Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Financial District / Embarcadero

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

119 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Wayfare Tavern restaurant
1. Wayfare Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(7873)
Price: Moderate
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 83 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 BIX restaurant
2. BIX
4.7
Exceptional(5047)
Price: Expensive
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 42 times today
An exceptionally stylish supper club, civilized speakeasy, a sophisticated saloon. Each of these "personae" is housed in a soaring two-story interior distinguished by a gently curving mahogany bar, fluted columns with ornate capitals, stunning original art, plush banquettes, cozy booths, starched linens, glittering glasses, and polished flatware. Overall, the ambiance is pure 1930's and 1940's - tasteful art moderne reminiscent of the glory days of Cunard and French Line ships. Fashionable and glamorous are the hallmarks. Trendy is simply not a part of the BIX culture. The clientele at BIX ranges from San Francisco movers-and-shakers to "savvy travelers" - owner Doug Biederbeck's term for the many diners in the know from out of town who patronize his establishment. All of them step from the featureless alley into another world - a world of superb cookery and libations, of sparkling service, of stylish nostalgia, of polished live jazz. That world is BIX.
A photo of Perbacco restaurant
3. Perbacco
4.7
Exceptional(7044)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 69 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 Le Central restaurant
4. Le Central
4.7
Exceptional(2165)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 20 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 Sens Restaurant restaurant
5. Sens Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1359)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 17 times today
Sens is French for the word meaning "Sense," which refers to the faculties of sight, sound, smell, and taste that humans perceive this as stimuli originating from the body inside and out.At Sens we love the process of cooking and its end result, complete happiness. Our inspiration is that of the Mediterranean with its diverse cultures and cuisines. Our goal is not to redefine or reinvent their cuisine but rather to refine and create delicious and beautiful food. We use only the finest local ingredients and exotic spices to elevate our classic and modern techniques. Our destination is and will always be the same, to develop and perfect the flavor, fragrance, texture and composition of each dish while creating a unique and unforgettable experience.Welcome to Sens.
A photo of Caffe Macaroni restaurant
6. Caffe Macaroni
5.0
Exceptional(719)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 5 times today
Chef & co-owner, Mario and his delightful wife, Stephanie, have a knack for making you feel as if they are cooking and serving just for you at this super-reasonable North Beach nook offering robust Southern Italian fare reminiscent of his native Naples; whether you’ve snagged an outdoor table or are in the small, casual interior, it delivers a pasta fix. The menu changes daily to ensure freshness.
A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
7. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(6228)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 90 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 Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
8. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(4300)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 131 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 Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant
9. Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar - Fairmont San Francisco
3.7
Very Good(1821)
Price: Moderate
• Unspecified • Nob Hill
Booked 7 times today
Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar dazzles with its soaring domed ceilings, commanding columns, Tuscan-style frescoes and ornate detailing. Enjoy seasonal menus that collaborate closely with Bay Area organic farmers, ranchers and sustainable seafood purveyors for a coast-influenced dining experience.
A photo of China Live restaurant
10. China Live
4.6
Exceptional(3306)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 82 times today
China Live, Eater's "Restaurant of the Year," features fresh, seasonal Chinese cuisine cooked from specialized stations that merge traditional Chinese and Western culinary equipment. Our main dining area, with views of our exhibition kitchens, plays centerpiece, appointed with chairs and tables all handcrafted in China from reclaimed Chinese elm. We also offer outside dining.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Financial District / Embarcadero

Discover the hidden treasures of San Francisco's Financial District/Embarcadero area with our curated list of neighborhood gem restaurants. These dining spots are celebrated for their unique charm, exceptional cuisine, and inviting atmospheres, making them perfect for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic San Francisco experience. The restaurants featured offer a variety of culinary delights, from sophisticated modern Japanese dishes to high-end comfort foods and everything in between. Each establishment has been praised for its consistent quality, friendly service, and the ability to create memorable dining experiences. The dining scene in this vibrant area is dynamic and diverse, providing options that cater to every taste and occasion. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for a business lunch or a lively venue for a special celebration, these neighborhood gems in the Financial District/Embarcadero are sure to impress. Make your next meal out a delightful discovery in one of San Francisco’s most esteemed locales.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo