Best Southwest American Restaurants in The Castro

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

East BayMarinPeninsulaSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

AlamedaBerkeleyBernal HeightsCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessCole ValleyCow Hollow

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELINWorld's 50 Best

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

149 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

1. Frances

4.8

Exceptional(3686)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • The Castro

Booked 30 times today

Frances, nestled in the heart of The Castro in San Francisco, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant and innovative dishes. Chef Melissa Perello’s seasonal menu masterfully showcases "California Cuisine," emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients that "speak for themselves." Diners rave about the "phenomenal" short rib and "divine" house sourdough, noting the harmonious blend of flavors that elevate each dish. The restaurant’s ambiance is described as cozy yet elegant, making it a perfect spot for special occasions. With its "exemplary" service and carefully curated wine pairings, Frances offers an unforgettable dining experience that keeps patrons returning for more.

2. Starbelly

4.6

Exceptional(1610)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • The Castro

Booked 27 times today

Starbelly in The Castro serves an exceptional Californian cuisine experience that has diners raving about its “consistently delicious food and cocktails” and “warm, helpful, and personable” service. This urban gem brings Californian comfort food to life with a seasonal menu that harmonizes perfectly with their craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Diners can enjoy dishes like the popular corn pizza and fresh pasta amidst a lively ambiance, often described as “an oasis in the heart of the city.” The charming garden patio adds a special touch, making Starbelly a vibrant neighborhood favorite perfect for any occasion.

3. Fable - SF

4.6

Exceptional(2227)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • The Castro

Booked 22 times today

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Castro neighborhood, Fable - SF is a true gem for Contemporary American cuisine lovers. The restaurant’s seasonal California dishes are hailed as "delicious" and "scrumptious," promising an authentic taste of contemporary culinary artistry. The charming garden patio, often described as "gorgeous" and "beautiful," offers a unique outdoor dining experience that perfectly complements the exquisite dishes. With friendly and efficient staff, Fable ensures a warm and inviting atmosphere where every meal feels like a special occasion. Whether you're enjoying brunch or dinner, Fable's commitment to quality and freshness makes it an unforgettable dining destination.

4. Blind Butcher

4.5

Awesome(535)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • The Castro

Booked 31 times today

Blind Butcher in the Castro, San Francisco, offers an exceptional Contemporary American dining experience that is both authentic and inventive. The restaurant's "globally inspired New American menu" masterfully combines prime steaks, seafood, and organic produce, creating dishes that are "delicious and cooked to perfection." Diners rave about the "super tender" ribeye and the "decadent" lobster mac and cheese, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. The attentive staff, coupled with a cozy and vibrant atmosphere, makes each visit memorable. As one reviewer eloquently put it, Blind Butcher is "a must in San Francisco," where every meal is a gastronomic delight.

5. Lark

4.8

Exceptional(87)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • The Castro

Booked 3 times today

Lark in San Francisco's vibrant Castro District offers an exquisite Contemporary American dining experience that seamlessly blends with the flavors of Greek Anatolia. Diners rave about the "delicious beautiful meal" and the "fantastic food, service, and atmosphere," highlighting the restaurant's superb quality and value. Lark has mastered the art of crafting hearty and flavorful dishes, with standouts like the Souzoukakia impressing patrons with its "spicy Kurdish/Greek" flair. The cozy, intimate environment and friendly staff enhance the dining experience, making it a perfect spot for any occasion. Visit Lark for an unforgettable taste of authentic Contemporary American cuisine.

6. Cafe Mystique

4.8

Exceptional(42)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • The Castro

Booked 1 time today

Cafe Mystique in the vibrant Castro district of San Francisco is a shining star in the realm of Contemporary American cuisine. Known for its "exceptional dining experience," this restaurant effortlessly combines traditional American flavors with a modern twist, creating dishes that are both "expertly prepared and presented." Diners rave about the "fantastic service and great food," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and delightful culinary offerings, Cafe Mystique is a "true gem not to be missed" for anyone seeking a taste of innovative American cuisine crafted from fair-trade and locally sourced ingredients.

A photo of Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar restaurant

7. Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar

4.2

Awesome(22)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • The Castro

Booked 2 times today

Our chef: Arun Dangi has curated modern indian dishes still retaining its authentic flavors and traditional cooking style. Our take on pizza, pasta, salad and sandwiches are incorporated with aromatic herbs and spices used in Indian curries and also cooking method in a flavorful way.

A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant

8. House of Prime Rib

4.9

Exceptional(16043)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 180 times today

House of Prime Rib in San Francisco is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, renowned for its "iconic" status and exceptional prime rib. With 62 years of unwavering dedication, it’s no surprise that this establishment garners glowing praise from loyal patrons who rave about its "festive" atmosphere and "superb" service. Guests continually highlight the "delicious" prime rib, which is described as "massive" and "perfectly cooked," making every visit a memorable experience. The lively ambiance and the meticulous attention from the staff ensure that every meal feels like a special occasion. Truly, House of Prime Rib offers a quintessential American dining experience.

9. The Progress

4.8

Exceptional(2541)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Western Addition

Booked 55 times today

The Progress in Western Addition, San Francisco, offers a truly remarkable Californian dining experience. Celebrated for its "innovative menu" and "delicious flavors," this restaurant uses entirely local ingredients to craft dishes that highlight the essence of Californian cuisine. Guests rave about the duck, described as a "must-try" and "100% juicy and tender," alongside other inventive dishes like the seaweed noodles and Tierra vegetables masa dumplings. The ambiance is "casual and playful," providing the perfect setting for what many reviewers describe as "the best meal in SF." With excellent service and a creative menu, The Progress is an unmissable culinary gem.

10. Elena's

4.6

Exceptional(676)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal

Booked 144 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. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Elena’s!

‘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

T
trekkie
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
4.0
Dined on Feb 24, 2020
We have been going to this restaurant for many years and like the food. Unfortunately, it was quite noisy during our last visit. We would still recommend it for their fajitas!
More info
The Cantina - Mill ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mill Valley
•
4
M
1MoeVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •40 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 15, 2019
Great food. Great service. I will be back
More info
Colibri - Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Southwestern• Presidio
•
4.1
GH
GeraldH
San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 5, 2019
Pleasant experience, good food for reasonable prices. Great for lunch. Helpful and professional waiter. Easy to get to by public transportation, located in a pleasant 24th street mission neighborhood.
More info
Rosa JavaliPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Mission District
•
3.6
JG
JohnG
Greater Boston •8 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jun 12, 2019
The food was great the location was decent seems more like a take out place as there wasn’t anyone else dining when we were there but the service was great and food was prepared quickly.
More info
Criollos Mexican and Mediterranean CuisinePrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Oakland
•
4.5

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