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Best Authentic Restaurants in The Castro

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143 restaurants available nearby

A photo of L'Ardoise restaurant
1. L'Ardoise
4.8
Exceptional(3404)
Price: Expensive
• French • Castro
Booked 19 times today
French Bistro serving traditional and authentic fare in a cozy atmosphere.
A photo of Canela Bistro & Wine Bar restaurant
2. Canela Bistro & Wine Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1587)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Castro
Booked 6 times today
Take a trip to Spain without your passport! Established in 2011, Canela's Spanish and California cuisine has been drawing in locals and visitors alike. Crafted with a mix of ingredients and wines imported from Spain as well as California's bounty, Canela's mix of tapas and paella is made to please. Mat Schuster, Canela’s executive chef, has dedicated his life to creating sophisticated and unforgettable flavors with you in mind. Honored to be awarded a Certified Restaurant from Spain by the Spanish Trade Commission, we offer over 75 bottles of unique wine from Spain, some that you will only find here. Whether you want to have a formal dinner, casual tapas, small plates, paella, glass of wine, and homemade dessert, come to Canela and be assured that you will find what you are looking for.
A photo of Cafe Mystique restaurant
3. Cafe Mystique
4.7
Exceptional(41)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Castro
Booked 2 times today
We feature American, Italian and Mediterranean dishes using fair-trade products from local markets. Every plate that comes out of our kitchen is rich in authentic flavors and ingredients.Thanks for dinning at Cafe Mystique where you find a delicious and fresh gourmet food.
A photo of Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4. Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar
4.2
Awesome(21)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • Castro
Booked 5 times today
Our chef: Arun Dangi has curated modern indian dishes still retaining its authentic flavors and traditional cooking style. Our take on pizza, pasta, salad and sandwiches are incorporated with aromatic herbs and spices used in Indian curries and also cooking method in a flavorful way.
A photo of Elena's restaurant
5. Elena's
4.6
Exceptional(638)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 142 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. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!
A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant
6. Kokkari Estiatorio
4.8
Exceptional(9238)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 198 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 Zuni Cafe restaurant
7. Zuni Cafe
4.7
Exceptional(7940)
Price: Expensive
• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 98 times today
Zuni Café opened in San Francisco, California on February 15, 1979. Our daily changing menus are inspired by seasonal organic ingredients and incorporate traditional French and Italian cuisine. As Zuni continues to evolve, in its own distinctive and delicious way, it strives to remain the way it’s always been: at the same time rustic and cosmopolitan, audacious and familiar, intimate and convivial.RESERVATIONS ARE TAKEN UP TO 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE.TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR A 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT.
A photo of Wayfare Tavern restaurant
8. Wayfare Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(7874)
Price: Moderate
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 102 times today
Wayfare Tavern is a true American tavern in the heart of San Francisco, offering an authentic dining experience. Its menu, crafted by Chef Tyler Florence, features traditional American dishes and a selection of locally sourced wines. The restaurant's design, inspired by Victorian-era parlor and an Edwardian men's club, adds to its authenticity. Reviewers frequently mention the restaurant's 'well-executed' food, 'comfortable' ambience, and 'seamless' service. One reviewer even noted the vibe of the restaurant as 'classic'.
A photo of The Parthenon restaurant
9. The Parthenon
4.4
Awesome(87)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 21 times today
Welcome to The Parthenon, your gateway to the authentic flavors of Greece nestled in the heart of San Francisco. As a Mediterranean Wine Bar and Mezes, we offer a rich tapestry of Greek culinary delights that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed Greek islands.Our menu is a celebration of traditional Greek cuisine, with a contemporary twist.Pair your meal with a selection from our Mediterranean Wine Bar, and don't forget to save room for our delectable sides, including Greek Fries and Garlic Fries.
A photo of Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant
10. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF
4.8
Exceptional(7388)
Price: Expensive
• French • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 30 times today
We are currently accepting reservations for lunch, brunch, and dinner.Effective 09/26/2022:Outdoor seating will not be available.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • AnnieS
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Laura was our waitress - she was so sweet and friendly. I was celebrating my birthday tonight and she made sure to top the cheesecake dessert with a sparkly candle. She also sang happy birthday to me! :,) What already was a delicious meal was topped off with superb customer service. I will come back for sure.
    More info
    Elena'sPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Forest Hill / West Portal
    •
    4.6
  • Cal
    West Palm Beach •440 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great tapas tasting with substitutes for dietary needs. Lots of value priced wines and we found one Juan Gil blend we enjoyed. Only negative was a very loud table next to ours, but fortunately they ate quickly and left!
    More info
    Canela Bistro & Wine BarPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Castro
    •
    4.8
  • John
    New Mexico •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I love dining at this little jewel of a place when I travel to Sam Francisco. It’s always a pleasure. Highly recommended.
    More info
    L'ArdoisePrice: Expensive• French• Castro
    •
    4.8
  • Barry
    San Francisco Bay Area •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 18, 2025
    As always in my many visits there, everything was excellent, and my friends agreed with me about that during our recent luncheon. That includes both the food and the service.
    More info
    Cafe MystiquePrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Castro
    •
    4.7
  • DeniseVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 18, 2025
    I’d never been there and was blown away by the food! It was so delicious…all the dishes we ordered. My friend is vegetarian and there are endless choices. We ate outside so I couldn’t really address the “noise” rating adequately
    More info
    Castro Indian Restaurant & BarPrice: Moderate• Indian• Castro
    •
    4.2

Discover best authentic restaurants in The Castro

Discover the heart of authentic dining in San Francisco's vibrant Castro District. This area is renowned for its eclectic and genuine culinary offerings, where each restaurant promises a unique taste of local and international flavors. In your search for authenticity, you'll find establishments that emphasize farm-to-table ingredients, reflecting the rich agricultural bounty of the San Francisco Bay Area. The dining scene here is characterized by a warm, inviting ambiance that compleases both locals and visitors alike, making it a true foodie's delight. Restaurants in The Castro stand out for their commitment to quality and passion for service, often featuring menus that are both inventive and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you're craving an intimate dining experience or a lively meal in a bustling setting, the authenticity of The Castro's culinary landscape offers something for every palate. Delight in the expertise and care that go into every dish, crafted to offer not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience in one of San Francisco's most iconic neighborhoods.

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