Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Cow Hollow

52 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Perry's Union Street restaurant

1. Perry's Union Street

4.8

Exceptional(696)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 19 times today

Perry's Union Street in San Francisco's Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio neighborhood is a true gem for burger enthusiasts. Celebrated for maintaining its classic charm and exceptional American cuisine, Perry’s excels in crafting burgers that are both hearty and delectable. A patron raved, "My husband got the hamburger for $16 and it was hearty and juicy and delicious. You could taste the grill in the best way." This praise is a testament to the quality and authenticity that Perry's brings to its burger offerings. The restaurant's commitment to excellence is reflected in its consistently favorable reviews, with customers highlighting the perfect cooking and outstanding flavors. Perry's not only promises a delightful dining experience but also ensures every burger is a bite of San Francisco history.

2. The Brixton

4.2

Awesome(523)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 14 times today

The Brixton, nestled in San Francisco's vibrant Marina district, is a standout for Contemporary American cuisine with a modern gastropub flair. Chef Joey Altman's carefully curated menu features favorites from savory chops to innovative sushi stacks, appealing to a wide range of palates. Diners rave about the "off the hook" Chilaquiles and the "pretty darn good Brixton Burger," highlighting the quality and creativity of the offerings. With a "wonderful atmosphere" and an inviting, edgy ambiance, The Brixton is praised for its "delicious food" and exceptional service, making it a must-visit for an authentic, contemporary American dining experience.

A photo of Perry's - Embarcadero restaurant

3. Perry's - Embarcadero

4.7

Exceptional(2343)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 35 times today

Perry's on the Embarcadero epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with its classic yet innovative menu that features a delightful mix of sandwiches, salads, pastas, steaks, and grilled fresh fish. Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's bustling Financial District, this charming restaurant offers a warm, personable service and a fun, bustling bar atmosphere, making it a beloved staple since 1969. Diners rave about the "fantastic menu" and "delicious food," complemented by an "excellent service" and a "lovely ambiance." The stunning views of the Bay and the Bay Bridge enhance the dining experience, making Perry’s a must-visit for those seeking authentic and high-quality Contemporary American dishes in a vibrant setting. As one reviewer puts it, "Always a wonderful experience!!!" Perry’s truly stands out as a gem in San Francisco’s culinary scene.

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant

4. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(6102)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 69 times today

The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco's Union Square is a quintessential destination for those seeking an exceptional American dining experience. Known for its elegant ambiance and meticulous service, The Rotunda offers a luxurious afternoon tea service that has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Patrons rave about the "delicious assortment of food" and "excellent ambience," highlighting the restaurant's ability to deliver a top-tier culinary experience. From the superb seafood selections like the praised shrimp and crab Louie salad to the classic American burger, every dish is crafted with excellence. Guests continually commend the Rotunda for its "outstanding service" and "beautiful setting," making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the finest American cuisine in a stunning, historic venue.

5. The Progress

4.8

Exceptional(2468)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Western Addition

Booked 51 times today

The Progress, located in San Francisco's vibrant Western Addition, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its innovative and locally-sourced dishes. Guests frequently rave about the "beyond amazing" duck and the inventive flavor combinations that make each visit a culinary adventure. With its reputation for "exceptional food and impeccable service," The Progress offers a dynamic dining experience, described by many as "the greatest dinner party ever." It's not just the food that impresses; the cocktails are crafted with creativity, leading one guest to proclaim, "My wife had one of the most creative and delicious drinks she had ever had." Whether it's the warmly recommended small plates or the standout duck, The Progress ensures a memorable and delightful meal with every visit, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best of Contemporary American dining in San Francisco.

6. Octavia

4.7

Exceptional(2624)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Pacific Heights

Booked 23 times today

Nestled in the charming Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, Octavia shines as a gem of Contemporary American cuisine. With Chef Melissa Perello at the helm, this elegant eatery is celebrated for its beautifully defined flavors and a menu that evolves daily, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. Reviewers rave about their dining experiences, noting the "thoughtful, delicious dishes" and "exceptional service." The much-acclaimed tasting menu is described as "way more food than expected," offering "great value" and a showcase of creativity with every course. Diners consistently highlight the knowledgeable staff and the intimate, beautifully designed space, making Octavia a must-visit for those seeking an outstanding representation of modern American fare in San Francisco.

