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Best Historic Restaurants in SOMA

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43 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7403)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 98 times today
John's Grill has been a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant is one of the city's oldest and most famous and is a favorite of celebrities who enjoy great steaks, expertly prepared fresh seafood with excellent service and a one of a kind atmosphere. John's Grill was a setting in author Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon.
A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant
4.0
Excellent(2466)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • SOMA
Booked 17 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.
A photo of The Post Room restaurant
4.1
Excellent(174)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 23 times today
In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, a new Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge called The Post Room is nestled inside the historic Beacon Grand and overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby, the vibrant social venue will serve breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends and complemented by a dazzling live music program.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4209)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 61 times today
Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.
A photo of Starlite restaurant
4.4
Awesome(160)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 62 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 Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant
4.0
Excellent(1999)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Nob Hill
Booked 12 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 Boulevard restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(9096)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 36 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.
A photo of Top of the Mark restaurant
4.3
Awesome(847)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Nob Hill
Booked 9 times today
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Top of the Mark will not be open for cocktails on Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1, 2025 due to our Holidays at the Mark events taking place on those days. Thank you for your understanding.Number 1 in California and San Francisco, and 2nd in the nation on USAToday's 10 Best Hotel Bars.Nestled on the 19th floor of the historic InterContinental Mark Hopkins, Top of the Mark's breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco's skyline and iconic landmarks, including the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, the enigmatic Alcatraz, Union Square, and more, will leave you spellbound. Sip on our signature cocktails as you soak in the atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Our appetizer and dessert selection will tantalize your taste buds, with options that complement our cocktails perfectly. What's more, we offer live entertainment each Saturday evening, where you can let the music move you on the dance floor.
A photo of Spruce restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5406)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Presidio Heights
Booked 89 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!
A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1380)
Price: Very Expensive
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 24 times today
Empress by Boon is San Francisco’s newest, must-visit epicurean destination, offering a seasonal menu in modern Cantonese gastronomy. Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon applies traditional techniques to fresh, local ingredients to produce distinctive contemporary dishes infused with Cantonese flavors. The spacious restaurant occupies the former location of Chinatown’s celebrated Empress of China with striking city views. Reimagined by Chef Boon and team, the Empress was brought back to its former glory by embracing modern design elements while incorporating restored original features, creating a welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the history of the beloved location.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Paul
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I had a wonderful lunch today at Original Joe's. My server Sedat was outstanding and had great suggestions for menu items. I strongly recommend the Pineapple Punch (n/a), Joe's House Made Ravioli, and the Butter Cake. This was the best meal of the trip!
    More info
    Original Joe's - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    4.7
  • Eloice
    San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This was the first time we've been back since the last remake. It has been a decades long family tradition to visit during the holiday season. We were not disappointed. The drinks were good and the tuna crudo was especially delicious.
    More info
    StarlitePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.4
  • Kathie
    Tucson •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Had to ask for tea and coffee repeatedly. Otherwise wonderful
    More info
    The Garden Court - Luxury CollectionPrice: Expensive• Californian• SOMA
    4
  • SarahVIP
    London •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our Christmas Day Brunch experience was fantastic. I have some food allergies so I had emailed The Post Room Team in advance and received a prompt, reassuring reply from the chef, Jose, who had clearly given my questions thoughtful and thorough consideration. On the day, I received personal service from Jose who was committed to avoiding issues with cross-contamination. All the food we ate was delicious and the dining room team could not have been more welcoming or accommodating. We were so well looked after, it was a faultless festive experience. We only went out for our Christmas meal this year because I had recent hand surgery and can’t cook much. However, our experience at The Post Room was so delightful, I am considering doing it again next year. Thank you to Jose and the whole team.
    More info
    The Post RoomPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
    4.1
  • LisaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •60 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Lunch after a matinee is one of our Holiday traditions- this year it was just perfect. The restaurant was packed with diners waiting for tables lined up at the bar, so thank goodness we had a reservation (on a Monday at 3:00PM- who knew?). Once past that minor inconvenience, everything was absolutely wonderful. We shared the Tortelloni appetizer and even though I am an accomplished Italian home cook, it was the best we have ever had. Then we shared the Jack LaLane salad - partly because we grew up with him on TV and the nostalgia was undeniable- and it was perfect. It had a respectable amount of seafood and avocado and was very large. My husband said his Manhatten was excellent. We left vowing to come back soon and often.
    More info
    Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7
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