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

Best Californian Restaurants in Mission District

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

87 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Foreign Cinema restaurant
1. Foreign Cinema
4.8
Exceptional(8785)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Mission
Booked 96 times today
At Foreign Cinema in San Francisco's Mission District, Mediterranean cuisine is elevated to an art form, infused with California flair. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "Best pork chop I’ve ever eaten!" and another praising the "creatively combined flavors" in their meals. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by indie films and elegant decor, complements its culinary delights perfectly. The consistent acclaim for their food and service makes Foreign Cinema a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch Mediterranean dining experience in a uniquely charming setting. Whether it's the Lolita cocktail or the superbly prepared swordfish, every dish promises a memorable taste of the Mediterranean.
A photo of Tacolicious - Mission District restaurant
2. Tacolicious - Mission District
4.3
Awesome(88)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Mission
Booked 7 times today
Located in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, Tacolicious stands out as a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine. This lively eatery is celebrated for its dedication to quality, sourcing ingredients responsibly, and creating a fun, full-service dining experience. Patrons rave about the "best tacos ever" and the freshly made guacamole that tastes "so fresh." The festive atmosphere is complemented by a thoughtful selection of cocktails and mocktails, making every visit a delight. As noted by a satisfied diner, "the service was quick, and the staff were really welcoming and nice!" Whether you're enjoying the sunny outdoor patio or a private party in their beautifully lit back room, Tacolicious promises a memorable Mexican feast in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of Nopa - San Francisco restaurant
3. Nopa - San Francisco
4.6
Exceptional(3515)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 100 times today
Nopa in San Francisco is a jewel of Californian cuisine, celebrated for its urban rustic food and mastery in wood-fired dishes. Praised for its “amazing, fresh food” and warm, welcoming ambiance, Nopa sources seasonal ingredients locally, ensuring each dish, from the "halibut crudo" to the "pork chop with blueberries," is both fresh and flavorful. Diners consistently rave about the quality and attention to detail, noting that Nopa "always delivers a top-tier experience." The restaurant's commitment to authenticity and the local food scene makes it a must-visit. As one reviewer puts it, Nopa is the "quintessential Californian restaurant," making it a cherished spot in the North Panhandle of San Francisco.
A photo of State Bird Provisions restaurant
4. State Bird Provisions
4.8
Exceptional(3209)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Western Addition
Booked 63 times today
State Bird Provisions in San Francisco's Western Addition neighborhood offers a truly American dining experience that captures both the spirit and innovation of contemporary American cuisine. Renowned for its unique approach, the restaurant features a dim sum-style service that delivers a parade of creative and seasonal dishes, earning high praise from diners. Guests rave about the "extraordinary place with extraordinarily good food" and the "interesting, seasonal, and well-balanced flavors." The energy and creativity of the menu make every visit a delightful adventure, with standouts like the duck liver mousse and the smoked trout dip. The combination of top-notch service and a lively atmosphere ensures a memorable dining experience that epitomizes the best of American culinary excellence. This gem is a proud testament to the rich, evolving food scene of San Francisco.
A photo of The Progress restaurant
5. The Progress
4.9
Exceptional(2445)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Western Addition
Booked 34 times today
The Progress, located in San Francisco's vibrant Western Addition, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its innovative and locally-sourced dishes. Guests frequently rave about the "beyond amazing" duck and the inventive flavor combinations that make each visit a culinary adventure. With its reputation for "exceptional food and impeccable service," The Progress offers a dynamic dining experience, described by many as "the greatest dinner party ever." It's not just the food that impresses; the cocktails are crafted with creativity, leading one guest to proclaim, "My wife had one of the most creative and delicious drinks she had ever had." Whether it's the warmly recommended small plates or the standout duck, The Progress ensures a memorable and delightful meal with every visit, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best of Contemporary American dining in San Francisco.
A photo of Frances restaurant
6. Frances
4.8
Exceptional(3642)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Castro
Booked 28 times today
Frances, nestled in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, is a contemporary American gem where culinary creativity shines. Chef Melissa Perello presents a menu that epitomizes modern California cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients sourced from neighboring markets, farms, and producers. The restaurant, named after Perello’s grandmother, encapsulates a fusion of refined yet comfortable sensibilities in both its food and decor. Guests rave about dishes like "the best gnocchi we’ve had anywhere" and the "flawlessly cooked" pork chop. With reviews praising its "creative dishes and wonderful wine pairings," Frances stands out as a top destination for those seeking a stellar dining experience. The ambiance is described as "cozy and elegant," making it perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.
A photo of Fable - SF restaurant
7. Fable - SF
4.7
Exceptional(2172)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Castro
Booked 22 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Fable - SF epitomizes the spirit of Californian cuisine with its fresh, seasonal offerings and a delightful garden patio setting. Recognized for serving "the best brunch in town," this charming spot impresses with its innovative dishes that showcase California's rich produce. Patrons rave about the experience, noting the "beautiful, sunny SF patio" and "spectacular food and drinks." With glowing reviews like "the food is always good and the service too…there is nothing quite like sitting in the back patio," Fable - SF stands out as a quintessential destination for those seeking authentic and high-quality Californian dining in a picturesque outdoor setting.
