Diners' Choice: American restaurants in San Francisco

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall 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!

Saison

4.9

4.9 (245)

$50 and over

American

SOMA

About the restaurant

Saison is a two-Michelin starred, open wood fire restaurant under the leadership of Executive Chef Richard Lee, emphasizing the bounty of California’s evolving terroir and its incredible farmers, ranchers, and fishermen and women. Saison is driven by Lee’s dedication to purity and innovation, paired with a Grand Award-winning wine list, in a dynamic space where guest and team celebrate an intimate, culture-shifting experience. Chef Lee builds upon Saison’s formidable foundation, crafting nuanced flavors with intention, inspired by the culinary diversity of Northern California.

Saison has one of the country’s largest and most remarkable selections of Old and New World wine, with a special emphasis on Burgundy. Established by Saison Hospitality co-founder and Saison Winery winemaker Mark Bright, the list is now curated by Beverage & Service Director Molly Greene.

Top review

shawn

Dined 3 days ago

Absolutely amazing. Food was on point, wine suggestions were on point. Most importantly the staff was not only on top of everything but had fun with us and made the experience worth every penny. Thank you all

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Experience

Tasting Menu By Our Kitchen

Experience

Tasting Menu In Our Barside Salon

Experience

Abridged Menu In Our Barside Salon

Cole Valley Tavern

4.8

4.8 (8)

$30 and under

American

Cole Valley

About the restaurant

Experience warm neighborhood hospitality and elevated pub fare at Cole Valley Tavern, a cozy, community-centered dining staple located in the heart of San Francisco’s charming Cole Valley neighborhood. Designed as a relaxed gathering spot for locals, visitors, and families alike, our tavern offers a comfortable, stylish backdrop perfect for casual weeknight dinners, lively happy hour (4-6PM everyday), or unwinding over drinks.

Our kitchen focuses on high-quality tavern favorites elevated with fresh ingredients and seasonal touches. Indulge in everything from our signature smash burger, award winning fish sandwich (SF Chronicle) and crowd favorite smoked seafood chowder. Our bar program showcases a thoughtfully curated cocktails, local beers on tap and fine wines. Whether you are catching up with friends indoors or enjoying a sunny afternoon meal on our outdoor patio, Cole Valley Tavern delivers classic SF charm with every visit.

Top review

JuliaGold

Dined 1 day ago

Five stars specifically for our waiter, Ian. He was delightful!!!

Terrene

4.7

4.7 (15)

$31 to $50

American

Financial District / Embarcadero

About the restaurant

Inspired by the locality of San Francisco, Terrene’s menu is rooted in an abundance of local, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. Fresh ingredients for dishes and cocktails grow on the rooftop chef’s garden while beehives facilitate on-site honey production.

Top review

DianeGold

Dined on 17 Jun 2026

The restaurant is lovely and feels like a retreat from the busy city. The service and attention to our group were fantastic. We chose this restaurant because it had good options for vegetarians, and we were not disappointed. Everything we ordered for the group was outstanding. The drinks menu is inventive. Lastly, they only have one dessert, soft serve ice cream, and don't skip it; get multiple spoons!

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Experience

Nightshade Noir: Halloween at Terrene

Experience

Thanksgiving at Terrene

Bar Malone’s

4.8

4.8 (3)

$31 to $50

American

SOMA

About the restaurant

BAR MALONE'S is named after the Coolest Bartender of All Time, the New Bar and Kitchen from Eric Passetti and Gabriel Freiberg Brings Life Back to the Former District Space on Townsend Street

The Food: The Bar Menu Is the Menu
The menu at Bar Malone's is inspired by the bar menus at our favorite restaurants: simple, craveable dishes prepared with the same quality ingredients as the fancy dining room next door, minus the fussiness. Expect bar menu staples like Oysters, Steak Frites, and, of course, a great burger.

Top review

BradGold

Dined on 10 Sept 2026

Great food, drinks and service! Cool venue and food/drink options.

Tadich Grill - San Francisco

4.7

4.7 (745)

$31 to $50

American

Financial District / Embarcadero

About the restaurant

Step back in time at San Francisco's oldest restaurant, the Tadich Grill, established in 1849. This historic eatery has delighted generations with its classic seafood dishes and warm hospitality. As you enter, the elegant Art Deco interior, white-jacketed waiters, and crisp tablecloths create a sense of timeless sophistication. The aroma of fresh seafood fills the air, inviting you to explore the culinary delights within. The menu showcases signature dishes like Cioppino, a hearty seafood stew, and perfectly pan-fried Sand Dabs, beloved by patrons for years. You'll also find a variety of seafood options alongside classic American fare like steaks and chops. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or seeking a taste of San Francisco's history, the Tadich Grill is a must-visit. With exceptional cuisine, a charming ambiance, and friendly service, it’s no wonder this iconic restaurant has thrived for over a century.

Top review

Sue

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful food and service, as always. Just a wonderful restaurant in SF!

