Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in San Francisco Bay Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Velvet 48 Wine Bar

5.0

5 (73)

$31 to $50

Wine Bar

Burlingame

About the restaurant

Velvet 48 is a premium wine bar in downtown Burlingame started by 20-year wine industry veteran, Jason Cooper. We offer over 40 wines by the glass, 1100 wines by the bottle, a cultivated beer selection, and a variety of delicious savory and sweet small plates.

We have wines across every price point so there is something for everyone, from the casual wine drinker to the wine aficionado, who will be impressed by a wine collection that houses some of the finest wines in the world. We aim to cultivate an experience for our guests that starts with a complimentary splash of our house label, Velvet 48 Sparkling wine, followed by outstanding service from our Wine Specialists to guide you through our expansive list. We offer a discount of 25% off bottles purchased TO GO.

Due to the nature of our alcoholic license, we are unable to allow anyone under 21 on the premises, including infants.

Thank your for your understanding.

Top review

StacyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

One of our favorite spots in Burlingame. The flights change frequently and are always innovated. The staff is fantastic- all are friendly and knowledgeable. We only have have small plates and everything we’ve eaten has been great. We can’t recommend Velvet 48 enough!

Firehouse No. 1 Gastropub

4.8

4.8 (574)

$30 and under

American

San Jose

About the restaurant

Gastropub noun\ˈga-strō-ˌpəb\ : a pub, bar, or tavern that offers exceptional food in a casual and comfortable environment.

From succulent pork belly sliders to house made paté on our charcuterie plate and an incredible house-made burger - this is not typical bar food. Paired with hand-made cocktails, exclusive craft beers, and superb wines - Firehouse No. 1 Gastropub offers an experience unlike any other bar. Located in downtown San Jose in San Pedro Square

For parties over 10 please email Dale@firehouse1.com

Top review

RashelleVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Our server was amazing. He even knew the discontinued drink we wanted! Great place for dinner with friends and family.

KUSAKABE

4.8

4.8 (406)

$50 and over

Sushi

Financial District / Embarcadero

About the restaurant

Come and experience San Francisco's original Omakase (chef's choice) sushi in the Kyoto-kaiseki style.

Kyoto-kaiseki is considered to represent the ultimate in Japanese dining; combining art and the finest seasonal ingredients.

Kyoto-born and trained chef Mitsunori Kusakabe's creative accolades include winning the Creative Sushi Award from the National Sushi Society and Sushi of the Year in competition against other world-renowned sushi chefs.

If your party size is more than 11 guests or if you are considering a buyout, please contact us at info@kusakabe-sf.com.

Top review

SandyVIP

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

We loved our experience so much we are hoping to receive another reservation for Christmas Eve so our daughter can enjoy as well......it is that amazing! Enjoy!

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Experience

Petite Omakase for Tuesday through Friday

Jin Sho

4.6

4.6 (68)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Palo Alto

About the restaurant

Feast on artfully prepared Japanese cuisine at Jin Sho. Its contemporary setting features an open kitchen and sushi bar for guests to watch the skillful chefs prepare their meals. Jin Sho owners and Executive Chefs Ichiro Takahashi and Noriomi Kaneko bring a fusion of flavor to creative dishes using fresh, quality ingredients.

Guests can start their dining experience with a Yellowtail Jalapeño or Miso Black Cod Appetizer marinated for 3 days. They can then enjoy an entrée of an array of seasonal fish or enjoy a higher quality of common nigiri such as Blue Fin Tuna from Japan. We are excited to serve you many different kinds of fish beyond what you may find at other establishments. The chefs work tirelessly with distributors to bring the best and most unique fish & sake.

Established in 2007, Jin Sho has reviews in San Francisco Magazine and San Jose Mercury News. Prior to opening JIN SHO, the chefs mastered their craft at Nobu NY.

Top review

Yeuen

Dined 3 days ago

Consistently excellent, no fuss, superb sushi and chirashi. We are v picky. Really.

San Agus Cocina Urbana & Cocktails

4.6

4.6 (102)

$30 and under

Mexican

Palo Alto

About the restaurant

Discover San Agus Cocina Urbana & Cocktails, a neighborhood hangout in Palo Alto where friends and strangers come together to enjoy crafted urban street bites, beers, and cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to unwind or a vibrant place to connect, our welcoming atmosphere and creative menu make every visit memorable. Don’t forget to ask about our artisanal selection of agave spirits.