A photo of Octavia restaurant
8. Octavia
4.8
Exceptional(2610)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Pacific Heights
Booked 25 times today
Nestled in the charming Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, Octavia shines as a gem of Contemporary American cuisine. With Chef Melissa Perello at the helm, this elegant eatery is celebrated for its beautifully defined flavors and a menu that evolves daily, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. Reviewers rave about their dining experiences, noting the "thoughtful, delicious dishes" and "exceptional service." The much-acclaimed tasting menu is described as "way more food than expected," offering "great value" and a showcase of creativity with every course. Diners consistently highlight the knowledgeable staff and the intimate, beautifully designed space, making Octavia a must-visit for those seeking an outstanding representation of modern American fare in San Francisco.
A photo of Sessions at the Presidio restaurant
9. Sessions at the Presidio
4.5
Awesome(1955)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 23 times today
Sessions at the Presidio in San Francisco is a beacon of comfort food excellence, offering a menu that is both heartwarming and sophisticated. Nestled in the picturesque Presidio, this restaurant pairs locally sourced ingredients from Skywalker Ranch with a culinary finesse that transforms simple dishes into memorable experiences. Patrons rave about the "outstanding" peach, tomato, burrata salad and the "best ever" steak frites, highlighting the authenticity and quality of the meals. The ambiance, described as "lovely," complements the comfort food perfectly, making every dining experience feel special. Whether enjoying a meal outdoors with a view of the park or cozying up in the elegant indoor space, Sessions at the Presidio delivers comfort food that is both refined and deeply satisfying.
A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant
10. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection
4.1
Excellent(2458)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • SOMA
Booked 18 times today
Dining at The Garden Court in SOMA, San Francisco is an unforgettable experience that epitomizes the essence of luxurious Californian cuisine. Nestled within the historic Palace Hotel, this iconic venue is celebrated for its "amazing experience" and "stunning" ambiance, as noted by numerous glowing reviews. The restaurant's signature dishes, like the crab salad with the original Palace-created Green Goddess Dressing from 1923, highlight the innovation and authenticity that define Californian culinary excellence. Diners consistently praise the "fantastic service" and the quality of the meals, making The Garden Court a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of California's rich culinary heritage in a breathtaking setting.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Tammy
    San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Hadn't been to Foreign Cinema in a long time; no matter - it's still a great hang! Great food; very attentive staff; excellent wine selection and I love the mix of us in the room: couples, families with children, solos. My partner and I had a wonderful time and we'll go more often!
    More info
    Foreign CinemaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission
    •
    4.8
  • Spencer
    San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    10 out of 10, this place was AMAZING! The blended service of ordering items of the menu and Dim sum style with the carts was fantastic. Our server gave up great advise in only ordering a few things from the menu then waiting for the carts to come around. We went here for my wife's birthday and she was so happy we did. We will for sure be back for another special occasion.
    More info
    State Bird ProvisionsPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Western Addition
    •
    4.8
  • Ruth
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The food and service were great! The queso and guac were fantastic. It was pretty dark which made ordering and eating tacos a bit difficult. Some lamps could have made the experience even better!
    More info
    Tacolicious - Mission DistrictPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission
    •
    4.3
  • Robin
    Hawaii •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We really enjoyed our dinner at Nopa. Beginning with the bread and butter. All I can say is order it. Next we had the Tortelli which was excellent (not to be missed). We also had the Tagliatelle with the bolognese sauce which was very good. For dessert we had the key lime pie which was good but the ice cream that came for the birthday person was outstanding. Our server who was excellent said it was ginger snap but it didn’t taste like ginger. Best ice cream I’ve ever eaten. Can’t wait to go back for my birthday and have that ice cream.
    More info
    Nopa - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Californian• North Panhandle / USF
    •
    4.6
  • Dawonvip
    New York City •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 14 Nov 2024
    Stunning meal and ambiance. Well balanced menu and ever bite was delicious.
    More info
    FrancesPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Castro
    •
    4.8

Discover best Californian restaurants in Mission District

Explore the culinary delights of Californian cuisine in the Mission District of San Francisco, a neighborhood renowned for its dynamic dining scene. This area offers a diverse range of restaurants that perfectly embody the innovative and fresh flavors synonymous with Californian cooking. From upscale dining experiences that blend local ingredients with artistic presentation to casual eateries offering a modern twist on classic dishes, each restaurant provides a unique taste of the Golden State. The Mission District itself is a vibrant cultural hub, adding a lively backdrop to every meal with its rich history and eclectic vibe. Diners can expect responsibly sourced ingredients, creatively crafted menus, and a commitment to high-quality service. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor looking to savor the essence of California, these restaurants in the Mission District promise an unforgettable culinary journey.

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