Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in San Francisco

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in San Francisco? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Firefly Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (3165)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Noe Valley

About the restaurant

We serve food that, more often than not, accesses that part of our deepest soul where genuine expression can flow forth. We have always tried to give our food and service our best selves, as honest and vulnerable as we can muster. We strive to be a place where you might actually have a real connection; maybe with your server, maybe with your food or maybe with your possibly gracious host who is ACTUALLY glad you’re there.

Oh, you wanted a restaurant description? Sorry. Can’t really help you there. We’re not so big on labels. Our food is hard to nail down as we are constantly evolving and entirely seasonal and personal. We’ve used “Food you eat” as a tag line on occasion and that remains accurate. We could also describe it as “Food we really want you to eat”. When you’re here, tell us what you would call it.

Top review

KatieGold

Dined on 16 Oct 2026

Amazing! When guests come to town, this is the first place we think of. It’s a neighborhood gem. The small plates are great way to have delicious food while sharing great conversations. People are always surprised I order a salad to share and then they have the first bite and understand. And leave room for dessert! The pistachio olive oil cake is outstanding.

Blue Plate

4.9

4.9 (1460)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bernal Heights

About the restaurant

Nestled in the vibrant culture of our Mission-Bernal neighborhood since 1991, Blue Plate beckons with its delightful blend of American and Mediterranean flavors. Our garden setting offers a serene escape from the bustling city for memorable private events with a large group, or a warm, casual dinner just because it's fun to go out. Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying an intimate meal with friends, our passion for quality food and warm hospitality promises an unforgettable dining experience. Join us for snacks like seasonal bruschetta or smoked trout deviled eggs. Or have a hearty meal of meatloaf with mashed potatoes or our exceptional fried chicken. Finish up sweet with our beloved key lime pie. With our authentic, old-school SF vibe, we will make you feel like you belong here-- because you do!

Top review

IrwinGold

Dined 3 days ago

Went for the Restaurant Week prix fixe menu. Food was really tasty!

Octavia

4.8

4.8 (2885)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Pacific Heights

About the restaurant

Octavia is the sister restaurant of Frances, helmed by award-winning Chef Owner Melissa Perello. Octavia serves dinner five nights a week in an elegant and relaxed neighborhood setting. Beautifully defined flavors and seasonally driven cuisine are the cornerstones of Octavia’s menu. Leveraging longstanding relationships with the region’s top purveyors and farms, Octavia's daily evolving selections spotlight Chef Perello's commitment to sustainability and the Bay Area’s wealth of agricultural resources.

Top review

SimonGold

Dined 4 days ago

My favorite restaurant in SF , 10/10 for the food and the service

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Experience

Large Party Reservation (7-12 people)

Hilda and Jesse

4.8

4.8 (217)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

North Beach

About the restaurant

Hilda and Jesse is a queer owned brunch, dinner and event space located in San Francisco’s North Beach, offering modern #funluxury. With twists on the typical, Hilda and Jesse delivers unique options infused with a playful touch. Created by Chef Ollie Liedags and Rachel Sillcocks, Hilda and Jesse offers an innovative and intentional menu that calls on a wide variety of inspirations.

Initially born out of their popular Brunch for Dinner pop-ups, the menu has grown and evolved to include dinner as well as their popular brunch. Not bound by tradition, the menu showcases sweet and savory plays on classic dishes reimagined, made with impeccably sourced ingredients and fine dining technique.

Hilda and Jesse was awarded 1 Michelin Star and the award for Outstanding Service in California in 2024 and was delighted to retain its star in 2025 and 2026.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on 17 Oct 2026

I absolutely love Hilda and Jesse! A bit on the pricy side but worth every bite. The staff is amazing, we were the last one's to leave and we were not rushed out. We were invited to stay until we were done. One of my faves!

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Experience

Chef's Adventure Menu

The Progress

4.7

4.7 (2935)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Western Addition

About the restaurant

The Progress is a vehicle for a completely local production. Innovative meals are served with memorable wine & cocktails. The Greatest Dinner Party Ever.

Top review

RebeccaGold

Dined 5 days ago

The moment you walk into The Progress, the experience begins. Everyone is so friendly and knowledgeable. The food is beautifully presented and each plate is an experience. I was lucky enough to have my birthday dinner there and it was the best present I could have gotten. We will be back. Again and again.

