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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Forest Hill / West Portal

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49 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Firefly Restaurant restaurant
1. Firefly Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3134)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Noe Valley
Booked 20 times today
Firefly Restaurant in Noe Valley, San Francisco, is a shining beacon of authentic American cuisine. With its innovative and ever-evolving menu, Firefly delivers "mind blowing" dishes that perfectly capture the essence of American flavors while catering to diverse palates. Known for its "delicious, healthy, perfectly portioned" offerings, this neighborhood gem consistently delights diners with its creative combinations, including standout dishes like fried chicken and Brussel sprouts. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere, combined with a "warm, efficient" service, ensures a memorable dining experience. Firefly truly embodies the heart and soul of American dining, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
A photo of Wayfare Tavern restaurant
2. Wayfare Tavern
4.7
Exceptional(8234)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 69 times today
Wayfare Tavern, nestled in San Francisco's bustling Financial District, stands as a beacon of exemplary Contemporary American cuisine. Chef Tyler Florence masterfully crafts dishes that transport diners to an era of authentic American flavors inspired by the early 20th century. The restaurant is celebrated for its "impeccably delicious" offerings, with standout dishes like the renowned "Mary’s Fried Chicken" and "deviled eggs" that leave patrons raving. The vibrant yet cozy Victorian ambiance complements the culinary delights, making it perfect for any occasion. With "phenomenal" service and a dedication to quality, Wayfare Tavern is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
A photo of Trestle restaurant
3. Trestle
4.8
Exceptional(3177)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 24 times today
Trestle, nestled in San Francisco's vibrant Financial District/Embarcadero, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine that delights with its ever-evolving 3-course prix fixe menu. Celebrated for its "creative and delicious" dishes, Trestle offers a culinary journey that changes weekly to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients. The warm, inviting atmosphere paired with "superb service" makes every visit a memorable affair. Diners rave about the exceptional value, describing it as "the most exceptional dining in San Francisco for the price." With its "phenomenal taste" and attentive staff, Trestle's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a must-visit destination for lovers of Contemporary American cuisine.
A photo of Spruce restaurant
4. Spruce
4.6
Exceptional(5707)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Presidio Heights
Booked 39 times today
Opened in 2007, Spruce is a San Francisco institution known for refined hospitality, seasonal cuisine, and enduring elegance in the heart of Presidio Heights.Open daily, Spruce offers weekday lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner, along with a welcoming bar and lounge for walk-ins and a collection of beautifully appointed private dining spaces for intimate gatherings and celebrations. Each experience is rooted in seasonality and precision, showcasing thoughtful dishes that highlight the best of Northern California’s ingredients.The restaurant is complemented by an award-winning wine program, honored with the Wine Spectator Grand Award, featuring one of the most comprehensive and carefully curated lists in the country.Spruce Café offers a more casual experience with expertly crafted coffee drinks, signature cookies, and a selection of specialty pastries, making it a natural stop from morning through afternoon.
A photo of Octavia restaurant
5. Octavia
4.7
Exceptional(2832)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Pacific Heights
Booked 14 times today
Octavia in Pacific Heights, San Francisco, is a beacon of authentic Farm-to-table dining, masterfully curated by the acclaimed Chef Melissa Perello. Known for its "gloriously delicious" offerings, Octavia embraces seasonally driven cuisine, showcasing the Bay Area's rich agricultural bounty through its ever-evolving menu. Diners rave about the thoughtful preparation and presentation of dishes, highlighting the "fresh, locally-sourced, delicious food" that is both creative and flavorful. The restaurant's intimate, relaxed atmosphere, coupled with top-notch service, makes it a must-visit destination. As one guest perfectly put it, “Octavia is an absolute gem!” – a testament to its commitment to quality and sustainability.
A photo of The Progress restaurant
Icon
6. The Progress
4.8
Exceptional(2821)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Western Addition
Booked 59 times today
The Progress in Western Addition, San Francisco, offers a truly remarkable Californian dining experience. Celebrated for its "innovative menu" and "delicious flavors," this restaurant uses entirely local ingredients to craft dishes that highlight the essence of Californian cuisine. Guests rave about the duck, described as a "must-try" and "100% juicy and tender," alongside other inventive dishes like the seaweed noodles and Tierra vegetables masa dumplings. The ambiance is "casual and playful," providing the perfect setting for what many reviewers describe as "the best meal in SF." With excellent service and a creative menu, The Progress is an unmissable culinary gem.