Top review

Dined 7 days ago

Cocktails were just okay. Very expensive for what they are. The mocktail was terrible and not worth the money

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Experience

Happy Hour: A Taste of Mexico City

Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine - Menlo Park

4.6

4.6 (201)

$31 to $50

Thai

Menlo Park

About the restaurant

“My goal is to make sure people get enough spice”
says owner Kasem “Pop” Saengsawang. It is all about the spice. The spice extends life, and we strive to provide the freshest pure ingredients in everything we serve, from our Thai street food to our fancier entrees. “We believe that Thai cuisine will never die. We believe the spiciness will last long, forever.”

We invite you to come and be transported to the streets of Thailand. Experience all we have to offer — our zesty food, our elegantly adored walls, and even our heartwarming smiles. The Best Thai Restaurant. San Francisco, Oakland, Menlo Park, and Portland.

We refuse to compromise on quality in our restaurant. That's why we source our fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets. No matter what time of year, you can be sure you're eating the best of the season.

Top review

Lakshmi

Dined on Dec 1, 2024

It was a beautiful dinner experience. We went there to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The service was the absolute best, seated us on time! Food is delicious and it is simply hard to pick a favorite. The cocktails are so creative. The ambience is wonderful and gives a festive feel! For sure going again! Also their outdoor patio is so beautiful! Thank you so much for this wonderful experience!

Xebec-sf

4.5

4.5 (15)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Western Addition

About the restaurant

Are you ready to embark on a mouth-watering journey down the Mediterranean coast, infused with the tantalizing flavors and techniques of Japan? Join us now to experience this meeting of cultures that will leave your taste buds craving for more!

Top review

Katie

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing food and great service! We highly recommend!

Show de Carnes Brazilian Steakhouse - Palo Alto

4.5

4.5 (12)

$50 and over

Brazilian Steakhouse

Palo Alto

About the restaurant

"Craving an unforgettable dining experience? Join us at Show de Carnes in Palo Alto for the finest Brazilian steakhouse experience! Savor perfectly grilled meats, enjoy refreshing drinks, and immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Brazil. Your table awaits!

Top review

Lia

Dined 7 days ago

My experience was great. My friend and I enjoyed the great food, service and ambience.

Hed 11

4.4

4.4 (49)

$50 and over

Thai

Western Addition

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Japan Town, Hed 11 embarks on a mission to redefine Thai cuisine for this city. The restaurant offers an exquisite 11-course tasting menu with a rotating theme, ensuring a fresh and unforgettable dining experience with every visit.

From the traditional Thai menu to the exploration of seafood and the flavors of Southern Thailand, each theme is a celebration of authenticity, innovation, and the rhythm of the seasons.

Top review

Robert

Dined 6 days ago

Fantastic experience elevating Thai food to a whole new level. The flavor profile was on point!

Discover more

Experience

hed 11 Holiday Menu

Jang

4.4

4.4 (38)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Korean

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

About the restaurant

Experience Korean Dining Like Never Before. At Jang, we honor the essence of Korean cuisine through a daring blend of tradition and modernity. Named after the cornerstone of Korean flavor—fermented sauces—our restaurant is dedicated to celebrating this foundational ingredient while reimagining its role in contemporary dining.

Our chefs craft each dish with the finest seasonal produce sourced from local farms and the best proteins and fish from around the globe. This commitment to quality ensures that every meal is not only a tribute to traditional Korean flavors but also a canvas for innovation. By blending time-honored techniques with cutting-edge culinary artistry, we create a harmonious symphony of ingredients that highlight the rich, umami-packed depth of our fermented sauces.

At Jang, our menu is a curated selection of dishes designed to push the boundaries of Korean cuisine. Offering an unforgettable dining experience that seamlessly merges authenticity with avant-garde flair.

Top review

GreggVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Every dish was crafted beautifully! Each morsel delicious! Such a unique and tasty meal! Service impeccable! Will come back! Would like to see more Napa reds on the wine menu and higher rates wines.

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