Best Restaurants for People Watching in San Francisco Bay Area

31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant

1. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

4.9

Exceptional(58)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 55 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!

2. Poggio

4.7

Exceptional(6222)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Sausalito

Booked 89 times today

Poggio is a classic Italian trattoria with comfortable neighborhood charm and destination-caliber cuisine. Created by Larry Mindel, who also founded numerous other restaurants in the Bay Area and beyond, Poggio has been ranked among the very best Italian restaurants since it opened. Led by Executive Chef and Partner Ben Balesteri, Poggio’s daily changing menus use the best available local ingredients including dishes inspired by the seasonal bounty of our local farmers, ranchers and fishermen and the traditional methods of Italy, including wood-fired ovens, house made pastas from scratch and a wide variety of dishes serving guests breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We’re honored to have been awarded a Bib Gourmand distinction by the Michelin guide in 2017, 2018, and along with being named Best Italian restaurant in Marin County by Marin Magazine in 2021.

3. Boulevard

4.7

Exceptional(9096)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 49 times today

Chefs Nancy Oakes, Chef Dana Younkin and our entire team, look forward to welcoming you to a refreshed and reimagined Boulevard! The dining room features a 3 course prix fixe menu with a multitude of choices. For the more spontaneous sorts; our bar, lounge and chef's counter is available on a walk-in basis and limited reservations. An a la carte menu is offered in these areas. For private events and larger groups, please check our our website.

4. Bon Delire

4.6

Exceptional(107)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 74 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.

5. Cultivar

4.8

Exceptional(239)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 5 times today

Mo-Sat: Food until 9pm, Wine until 10pm Sun: Food until 8:45pm Wine until 9pmSat/Sun: Brunch: 11am-3pm Cultivar San Francisco is an wine-centric farm to table restaurant by Cultivar Wine. The menu is inspired by locally-sourced seasonal ingredients including from our culinary garden at Caspar Estate. The menu complements hand-crafted wines from our Cultivar Winery and boutique wines from California and beyond. Cultivar Wine club flights are available. Cultivar Wine Club members get 20% off their Cultivar wine and Cultivar food. Join our Cultivar Wine Club!Our back patio has a fireplace, heaters and festive lighting, perfect setting for a private dinner or a celebration. Sidewalk tables on Chestnut have heaters, great for people watching and guests with dogs. Seasonal dishes and Cultivar Wines available for take out and to go.Our location is near the Lyon St. entrance to the Presidio, near the Palace of Fine Arts and in the Marina District of San Francisco.

6. Starlite

4.4

Awesome(159)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 80 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 STK - San Francisco restaurant

7. STK - San Francisco

4.0

Excellent(1284)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 118 times today

STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.

A photo of COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant

8. COQUETA - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3367)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 60 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 Flores - Union Street restaurant

9. Flores - Union Street

4.6

Exceptional(567)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 49 times today

Flores is San Francisco’s Mexican restaurant serving traditional Mexican food and contemporary cocktails. At Flores, we stay true to our roots, finding inspiration in Mexico’s food, landscape and culture. We’re serious about our food, but we’re even more serious about having fun.5% surcharge will be added to all guest checks for employee benefit, including health insurance, commuter benefit, sick days, and minimum wage ordinance.

A photo of Angelino Restaurant restaurant

10. Angelino Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1027)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Sausalito

Booked 14 times today

We are open for indoor and outdoor seating and curbside pickup Tuesday - Sunday 5:00 - 9:00 pm. To view our full menu and daily specials, visit our website at www.angelinorestaurant.com. Please call us at (415) 331-5225 to place an order or order online for curbside pickup.Angelino Restaurant strives to give each customer a peek into Italy's spirit: delicious food, world-class wine, and unforgettable memories with family and friends. Experience the rich culture of Italy through the superb cuisine, friendly atmosphere, and warm hospitality of the Ancona family and the staff of Angelino Restaurant. Executive Chef Alfredo Ancona excels at blending traditional Italian flavors with high-quality local ingredients. Chef Alfredo crafts our menu to highlight the freshest ingredients each season has to offer. Freshly baked bread, house-made pasta, and locally caught seafood are among the highlights of what new and old customers love to enjoy with us.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
AudreyVIP
Los Angeles •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The roasted tomato burrata with pesto starter was amazing. I had the kale salad with salmon and my husband had the chicken pot pie. It was all delicious. Servers (we sat at the bar) were very attentive. Seems to be a neighborhood spot as all the customers seem to know each other, which is nice. We’ll definitely be back.
More info
Little Original Joe's -- MarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.9
J
Jason
Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We did the Christmas Eve three course tasting menu. Absolutely delicious! Service was immaculate and the atmosphere was spectacular. In a world where restaurants aren’t afraid to charge first class prices for third class food, this was a nice find. Not cheap, but absolutely worth every penny.
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BoulevardPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
M
Marcia
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It was a very special Christmas Eve dinner! I first heard about this restaurant when it was reviewed in the SF Chronicle 11/3/24. It was as good as it possibly could be. The food was absolutely delicious. My daughter & I ordered the steak & frites & I asked for my frites to be very crispy & for 2 dishes of aioli to dip them in & they easily accommodated me. The steak with peppercorn sauce was tender and a perfect medium rare.
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Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
P
Patolsen2VIP
San Francisco Bay Area •37 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Another wonderful meal at Poggio. Very busy on Christmas Eve yet everything was perfect and timely. Our server, Daniela, made the evening better. Pappardelle pasta was outstanding and the featured Langhe Nebbiolo wine was delicious with it. Best restaurant in Marin.
More info
PoggioPrice: Expensive• Italian• Sausalito
•
4.7
L
LilyVIP
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on 15 Dec 2024
The pop music wasn’t amazing but the brunch and mulled wine were delicious as always
More info
CultivarPrice: Expensive• Californian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.8

Best Restaurants for People Watching in San Francisco Bay Area

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31 restaurants available nearby

1. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

2. Poggio

3. Boulevard

4. Bon Delire

5. Cultivar

6. Starlite

7. STK - San Francisco

8. COQUETA - San Francisco

9. Flores - Union Street

10. Angelino Restaurant

See what locals rave about

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