Angler San Francisco

4.6

4.6 (828)

$50 and over

American

Financial District / Embarcadero

About the restaurant

Angler is a seafood focused, Michelin-starred restaurant from Saison Hospitality on the Embarcadero waterfront with views of an expansive wood burning hearth and the San Francisco Bay. Led by Chef de Cuisine Joe Hou (NoMad, Per Se, Bird Dog, Le Fantastique, The Line Hotel), Angler’s sourcing is deliberate and seasonal. Every dish is touched by fire and intended to be shared, all complemented by an award-winning wine list.

Angler serves lunch, dinner, happy hour, and a nightly Cook For You experience. Angler’s Game Room hosts frequent wine dinners and is available for private dining and events.

**Please note that we are temporarily not offering patio seating.

Top review

andy

Dined 3 days ago

Been to Angler more than 50 times since they opened. Never disappoints from food to service.

Wayfare Tavern

4.7

4.7 (8362)

$30 and under

American

Financial District / Embarcadero

About the restaurant

Chef Tyler Florence brings his passion for quality and timeless style to the heart of San Francisco with Wayfare Tavern, now located at 201 Pine Street.

Designed by Jon De La Cruz, the space blends the charm of a classic SF tavern with elevated details while honoring the city’s rich culinary history.

Wayfare Tavern features authentic American fare inspired by local cuisine at the turn of the 20th century, offering dishes that range from rustic delicacies to classic comforts. The beverage list showcases local wines, quality draft beers, and timeless cocktails. Spanning two floors, the new location features a spacious main dining room, a large central bar, an intimate Chef’s Alcove, and a hidden Cellar Dining Room. The second floor includes four distinct private dining rooms, ideal for celebrations, meetings, and special events.

Wayfare Tavern continues to offer a dining experience that feels both nostalgic and entirely new—a timeless San Francisco classic.

Top review

HeidiGold

Dined today

It was amazing! We sat at the bar for drink before our reservation and ended up staying there for our meal. Alden gave us great service and was very attentive. We were there for my husbands birthday and they definitely helped us have a celebratory night! The clam chowder was to die for (and that means a lot since I don’t usually eat anything from the ocean). And the fried chicken was out of this world! I don’t think I’ve ever had chicken melt in my mouth! Crispy Brussels we’re perfect too! We will always come back when we’re in town! 10/10!

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Popular dish

Fried Chicken Sandwhich

Popular dish

Mary's Organic Fried Chicken

Popular dish

Tavern Burger

Trestle

4.7

4.7 (3278)

$50 and over

American

Financial District / Embarcadero

About the restaurant

Hi Neighbor!

At Trestle, we remember a time, not too long ago, where people took pause to enjoy a meal in the presence of great company, giving it the reverence and respect deserved. We provide a dining experience served in courses, with the satisfaction and warmth found at a family gathering, creating the foundation to a proper meal.

Every day we feature a changing 4 course prix fixe menu with choices on each course for $52/person. Unfortunately, we do not offer ala-carte options.

We are able to accommodate vegetarian options nightly. We do our best to accommodate other allergies/restrictions based on the menu for that evening.

Due to our limited spacing, we can accommodate parties of 8 or less only.

Top review

Ammi

Dined today

New favorite place for eat. Each course was incredible and the servers were so good and kind. This place deserves a very special visit

Astra

4.5

4.5 (99)

$30 and under

American

SOMA

About the restaurant

Astra offers exquisite modern American dishes inspired by California’s freshest locally sourced ingredients. In this relaxed yet refined setting in the heart of San Francisco, Astra offers a welcoming atmosphere that epitomizes Northern California luxury, with décor featuring rich textures and soft metallics that pay tribute to the city’s unique vistas. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in gentle natural light and frame dynamic street scenes. Aligned with The St. Regis’ House of Astor for inspired cuisine and mixologist crafted cocktails, Astra offers world-class fare and elegant service. Astra is open for afternoon tea and open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Top review

Iris

Dined on 4 Oct 2026

Astra at the St. Regis is a quiet, understated dining room — very much your classic hotel restaurant, nothing flashy. But the food genuinely surprised us: beautifully executed and high quality across everything we ordered. For this level of cooking, the prices are very reasonable. Came here for our anniversary dinner and left very happy.

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Experience

The St. Regis San Francisco Afternoon Tea

Experience

Holiday Afternoon Tea

Precita Social

4.8

4.8 (68)

$50 and over

American

Bernal Heights

About the restaurant

Chef Greg Lutes of 3rd Cousin bring you another ingredient driven seasonal bistro for Bernal Heights.
His sophomore restaurant opened in August 2025 is meant to be a neighborhood gathering place. F

For Mother's Day Brunch we will be offering only one Prixe Fixe Menu.

Top review

Lisa

Dined 1 day ago

We had the S.F. Restaurant Week special and loved it. Our waiter Jared was fantastic, attentive, and funny. We all enjoyed our starters of salmon crudo or little gem salad. My black cod main was so moist, perfectly cooked. The Dubai chocolate sundae was the best ever! A great meal all around.

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