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Best Historic Restaurants in SOMA

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43 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7440)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 61 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 House of Prime Rib restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(15878)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 227 times today
62 years of loyal customers can't be wrong. We are grateful to all of our customers, employees, and critics (...though we may not always agree!). The only way to find out the truth is with a visit. Oft imitated, never duplicated. Thank you in advance.
A photo of The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant
3.9
Excellent(2470)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • SOMA
Booked 20 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
4.1
Excellent(183)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 19 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.
A photo of Starlite restaurant
4.4
Awesome(173)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 45 times today
Starlite is a historic San Francisco cocktail bar with nearly a century of vibrant stories. Renowned for hosting lively parties and attracting iconic figures like Alan Ginsberg, Starlite invites guests to the Beacon Grand’s 21st-floor, featuring refreshed interiors by San Francisco designer Alice Crumeyrolle. The atmosphere is set with rich velvet fabrics and a jewel-tone palette inspired by the Art Deco Era, paying homage to the city’s icons. Crafted by Scott Baird of Trick Dog fame, the cocktails are both playful and meticulously made. Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero curates a menu that celebrates San Francisco’s culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from international fare. Enhancing the experience are nightly, all-vinyl DJ sets by music director Nina Tarr.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4238)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Original Joe’s is the quintessential, classic San Francisco dining experience. A fabric of the City for over 80 years, it is located in the heart of the historic and majestic North Beach, a mecca for natives, tourists, and culinary aficionados alike.Original Joe’s is the oldest of all existing Joe’s restaurants in the country and is the innovator of what is now nationally known as the “Joe’s Concept”. With its signature red leather booths, legendary smooth cocktails, and renowned Italian American menu, Joe’s has come to signify its own Northern Californian category of food and symbolizes classic Italian American comfort food at its finest.
A photo of Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant
3.9
Excellent(2015)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Nob Hill
Booked 16 times today
A visit to San Francisco is not complete without experiencing Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. The Tonga Room offers exceptional Polynesian Cuisine in a tropical setting that includes thunder and rainstorms. It is the perfect escape after a busy day of meetings or shopping along Union Square. Be sure to try the Mai Tai, voted the City's best by Conde Nast Traveler.Dinner is seated on a first-come first-served basis for all parties under 10. Hurricane Bar guests are welcomed on a first-come first-served basis.The Island Groove performs a live set starting at 7:00 pm. A $15 per person cover charge applies to all guests seated in the restaurant or bar during the entertainment, regardless of the time they arrive.If you would like to make a reservation for 10 or more people to the Tonga Room, please give us a call at 415-772-5000 or email us at tongaroom@fairmont.com.
A photo of Boulevard restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(9110)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 79 times today
Chefs Nancy Oakes, Chef Dana Younkin and our entire team, look forward to welcoming you to a refreshed and reimagined Boulevard! The dining room features a 3 course prix fixe menu with a multitude of choices. For the more spontaneous sorts; our bar, lounge and chef's counter is available on a walk-in basis and limited reservations. An a la carte menu is offered in these areas. For private events and larger groups, please check our our website.
A photo of Top of the Mark restaurant
4.2
Awesome(860)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Nob Hill
Booked 42 times today
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Top of the Mark will not be open for cocktails on Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1, 2025 due to our Holidays at the Mark events taking place on those days. Thank you for your understanding.Number 1 in California and San Francisco, and 2nd in the nation on USAToday's 10 Best Hotel Bars.Nestled on the 19th floor of the historic InterContinental Mark Hopkins, Top of the Mark's breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco's skyline and iconic landmarks, including the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, the enigmatic Alcatraz, Union Square, and more, will leave you spellbound. Sip on our signature cocktails as you soak in the atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Our appetizer and dessert selection will tantalize your taste buds, with options that complement our cocktails perfectly. What's more, we offer live entertainment each Saturday evening, where you can let the music move you on the dance floor.
A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1385)
Price: Very Expensive
• Chinese • Chinatown
Booked 19 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Ruth
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    4.0
    Dined today
    Reservations are for 1.5 hours so just keep that in mind even though it’s a bar. We are patrons at The Beacon Grand but apparently it’s separate.
    More info
    StarlitePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.4
  • Jeff
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    HOPR never disappoints. They have the whole experience down to a science - you know exactly what you are going to get, and it is consistently delicious.
    More info
    House of Prime RibPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.9
  • Mary BethVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I always order the Jack La lane salad and I just love it It is the right combination of vegetables and protein I also like avocado and a large piece of avocado that they gave me was excellent My friend and I go to your restaurant about three times a year. We drive all the way from Pacifica to San Francisco to enjoy your food and service.
    More info
    Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7
  • Warren
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 1, 2025
    Very good food, drinks, and service! It’s much better than two years ago! Will come back again!
    More info
    The Garden Court - Luxury CollectionPrice: Expensive• Californian• SOMA
    3.9
  • SarahVIP
    London •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    Our Christmas Day Brunch experience was fantastic. I have some food allergies so I had emailed The Post Room Team in advance and received a prompt, reassuring reply from the chef, Jose, who had clearly given my questions thoughtful and thorough consideration. On the day, I received personal service from Jose who was committed to avoiding issues with cross-contamination. All the food we ate was delicious and the dining room team could not have been more welcoming or accommodating. We were so well looked after, it was a faultless festive experience. We only went out for our Christmas meal this year because I had recent hand surgery and can’t cook much. However, our experience at The Post Room was so delightful, I am considering doing it again next year. Thank you to Jose and the whole team.
    More info
    The Post RoomPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
    4.1
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