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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

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205 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(6018)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 100 times today
The Rotunda serves afternoon tea seven days a week beginning at 2:30 p.m. (1:30p.m. Sundays). 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 Top of the Mark restaurant
4.3
Awesome(822)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Nob Hill
Booked 41 times today
Number 1 in California and San Francisco, and 2nd in the nation on USAToday's 10 Best Hotel Bars.Nestled on the 19th floor of the historic InterContinental Mark Hopkins, Top of the Mark's breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco's skyline and iconic landmarks, including the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, the enigmatic Alcatraz, Union Square, and more, will leave you spellbound. Sip on our signature cocktails as you soak in the atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Our appetizer and dessert selection will tantalize your taste buds, with options that complement our cocktails perfectly. What's more, we offer live entertainment each Saturday evening, where you can let the music move you on the dance floor.Join us at San Francisco's legendary sky lounge, the Top of the Mark, for a night filled with unforgettable moments, where every sip, bite, and dance move is a journey into the extraordinary.
A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7297)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 43 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(2013)
Price: Expensive
• Southern • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 10 times 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 bota tapas and paella bar restaurant
4.4
Awesome(935)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 12 times today
Bota Tapas and Paella Bar is a neighborhood gem, offering authentic Spanish tapas and paella in the heart of Union Square. The restaurant is praised for its delicious food and attentive service, with many customers recommending it for pre-theatre dinners. Reviews frequently highlight the excellent atmosphere, variety of dishes, and reasonable prices. One reviewer noted, 'Terrific food and ambiance. We’ll be back!'
A photo of Zingari Ristorante + Jazz Bar restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2670)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 8 times today
Zingari Ristorante is a neighborhood gem, serving delicious Italian cuisine and offering a unique dining experience with live music. Reviewers rave about the 'cozy setting,' 'great service,' and 'amazing food,' calling it a 'perfect place to go for dinner near Union Square.' The restaurant also offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, ensuring there's something for everyone. With consistent high ratings for ambiance, food, service, and value, Zingari Ristorante is a beloved neighborhood gem in San Francisco.
A photo of Bouche restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1906)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 18 times today
Bouche is a California-French restaurant with an oft-changing seasonal menu created by the renowned Parisian Chef Jeremy Blaringhem. The beer and wine list is centered on small producers from both California and France. Our Kitchen Is Exclusively Offering seasonal Menu.A brunch service a la carte is offered Sat & Sun 11am-2.30pm in our outdoors heated parklet area only.Items on the menus are subject to change with seasonOur goal is to share our passion for food and wine in our romantic & sexy "hole in the wall" restaurant. Come and fall in love with our recipes and style of cooking served by our wonderful team wearing a big smile. Be Brave enough to order our signature dish "The adventurous". A blind dish created to challenge your palet and boundaries.Nothing Fancy... Simply expect real food, real ingredients , real people , real laughs ... a love experience.As a small family business we really appreciate your support.Bon appétit
A photo of Cesario's restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1487)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 12 times today
Since 1991 Cesario’s has been serving fine Northern Italian and comfort food. We have an extensive global wine list. We are located close to the theater district and Union Square.
A photo of Amber India - San Francisco restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2891)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 12 times today
At Amber India in downtown San Francisco, we blend the rich traditions of North Indian cuisine with a modern dining experience. Our menu features favorites like butter chicken, aromatic biryanis, and tandoori specialties, all crafted with authentic spices and techniques. Whether you prefer vegetarian dishes or hearty meats, there's something for everyone.Our three-story restaurant, with vaulted ceilings and a lively LED light show behind the bar, offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. We can host up to 140 guests, with a private dining room for gatherings of up to 25. Located near Union Square, Amber India is ideal for a casual meal or special celebration.For over 20 years, we’ve been a beloved part of the Bay Area dining scene, known for our flavorful food, excellent service, and warm hospitality. Join us for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch to experience what makes Amber India a local favorite.
A photo of Cafe de la Presse restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1906)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 13 times today
Cafe de la Presse is a gem in the neighborhood, offering a vibrant atmosphere where patrons can enjoy traditional French cuisine. With reviews praising its excellent food and service, it's the perfect spot for a meal or a quick bite. The ambience is described as 'lovely' and 'transporting', reminiscent of Paris. The restaurant is also lauded for its reasonable prices and friendly staff, making it a neighborhood favorite.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Lynn
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I had a party of five for the afternoon tea and I have to say it was amazing! Our party consisted of three adults and two children and everyone enjoyed the audience and the food and the special attention immensely! I could not recommend this location higher for afternoon tea. I am a huge fan of tea and this was the best one I have ever experienced! The food was delicious and the service outstanding. The location inside Neiman Marcus is absolutely beautiful and such a perfect place for a lovely afternoon! White
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    The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.8
  • Mark
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    John’s Grill is one of my most favorite restaurants in SF. The staff are efficient and friendly. The ambiance is great, and I enjoy taking first-timers to this gem. The food is great, and my favorite is Jack LaLanne seafood salad with a glass of Chardonnay. Steaks and pasta dishes are great too! Make a toast or two to Hammett, Bogart, Astor, Greenstreet etc. Save a bit of time to check out The Maltese Falcon and other film noir items upstairs. Enjoy the day!
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    Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7
  • Barryvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    This is my 5th time at this restaurant. Obviously I like it as I continue to come back. Excellent food and great service. Amazing tapas and paella...worth the 20 minute wait, so have a few tapas first. Everything I've tried is fantastic. Located across from the Curran Theatre, so convenient when seeing something at A.C.T.
    More info
    bota tapas and paella barPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Downtown / Union Square
    4.4
  • Nancy
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Celebrated my Dad's 80th Birthday listening to great Live music and eating delicious food! We will definitely be back SOON! Cheers & Love Biscuit & Blues and we will see you soon!
    More info
    Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Southern• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7
  • Williamvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 17, 2024
    A group of us, 8 in all, visited the Top of the Mark this past Saturday, Nov 16, 2024, and had an absolutely terrific time dancing and listening to Carla Helmbrecht (what talent!). The dance floor was filled with peeps (we loved dancing to "Fly Me To The Moon" and "The Way You Look Tonight"! The view on the 19th floor was breathtaking. The sky was perfectly clear and we could see bridge to bridge, Salesforce Tower, the Pyramid, Sutro Tower, Alcatraz - amazing! The table service was attentive without being intrusive, as always. The appetizers and cocktails were deeeelish. We've been going to the Top of the Mark for over 15 years and it hasn't lost one step in charm and fun. A great spot for date night, a party, as special gathering or an evening, solo!
    More info
    Top of the MarkPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Nob Hill
    4.3

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

Discover the hidden treasures of the Downtown/Union Square area in San Francisco, where neighborhood gems offer an eclectic dining scene that caters to diverse culinary tastes and preferences. Whether you're seeking a rooftop lounge with stunning city views, a cozy café with Parisian flair, modern Asian American cuisine, authentic Spanish tapas, home-style American dishes, or traditional Italian with live music, this locale has something to enchant every palate. These establishments are celebrated for their unique atmospheres, exceptional service, and delicious food, making them top picks for both locals and visitors alike. Each restaurant embodies the charm and vibrancy of San Francisco, offering a dining experience that goes beyond just a meal. From pre-theater dinners to special occasions, or even a casual night out, these neighborhood gems in the heart of San Francisco provide perfect settings for memorable dining experiences. The dining scene here is a vibrant mix of culture and sophistication, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.

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