A photo of Frances restaurant
7. Frances
4.8
Exceptional(3754)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • The Castro
Booked 16 times today
Frances, nestled in the heart of The Castro in San Francisco, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant and innovative dishes. Chef Melissa Perello’s seasonal menu masterfully showcases "California Cuisine," emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients that "speak for themselves." Diners rave about the "phenomenal" short rib and "divine" house sourdough, noting the harmonious blend of flavors that elevate each dish. The restaurant’s ambiance is described as cozy yet elegant, making it a perfect spot for special occasions. With its "exemplary" service and carefully curated wine pairings, Frances offers an unforgettable dining experience that keeps patrons returning for more.
A photo of 3rd Cousin restaurant
8. 3rd Cousin
4.5
Awesome(587)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Bernal Heights
Booked 4 times today
3rd Cousin in Bernal Heights, San Francisco, is a gem in the world of Contemporary American cuisine. Chef Greg Lutes has masterfully curated a menu that offers both innovation and authenticity. Diners rave about the "sublime hamachi crudo" and "richly layered lobster risotto," showcasing his global approach to Californian flavors. The restaurant's uni crème brûlée is particularly celebrated, described as a "melody of salt and savory." With a Michelin star to its name, 3rd Cousin promises an unforgettable dining experience, combining "5-star ambiance, cuisine, and service" with an extensive wine list, making every visit a culinary event to savor.
A photo of Blind Butcher restaurant
9. Blind Butcher
4.6
Exceptional(671)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • The Castro
Booked 36 times today
Blind Butcher in the Castro, San Francisco, offers an exceptional Contemporary American dining experience that is both authentic and inventive. The restaurant's "globally inspired New American menu" masterfully combines prime steaks, seafood, and organic produce, creating dishes that are "delicious and cooked to perfection." Diners rave about the "super tender" ribeye and the "decadent" lobster mac and cheese, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. The attentive staff, coupled with a cozy and vibrant atmosphere, makes each visit memorable. As one reviewer eloquently put it, Blind Butcher is "a must in San Francisco," where every meal is a gastronomic delight.
A photo of The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco restaurant
10. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco
4.8
Exceptional(6639)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 47 times today
The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco is a shining example of exquisite American cuisine, offering a dining experience that combines tradition and elegance. Nestled in the heart of Union Square, this iconic venue is beloved for its "excellent service" and "delicious food," consistently leaving diners "extremely satisfied." The Rotunda's menu is celebrated for its innovative takes on American classics, like the "wonderful French 75 cocktail and lobster club sandwich." The chic setting, complete with beautiful views and festive decorations, enhances the atmosphere, making it a "must-visit" destination, especially during the holiday season. Experience the quintessential American dining delight at The Rotunda!
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • jack
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    It’s always great. The pricing is fair and the portions are ample, and the flavors are delicious
    More info
    Firefly Restaurant$$$$• Contemporary American• Noe Valley
    •
    4.9
  • Claire
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Every part of this dinner was amazing. We did the duck tasting menu with the wine pairing. It was delicious! The staff were awesome and the service was excellent.
    More info
    Frances$$$$• Californian• The Castro
    •
    4.8
  • Stacy
    2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Dinner at Octavia was a lovely part of my trip. The service was attentive and friendly, managing that tricky balance between being available to help and letting someone eat without having chewing interrupted. I enjoyed my dinner of bread service, spiced cucumbers, lamb with beets, and a lovely little pavlova for dessert. All were tasty, and my favorite was the spiced cucumbers. To my surprise (and delight), they have a porter on the drink menu - a rarity in CA!
    More info
    Octavia$$$$• Contemporary American• Pacific Heights
    •
    4.7
  • Margaret
    San Francisco Bay Area •92 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Wayfare has maintained the great level of food, service and atmosphere in their new and spectacular new location.
    More info
    Wayfare Tavern$$$$• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.7
  • Linda
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    This was the perfect venue for a reunion lunch of three college classmates who hadn’t seen one another except on Zoom in over 50 years. Couldn’t recommend it more highly.
    More info
    Spruce$$$$• Contemporary American• Presidio Heights
    •
    4.6

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