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Best Historic Restaurants in Financial District / Embarcadero

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47 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
1. Historic John's Grill
4.7
Exceptional(7314)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 41 times today
John's Grill has been a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant is one of the city's oldest and most famous and is a favorite of celebrities who enjoy great steaks, expertly prepared fresh seafood with excellent service and a one of a kind atmosphere. John's Grill was a setting in author Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon.
A photo of Perbacco restaurant
2. Perbacco
4.7
Exceptional(6991)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 36 times today
Sleek and modern with one foot firmly in the Old World is the feeling at Perbacco. The restaurant boasts a brick wall original to the historic 1913 Hind building, with other touches such as a bar top and floor tiles made from white Carrara marble. With 16 seats at the bar and 7 more intimate tables, Perbacco creates an atmosphere for a glass of wine or a light bite. Perbacco also features 2 dining rooms, one on the main floor and a smaller one on the Mezzanine, which has the added allure of serving as "theater", with windows to watch all the action in the kitchen below. Chef Staffan Terje strives to cook the finest food reflecting the Italian regions of Piemonte and Liguria. Handcrafted, house-made salumi, prosciutto and other charcuterie are not to be missed. Seasonal pastas, a tradition in Piemonte, range from the traditional ravioli to the more exotic agnolotti. Main courses feature dishes such as stuffed quail breast, a selection of seafood dishes, and vegetarian options.
A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant
3. The Empress by Boon
4.5
Awesome(1365)
Price: Very Expensive
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 24 times today
Empress by Boon is San Francisco’s newest, must-visit epicurean destination, offering a seasonal menu in modern Cantonese gastronomy. Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon applies traditional techniques to fresh, local ingredients to produce distinctive contemporary dishes infused with Cantonese flavors. The spacious restaurant occupies the former location of Chinatown’s celebrated Empress of China with striking city views. Reimagined by Chef Boon and team, the Empress was brought back to its former glory by embracing modern design elements while incorporating restored original features, creating a welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the history of the beloved location.
A photo of Roka Akor - San Francisco restaurant
4. Roka Akor - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(2247)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 30 times today
Roka Akor is a premier steakhouse serving the finest steak, seafood, and sushi. Renowned for our exquisite Japanese Wagyu and Certified Kobe Beef, we are part of an elite group of fewer than 40 restaurants in the U.S. — and 1 of only a few in San Francisco — licensed to serve this coveted delicacy. All of our meats and vegetables are expertly grilled to perfection over an Open Flame Charcoal Robata Grill. Elevate your dining experience with our award-winning wine list, premium sake, craft cocktails, and an extensive selection of fine whiskey.
A photo of The Vault Steakhouse restaurant
5. The Vault Steakhouse
4.6
Exceptional(253)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 9 times today
Located in the original bank vault of the historic 555 California St building on the Concourse Level, The Vault Steakhouse offers indoor dining, a lounge and bar with an extensive cocktail, whiskey and wine program for a special occasion, business function, and date night - all in one place. Enjoy classics steakhouse cuts, creative and fun sides, tableside touches and more.Chefs Ryan Cerizo & Jason Halverson have collaborated to take all of the things we love about Steakhouse dining and elevate it with simple, delicious, modern day touches. Onsite parking is available for $5 in our 24 hour secured garage.
A photo of Cafe Tiramisu restaurant
6. Cafe Tiramisu
4.9
Exceptional(1555)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 2 times today
We are offering our food and services in a new way, one that safely creates jobs for our employees, and still provides that quintessential experience only Cafe Tiramisu can. At Café Tiramisu our pasta, and salads as a takeaway experience with authenticity, carefully selected ingredients for maximum taste and freshness to provide healthier options for all of our customers to satisfy vegan, and vegetarian options! ready to be collected or delivered to you. Remember to save room for one (or more) of our dessert options.
