Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Outer Sunset

46 restaurants available nearby

1. The Progress

4.8

Exceptional(2468)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Western Addition

Booked 51 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.

2. Spruce

4.8

Exceptional(5407)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Presidio Heights

Booked 54 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!

3. Octavia

4.7

Exceptional(2624)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Pacific Heights

Booked 8 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 Firefly Restaurant restaurant

4. Firefly Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(3007)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Noe Valley

Booked 23 times today

Discover the heart of American cuisine at Firefly Restaurant in Noe Valley, San Francisco, where every dish tells a story of tradition and creativity. Renowned for its ever-evolving seasonal menu, Firefly stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence. Patrons often describe their dining experience as unforgettable, with one diner noting, "the fried chicken was excellent," while another praised the "food cooked to perfection." The restaurant's dedication to accommodating diverse dietary needs, such as vegan and gluten-free options, further showcases its commitment to all diners. Firefly's vibrant atmosphere and thoughtful service make it a cherished gem in the community, where both the food and the warm, inviting ambiance bring people back time and again. Whether it's the "sublime" trout or the "ambrosial" furikake-crusted trout, each meal is a celebration of authentic American flavors, lovingly prepared and served.

5. Frances

4.9

Exceptional(3658)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Castro

Booked 8 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.

6. Fable - SF

4.7

Exceptional(2189)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Castro

Booked 48 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.

7. The Patio

4.7

Exceptional(277)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 6 times today

The Patio, nestled in the vibrant Marina/Cow Hollow district near Presidio in San Francisco, epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its commitment to freshness, innovation, and local flavors. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The kitchen obviously cares," highlighting the delicately dressed salads, al dente mac'n'cheese, and spoon-tender short ribs. The venue is a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, described as a gem for its inviting ambiance and top-notch service. Whether it's the perfectly cooked steak frittes or the innovative panna cotta dessert, The Patio delivers a Californian dining experience that is both memorable and heartwarming.

8. The Brixton

4.2

Awesome(523)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 11 times today

The Brixton, nestled in San Francisco's vibrant Marina district, is a standout for Contemporary American cuisine with a modern gastropub flair. Chef Joey Altman's carefully curated menu features favorites from savory chops to innovative sushi stacks, appealing to a wide range of palates. Diners rave about the "off the hook" Chilaquiles and the "pretty darn good Brixton Burger," highlighting the quality and creativity of the offerings. With a "wonderful atmosphere" and an inviting, edgy ambiance, The Brixton is praised for its "delicious food" and exceptional service, making it a must-visit for an authentic, contemporary American dining experience.

9. Nightbird

4.6

Exceptional(829)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 4 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Hayes Valley of San Francisco, Nightbird stands out as a beacon of American cuisine. Led by the talented and James Beard-nominated Chef Kim Alter, the restaurant offers an exquisite 6 Course 6 Bite Menu that celebrates the essence of local, seasonal ingredients. Diners consistently laud the "amazing displays" and "outstanding experience" that Nightbird offers. One reviewer raves, "Every course of the prefix menu was unbelievable. Absolutely amazing experience." With its meticulous attention to detail and a menu that showcases America’s culinary diversity, Nightbird has become a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and high-quality American dining experience.

10. Blind Butcher

4.5

Awesome(501)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Castro

Booked 22 times today

Blind Butcher in The Castro, San Francisco, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a symphony of flavors that delight and surprise. Nestled in a sophisticated yet inviting urban setting, the restaurant boasts a New American menu that skillfully combines hand-cut prime steaks, fresh seafood, and local organic produce. Each dish is crafted with an inventive flair, perfectly balancing diverse flavors with high-quality ingredients. Diners rave about the culinary experience, with one patron noting, "Everything was FIRE!" and another celebrating the perfect steak and lobster Mac and cheese combo. The Blind Butcher's commitment to quality and its innovative culinary approach make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in San Francisco.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Carlos
West Palm Beach •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Very nice experience overall , very good service and food
More info
FrancesPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Castro
•
4.9
M
Michelle
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We love Firefly! The food is always delicious and they are extremely vegan friendly. We can go out for a meal and have several options to choose from. The service is always great; we really like the people who work there and the atmosphere is lovely. It’s perfect for a date night or a fun meal with friends. Firefly is our favorite local spot and it’s a treat to come back again and again.
More info
Firefly RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Noe Valley
•
4.9
T
Tim
Los Angeles •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
These are innovative, awake and aware professionals. The original energy and spirit of the restaurant are alive and evolving. Service: Excellent. Food: Excellent. Ambience: Excellent, energetic, present, engaging. This is what an exceptional experience feels like. Thanks to everyone at The Progress.
More info
The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
•
4.8
A
Audrey
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food quality at Octavia is very high. The chefs really know what they’re doing. We had a pre-fixe menu for Christmas Eve dinner and they accommodated dietary restrictions with advanced notice. They actually called a few days in advance of the reservation to confirm the dietary restrictions which was really nice. We had 9 courses I think and they were all delicious. My favorites were the soup and the pasta dishes. The service was also very good, the servers were very attending and accommodating. There was one dish I didn’t eat much of because it had radicchio in it which I don’t like, and our server offered to have the kitchen make me a replacement dish with a different lettuce instead. The only negative of Octavia is that it feels very cramped. The space is small and they squeeze in a lot of tables so you’re sitting basically on top of other diners and it’s a little awkward. Everything else was great though. I would definitely recommend Octavia as a good place for special occasions or bringing out of town visitors.
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OctaviaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Pacific Heights
•
4.7
E
Edward
Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The best SF has to offer. Everything here is PERFECT! I have been for brunch, lunch and dinner and it never disappoints. Highly recommended!!!
More info
SprucePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Presidio Heights
•
4.8

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Outer Sunset

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46 restaurants available nearby

1. The Progress

2. Spruce

3. Octavia

4. Firefly Restaurant

5. Frances

6. Fable - SF

7. The Patio

8. The Brixton

9. Nightbird

10. Blind Butcher

See what locals rave about

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