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Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

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OpenTable
Updated 05 January 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in San Francisco Bay Area? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Firefly Restaurant restaurant
4.9
4.9 (3010)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Noe Valley
About the restaurant
We serve food that, more often than not, accesses that part of our deepest soul where genuine expression can flow forth. We have always tried to give our food and service our best selves, as honest and vulnerable as we can muster. We strive to be a place where you might actually have a real connection; maybe with your server, maybe with your food or maybe with your possibly gracious host who is ACTUALLY glad you’re there.

Oh, you wanted a restaurant description? Sorry. Can’t really help you there. We’re not so big on labels. Our food is hard to nail down as we are constantly evolving and entirely seasonal and personal. We’ve used “Food you eat” as a tag line on occasion and that remains accurate. We could also describe it as “Food we really want you to eat”. When you’re here, tell us what you would call it.

Top review
Tim
Dined today
Never disappoints. Took four friends from out of town. We all tried different foods. But the radish cake has always the best thing on the menu.
A photo of Baxters Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.7
4.7 (15)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Benicia
About the restaurant
Baxters is a casual fine dining experience located on First Street in the waterside town of Benicia. We are known for our Beef Wellington and succulent Scallops.
Top review
joeVIP
Dined 5 days ago
The SpeakEasy Ambiance, menu, and service was outstanding. We enjoyed lunch, sharing the Korean Chicken skewer which were cooked perfectly and moist, to the French Dip that had gravy instead of Au Jus was delightful. We had their English Bread pudding, which made to a lunch to remember.
A photo of Blue Plate restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1526)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Bernal Heights
About the restaurant
The Blue Plate opened in 1999 as a casual spot where friends and neighbors can enjoy the best ingredients our seasons have to offer. Owners Cory Obenour and Jeff Trenam have created a space that feels like a home, with three distinct dining rooms each appointed with the work of local artists. In the back, a lush, night-fragrant garden offers an exotic retreat from the bustle of the city. The kitchen stays committed to using the highest quality local produce and meats in classic American and rustic Mediterranean dishes. Through a working friendship with Bay Area farmers, the Blue Plate is expanding the notion of "the blue plate special" to include dining that is casual, affordable, delicious and responsible.
Top review
JohnVIP
Dined 5 days ago
A Mission District gem, approaching legacy status. Wonderful food, service, ambiance
A photo of Walter Hansel Wine Bistro restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1953)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Santa Rosa
About the restaurant
We are located just 6 minutes from Coddingtown Mall and 10 minutes from Downtown Santa Rosa surrounded by beautiful vineyards with an onsite garden for fresh, farm-to-table vegetables and herbs.

"An impressive new Santa Rosa restaurant that's instantly one of our best"
Jeff Cox, renowned Wine Country food critic.

If you are unable to find the reservation you want, please call us directly at (707) 546-6462. Thank you.


Top review
Diane And JamesVIP
Dined 6 days ago
GREAT AS ALWAYS!!! This is our favorite restaurant for all occasions
A photo of The Village Pub restaurant
4.8
4.8 (4025)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Woodside
About the restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Woodside, The Village Pub is a culinary gem that has captivated the palates of discerning diners for over two decades. The restaurant's contemporary Californian cuisine, rooted in the culinary traditions of France and the Mediterranean, is a symphony of flavors that celebrates the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Each dish is a testament to the chef's artistry, with every component meticulously crafted to showcase the essence of each ingredient. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that diners can always savor the bounty of the harvest. The Village Pub's partnership with SMIP Ranch, a nearby organic farm, is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and sustainability. The farm's heirloom produce, cultivated with care and harvested exclusively for the restaurant, adds an unparalleled depth of flavor to every dish. The restaurant's ambiance is as inviting as its cuisine. The cozy front lounge and more formal dining area offer a choice of settings, each with its own unique charm. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes The Village Pub the perfect place for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or simply a delightful evening out with friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned gourmand or a curious newcomer, The Village Pub promises an unforgettable culinary experience. Come and
Top review
JennyVIP
Dined today
Incredible food and wonderfully warm staff. Perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.
A photo of The Progress restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2477)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Western Addition
About the restaurant
The Progress is a vehicle for a completely local production. Innovative meals are served with memorable wine & cocktails. The Greatest Dinner Party Ever.