7. Spruce

4.8

Exceptional(5406)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Presidio Heights

Booked 67 times today

Open for lunch (two courses/$65), brunch (three courses/$98), and dinner (three courses/$125), Spruce offers seasonal prix-fixe menus crafted by Chef Mark Sullivan. Each menu offers a wide range of options, as well as luxurious additions (examples: caviar, truffles) for supplemental prices. Our cuisines is complemented by an extensive wine list which holds "Wine Spectator" magazine's highest honor, a Grand Award. The bar/lounge is available for walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis. We look forward to welcoming you to Spruce soon!

8. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7829)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 71 times today

At the heart of San Francisco's bustling Financial District, Wayfare Tavern stands as a beacon of American cuisine, offering a nostalgic yet refined dining experience. Chef Tyler Florence masterfully crafts a menu that captures the essence of early 20th century American fare, earning accolades from diners who rave about the "outstanding" food and service. Known for its moist and flavorful fried chicken and rustic yet elegant setting reminiscent of a Victorian parlor, Wayfare Tavern delivers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Patrons consistently praise the "perfectly cooked" dishes and the tavern's ability to turn a meal into a cherished memory, making it a cornerstone of the San Francisco dining scene.

A photo of Angler San Francisco restaurant

9. Angler San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(255)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 30 times today

Angler San Francisco, a Michelin-starred gem nestled on the Embarcadero waterfront, offers an unparalleled seafood experience that is both authentic and innovative. With a focus on the freshest ingredients sourced from Northern California, Angler celebrates the natural flavors of the sea, enhanced by the primal touch of their wood burning hearth. Diners rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes, describing them as "spectacular" and "sublime," with special mentions of the perfectly cooked fish and inventive seafood sauces. The ambiance and views complement the culinary journey, making every visit to Angler a memorable feast of the senses. Whether you opt for the praised tasting menu or the exceptional 'Let Us Cook For You' option, Angler promises an extraordinary dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District.

10. Trestle

4.8

Exceptional(2770)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 33 times today

Trestle, nestled in the vibrant Financial District/Embarcadero area of San Francisco, epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its innovative and seasonal fare. Celebrated for its unique approach to dining, Trestle offers a daily-changing 3-course prix fixe menu that captures the freshness and variety characteristic of Californian gastronomy. Reviewers rave about the authenticity and creativity in dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The duck confit is the best I ever had," and another noting the "flavorful, expertly prepared food." The attentive service and cozy ambiance complement the exceptional dining experience, making Trestle a true gem for those seeking genuine and high-quality Californian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
ReneeVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •41 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Love the friendly service and the food. We've ordered multiple dishes for brunch and dinner and the food was overall very tasty. Cocktails are good too!
More info
The BrixtonPrice: Expensive• American• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.2
K
KylieVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always a pleasure and an impeccable experience at The Rotunda. From the drinks arriving before the meal (so many places get this incorrect), to the consommé, to the popovers with strawberry butter, to the large portions of entrees, everything about this place is perfect. My mom and I split the burger (as usual) and it was great. They’ve moved from it being a single thick burger to two smaller patties. The pickles are beyond delicious. I left being like, this is where I want to have every birthday for the rest of my life.
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The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.8
T
Tim
Los Angeles •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
These are innovative, awake and aware professionals. The original energy and spirit of the restaurant are alive and evolving. Service: Excellent. Food: Excellent. Ambience: Excellent, energetic, present, engaging. This is what an exceptional experience feels like. Thanks to everyone at The Progress.
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The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
•
4.8
L
LydiaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We love this place. We come often because we never get bored with the menu. Big salads always satisfy.
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Perry's Union StreetPrice: Moderate• American• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.8
M
Marc
New York City •8 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
We've been going to Perry's Embarcadero for many years - it never disappoints. A great place to celebrate an event, with stunning Bay Bridge views, great food and drinks.
More info
Perry's - EmbarcaderoPrice: Moderate• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7

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Cow Hollow

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Cow Hollow

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52 restaurants available nearby

1. Perry's Union Street

2. The Brixton

3. Perry's - Embarcadero

4. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

5. The Progress

6. Octavia

7. Spruce

8. Wayfare Tavern

9. Angler San Francisco

10. Trestle

See what locals rave about

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