Best Authentic Restaurants in Cole Valley

189 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bambino's Ristorante restaurant

1. Bambino's Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(563)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Cole Valley

Booked 2 times today

In a warm, open and attentive setting, Bambino’s Ristorante offers a tasteful and varied mix of classic Italian and original fare. We serve Dinner, Lunch and Weekend Brunch. Reserve or drop in for anything from a snack to a celebration.

2. Elena's

4.7

Exceptional(515)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal

Booked 159 times today

Welcome to Elena's -- a place where a family’s love for authentic Mexican food is celebrated and combined with California-inspired elements and signature Mexican-American dishes. We offer reservations for up to 8 guests via OpenTable. At the time of your reservation, we kindly request the entire party be present to be seated. Tables will be held for up to 10 minutes after the reservation time. For parties that arrive later, the table will be released but we will do our best to accommodate the reservation with the next available table. Reservation requests via phone or email are not available at this time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!

A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant

3. Che Fico San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(1897)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 79 times today

Che Fico, is a California Italian restaurant from Chefs David Nayfeld and Matt Brewer in San Francisco's NOPA neighborhood. The food focuses on Italian cuisine through the lens of California. It’s our vision of Northern California as if it is a region in Italy, our connection to the region, and our love for Italian culinary practices. The rustic, market-driven menu features handmade pasta, pizzas, antipasti, housemade salumi, meat, and fish plus dishes from the Jewish-Roman heritage known as “Cucina Ebraica.” The beverage program focuses heavily on both Italian and Californian wines with a cocktail program that utilizes a variety of spirits, amaros, and seasonal ingredients. Che Fico is a place to gather with friends and enjoy warm hospitality, food, and drink, through an approachable menu and convivial ambiance.

A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

4. Kokkari Estiatorio

4.9

Exceptional(9167)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 157 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.

5. The Parthenon

4.5

Awesome(71)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 67 times today

Welcome to The Parthenon, your gateway to the authentic flavors of Greece nestled in the heart of San Francisco. As a Mediterranean Wine Bar and Mezes, we offer a rich tapestry of Greek culinary delights that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed Greek islands.Our menu is a celebration of traditional Greek cuisine, with a contemporary twist.Pair your meal with a selection from our Mediterranean Wine Bar, and don't forget to save room for our delectable sides, including Greek Fries and Garlic Fries.

6. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7845)

Price: Moderate

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 103 times today

Wayfare Tavern is a true American tavern in the heart of San Francisco, offering an authentic dining experience. Its menu, crafted by Chef Tyler Florence, features traditional American dishes and a selection of locally sourced wines. The restaurant's design, inspired by Victorian-era parlor and an Edwardian men's club, adds to its authenticity. Reviewers frequently mention the restaurant's 'well-executed' food, 'comfortable' ambience, and 'seamless' service. One reviewer even noted the vibe of the restaurant as 'classic'.

7. Zuni Cafe

4.6

Exceptional(7874)

Price: Expensive

• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 147 times today

Zuni Café opened in San Francisco, California on February 15, 1979. Our daily changing menus are inspired by seasonal organic ingredients and incorporate traditional French and Italian cuisine. As Zuni continues to evolve, in its own distinctive and delicious way, it strives to remain the way it’s always been: at the same time rustic and cosmopolitan, audacious and familiar, intimate and convivial.RESERVATIONS ARE TAKEN UP TO 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE.TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR A 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT.

8. Trestle

4.8

Exceptional(2781)

Price: Expensive

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 39 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.

A photo of Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant

9. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco

3.9

Excellent(2015)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Nob Hill

Booked 15 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 Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant

10. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

3.9

Excellent(2470)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • SOMA

Booked 21 times today

Featuring innovative intercontinental cuisine, the famed Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in a glorious setting. This historic landmark serves Breakfast daily, 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch Monday-Thursday and an enchanting Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The Garden Court features a stained glass dome, Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers and is noted on San Francisco’s Historic Register as Landmark #18. Our Executive Chef invites you to try our signature crab salad lightly dressed in our own Green Goddess Dressing, a true Palace original created in 1923.

‘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

T
Tobias
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great table With a reservation. Excellent service, knowledgeable all smiles. Great Margarita!! Not rushed a most excellent experience!!
More info
Elena'sPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Forest Hill / West Portal
•
4.7
A
Audrey
San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Seated quickly at a lovely table. Service was friendly and efficient. Food was spectacular. I love the simple elegant Greek salad . The lamb rib lets are cooked to perfect tenderness and simple flavors without being overpowered with herbs. Look forward to next time
More info
Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.9
C
chrisVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The restaurant is very pretty, the staff all very friendly and attentive. The food was delicious. The tables are a little too close to each other and it’s a bit loud but we will definitely come again.
More info
Che Fico San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Panhandle / USF
•
4.7
K
Kathy
San Francisco Bay Area •37 reviews
5.0
Dined on 28 Dec 2024
The people who run this restaurant are so accommodating and eager to please. Food is very good with lots of options from which to choose. I love their pita bread and the house-made condiment that comes with it. The dolmas are excellent. The location is really convenient to Union Square and to the SF Playhouse. Be sure to try one of the desserts.
More info
The ParthenonPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.5
J
Jim
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 Dec 2024
We had Salmon, Calamari, Shrimp Linguini and strawberry chocolate dessert.
More info
Bambino's RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Cole Valley
•
4.7

Best Authentic Restaurants in Cole Valley

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189 restaurants available nearby

1. Bambino's Ristorante

2. Elena's

3. Che Fico San Francisco

4. Kokkari Estiatorio

5. The Parthenon

6. Wayfare Tavern

7. Zuni Cafe

8. Trestle

9. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco

10. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

See what locals rave about

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