Best Historic Restaurants in North Beach

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchJapanese

Regions

East BayMarinPeninsulaSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

BerkeleyChinatownDowntown / Union SquareFinancial District / EmbarcaderoFisherman's WharfMarina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

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

47 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Historic John's Grill restaurant

1. Historic John's Grill

4.7

Exceptional(7484)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 62 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 Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant

2. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4276)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 99 times today

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.

3. Tosca Café

4.7

Exceptional(156)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 7 times today

A legendary hangout in North Beach since it opened in 1919, and even more so from the 1980's onward when Jeanette Etheredge took over Tosca. Locals including Willie Brown, Lars Ulrich and Francis Ford Coppola were regular fixtures, Hunter S Thompson wrote his column for the SF Examiner in the corner booth, Bono, Lauren Hutton, and Mikhail Baryshnikov played pool in the back room, singing Opera and drinking Tosca House Cappuccinos. When Restaurateur Anna Weinberg and Interior Designer Ken Fulk heard Tosca Cafe was closing they joined forces to save it. As the new owners and passionate fans of the original establishment their goal was to return Tosca to its rightful place as a San Francisco institution. As Mikey Rapin wrote in Bon Appétit magazine: “It’s the kind of joint Beats got bounced, Bono belted opera, and a bullet hole memoralizes the night an A-LIST actor disagreed with a rockstar's choice of music"

4. Barbara Pinseria

4.5

Awesome(180)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • North Beach

Booked 5 times today

Barbara is a lively Italian restaurant inspired by the rustic tradition of Roman pizzerie, opening in San Francisco’s historic Italian district of North Beach in September 2018 to serve as the neighborhood destination for casual dinning. We feature an energetic open kitchen, creating fresh takes on classics as well as original inventions showcasing seasonal and local ingredients, transporting taste of the eternal city to San Francisco. We offer craft cocktails, Italian and Californian wines, indoor and outdoor seating, and Barbara's fun, warm, style pairs well with the restaurant’s classic Italian comfort and friendly spirit.

5. The Post Room

4.0

Excellent(191)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 16 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 The Garden Court - Luxury Collection restaurant

6. The Garden Court - Luxury Collection

3.8

Excellent(2479)

$$$$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.

7. Starlite

4.4

Awesome(193)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 36 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 Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco restaurant

8. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar - Fairmont San Francisco

4.0

Excellent(2023)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Nob Hill

Booked 23 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.This booking is for dinner service not for drinks and/or appetizers only. 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.No-show reservations/cancellations for any reason outside of 48-hours will be charged $50 per guest on the evening of the reservation. Each reservation guarantees a table in our dining room for a 2-hour experience.For Parties over 10, contact TongaRoom@Fairmont.com to discuss reservations.

A photo of The Empress by Boon restaurant

9. The Empress by Boon

4.3

Awesome(1408)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Chinese • Chinatown

Booked 13 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.

10. Boulevard

4.8

Exceptional(9142)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 36 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
Edith
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Joe’s was recommended from co-workers. I took my partner for his birthday since Italian food is his favorite. He said it was a wonderful experience and I agree.
More info
Original Joe's - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
4.7
M
Morgan
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great service, location, and ambience. A little loud. Food was delicious with good portions but the Valentine’s Day limited menu was a bit pricey. Can’t speak to the regular menu prices/value
More info
Tosca CaféPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Beach
•
4.7
K
KeithVIP
San Diego •46 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Live Jazz music upstairs on a Thursday night - so fun! Great food and service and music - excellent cocktails, steaks, chicken Milanese and broiled halibut. Our party of 10 were well taken care of by the entire staff! Awesome vibe in a historic venue that can’t be duplicated - join the Dashiell Hammett Society! Love this place and will return.
More info
Historic John's GrillPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
L
Lisa
Nebraska •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 9, 2025
The staff took my food allergy very seriously. They knew on the menu what was not Gluten Free, rather than having to go ask the chief. Other than pasta, almost everything was already cooked GF, which was wonderful. Great atmosphere and service as well.
More info
The Post RoomPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4
B
Ben
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 25, 2025
Barbara is THE spot. A must go for groups, it’s a vibe. Get some food, get some drinks. Enjoy it.
More info
Barbara PinseriaPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• North Beach
•
4.5

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