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Best Authentic Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

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199 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Teakwood restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(254)
Price: Moderate
• Burmese • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 39 times today
NOW OPEN!Bringing the vibrance of Burmese culture and its surrounding cultural influences to Hayes Valley, San Francisco.
A photo of ¡Chao Pescao! restaurant
4.4
Awesome(618)
Price: Moderate
• Latin American • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 5 times today
Chao Pescao is a new casual Latin Caribbean restaurant from longtime San Francisco restaurateur Rene Denis inspired by his Cuban-Colombian heritage. The name, translating roughly to “see you later alligator,” captures the friendly and fun spirit of the restaurant. Cocktails are inspired by many of the traditional drinks from Latin America, while the food pulls from the comforting Cuban and Colombian home cooking of Denis’s childhood. The menu is rounded out with other Latin American favorites with particular emphasis on dishes designed for delivery. Chao Pescao is located in the Civic Center Plaza at the heart of the city, across from City Hall.
A photo of Nakama Sushi - San Francisco restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(345)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 15 times today
Nakama means friends/buddies and Nakama Sushi is the result of 2 friends coming together to bring to San Francisans an affordable omakase style menu featuring the highest quality fresh fish. Nakama Sushi also offer an excellent A la carte which is great for the pre-performance. In a city full of expensive dining options, Nakama is proud to offer you an excellent value. Nakama Sushi offer fine selections of beer, wine and sake. Bring your friends, family to Nakama Sushi for a memorable meal.
A photo of Elena's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(418)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 79 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. Reservation requests via phone or email are not available at this time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!
A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(9088)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 134 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 Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1849)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 78 times today
Che Fico, is a California Italian restaurant from Chefs David Nayfeld and Matt Brewer in San Francisco's NOPA neighborhood. The food focuses on Italian cuisine through the lens of California. It’s our vision of Northern California as if it is a region in Italy, our connection to the region, and our love for Italian culinary practices. The rustic, market-driven menu features handmade pasta, pizzas, antipasti, housemade salumi, meat, and fish plus dishes from the Jewish-Roman heritage known as “Cucina Ebraica.” The beverage program focuses heavily on both Italian and Californian wines with a cocktail program that utilizes a variety of spirits, amaros, and seasonal ingredients. Che Fico is a place to gather with friends and enjoy warm hospitality, food, and drink, through an approachable menu and convivial ambiance.
A photo of Zuni Cafe restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7826)
Price: Expensive
• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 136 times today
DINNER:Tuesday - Sunday5:00 pm – 9:30 pmLUNCH:Friday, Saturday, Sunday11:00 am – 4:00 pmWe are closed on MondaysRESERVATIONS ARE TAKEN UP TO 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE.TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR A 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT.
A photo of The Parthenon restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(41)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 33 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 Trestle restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2746)
Price: Expensive
• American • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 37 times today
Hi Neighbor!At Trestle, we remember a time, not too long ago, where people took pause to enjoy a meal in the presence of great company, giving it the reverence and respect deserved. We provide a dining experience served in courses, with the satisfaction and warmth found at a family gathering, creating the foundation to a proper meal. Every day we feature a changing 3 course prix fixe menu with choices on each course for $45/person. We will have an optional additional pasta course for $12/person. Unfortunately, we do not offer ala-carte options.We are able to accommodate vegetarian options nightly. We do our best to accommodate other allergies/restrictions based on the menu for that evening. Due to our limited spacing, we can accommodate parties of 8 or less only.
A photo of 54 Mint restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3391)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • SOMA
Booked 20 times today
54 Mint is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown San Francisco across from the old US Mint Building. We offer authentic Roman cuisine prepared only with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Our pastas, bread and desserts are made fresh in house on a daily basis. Our bar offers an extended variety of Italian wines, craft cocktails and high-end imported and local spirits.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • KALLENvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Nakama is great. Food service are constantly consistent. The staff so friendly and helpful with suggestions on sake and sushi options.
    More info
    Nakama Sushi - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.8
  • brittavip
    San Francisco Bay Area •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I used to love this place, then I moved abroad for 20 years, but went here again, and it is just as good as I remember!! grilled perfection! the dining room is cozy and warm, the booth seats comfortable. our server was the best - attentive but not intrusive - he really did an outstanding job (don't recall his name but has worked there 9 years and has 2 little kids, brown hair with some facial hair - shout out to him - he did a great job!) appetizers arrived lightning fast - aubergine and warm pita, grilled stuffed calamari(YUM), lamb meatballs (nomnomnom), baked gigante beans. mains were lamb skewers (yum) and branzino(5star), which was insanely delish and highly recommended. dessert was baklava, which I don't normally love, but theirs was sooo good and spicy, I highly recommend, and we got an ice cream sundae which was enormous and tasty. im so pleased Kokkari is still around and better than ever. great meal - thanks to the entire team!! can't wait to go back !!
    More info
    Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.9
  • Michaelvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •266 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Four stars very good fits perfectly for Teakwood. We've been Burma Love fans for years and Teakwood is a welcome addition to the Hayes Valley pre-event scene. Our server was very sweet, and while service overall was a bit disjointed, it was understandable. They handled the pre-theater rush well. The atmosphere is bright and lovely and the food was very good.
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    TeakwoodPrice: Moderate• Burmese• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.6
  • Alson
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Upscale Mexican food in the sunset district. Authentic taste and flavors but spice level is scaled down for clientele. Nothing very spicy. Still, food was tasty! Good ambience, excellent service. Clean throughout. This is definitely not the mission district experience, if that’s what you’re looking for. But very good authentic food in a clean, upscale pleasant environment. Not a taqueria!
    More info
    Elena'sPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Forest Hill / West Portal
    4.7
  • Jim
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The staff surprised my girlfriend and me with their professionalism, attentiveness and care, and the food was creative and delicious! We stayed for three hours and tried the Prix Fix Menu, and it exceeded our expectations on all levels. If you want a truly delightful evening, you have to try !Chao Pescao!
    More info
    ¡Chao Pescao!Price: Moderate• Latin American• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.4

Discover best authentic restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Discover the heart of authentic dining in the Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness area of San Francisco Bay Area. This eclectic neighborhood buzzes with an array of restaurants that exemplify authenticity, each offering a unique culinary experience rooted in genuine flavors and traditional cooking methods. From the finest sushi omakase to traditional Italian eateries and classic San Francisco seafood spots, the district caters to all palates with its commitment to quality and authenticity. The dining scene here is diverse, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of San Francisco, and is especially popular among those who appreciate a meal that promises both tradition and a memorable dining experience. Patrons can expect not only mouth-watering dishes but also exceptional service and ambiance that truly enhance each dining occasion. Whether you're a local food lover or a visitor looking to taste the authentic flavors of San Francisco, the restaurants in this area are sure to provide an unforgettable culinary journey. Embrace the charm and sophistication of this vibrant dining locale, perfect for anyone seeking an authentic connection to food and culture.

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