Best Historic Restaurants in The Castro

39 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant

1. Historic John's Grill

4.7

Exceptional(7297)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 46 times today

John's Grill has been a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant is one of the city's oldest and most famous and is a favorite of celebrities who enjoy great steaks, expertly prepared fresh seafood with excellent service and a one of a kind atmosphere. John's Grill was a setting in author Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon.

A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant

2. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

4.1

Excellent(2458)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • SOMA

Booked 16 times today

Featuring innovative intercontinental cuisine, the famed Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in a glorious setting. This historic landmark serves Breakfast daily, 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch Monday-Thursday and an enchanting Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The Garden Court features a stained glass dome, Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers and is noted on San Francisco’s Historic Register as Landmark #18. Our Executive Chef invites you to try our signature crab salad lightly dressed in our own Green Goddess Dressing, a true Palace original created in 1923.

3. The Post Room

4.4

Awesome(135)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 28 times today

In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, a new Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge called The Post Room is nestled inside the historic Beacon Grand and overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby, the vibrant social venue will serve breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends and complemented by a dazzling live music program.

A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant

4. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4163)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 105 times today

Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.

5. Spruce

4.8

Exceptional(5365)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Presidio Heights

Booked 55 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!

6. Dalida

4.7

Exceptional(810)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Presidio

Booked 46 times today

Beautiful Modern Mediterranean restaurant by Chefs Laura and Sayat (Star Chefs and San Francisco Chronicle Rising Stars) at the Main Parade Lawn in the heart of the Presidio National Park. The restaurant's menus feature Presidio-inspired seasonal craft cocktails, a progressive wine menu, and a cuisine that balances the comfort of familiar Mediterranean flavors with California sensibilities. In cohesion with the Presidio National Park, the design features soft, natural colors; repurposed furniture items from the Presidio; and a mural and a hand-drawn wall paper by Bay Area artist Emily Parkinson. Diners can enjoy a patio with a view of Alcatraz; an intimate private dining room; a lofty main dining room surrounded by windows on two sides; a cozy bar that is a local favorite; and an open-concept kitchen counter with counter seats and high tables.

7. Starlite

4.4

Awesome(145)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 26 times today

Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.

A photo of Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant

8. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco

4.1

Excellent(1985)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Nob Hill

Booked 3 times today

A visit to San Francisco is not complete without experiencing Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. The Tonga Room offers exceptional Polynesian Cuisine in a tropical setting that includes thunder and rainstorms. It is the perfect escape after a busy day of meetings or shopping along Union Square. Be sure to try the Mai Tai, voted the City's best by Conde Nast Traveler.Dinner is seated on a first-come first-served basis for all parties under 10. Hurricane Bar guests are welcomed on a first-come first-served basis.The Island Groove performs a live set starting at 7:00 pm. A $15 per person cover charge applies to all guests seated in the restaurant or bar during the entertainment, regardless of the time they arrive.If you would like to make a reservation for 10 or more people to the Tonga Room, please give us a call at 415-772-5000 or email us at tongaroom@fairmont.com.

A photo of Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf restaurant

9. Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf

4.7

Exceptional(5645)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • North Beach

Booked 71 times today

Founded in 1965, Scoma's Seafood Restaurant is located in the heart of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. Family-owned for three generations, our iconic waterfront restaurant is famous for serving the freshest seafood from pier-to-plate. An award-winning bar program includes an extensive wine list, local microbrews, and expertly crafted cocktails. For nearly 60 years, locals, visitors, politicians, athletes, actors, signers, and heads of state have been frequenting Scoma's for its old-school hospitality, delicious seafood, spectacular views, and impeccable cocktails. Located on a working pier, Scoma's has its own fish receiving station, dealing directly with local fishers for 100% sustainable seafood.***Scoma's gladly welcomes reservations, as well as walk-in guests on a first come first served basis. You can also call 415.771.4383 during our operation hours for assistance with reservations. *** WE OFFER COMPLIMENTORY PARKING***

A photo of The Palm Court at RH San Francisco restaurant

10. The Palm Court at RH San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(1736)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Potrero Hill / Dogpatch

Booked 88 times today

The Palm Court is located in RH San Francisco's Gallery at the Historic Bethlehem Steel Building. Recalling the distinctive glamour of San Francisco's Gilded Age, the stunning statement space is sheathed in Italian Calacatta gold marble and features a cascading center fountain, towering Medjool date palms and glimmering chandeliers. Adjacent to the restaurant, two luminous wine bars offer exceptional wines and Champagnes from around the world.For group dining inquiries, please email: sfhospitality@rh.com

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
ralph
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Always consistent never let you down clean courteous service everything San Francisco classic
More info
Original Joe's - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
4.7
M
Mark
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
John’s Grill is one of my most favorite restaurants in SF. The staff are efficient and friendly. The ambiance is great, and I enjoy taking first-timers to this gem. The food is great, and my favorite is Jack LaLanne seafood salad with a glass of Chardonnay. Steaks and pasta dishes are great too! Make a toast or two to Hammett, Bogart, Astor, Greenstreet etc. Save a bit of time to check out The Maltese Falcon and other film noir items upstairs. Enjoy the day!
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Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
C
Colleenvip
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This is what an excellent dining experience is about. From the greeter at the front, full of warm welcomes on a rainy evening to the general manager re-seating us due to a wobbly table we had the most amazing evening. Service is excellent, Christian and the house managers were attentive polite and professional. The sommelier as well chose our white and red wines and nailed it! The food goes without saying, we had pear salad, crudeo and pasta. The special white truffle pasta as a share was amazing. Duck, scallops, lobster pasta as mains. Benigets for dessert with a vanilla and dark chocolate sauce. Cocktails also supreme, old fashioned, martini's and a Paper Plate! We really had such a wonderful time and it reminded me of the wonder of our city and the talented restaurant chefs, and servers in the Presidio.
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SprucePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Presidio Heights
•
4.8
E
Emilyvip
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Wonderful service and good enough food. The room is cozy with a fire.
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The Post RoomPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.4
S
Susanvip
Greater Boston •45 reviews
5.0
Dined on Sep 29, 2024
Fantastic buffett with great variety and love the new omelette bar. Gorgeous room with attentive service.
More info
The Garden Court - Luxury CollectionPrice: Expensive• Californian• SOMA
•
4.1

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Best Historic Restaurants in The Castro

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39 restaurants available nearby

1. Historic John's Grill

2. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

3. The Post Room

4. Original Joe's - San Francisco

5. Spruce

6. Dalida

7. Starlite

8. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco

9. Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf

10. The Palm Court at RH San Francisco

See what locals rave about

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