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

Best Authentic Restaurants in SOMA

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

216 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Taksim restaurant
1. Taksim
4.9
Exceptional(358)
Price: Expensive
• Turkish • SOMA
Booked 18 times today
Taksim offers an authentic Mediterranean dining experience, crafted with a modern approach. Reviewers have praised its 'authentic, scrumptious and flavorful' food, and its 'creative, beautifully presented' drinks. Its dedication to using the best ingredients and unique, playful take on classic dishes have made it a hit with customers. As one reviewer noted, it's 'true to the cuisine' and 'different and delicious'.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa) restaurant
2. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa)
4.7
Exceptional(276)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • SOMA
Booked 28 times today
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other! Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!
A photo of Pazzia restaurant
3. Pazzia
4.7
Exceptional(264)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • SOMA
Booked 8 times today
Authentic Tuscan restaurant serving seasonal Italian fare with all the convivial charm and allure of the Florentine neighborhood of San Frediano.Opened in 1998 and located in the heart of what was then considered the city’s industrial warehouse district, tucked away on SoMa's Third Street, PAZZIA's buzzing dining room and outdoor patio quickly became a local favorite and destination spot for those “in the know”. From fresh house made pasta, thin crust pizza, grilled meats and seasonal specialties to classic Italian aperitivo cocktails and convivially energetic Italian staff, PAZZIA is the perfect spot for a date night, family gathering, office function or delicious night out with friends.PAZZIA offers indoor seating in a spacious dining room with banquette seating and views of the open kitchen, a more intimate lounge room with bar seating and tables around a fireplace and sheltered outdoor tables with heat lamps along the wide front patio.
A photo of Mathilde French Bistro restaurant
4. Mathilde French Bistro
4.9
Exceptional(2424)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • SOMA
Booked 9 times today
Mathilde French Bistro is a quintessential French Bistro in the SOMA area of San Francisco. A cozy main dinning room and romantic patio room which is covered and heated, allowing year round dining.The cuisine is traditional bistro faire, with its voted best in town French onion soup, baked escargots and duck confit. Soon as you set foot at Mathilde, you will feel like you are back in Paris.Mathilde Bistro is also the sister restaurant of L'ardoise Bistro.
A photo of Buena Vida Cantina restaurant
5. Buena Vida Cantina
4.3
Awesome(139)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Mexican • SOMA
Booked 1 time today
Buena Vida Cantina is inspired by our travels to northern mexico and our love forMexican comfort food & street cuisine. Featuring unique dishes from Chef Erik Hopfinger and fresh Agave basedcocktails.Buena Vida is for San Francisco and SOMA where community is ingrained in ourheartbeat. The Good Life.Join us in The Garden, our outdoor dinning space, and enjoy everything we have to offer. Great food, laughs, good times and The Good Life.
A photo of The Roll restaurant
6. The Roll
(0)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • SOMA
"The Roll" offers the best sushi rolls (futomaki), sashimi bowls (kaisen-don), and authentic Japanese side dishes at a competitive price. Every dish is crafted using the finest ingredients and recipes developed through the extensive experience and research of Chef Alex from Sushi Hakko. Enjoy the essence of Japanese cuisine in a modern yet comfortable space, featuring large windows with views of San Francisco's vibrant streets.
A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant
7. Kokkari Estiatorio
4.9
Exceptional(9088)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 134 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.
A photo of Elena's restaurant
8. Elena's
4.7
Exceptional(418)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 79 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 54 Mint restaurant
9. 54 Mint
4.8
Exceptional(3391)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • SOMA
Booked 20 times today
54 Mint is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown San Francisco across from the old US Mint Building. We offer authentic Roman cuisine prepared only with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Our pastas, bread and desserts are made fresh in house on a daily basis. Our bar offers an extended variety of Italian wines, craft cocktails and high-end imported and local spirits.
A photo of Trestle restaurant
10. Trestle
4.8
Exceptional(2746)
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.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mary Jovip
    San Francisco Bay Area •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The 7-course prix fixe menu at Taksim is a splendid offering. Great flavors and dishes you don't normally find. The patlican (eggplant) and blackened cauliflower were standouts for us. Choose the beef over the branzino. It's a much better dish all around. I don't usually eat dessert but the Taksim donuts were not too sweet or too large and served with chocolate ice cream, five-spice chocolate and chantilly. Delicious! The restaurant is off the beaten path but it's worth making a trip down Fourth Street.
    More info
    TaksimPrice: Expensive• Turkish• SOMA
    •
    4.9
  • Loïc
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 11 Nov 2024
    The food was delicious and the service was purely outstanding. I had a great time and won’t hesitate to come back on my next visit to the U.S.! Best of luck for the future.
    More info
    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Francisco, CA | South of Market (SoMa)Price: Expensive• Japanese• SOMA
    •
    4.7
  • olga
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 10 Nov 2024
    IT is a wonderful night to celebrate birthday with my friend. Lena recommend us for a wine that it is very affordable. We have 3 bottles. The escargot is good. Lena also help us to make something that is not on the menu that night. Very happy dinner.
    More info
    Mathilde French BistroPrice: Very Expensive• French• SOMA
    •
    4.9
  • Marlene
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 3 Nov 2024
    A famy-owned and operated restaurant. Many repeat customers who are warmly greeted. Attention to detail ensuring your experience is a step above expectations.
    More info
    PazziaPrice: Expensive• Italian• SOMA
    •
    4.7
  • Araceli
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on 19 Oct 2024
    This is a hidden gem. I live close by and had never been here before. I celebrated my birthday with pitchers of margaritas that were perfect. The food was delicious but would benefit from more options. The mole enchiladas were delicious. The flan was also delicious. I will come again.
    More info
    Buena Vida CantinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• SOMA
    •
    4.3

Discover best authentic restaurants in SOMA

Discover the heart of San Francisco's authentic dining scene in the SOMA district, a vibrant area known for its diverse culinary offerings. Here, you can immerse yourself in a variety of authentic dining experiences that truly capture the essence of their cultural origins. Each restaurant in this bustling locale prides itself on delivering not only traditional flavors but also innovative dishes that remain true to their roots. From the meticulous use of fresh, high-quality ingredients to the skilled chefs who prepare them, these establishments ensure a memorable and genuine gastronomic journey. Patrons consistently laud the authenticity and creativity of the cuisine, often highlighting the exceptional service and inviting atmospheres that enhance their dining experience. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor looking to explore genuine flavors, the SOMA district in San Francisco offers an authentic taste adventure that shouldn't be missed.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Restaurant Blog
Join us on
  • 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