Best Authentic Restaurants in Cole Valley

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

East BayMarinPeninsulaSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

AlamedaBernal HeightsChinatownCivic 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

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

185 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bambino's Ristorante restaurant

1. Bambino's Ristorante

4.4

Awesome(565)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Cole Valley

Booked 6 times today

In a warm, open and attentive setting, Bambino’s Ristorante offers a tasteful and varied mix of classic Italian and original fare. We serve Dinner, Lunch and Weekend Brunch. Reserve or drop in for anything from a snack to a celebration.

2. Elena's

4.7

Exceptional(590)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal

Booked 137 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!

A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant

3. Che Fico San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(1946)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 71 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 Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

4. Kokkari Estiatorio

4.8

Exceptional(9201)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 104 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.

5. The Parthenon

4.4

Awesome(81)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 16 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.

6. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7860)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 64 times today

Wayfare Tavern is a true American tavern in the heart of San Francisco, offering an authentic dining experience. Its menu, crafted by Chef Tyler Florence, features traditional American dishes and a selection of locally sourced wines. The restaurant's design, inspired by Victorian-era parlor and an Edwardian men's club, adds to its authenticity. Reviewers frequently mention the restaurant's 'well-executed' food, 'comfortable' ambience, and 'seamless' service. One reviewer even noted the vibe of the restaurant as 'classic'.

7. Zuni Cafe

4.7

Exceptional(7907)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern European • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 94 times today

Zuni Café opened in San Francisco, California on February 15, 1979. Our daily changing menus are inspired by seasonal organic ingredients and incorporate traditional French and Italian cuisine. As Zuni continues to evolve, in its own distinctive and delicious way, it strives to remain the way it’s always been: at the same time rustic and cosmopolitan, audacious and familiar, intimate and convivial.RESERVATIONS ARE TAKEN UP TO 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE.TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR A 2 HOUR TIME LIMIT.

8. Trestle

4.8

Exceptional(2801)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 24 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.

9. L'Ardoise

4.8

Exceptional(3395)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • The Castro

Booked 10 times today

French Bistro serving traditional and authentic fare in a cozy atmosphere.

10. Spruce

4.7

Exceptional(5458)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Presidio Heights

Booked 54 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!

‘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

I
IanVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful food and nice local spot. Very busy for Valentine’s Day (to be expected) hence the wait staff was stretched thin.
More info
Bambino's RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Cole Valley
•
4.4
D
Dayana
Tahoe / Reno Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The service and food are great! Really kind and special people making fresh, flavorful food.
More info
The ParthenonPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.4
P
PeggyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
One of our party has numerous allergies. Our server went out of her way to help her find healthy choices for the guest, including checking with the kitchen to confirm that two pastas were suitable. A wonderful experience, delicious dishes!
More info
Che Fico San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Panhandle / USF
•
4.7
J
JulieVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Beautiful spot. Felt transported to magical Mexico….upscale, attention to details, service- impeccable. I had the chicken and steak enchiladas, the guacamole and the churros….with a special birthday sparkler. When can I go again!?
More info
Elena'sPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Forest Hill / West Portal
•
4.7
G
GailVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •56 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
This is one of our very favorite restaurants in San Francisco. Food and service are impeccable. It is particularly lovely to sit in the main room with the fireplace where they are often roasting meat. It is a special place. Don’t tell too many people!!
More info
Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.8