Best Lunch Restaurants in Cole Valley

256 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bambino's Ristorante restaurant

1. Bambino's Ristorante

4.9

Exceptional(562)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Cole Valley

Booked 2 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.

A photo of Kokkari Estiatorio restaurant

2. Kokkari Estiatorio

4.9

Exceptional(9158)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 132 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.

3. Wayfare Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(7840)

Price: Moderate

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 56 times today

Chef Tyler Florence brings his passion for high quality and style to San Francisco with his new flagship restaurant, Wayfare Tavern. A classic San Francisco Tavern featuring authentic American dishes inspired by local cuisine at the turn of the 20th century, the menu ranges from classic comforts to rustic delicacies. The beverage menu features locally-sourced wines including a selection of Florence's own label, quality draft beers and organic root beer as well as classic Victorian-era cocktails.All three floors of the restaurant have been designed keeping historical accuracy in mind making Wayfare Tavern reminiscent of a Victorian parlor and an Edwardian men's club, where anything goes from black-tie to blue jeans. Pull up a stool to the Chef's Counter at the open kitchen and look on as Chef prepares your lunch or head to the Library and Billiard Room for a game of pool. Wayfare Tavern is a truly unparalleled dining experience translated from a century ago. Photo: John Lee.

4. Barcha

4.7

Exceptional(1631)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 7 times today

We welcome you to our warm modern space with the largest heated patio in the Financial District! Our outdoor dining room is set up beautifully, and has the most romantic ambiance. Indoors, celebrate with us in our newly remodeled interior. Our inspiration is that of the Mediterranean with its wonderful diverse cultures, cuisines and wines. The menu reflects flavors from South of France, Spain, Tunisia and the Middle East. Be sure to try our legendary Persian Tahdig, Spiced Beef Dumplings, and the smoothest, most delicious hummus you've ever had!We look forward to welcoming you to Barcha!HAPPY HOUR IS BACK AT BARCHA!Come join us at Barcha for a new Happy Hour experience! We are featuring small bites with our unique spin on Mediterranean specialties. Available Monday through Thursday 3:30pm-5:30pm. Drink specials, beautiful food, and most importantly, the best company!

5. Starbelly

4.5

Awesome(1583)

Price: Moderate

• American • The Castro

Booked 47 times today

Starbelly is a modern, urban restaurant that serves California Comfort food in the heart of The Castro. Our garden patio and fun atmosphere make Starbelly a neighborhood favorite, serving lunch, brunch and dinner. Our craft cocktails, beer and wine lists all play well with our seasonal menu.

A photo of COQUETA - San Francisco restaurant

6. COQUETA - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(3376)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 39 times today

Brought to you by Award Winning Chef Michael Chiarello and located at Pier 5 on the bustling San Francisco Waterfront, Coqueta is inspired by the cuisines of Spain. Chef Chiarello feels that Spain’s signature ‘small plates’ coupled with the social vibrancy of their dining scene is the perfect combination for San Francisco, which has its own deep-rooted history with the country. Focusing on regional dishes from Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country and beyond, the menu will feature Chiarello's interpretation of traditional Spanish cuisine and, as has always been his tradition, will highlight the bounty of fresh, local ingredients from land and sea.Coqueta means “flirt” or “infatuation” in Spanish, and represents Michael Chiarello and his team’s exploration and interpretation of Spanish Cuisine, wine and inspired cocktails, while highlighting the bounty of Northern California.

7. Elena's

4.7

Exceptional(501)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Forest Hill / West Portal

Booked 171 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!

8. Zuni Cafe

4.6

Exceptional(7864)

Price: Expensive

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

Booked 140 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.

A photo of Angler San Francisco restaurant

9. Angler San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(260)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 31 times today

Angler is a seafood-focused Saison Hospitality Group restaurant with one Michelin star on the Embarcadero waterfront, featuring views of our expansive wood burning hearth and the San Francisco Bay, where each dish is touched by fire and intended to be shared.Our sourcing is deliberate and our menus closely follow the seasons of Northern California. Chef de Cuisine, Joe Hou

10. Marlowe

4.5

Awesome(2915)

Price: Moderate

• American • SOMA

Booked 25 times today

Opened in 2010 and relocated to its current location in 2014, Marlowe is a New American bistro located in San Francisco’s Soma neighborhood in the former COCO500 space. Brought to you by Executive Chef Jennifer Puccio and award-winning San Francisco designer Ken Fulk, Marlowe focuses on classic comfort foods with flavorful twists, like Chef Puccio’s signature Marlowe Burger, seasonal poulet vert, brussels sprouts chips and quail egg topped steak tartare. Taking inspiration from the butcher shops of the past, Marlowe is designed with a sleek but comfortable feel, featuring white subway tiles, white marble, deep blue banquettes, wood block tables and specials listed on rolls of butcher paper.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
GabrielVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •37 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
As previously dining at the Kokkari was a great experience. Both the "Mezethes" and the entres were well prepared. The grilled whole fish (lavraki) was delicious. If i were to find one shortcoming it would be that the sauce should be more lemony. Also the ravili Greek style were very good with delicious broth. Service attentive and prompt. Great place for lunch or dinner.
More info
Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.9
A
Annette
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
Our family dinner at the Wayfare Tavern on Christmas Eve was just as magical and delicious as I was hoping! The atmosphere transports you to another place and time in the most wonderful way. It was cozy, beautiful and comfortable. The staff were attentive and the food perfectly prepared and served in a timely manner. We started with the magnificent deviled eggs and enjoyed the lobster, with burrata mashed potatoes and broccolini, macaroni and cheese and the burger. Bravo Wayfare Tavern! We will be back!
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Wayfare TavernPrice: Moderate• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
J
JayVIP
Phoenix / Arizona •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 24, 2024
Really nice experience. Great food and super attentive service. We're on the covered patio, so a little less buzzy than the dining room, so easy to catch up with friends. Highly recommended.
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StarbellyPrice: Moderate• American• The Castro
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 21, 2024
We ordered all the apps for a group of 8. Service was great from the bar to the tables. Very friendly bartender and waitstaff! Love the convenient parking coming from the East Bay. This is a great meeting spot. Loved the hummus, Brussels and the halloumi. Not a duck fan but the radio it came on was great. Wish Tadig was offered with the kabab. Loved the ice cream with saffron.
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BarchaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
J
Jim
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 21, 2024
We had Salmon, Calamari, Shrimp Linguini and strawberry chocolate dessert.
More info
Bambino's RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Cole Valley
•
4.9

Best Lunch Restaurants in Cole Valley

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Award-winning

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256 restaurants available nearby

1. Bambino's Ristorante

2. Kokkari Estiatorio

3. Wayfare Tavern

4. Barcha

5. Starbelly

6. COQUETA - San Francisco

7. Elena's

8. Zuni Cafe

9. Angler San Francisco

10. Marlowe

See what locals rave about

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