Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area

Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighbourhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

205 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(6103)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 65 times today
The Rotunda serves afternoon tea seven days a week beginning at 2:30 p.m. (1:30p.m. Sundays). A tea experience reservation is necessary to enjoy our daily tea service. Any dietary restrictions must be noted at least 24 hours in advance of your reservation.Please use link below to reserve your tea experience.https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=889&restref=889&experienceId=35326Let THE ROTUNDA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.*February 22, the outside elevator is under construction. Enter through any of the outside NM entrances, take any elevator to the 4th floor.
A photo of Top of the Mark restaurant
4.3
Awesome(847)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Nob Hill
Booked 19 times today
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Top of the Mark will not be open for cocktails on Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1, 2025 due to our Holidays at the Mark events taking place on those days. Thank you for your understanding.Number 1 in California and San Francisco, and 2nd in the nation on USAToday's 10 Best Hotel Bars.Nestled on the 19th floor of the historic InterContinental Mark Hopkins, Top of the Mark's breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco's skyline and iconic landmarks, including the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, the enigmatic Alcatraz, Union Square, and more, will leave you spellbound. Sip on our signature cocktails as you soak in the atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Our appetizer and dessert selection will tantalize your taste buds, with options that complement our cocktails perfectly. What's more, we offer live entertainment each Saturday evening, where you can let the music move you on the dance floor.
A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7405)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 91 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 Biscuits and Blues restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2012)
Price: Expensive
• Regional American (Southern) • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 3 times today
Located in the heart of San Francisco's historic Theater District, Biscuits and Blues is a West Coast musical landmark where every seat provides an up-close, live music experience. Our all-ages supper club is a great place for the whole family to experience America's greatest musical heritage! We have live music six nights a week featuring national and Bay Area acts. Our full bar and soulful Southern menu compliments the savory sounds of our top-notch talent. If you’re trying to decide between food and music, you can indulge in both with us! Show times and prices may vary and are dependent on specific acts. No refunds-no cancellations for show tickets. Every ticket has a seat. Singles will be assigned a bar seat or shareable table seat when available.
A photo of Zingari Ristorante + Jazz Bar restaurant
3.9
Excellent(2677)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 10 times today
Zingari Ristorante is a neighborhood gem, serving delicious Italian cuisine and offering a unique dining experience with live music. Reviewers rave about the 'cozy setting,' 'great service,' and 'amazing food,' calling it a 'perfect place to go for dinner near Union Square.' The restaurant also offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, ensuring there's something for everyone. With consistent high ratings for ambiance, food, service, and value, Zingari Ristorante is a beloved neighborhood gem in San Francisco.
A photo of Cesario's restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1514)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 27 times today
Since 1991 Cesario’s has been serving fine Northern Italian and comfort food. We have an extensive global wine list. We are located close to the theater district and Union Square.
A photo of bota tapas and paella bar restaurant
4.4
Awesome(946)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 11 times today
Bota Tapas and Paella Bar is a neighborhood gem, offering authentic Spanish tapas and paella in the heart of Union Square. The restaurant is praised for its delicious food and attentive service, with many customers recommending it for pre-theatre dinners. Reviews frequently highlight the excellent atmosphere, variety of dishes, and reasonable prices. One reviewer noted, 'Terrific food and ambiance. We’ll be back!'
A photo of Bouche restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1916)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 14 times today
Bouche is a California-French restaurant with an oft-changing seasonal menu created by the renowned Parisian Chef Jeremy Blaringhem. The beer and wine list is centered on small producers from both California and France. Our Kitchen Is Exclusively Offering seasonal Menu.A brunch service a la carte is offered Sat & Sun 11am-2.30pm in our outdoors heated parklet area only.Items on the menus are subject to change with seasonOur goal is to share our passion for food and wine in our romantic & sexy "hole in the wall" restaurant. Come and fall in love with our recipes and style of cooking served by our wonderful team wearing a big smile. Be Brave enough to order our signature dish "The adventurous". A blind dish created to challenge your palet and boundaries.Nothing Fancy... Simply expect real food, real ingredients , real people , real laughs ... a love experience.As a small family business we really appreciate your support.Bon appétit
A photo of Tratto - San Francisco restaurant
4.2
Awesome(833)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 4 times today
