaurant or bar during the entertainment, regardless of the time they arrive.If you would like to make a reservation for 10 or more people to the Tonga Room, please give us a call at 415-772-5000 or email us at tongaroom@fairmont.com.
A photo of The Progress restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2467)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Western Addition
Booked 63 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 Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4207)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 98 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.
A photo of Wayfare Tavern restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7823)
Price: Moderate
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 87 times today
Chef Tyler Florence brings his passion for high quality and style to San Francisco with his new flagship restaurant, Wayfare Tavern. A classic San Francisco Tavern featuring authentic American dishes inspired by local cuisine at the turn of the 20th century, the menu ranges from classic comforts to rustic delicacies. The beverage menu features locally-sourced wines including a selection of Florence's own label, quality draft beers and organic root beer as well as classic Victorian-era cocktails.All three floors of the restaurant have been designed keeping historical accuracy in mind making Wayfare Tavern reminiscent of a Victorian parlor and an Edwardian men's club, where anything goes from black-tie to blue jeans. Pull up a stool to the Chef's Counter at the open kitchen and look on as Chef prepares your lunch or head to the Library and Billiard Room for a game of pool. Wayfare Tavern is a truly unparalleled dining experience translated from a century ago. Photo: John Lee.
A photo of Waterbar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(10927)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 86 times today
Waterbar is a seafood-centric restaurant located on the waterfront with spectacular panoramic views of the bay and city skyline, exceptional design, and a menu of the freshest sustainable fish and seafood. Featuring stunning outdoor (dog-friendly) dining on the waterfront patio, a relaxed atmosphere and floor-to-ceiling circular aquariums filled with an eye-catching array of fish and marine life from the Pacific Ocean. Waterbar is not to be missed.
A photo of Trestle restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2769)
Price: Expensive
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 25 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Angela
    California Central Coast •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Amazing dining experience for my husband's birthday. Daria was our server and was excellent. We loved her suggestions on the menu as well. We enjoyed the octopus (best I've ever had), lamb meatballs, Gigantes, Smelt, and the goat stew to finish. We were absolutely stuffed and definitely slept like babies! Everything was stunning. I've heard such wonderful things before coming here, and they had exceeded my expectations.
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    Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.8
  • BVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •132 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We ordered drinks, which came promptly and were good. Both of us had jambalaya. It was quite tasty. The show started somewhat late, so we had time for another round of drinks. Once the show started, and during and after the show, service was less available. It took us a bit of time to get our check, but we were able to chat with the performers, so it was fun. The parking discount at the Mason-Ellis garage worked out well. We highly recommend Biscuits and Blues for dinner and a show! We'll definitely be back.
    More info
    Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Southern• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7
  • Taffy
    New Mexico •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We returned for a second visit this holiday season; it was wonderful. Got adventurous and had the creamed corn. I noticed my daughters snuck more than an initial half teaspoon taste. It was very, very good. Not watery creamy. This had a nice texture. Try it! The prime rib was exceptional. I had the smaller portion. One daughter had the thinner slices. One daughter had the regular cut. All were sumptuous! Had a baked potato instead of the mashed. It was yummy. We ordered an apple crisp to share between the three of us. It was delicious with a nice amount of apple slices hidden under the topping and surrounded by the usual warm spices. Our server was great! She was friendly, attentive but didn’t hover. Thank you all for a wonderful evening! I may not be back for a while. Palo Alto daughter is moving to Duarte. CA this summer. If she needs help moving, we’ll have to do a farewell visit at House of Prime Rib. Again, thank you!
    More info
    House of Prime RibPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.8
  • LisaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •60 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Lunch after a matinee is one of our Holiday traditions- this year it was just perfect. The restaurant was packed with diners waiting for tables lined up at the bar, so thank goodness we had a reservation (on a Monday at 3:00PM- who knew?). Once past that minor inconvenience, everything was absolutely wonderful. We shared the Tortelloni appetizer and even though I am an accomplished Italian home cook, it was the best we have ever had. Then we shared the Jack LaLane salad - partly because we grew up with him on TV and the nostalgia was undeniable- and it was perfect. It had a respectable amount of seafood and avocado and was very large. My husband said his Manhatten was excellent. We left vowing to come back soon and often.
    More info
    Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7
  • SamanVIP
    Philadelphia County •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 19, 2024
    We loved the live musical performance! The tropical atmosphere feels like being on vacation in Hawaii!
    More info
    Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Asian• Nob Hill
    4.1

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

Discover the vibrant culinary scene in Downtown / Union Square, San Francisco, where dining is not just about food but an unforgettable experience. This area is a treasure trove of "hot spots" that cater to every palate, featuring a variety of cuisines from modern French to traditional Italian and innovative Asian American. Each restaurant in this locale is renowned for its unique ambiance, exceptional service, and culinary excellence, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. Whether you're looking for a chic rooftop lounge, a cozy spot with communal vibes, or a place that offers live music alongside delicious dishes, Downtown / Union Square has it all. These restaurants are celebrated for their creative menus and the expertise of their chefs, ensuring a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Ideal for everything from a casual outing to a special occasion, each establishment provides a distinct atmosphere that enhances the overall dining pleasure. Explore these culinary gems in the heart of San Francisco for a taste of the city's dynamic and diverse dining scene.

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