Top review
dayVIP
Dined 1 day ago
The Progress never disappoints. We sat at the bar for a pre birthday celebration and had the best time. First, if you get to have the pleasure of Brent the bartender and server was outstanding in every sense. While making tons of cocktails, he was able to guide us through the menu and pick the best choices for our meal - all with a beautiful grin. The food is above excellent, imaginative, well prepared and presented. Service staff is efficient and just the right amount of friendly. A definite go to!
A photo of Blossom and Root Kitchen restaurant
4.8
4.8 (154)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Danville
About the restaurant
Featuring plant based ingredients, elevated cooking techniques, a creative beverage list and a colorful ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating. Blossom & Root is the Tri-Valley dining destination for anyone curious about - or naturally inclined towards contemporary vegan fare with an "Eat Local" emphasis. Private dining is available. The pretty space is full of blue patterns and hues, with lots of plants (decorative and possibly edible). Featuring just as creative of a bar program as menu. Joe Steiner has elevated the bar program to match our eclectic menu by Chef Chris Johnson. Together the team puts out beautiful food and beverages not to be missed.
Top review
Deepak
Dined on 1 Jan 2025
It is one of the great vegan place in east bay area. Their meals have a well balanced mixture of veggies, protein and carbs. The quantity was just also perfect for a meal. We got a broccoli soup and tofu bowl. Both were delicious.
A photo of Gatehouse Restaurant at The Culinary Institute of America restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1126)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
St. Helena
About the restaurant
Join us for a unique dining experience that is unmatched in the Napa Valley. Set on the historic campus of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone, Gatehouse Restaurant showcases the talents of CIA students who have completed two years of rigorous study, under the supervision of our world-class faculty. Enjoy a meal inspired by local produce from the college’s own farms and gardens, and other high-quality ingredients. Reservations are strongly encouraged.


Top review
Shaeehea
Dined on 18 Dec 2024
Always great food and service love talking to the students regarding their journey into culinary arts chef restaurant management. They now include a 20% scholarship tip on the whole bill. I believe it should be the option to pay or not or tip less since it is for a scholarship fund and not for the servers. 
A photo of Valette restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3795)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Healdsburg
About the restaurant
Contemporary American: Portraying what Sonoma County has to offer with refined elegance and simplicity.


We will showcase what the region has to offer by focusing on the amazing network of farmers and artisan producers in the area. The relationships we have formed with our purveyors have given us the opportunity to work with what is available while providing the flexibility of changing our menu weekly.


We are determined to provide warm and personable service by dedicated professionals who love what they do. Every guest will feel as if we were inviting them into our own homes.


The wine program is inspired by the incredible history and diversity of the region that surrounds us. Here you can explore classic varieties made by the pioneers whose dedication has made Northern California one of the most exciting wine growing regions in the world.

Top review
Herrick
Dined today
I found the value for what you get is outstanding. From the ambiance to the service. The food was great from beginning to end. I felt very welcomed. I did the chefs tasting menu, which included 5 dishes. Some took me out of my comfort zone, but I was not mad about it. The chef pulled off dishes that I would’ve usually dismissed like the raw starter. Would definitely comeback, absolutely a great place for a date.
A photo of Bardo Lounge & Supper Club restaurant
4.8
4.8 (489)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Oakland
About the restaurant
Recommended in the MICHELIN Guide for California 2021-2023. Located in Oakland’s historic Grand Lake District, Bardo is a neighborhood lounge and restaurant inspired by the comfort and camaraderie of a mid-century dinner party. Drawing on the celebration and elegance of old school entertaining, we envisioned a space for friends and neighbors to enjoy amazing food, cocktails, conversation and great music.

Our lounge is a swank living room, furnished with hand-picked finds from antique and vintage markets from Palm Springs to Portland. Our mezzanine dining room features a rotating menu of fresh, seasonal supper-fare with local and sustainably sourced meats, fish and produce. While we think the food, drinks and atmosphere are all great reasons to visit us, it’s the relationships with our friends, neighbors and guests that is the driving force behind Bardo.

Top review
Amitava
Dined on 28 Dec 2024
I went to Bardo Lounge & Supper Club on 27th December with my family. There were 5 of us. We were not celebrating any occasion. In one simple word, our impression was that the food was outstanding! Starting from the first course, the Pickled Seasonal Veg, Apple & Parsnip soup, the Fall Salad and the main entre, we devoured the food. Four out of five of us had the 6 oz, Bardo Burger, which was delicious. Incidentally, we noticed only one dish based on fish, with hardly any sea food in the menu! The service was good! All in all, this was a restaurant where we will go again and again with friends and family!
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