Re-Opening June 2, 2021A spirited, bar-driven restaurant serving rustic Italian fare with modern sensibilities. Tratto means the stroke of a pen or a mark in Italian, nodding to both the neighborhood’s artistic history and the name of The Marker, the boutique hotel next door. Tratto’s flavorful menu of simple, delicious and shareable dishes coupled with casual, communal-style dining creates a neighborhood bar experience inspired by the Italian tradition of “aperitivo,” or happy hour.Guests can enjoy playful twists on classic Italian cocktails, boozy Italian sodas, and beer and wine from California and Italy, including a jug of house wine from the taps.Choose from a wide selection of traditional small-plate antipasti, house-made pastas and pizzas, entrees served family-style, seasonal side dishes, and classic Italian desserts including ice creams, gelatos and sorbets.
A photo of Cafe de la Presse restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1911)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 19 times today
Cafe de la Presse is a gem in the neighborhood, offering a vibrant atmosphere where patrons can enjoy traditional French cuisine. With reviews praising its excellent food and service, it's the perfect spot for a meal or a quick bite. The ambience is described as 'lovely' and 'transporting', reminiscent of Paris. The restaurant is also lauded for its reasonable prices and friendly staff, making it a neighborhood favorite.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • KylieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Always a pleasure and an impeccable experience at The Rotunda. From the drinks arriving before the meal (so many places get this incorrect), to the consommé, to the popovers with strawberry butter, to the large portions of entrees, everything about this place is perfect. My mom and I split the burger (as usual) and it was great. They’ve moved from it being a single thick burger to two smaller patties. The pickles are beyond delicious. I left being like, this is where I want to have every birthday for the rest of my life.
    More info
    The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.8
  • Koh
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The service and food is absolutely amazing, had a fun time and successful proposal :)
    More info
    Zingari Ristorante + Jazz BarPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Union Square
    3.9
  • Linda
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We have been enjoying Christmas Brunch at the Top of the Mark for over 25 years. This year was the best organized and the "people flow" was so much better. Excellent food and the lovely young woman who made my yummy omelet was so professional and crisp and fun to watch. I understand that the new manager, is Amu" I think is her name, who wore a spectacular magenta dress, kept everything smoothly running and was so gracious. I had the privilege of thanking her personally. Frank was our expert server (he has worked there over 25 years) and he was unruffled and did not miss a beat even when dealing with the crass and rude and snarky pair who sat behind us. THANK YOU Mark Hopkins for making our Christmas, yet again, memorable.
    More info
    Top of the MarkPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Nob Hill
    4.3
  • BVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •133 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We ordered drinks, which came promptly and were good. Both of us had jambalaya. It was quite tasty. The show started somewhat late, so we had time for another round of drinks. Once the show started, and during and after the show, service was less available. It took us a bit of time to get our check, but we were able to chat with the performers, so it was fun. The parking discount at the Mason-Ellis garage worked out well. We highly recommend Biscuits and Blues for dinner and a show! We'll definitely be back.
    More info
    Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7
  • LisaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •60 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Lunch after a matinee is one of our Holiday traditions- this year it was just perfect. The restaurant was packed with diners waiting for tables lined up at the bar, so thank goodness we had a reservation (on a Monday at 3:00PM- who knew?). Once past that minor inconvenience, everything was absolutely wonderful. We shared the Tortelloni appetizer and even though I am an accomplished Italian home cook, it was the best we have ever had. Then we shared the Jack LaLane salad - partly because we grew up with him on TV and the nostalgia was undeniable- and it was perfect. It had a respectable amount of seafood and avocado and was very large. My husband said his Manhatten was excellent. We left vowing to come back soon and often.
    More info
    Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

Discover the hidden treasures of the Downtown/Union Square area in San Francisco, where neighborhood gems offer an eclectic dining scene that caters to diverse culinary tastes and preferences. Whether you're seeking a rooftop lounge with stunning city views, a cozy café with Parisian flair, modern Asian American cuisine, authentic Spanish tapas, home-style American dishes, or traditional Italian with live music, this locale has something to enchant every palate. These establishments are celebrated for their unique atmospheres, exceptional service, and delicious food, making them top picks for both locals and visitors alike. Each restaurant embodies the charm and vibrancy of San Francisco, offering a dining experience that goes beyond just a meal. From pre-theater dinners to special occasions, or even a casual night out, these neighborhood gems in the heart of San Francisco provide perfect settings for memorable dining experiences. The dining scene here is a vibrant mix of culture and sophistication, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo