Best Southern American Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

East BayMarinPeninsulaSan Francisco

Neighbourhoods

AlamedaAlbanyBerkeleyBernal HeightsCastroCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELINWorld's 50 Best

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

146 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant

1. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(6210)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 75 times today

The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco is a shining example of exquisite American cuisine, offering a dining experience that combines tradition and elegance. Nestled in the heart of Union Square, this iconic venue is beloved for its "excellent service" and "delicious food," consistently leaving diners "extremely satisfied." The Rotunda's menu is celebrated for its innovative takes on American classics, like the "wonderful French 75 cocktail and lobster club sandwich." The chic setting, complete with beautiful views and festive decorations, enhances the atmosphere, making it a "must-visit" destination, especially during the holiday season. Experience the quintessential American dining delight at The Rotunda!

A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant

2. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

3.9

Excellent(2483)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • SOMA

Booked 10 times today

The Garden Court - Luxury Collection in San Francisco is a true gem for authentic American cuisine, offering a dining experience that is both exquisite and memorable. Nestled in the historic landmark of the Palace Hotel, this restaurant blends elegance with a rich culinary tradition. "The smoked salmon Benedict is by far the best we've ever had," rave diners, highlighting the exceptional quality of the dishes. With its opulent setting featuring a stained glass dome and Italian marble columns, the ambiance is as spectacular as the food. Whether it's the signature Green Goddess crab salad or a delightful afternoon tea, The Garden Court promises a slice of American culinary excellence in every bite.

3. Astra

4.5

Awesome(64)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • SOMA

Booked 5 times today

The St. Regis San Francisco’s new fine-dining restaurant, offers exquisite American dishes inspired by California’s freshest seasonal ingredients. The recently reimagined space offers a welcoming atmosphere that epitomizes Northern California luxury, with décor featuring rich textures and soft metallics that pay tribute to the city’s unique vistas. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in gentle natural light and frame dynamic street scenes. Aligned with The St. Regis’ House of Astor for inspired cuisine and mixologist crafted cocktails, Astra offers world-class fare and elegant service. Astra is open for afternoon tea and open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

A photo of The Vault Steakhouse restaurant

4. The Vault Steakhouse

4.3

Awesome(278)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 8 times today

The Vault Steakhouse in San Francisco's Financial District is a beacon of quality American cuisine, seamlessly blending classic steakhouse charm with modern flair. Guests rave about its "impeccable service" and "amazing atmosphere," thanks to a live pianist adding a unique touch to your dining experience. The steak offerings, such as the highly recommended ribeye, are cooked to perfection, and the signature Pavé Tots with caviar elevate traditional American sides to new heights. The restaurant's attention to detail, from letting diners select their own steak knife to a "wonderful service" team, ensures an unforgettable dining experience for all.

5. Pied Piper

3.2

Good(12)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • SOMA

Dine surrounded by the stunning work of famous American artist Maxfield Parrish when you enjoy a meal at the Pied Piper. Part of San Francisco history, the restaurant is housed within the Palace Hotel in the impressive SOMA district. Offering classic California cuisine, the Pied Piper is the perfect choice for dinner, or even a fantastic cocktail.Known for its signature drinks, the Pied Piper is a local favorite in addition to being a traveler's destination. Open seven days a week, it has something for everyone with a children's menu in addition to its delicious dinner.

6. Yokai

4.3

Awesome(26)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 11 times today

The Spirit of Japan and the Heart of San Francisco.Yokai is a charcoal grill and vinyl bar created by Chef Marc Zimmerman and inspired by travel throughout Japan. The vibe is loungy and upscale casual. The focus of our kitchen is sourcing pristine Japanese and Californian ingredients and preparing them simply. We're located steps from Salesforce tower at 545 Mission Street in the heart of San Francisco. We offer lunch and dinner and the cocktail bar is open all day.

A photo of Monte’s Restaurant & Bar restaurant

7. Monte’s Restaurant & Bar

4.4

Awesome(10)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 3 times today

Located in downtown San Francisco at the corner of Montgomery and California Streets, Monte’s Restaurant and Bar is convenient to the cable car stop and features expansive windows in a comfortable, elegant atmosphere. Enjoy locally crafted meals in addition to signature cocktails and drinks at our San Francisco bar.Monte’s Restaurant is open for Breakfast and Lunch and Monte’s Bar provides walk-in Dinner service from 4:00pm – 10:00pm.Drinks are served in the bar until 11:00pm.

8. Toy Soldier

4.2

Awesome(135)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 7 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Financial District of San Francisco, Toy Soldier is a beacon of authentic Californian cuisine. Known for its "delicious and classy food presentation," Toy Soldier artfully combines comfort with California's culinary finesse. The emphasis on locally sourced, Northern California wines and home-brewed Toy Soldier IPA sets this restaurant apart, offering diners a true taste of the region's flavors. Guests rave about the "exceptional service" and "awesome atmosphere," making it a top choice for anything from a casual lunch to a romantic dinner. With its lively ambiance and military-inspired cocktails, Toy Soldier is a must-visit for California cuisine enthusiasts.

A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant

9. House of Prime Rib

4.8

Exceptional(15974)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

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

Booked 195 times today

House of Prime Rib in San Francisco is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, renowned for its "iconic" status and exceptional prime rib. With 62 years of unwavering dedication, it’s no surprise that this establishment garners glowing praise from loyal patrons who rave about its "festive" atmosphere and "superb" service. Guests continually highlight the "delicious" prime rib, which is described as "massive" and "perfectly cooked," making every visit a memorable experience. The lively ambiance and the meticulous attention from the staff ensure that every meal feels like a special occasion. Truly, House of Prime Rib offers a quintessential American dining experience.

10. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7862)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 91 times today

Wayfare Tavern, nestled in San Francisco's bustling Financial District, stands as a beacon of exemplary Contemporary American cuisine. Chef Tyler Florence masterfully crafts dishes that transport diners to an era of authentic American flavors inspired by the early 20th century. The restaurant is celebrated for its "impeccably delicious" offerings, with standout dishes like the renowned "Mary’s Fried Chicken" and "deviled eggs" that leave patrons raving. The vibrant yet cozy Victorian ambiance complements the culinary delights, making it perfect for any occasion. With "phenomenal" service and a dedication to quality, Wayfare Tavern is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

‘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
CraigVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Wonderful! Delicious food with a nice variety of choices! Gracious and attentive service! A stunningly beautiful ambiance! Overall an amazing evening... thanks, Prelude!!
More info
PreludePrice: Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
P
Paul
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 16, 2025
As visitors from New Zealand, we really enjoyed our evening here. The venue was just around the corner from our hotel and the online booking process was easy - we booked 24 hours in advance, choosing the early (dinner) session. It was great for us to see Harvey Mandel and his band live - although he must now be in his late seventies at least, he has lost none of his guitar technique or ability to let it rock. We had a choice of tables and opted for one near the front, which gave us a good view of the stage. The quality of the food was surprisingly good and exceptionally good value. A brilliant selection of craft beer too. One final bonus - the sound level was just right - not too loud for us two oldies.
More info
Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
K
Kathie
San Francisco Bay Area •144 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 14, 2025
Always wonderful service, deliciously made and served comfort food. Thank you for yet another enjoyable experience.
More info
Hard Knox Cafe on Clement StreetPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Richmond District
•
4.9

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