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

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Chinatown

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

32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cassava restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(733)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • North Beach
Cassava is a French-Californian bistro in the heart of the historic North Beach neighborhood in San Francisco, semi-finalist of James Beard Foundation Award 2023. The dinner offers 3 experiences nightly of the signature 3 course prix fixe menu, 5 course tasting menu both with beverage pairing options, and also a la carte. Full menu is available at the bar for dining as well.Wine list focuses on classic region wines including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone with approachability and vibrant expressions. Beverage pairing menus includes wine and sake, and there are always 2 wines selected for "potentially life changing" by the glass to entice everyone.Cassava is located in the heart of North Beach that is perfect for business team dinners and meetings. The private dining room seats up to 18 guests, and the entire restaurant can seat up to 50 guests and up to 150 for standing receptions. Brunch is offered on weekends with bistro inspired menu items and the famous Japanese breakfast.
A photo of Tosca Café restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(149)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 9 times today
A legendary hangout in North Beach since it opened in 1919, and even more so from the 1980's onward when Jeanette Etheredge took over Tosca. Locals including Willie Brown, Lars Ulrich and Francis Ford Coppola were regular fixtures, Hunter S Thompson wrote his column for the SF Examiner in the corner booth, Bono, Lauren Hutton, and Mikhail Baryshnikov played pool in the back room, singing Opera and drinking Tosca House Cappuccinos. When Restaurateur Anna Weinberg and Interior Designer Ken Fulk heard Tosca Cafe was closing they joined forces to save it. As the new owners and passionate fans of the original establishment their goal was to return Tosca to its rightful place as a San Francisco institution. As Mikey Rapin wrote in Bon Appétit magazine: “It’s the kind of joint Beats got bounced, Bono belted opera, and a bullet hole memoralizes the night an A-LIST actor disagreed with a rockstar's choice of music"
A photo of Mona Lisa Mare e Monti restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(144)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 5 times today
Mona Lisa Mare e Monti , in San Francisco, serves classic Italian dishes crafted with top-quality local and seasonal produce in its charming and welcoming eatery. Mare e Monti is located in the Heart of North Beach's Little Italy. Our Restaurant specializes in Authentic Italian Seafood and Steaks. We also offer a variety of different cuts of Pasta's, which are created in house everyday! We are best known for our Bistecca Fiorentina, which is a 24oz porterhouse steak. Our Seafood is brought to use daily by our local Fishermen. Some of our most popular seafood dishes are our Zuppa Di Pesce or our Whole Dungeness Crab plate. We Look forward to seeing you soon, Ciao!
A photo of Barbara Pinseria restaurant
4.5
Awesome(173)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • North Beach
Booked 7 times today
Barbara is a lively Italian restaurant inspired by the rustic tradition of Roman pizzerie, opening in San Francisco’s historic Italian district of North Beach in September 2018 to serve as the neighborhood destination for casual dinning. We feature an energetic open kitchen, creating fresh takes on classics as well as original inventions showcasing seasonal and local ingredients, transporting taste of the eternal city to San Francisco. We offer craft cocktails, Italian and Californian wines, indoor and outdoor seating, and Barbara's fun, warm, style pairs well with the restaurant’s classic Italian comfort and friendly spirit.
A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(48)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 16 times today
Welcome to Little Original Joe's -- an Italian-American neighborhood eatery featuring pizza, pasta, and parmigiana in San Francisco's Marina neighborhood! Limited reservations are available for up to 6 guests -- we look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of Starlite restaurant
4.4
Awesome(145)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 25 times today
Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.
A photo of Foreign Cinema restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(8787)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Mission
Booked 97 times today
Foreign Cinema is a one of a kind, nationally acclaimed restaurant combining independent films with California-Mediterranean cooking. Enjoy an airy yet chic setting, complete with indoor dining room with a fireplace, outdoor courtyard with 35mm film screening starting at dusk, mezzanine, gallery curated by Modernism West & full bar in the main dining room. Foreign Cinema has something for everyone including their DJ/live music bar, Laszlo. Enjoy special happy hours, uniquely craft cocktails, zero proof selections, full Foreign Cinema dinner menu, and lively music to end your evening.We are currently booking for Outdoor Patio & Indoor/Standard seating 60 days in advance. A ‘standard seating’ reservation is indoor dining. Reservations for 10+ may be booked through private dining department - contact janine@foreigncinema.com for more information.
