Best Restaurants for Quiet Conversation in San Francisco Bay Area

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchIndianMexican

Regions

East BayMarinPeninsulaSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

AlbanyBerkeleyChinatownCivic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessDowntown / Union SquareFinancial District / Embarcadero

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Amber India - San Francisco restaurant

1. Amber India - San Francisco

4.5

Awesome(2895)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Indian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 30 times today

At Amber India in downtown San Francisco, we blend the rich traditions of North Indian cuisine with a modern dining experience. Our menu features favorites like butter chicken, aromatic biryanis, and tandoori specialties, all crafted with authentic spices and techniques. Whether you prefer vegetarian dishes or hearty meats, there's something for everyone.Our three-story restaurant, with vaulted ceilings and a lively LED light show behind the bar, offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. We can host up to 140 guests, with a private dining room for gatherings of up to 25. Located near Union Square, Amber India is ideal for a casual meal or special celebration.For over 20 years, we’ve been a beloved part of the Bay Area dining scene, known for our flavorful food, excellent service, and warm hospitality. Join us for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch to experience what makes Amber India a local favorite.

2. Le Central

4.7

Exceptional(2165)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 21 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”!!!

3. China Live

4.6

Exceptional(3306)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 86 times today

China Live, Eater's "Restaurant of the Year," features fresh, seasonal Chinese cuisine cooked from specialized stations that merge traditional Chinese and Western culinary equipment. Our main dining area, with views of our exhibition kitchens, plays centerpiece, appointed with chairs and tables all handcrafted in China from reclaimed Chinese elm. We also offer outside dining.

4. Xebec-sf

4.5

Awesome(53)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Western Addition

Booked 16 times today

Are you ready to embark on a mouth-watering journey down the Mediterranean coast, infused with the tantalizing flavors and techniques of Japan? Join us now to experience this meeting of cultures that will leave your taste buds craving for more!

5. Hinata Sushi

4.8

Exceptional(209)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 11 times today

Hinata is a Sushi Omakase restaurant located in San Francisco's Van Ness district. We use quality ingredients along with authentic techniques to bring the most surprising and innovative Omakase experience to our guest.We offer a prix fixe sushi menu starting at $98. Our menu will change daily, depending on the season and what is available from the Toyosu Market in Japan. Our full course meal will include multiple courses: 18 pieces of nigiri sushi, 3 refreshing bites, miso soup, and house-made dessert.Please note:- We only offer a set Omakase tasting menu (each reserved seat MUST order the Omakase)- We can not accommodate Vegetarians/Vegans.- We require 24 hour notice for any allergies and dietary restriction modifications- We are unable to modify the menu on the same day of the reservation- Please review the CANCELATION/NO-SHOW policy before booking We look forward to seeing you soon!

6. Level III

3.7

Very Good(398)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 3 times today

Experience social food and modern cocktails at a new level - Level Three. An exciting and sophisticated dining experience inside the JW Marriott San Francisco. This chic restaurant and lounge features a menu of delicious sharable plates crafted from the freshest, local, seasonal ingredients complemented with an extraordinary cocktail menu custom-created by an acclaimed local mixologist. Situated on the third floor lobby level of the hotel highlighted by a 16 story atrium, you can dine on extravagant plates like Dungeness Crab Cake Benedict, Croque Madame, Avocado Toast, "The Burger", Artisinal Grilled Cheese, Filet Mignon, and our Daily Catch!

A photo of Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club restaurant

7. Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club

4.9

Exceptional(905)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 31 times today

***Best Jazz Club in the City, by San Francisco Magazine***Mr. Tipple’s is a craft cocktail bar featuring live jazz.-Reservations have a 90min time limit from reservation time. There is a $20/guest min for table serviceMr. Tipple’s heralds back to a 1950s NYC basement. Cozy. Dark. Boozy. The intimate setting features local jazz artists up close and personal. It’s a joint where you come as you are, hear great music, tap your toes, and sip a properly chilled cocktail.-My name is Mr. Tipple. Just a simple and laughable bloke hailing from London. I run a recording studio. My friends joke that you’ll oft find me spinning cocktails, not reeling tape. After a few too many, I usually just sit back and enjoy the music, having forgotten to hit record. Regardless, the band is always jiving, the whiskey is always cold, and we’re having a smashing good time.

8. Mr. Digby's

4.6

Exceptional(484)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Noe Valley

Booked 10 times today

Mr. Digbys Bar and Restaurant is the new neighborhood spot in Noe Valley, SF! Join us for elevated American comfort food and classic cocktails in a comfortable, polished setting. We offer dog-friendly sidewalk and parklet seating, bar seating and standard seating. Chronicle rated "Best Food of the Week" 2021.

A photo of Colombini Italian Cafe & Bistro - Nob Hill Hotel restaurant

9. Colombini Italian Cafe & Bistro - Nob Hill Hotel

4.2

Awesome(258)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Nob Hill

Featuring Fresh Seafood, Pizza & our signature Risotto dishes. All in a romantic Tuscan setting.Our wines are expressly selected for the best of Italy, Spain, France and California"s Napa Valley and served with a perfect pairing of cheese and fruit plates.

10. Bobo's

4.7

Exceptional(3133)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 15 times today

"Bobo's" is a stylish destination for the most exquisite steak and crab in the City. With antiqued red walls, colored glass light fixtures, and tablecloths, the restaurant is like a plush Venetian jewel box. Executive Chef-Owner Andrea Froncillo has created a delectable menu that showcases his signature steak and seafood creations. The steak is USDA-certified prime beef, dry-aged for four to six weeks - longer than anywhere else on the West Coast! Our award-winning bone-in filet was the 1st on the West Coast. The crab is Dungeness, harvested from the Pacific Ocean, and roasted in a savory garlic-butter sauce that is positively addicting.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Teresa
1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We really liked the atmosphere—so much so that we honestly think it would be a great fit for Madrid!
More info
China LivePrice: Moderate• Chinese• Chinatown
•
4.6
NL
NicoleLVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Absolutely LOVE this place! The sushi is incredible, the chefs are so nice, and it is so affordable! I highly recommend! Perfect for a group, business dinner, date night, or night out with a friend! I recommended the counter seating if no more than 4 people
More info
Hinata SushiPrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta •1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
The ledge on the wall that juts out into the seating space is my only beef. It was uncomfortable. Otherwise, great.
More info
Le CentralPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
A
AnishaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This was an absolutely stellar experience - the food, the service, the care, the presentations, the drinks - everything was spectacular and a beautiful end to our date.
More info
Xebec-sfPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Western Addition
•
4.5
E
Elizabeth
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 5, 2025
Delicious as always—I meet a fried for dinner at Amber every month and it is consistently delicious and the service always attentive.
More info
Amber India - San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Indian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.5