A photo of Palio restaurant
7. Palio
4.7
Exceptional(1492)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 4 times today
Voted "2018 Best Overall Restaurant" by SF Bay Guardian readers, Palio is a favorite of downtown denizens looking for the perfect spot to make a deal, travelers who appreciate Michelin rated comfortable dining, and anyone seeking an exceptional group dining or private party venue. A place where historic techniques blend with a contemporary approach, and Michelin rated "comfortable" service personally overseen daily by owner Martino Di Grande. Palio’s menu (including gluten free and heart healthy options) is a veritable culinary tour of Italy; emphasizing the cooking of different regions as the seasons change. Palio's menu utilizes organic produce from small, local farms as well as sustainable agriculture and aquaculture. The Wine Spectator award winning list has always been exceptional, including a wide range of Italian varietals and California offerings. Full bar.
A photo of Le Central restaurant
8. Le Central
4.7
Exceptional(2111)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 18 times today
Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for five decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Located on the edge of the Financial District, Union Square, and Chinatown in a rare one story brick building adorned with its iconic pink neon sign and crowned by a vintage “Tabac” sign. Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a Parisian brasserie. With exposed brick walls, original imported brass bar, stained glass features, and cozy banquettes topped with brass railings. The atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy delicious French fare and exceptional wines and cocktails in an upscale, yet casual environment. Enjoy French classics like steak-frites, escargot, onion soup, and our world famous Cassoulet. Le Central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!
A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant
9. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection
4.1
Excellent(2459)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • SOMA
Booked 12 times today
Featuring innovative intercontinental cuisine, the famed Garden Court offers a superb dining experience in a glorious setting. This historic landmark serves Breakfast daily, 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch Monday-Thursday and an enchanting Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The Garden Court features a stained glass dome, Italian marble columns, Austrian crystal chandeliers and is noted on San Francisco’s Historic Register as Landmark #18. Our Executive Chef invites you to try our signature crab salad lightly dressed in our own Green Goddess Dressing, a true Palace original created in 1923.
A photo of The Post Room restaurant
10. The Post Room
4.3
Awesome(141)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 28 times today
In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, a new Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge called The Post Room is nestled inside the historic Beacon Grand and overlooking the hotel’s grand lobby, the vibrant social venue will serve breakfast through supper every day, with brunch served on weekends and complemented by a dazzling live music program.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kenneth
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We have dined at Perbacco pretty much since it opened way back when. Always enjoyed their food and service. They are by no means a Michelin 3 star restaurant, but their menu is always well thought out and their dishes are consistently well prepared. We picked back up our visits to Perbacco after a long COVID pandemic induced hiatus and are very glad it is still there to serve us a “modrrn” version of Italian food we really like. Service is always professional and depending on the server, very warm and welcoming. We always feel relaxed and at home there.
    More info
    PerbaccoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.7
  • Anavip
    London •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Although it was Thanksgiving we decided to order from the menu, and we have no regrets! Our wonderful waitress recommended I have the lamb chops (stating they were the best thing on the menu)…and they were superb! My husband had the surf and turf, but honestly we would order just the steak next time! We started our meal with the prawn cocktail (fabulous) and the lobster ravioli (too salty for our taste). Greetings from Mexico!
    More info
    Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4.7
  • Elaine or Derekvip
    Denver / Colorado •67 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Back at Empress by Boon which is on our regular rotation when in San Francisco. The food was exquisite as always and every course a real delight. We ordered the optional duck dish which was so good we ordered another instead of dessert. From the greeting at the door by Sean and Jim to the professional service provided by Natalie, Jorge and the young Colombian gent, it was a wonderful time. Throw in the beautiful view of the city and Coit Tower and it is an evening to remember. My wife is from Penang, Malaysia one of the food capitals of SE Asia and enjoyed it as much as I did. Chef Boon (also from Northern Malaysia) came out and we had a very nice chat. What a great evening. Cannot wait to be back.
    More info
    The Empress by BoonPrice: Very Expensive• Chinese• Chinatown
    •
    4.5
  • Carmenvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 23, 2024
    Roka Akor is the perfect spot for a girls night! The food was delicious and we loved the ambiance. Highlights were spicy salmon tartare crispy rice, wagyu tartare, miso black cod, bone marrow with sirloin. The chocolate lava cake is a must!
    More info
    Roka Akor - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.7
  • Daniel
    Caribbean •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 20, 2024
    Amazing filet and wonderful service. We made a last minute decision and were so happy with our choice l
    More info
    The Vault SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.6

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