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Experience

The Balcony (up to 10 guests)

Experience

The Balcony: Exclusive Use (up to 10 guests)

Experience

The Mezzanine (up to 18 guests)

Prospect

4.8

4.8 (2701)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

SOMA

About the restaurant

Prospect is from the team behind San Francisco's acclaimed Boulevard. Partners Nancy Oakes (James Beard award-winning chef/owner of Boulevard), Pam Mazzola and Kathy King, have created a restaurant that pays tribute to contemporary American cuisine. Whether it's a cocktail and a bite at the bar, a casual meal at the communal table, guests will receive exceptional hospitable service. A warm modern space in the heart of SOMA, Prospect has become an anchor for the community.
A separate dining room is available for private events.

Top review

KevinGold

Dined 1 day ago

Always a quality meal and attentive service in a space that still allows you to hear your dining companions.

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Experience

Daily Happy Hour

Spruce

4.6

4.6 (5776)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Presidio Heights

About the restaurant

Opened in 2007, Spruce is a San Francisco institution known for refined hospitality, seasonal cuisine, and enduring elegance in the heart of Presidio Heights.

Open daily, Spruce offers weekday lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner, along with a welcoming bar and lounge for walk-ins and a collection of beautifully appointed private dining spaces for intimate gatherings and celebrations. Each experience is rooted in seasonality and precision, showcasing thoughtful dishes that highlight the best of Northern California’s ingredients.

The restaurant is complemented by an award-winning wine program, honored with the Wine Spectator Grand Award, featuring one of the most comprehensive and carefully curated lists in the country.

Spruce Café offers a more casual experience with expertly crafted coffee drinks, signature cookies, and a selection of specialty pastries, making it a natural stop from morning through afternoon.

Top review

Jay

Dined 2 days ago

I have been wanting to dine at Spruce for years. Finally for my Birthday it has happend,we went to spruce. Warm greating at the entrance. Given a very nice velvet banquet table which complimented my velvet jacket. Service was perfessionnal and jovial. The food was perfectly grand to view and eat. Top notch

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The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.7

4.7 (6730)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown / Union Square

About the restaurant

The Rotunda serves afternoon tea seven days a week beginning at 1:30 p.m. A tea experience reservation is necessary to enjoy our daily tea service. Any dietary restrictions must be noted at least 24 hours in advance of your reservation. Tea Service is $70 per person. This does not include sales tax or 20% gratuity. Tea service includes choice of tea, sweet & savory scones, tea sandwiches & assorted miniature sweets.

Please use link below to reserve your tea experience.

https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=889&restref=889&experienceId=35326

Let THE ROTUNDA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere.

The Rotunda is located on the 4th floor of Neiman Marcus. We are accessible through our elevator on the Geary Street entrance or through any NM entrance.

Top review

JenniferGold

Dined 1 day ago

Would highly recommend for many reasons - attentive service, lovely views, historical venue, delicious food and beverages. It's become an annual experience for my daughter's birthday. Already looking forward to next time!

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4.4

4.4 (54)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

SOMA

About the restaurant

Dine surrounded by the stunning work of famous American artist Maxfield Parrish when you enjoy a meal at the Pied Piper. Part of San Francisco history, the restaurant is housed within the Palace Hotel in the impressive SOMA district. Offering classic California cuisine, the Pied Piper is the perfect choice for dinner, or even a fantastic cocktail.

Known for its signature drinks, the Pied Piper is a local favorite in addition to being a traveler's destination. Open seven days a week, it has something for everyone with a children's menu in addition to its delicious dinner.

Top review

Jeffrey

Dined on 23 Sept 2026

Outstanding in every respect, wonderful dining experience...

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Experience

Christmas Eve Prix Fixe Dinner

Experience

New Year's Eve Prix Fixe Dinner

Experience

Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Dinner

The Fly Trap

4.6

4.6 (1431)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

SOMA

About the restaurant

A word from The Fly Trap
At The Fly Trap, guests can enjoy a bustling restaurant, dine casually at the communal tables, or delight in the elegant main dining area. An artisan cocktail list, innovative desserts, eclectic wine list and a warm, genuine sense of hospitality appeal to the neighborhood and out-of-town guests. The Fly Trap is located in the South of Market area, just 2 blocks from the Moscone Center.

Top review

MichaelGold

Dined 5 days ago

My experience here was excellent. It has great food, great atmosphere and a great owner. I was greeted when I arrived and given the grand tour. If you like Mezcal the smoke & mirrors is a phenomenal choice. If you like salmon they have some of the best. If you are solo like I was or in a group you never feel left out. The staff is attentive and customer service oriented. I will be back.

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