Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Outer Sunset

49 restaurants available nearby

1. The Progress

4.9

Exceptional(2443)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Western Addition

Booked 45 times today

The Progress, located in San Francisco's vibrant Western Addition, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its innovative and locally-sourced dishes. Guests frequently rave about the "beyond amazing" duck and the inventive flavor combinations that make each visit a culinary adventure. With its reputation for "exceptional food and impeccable service," The Progress offers a dynamic dining experience, described by many as "the greatest dinner party ever." It's not just the food that impresses; the cocktails are crafted with creativity, leading one guest to proclaim, "My wife had one of the most creative and delicious drinks she had ever had." Whether it's the warmly recommended small plates or the standout duck, The Progress ensures a memorable and delightful meal with every visit, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best of Contemporary American dining in San Francisco.

2. Spruce

4.8

Exceptional(5363)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Presidio Heights

Booked 43 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!

3. Octavia

4.8

Exceptional(2610)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Pacific Heights

Booked 9 times today

Nestled in the charming Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, Octavia shines as a gem of Contemporary American cuisine. With Chef Melissa Perello at the helm, this elegant eatery is celebrated for its beautifully defined flavors and a menu that evolves daily, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. Reviewers rave about their dining experiences, noting the "thoughtful, delicious dishes" and "exceptional service." The much-acclaimed tasting menu is described as "way more food than expected," offering "great value" and a showcase of creativity with every course. Diners consistently highlight the knowledgeable staff and the intimate, beautifully designed space, making Octavia a must-visit for those seeking an outstanding representation of modern American fare in San Francisco.

A photo of Firefly Restaurant restaurant

4. Firefly Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(2997)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Noe Valley

Booked 19 times today

Discover the heart of American cuisine at Firefly Restaurant in Noe Valley, San Francisco, where every dish tells a story of tradition and creativity. Renowned for its ever-evolving seasonal menu, Firefly stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence. Patrons often describe their dining experience as unforgettable, with one diner noting, "the fried chicken was excellent," while another praised the "food cooked to perfection." The restaurant's dedication to accommodating diverse dietary needs, such as vegan and gluten-free options, further showcases its commitment to all diners. Firefly's vibrant atmosphere and thoughtful service make it a cherished gem in the community, where both the food and the warm, inviting ambiance bring people back time and again. Whether it's the "sublime" trout or the "ambrosial" furikake-crusted trout, each meal is a celebration of authentic American flavors, lovingly prepared and served.

5. Violet’s

4.5

Awesome(504)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Richmond District

Delight in the vibrant flavors of Contemporary Latin cuisine at Violet's in San Francisco's Richmond District. Under new ownership, Violet's has rejuvenated its menu, merging American classics with a Latin twist that leaves diners raving. Patrons exclaim over the "AMAZING restaurant week menu" and the "impeccably juicy and perfectly crispy fried chicken," affirming its status as a neighborhood gem. The hand-selected global wines and craft cocktails, like the "Family Business" with hibiscus-infused tequila, elevate every meal into a culinary adventure. Whether it's the "creamy, cheesy" spinach gnudi or the classic burgers, every dish showcases a unique flair. Violet's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a must-visit for lovers of Contemporary Latin cuisine.

6. Frances

4.8

Exceptional(3642)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • The Castro

Booked 18 times today

Frances, nestled in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, is a contemporary American gem where culinary creativity shines. Chef Melissa Perello presents a menu that epitomizes modern California cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients sourced from neighboring markets, farms, and producers. The restaurant, named after Perello’s grandmother, encapsulates a fusion of refined yet comfortable sensibilities in both its food and decor. Guests rave about dishes like "the best gnocchi we’ve had anywhere" and the "flawlessly cooked" pork chop. With reviews praising its "creative dishes and wonderful wine pairings," Frances stands out as a top destination for those seeking a stellar dining experience. The ambiance is described as "cozy and elegant," making it perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.

7. Fable - SF

4.7

Exceptional(2170)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • The Castro

Booked 50 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Fable - SF epitomizes the spirit of Californian cuisine with its fresh, seasonal offerings and a delightful garden patio setting. Recognized for serving "the best brunch in town," this charming spot impresses with its innovative dishes that showcase California's rich produce. Patrons rave about the experience, noting the "beautiful, sunny SF patio" and "spectacular food and drinks." With glowing reviews like "the food is always good and the service too…there is nothing quite like sitting in the back patio," Fable - SF stands out as a quintessential destination for those seeking authentic and high-quality Californian dining in a picturesque outdoor setting.

8. The Patio

4.7

Exceptional(276)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 10 times today

The Patio, nestled in the vibrant Marina/Cow Hollow district near Presidio in San Francisco, epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its commitment to freshness, innovation, and local flavors. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The kitchen obviously cares," highlighting the delicately dressed salads, al dente mac'n'cheese, and spoon-tender short ribs. The venue is a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, described as a gem for its inviting ambiance and top-notch service. Whether it's the perfectly cooked steak frittes or the innovative panna cotta dessert, The Patio delivers a Californian dining experience that is both memorable and heartwarming.

9. Nightbird

4.7

Exceptional(818)

Price: Very Expensive

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

Booked 7 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Hayes Valley of San Francisco, Nightbird stands out as a beacon of American cuisine. Led by the talented and James Beard-nominated Chef Kim Alter, the restaurant offers an exquisite 6 Course 6 Bite Menu that celebrates the essence of local, seasonal ingredients. Diners consistently laud the "amazing displays" and "outstanding experience" that Nightbird offers. One reviewer raves, "Every course of the prefix menu was unbelievable. Absolutely amazing experience." With its meticulous attention to detail and a menu that showcases America’s culinary diversity, Nightbird has become a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and high-quality American dining experience.

10. The Brixton

4.2

Awesome(519)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 16 times today

The Brixton, nestled in San Francisco's vibrant Marina district, is a standout for Contemporary American cuisine with a modern gastropub flair. Chef Joey Altman's carefully curated menu features favorites from savory chops to innovative sushi stacks, appealing to a wide range of palates. Diners rave about the "off the hook" Chilaquiles and the "pretty darn good Brixton Burger," highlighting the quality and creativity of the offerings. With a "wonderful atmosphere" and an inviting, edgy ambiance, The Brixton is praised for its "delicious food" and exceptional service, making it a must-visit for an authentic, contemporary American dining experience.

‘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

R
Richard
South Carolina •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I have to come to Firefly at least once per trip to San Francisco! It’s the epitome of a. Neighborhood gem. Food. Ambience. Energy and service is terrific. Love firefly !
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Firefly RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Noe Valley
•
4.9
C
Colleenvip
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day 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
L
Lucy
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Food was absolutely incredible, service impeccable, restaurant soo beautiful!
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OctaviaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Pacific Heights
•
4.8
S
Sam
Atlanta Metro •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
What a find! Food choices were great- love the fact they are shareable as it's hard sometimes for my wife and me to try different things at a restaurant with individual/full portions. Quality was excellent as dishes are innovative, accurately described, and tasty. Don't pass on the caviar potato cloud (insider tip- order one for yourself instead of sharing)! And the drinks are also innovative and quite balanced in their flavor profiles!
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The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
•
4.9
A
Annvip
San Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 18, 2024
Very relaxed atmosphere and delicious small plates
More info
The PatioPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.7

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Outer Sunset

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49 restaurants available nearby

1. The Progress

2. Spruce

3. Octavia

4. Firefly Restaurant

5. Violet’s

6. Frances

7. Fable - SF

8. The Patio

9. Nightbird

10. The Brixton

See what locals rave about

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