A photo of Bon Delire restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(68)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 40 times today
Bon Délire’s chic yet approachable atmosphere draws inspiration from the cafés, lounges, and bistros of Paris. The interior boasts a sculpted horseshoe-shaped wooden bar, plush banquettes, and vibrant, European-imported furnishings that invite intimate dining and lounging. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with views of the Bay Bridge, or relax at the outdoor cafe-style seating, framed by planter boxes and umbrellas, perfect for people-watching along the Embarcadero.At night, the space comes alive with flickering projections of vintage French films and a relaxed, nostalgic soundtrack of throwback French and American tunes, making Bon Délire a sophisticated yet cozy setting for private and semi-private events.
A photo of COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3342)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 28 times today
Brought to you by Award Winning Chef Michael Chiarello and located at Pier 5 on the bustling San Francisco Waterfront, Coqueta is inspired by the cuisines of Spain. Chef Chiarello feels that Spain’s signature ‘small plates’ coupled with the social vibrancy of their dining scene is the perfect combination for San Francisco, which has its own deep-rooted history with the country. Focusing on regional dishes from Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country and beyond, the menu will feature Chiarello's interpretation of traditional Spanish cuisine and, as has always been his tradition, will highlight the bounty of fresh, local ingredients from land and sea.Coqueta means “flirt” or “infatuation” in Spanish, and represents Michael Chiarello and his team’s exploration and interpretation of Spanish Cuisine, wine and inspired cocktails, while highlighting the bounty of Northern California.
A photo of Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant
4.5
Awesome(59)
Price: Very Expensive
• Asian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 6 times today
Coming Soon Fall 2023! Situated in Downtown San Francisco, Chotto Matte is renowned for its signature Nikkei Cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and electric atmosphere. Chotto Matte’s chic, contemporary interior is inspired by its Japanese & Peruvian roots, making it a unique dining experience, every time. Key highlights include Chotto’s recognisable bold design, tropical foliage and theatrical robata grill.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Rosa
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Awesome in all aspects we weren’t rushed which I a plus
    More info
    Little Original Joe's -- MarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
    4.8
  • Seanvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I've always love the food at Tosca, and have been coming here for over a decade. I was more impressed than usual last night with the service. We were a table of 9 people and felt like we were being taken care of by friends who anticipated what we needed. Can't wait to return.
    More info
    Tosca CaféPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Beach
    4.6
  • Eric
    San Francisco Bay Area •270 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 20 Nov 2024
    This was my second time at Mona Lisa Mare e Monti. It was just as good as before. The ambiance is terrific, food delicious and servers friendly and engaging. A great experience all around. The only challenge is parking in the neighborhood. I'd suggest public transit or a cab to save some stress. Either way, it's totally worth it! I look forward to the next time!
    More info
    Mona Lisa Mare e MontiPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 16 Nov 2024
    Cassava is truly a gem in San Francisco, and my recent visit only reinforced why it’s such a beloved spot. The food was simply outstanding—every dish was beautifully prepared, flavorful, and clearly crafted with care. From the first bite to the last, it was a culinary experience that delighted all my senses. What made the evening even more special was the presence of the owner, who was not only visibly helping her staff but also warmly engaging with every table. She attended to our needs with such genuine care, answering questions about the menu and making us feel like treasured guests. It’s rare to see such dedication and passion, and it elevated the experience to something truly unforgettable. While it’s bittersweet to know Cassava is closing temporarily, I’m counting the days until it reopens. This restaurant is a treasure, and I can’t wait to return for more exceptional meals and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Cassava, we’ll miss you and eagerly await your comeback! M & W
    More info
    CassavaPrice: Expensive• Californian• North Beach
    4.7
  • Natalie
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 2 Nov 2024
    The food and service is always good. The background music was a bit loud throughout dinner. The time when it was loud and should have been loud was when we celebrated a birthday which was really fun. In general the music could be brought down a touch
    More info
    Barbara PinseriaPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• North Beach
    4.5
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - 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