Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Sunset District

48 restaurants available nearby

1. The Progress

4.9

Exceptional(2450)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Western Addition

Booked 69 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(5367)

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!

A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant

3. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(6023)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 114 times today

The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco's Union Square is a quintessential destination for those seeking an exceptional American dining experience. Known for its elegant ambiance and meticulous service, The Rotunda offers a luxurious afternoon tea service that has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Patrons rave about the "delicious assortment of food" and "excellent ambience," highlighting the restaurant's ability to deliver a top-tier culinary experience. From the superb seafood selections like the praised shrimp and crab Louie salad to the classic American burger, every dish is crafted with excellence. Guests continually commend the Rotunda for its "outstanding service" and "beautiful setting," making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the finest American cuisine in a stunning, historic venue.

4. Octavia

4.8

Exceptional(2612)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Pacific Heights

Booked 23 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

5. Firefly Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(2995)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Noe Valley

Booked 22 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.

A photo of Angler San Francisco restaurant

6. Angler San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(236)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 29 times today

Angler San Francisco, a Michelin-starred gem nestled on the Embarcadero waterfront, offers an unparalleled seafood experience that is both authentic and innovative. With a focus on the freshest ingredients sourced from Northern California, Angler celebrates the natural flavors of the sea, enhanced by the primal touch of their wood burning hearth. Diners rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes, describing them as "spectacular" and "sublime," with special mentions of the perfectly cooked fish and inventive seafood sauces. The ambiance and views complement the culinary journey, making every visit to Angler a memorable feast of the senses. Whether you opt for the praised tasting menu or the exceptional 'Let Us Cook For You' option, Angler promises an extraordinary dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District.

7. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7782)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 105 times today

At the heart of San Francisco's bustling Financial District, Wayfare Tavern stands as a beacon of American cuisine, offering a nostalgic yet refined dining experience. Chef Tyler Florence masterfully crafts a menu that captures the essence of early 20th century American fare, earning accolades from diners who rave about the "outstanding" food and service. Known for its moist and flavorful fried chicken and rustic yet elegant setting reminiscent of a Victorian parlor, Wayfare Tavern delivers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Patrons consistently praise the "perfectly cooked" dishes and the tavern's ability to turn a meal into a cherished memory, making it a cornerstone of the San Francisco dining scene.

8. Trestle

4.8

Exceptional(2753)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 29 times today

Trestle, nestled in the vibrant Financial District/Embarcadero area of San Francisco, epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its innovative and seasonal fare. Celebrated for its unique approach to dining, Trestle offers a daily-changing 3-course prix fixe menu that captures the freshness and variety characteristic of Californian gastronomy. Reviewers rave about the authenticity and creativity in dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The duck confit is the best I ever had," and another noting the "flavorful, expertly prepared food." The attentive service and cozy ambiance complement the exceptional dining experience, making Trestle a true gem for those seeking genuine and high-quality Californian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.

9. Prospect

4.6

Exceptional(2707)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • SOMA

Booked 16 times today

Prospect, nestled in the vibrant SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, stands as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. Launched by the powerhouse team behind Boulevard, including James Beard award-winning chef Nancy Oakes, Prospect offers a culinary experience that dazzles with freshness and innovation. Reviewers rave about dishes like the "tender melt-in-your-mouth pork" and the "fresh lobster with delicious mushrooms," showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. The ambiance is described as "modern and creative," perfect for everything from a casual bite to a special occasion. With its warm, welcoming service and a menu that captures the essence of American dining with a modern twist, Prospect is a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier dining experience in San Francisco.

10. Frances

4.9

Exceptional(3643)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • The Castro

Booked 10 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.

‘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

J
Janevip
New York City •57 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Fantastic food! We had the tasting menu and it was incredible! The service was excellent as well! Will definitely return again!
More info
OctaviaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Pacific Heights
•
4.8
K
Kristin
New York City •40 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Went for a post City Hall wedding lunch and it was fantastic! The team there knew we were celebrating and made sure to congratulate us. The prix fixe menu was a great deal because everything we ate was fantastic. We also love Presidio Heights. Thank you for hosting us!
More info
SprucePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Presidio Heights
•
4.8
D
Davidvip
San Francisco Bay Area •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Wonderful food and service. Would be nice to dine such lovely food in an atmosphere where one can have an enjoyable conversation with fellow diners rather than having to yell over the relentless piped music. The food speaks for itself. The music dimities ones enjoyment.
More info
The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
•
4.9
L
Lynn
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
I had a party of five for the afternoon tea and I have to say it was amazing! Our party consisted of three adults and two children and everyone enjoyed the audience and the food and the special attention immensely! I could not recommend this location higher for afternoon tea. I am a huge fan of tea and this was the best one I have ever experienced! The food was delicious and the service outstanding. The location inside Neiman Marcus is absolutely beautiful and such a perfect place for a lovely afternoon! White
More info
The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.8
L
Lindsay
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 20, 2024
There’s still hope for cozy, warm, restaurants with fabulous food in San Francisco! The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, not in a rush to get you out. The food is mind blowing, with seasonal dishes, but keeping some favorites around for the long haul. The cheesy bread, tostones, radish cakes, and fish are all my favorite. You can’t go wrong with food and drinks here. If you’re looking for a homey place with 5 star food, Firefly is it!
More info
Firefly RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Noe Valley
•
4.9

Explore OpenTable

Sunset District

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Sunset District

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

48 restaurants available nearby

1. The Progress

2. Spruce

3. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4. Octavia

5. Firefly Restaurant

6. Angler San Francisco

7. Wayfare Tavern

8. Trestle

9. Prospect

10. Frances

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable