Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown / Union Square

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

San Francisco

Neighborhoods

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van NessCow HollowDowntown / Union SquareFinancial District / EmbarcaderoMarina / Cow Hollow / PresidioMission Bay / South Beach

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

23 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Starlite

4.6

Exceptional(399)

$$$$

• 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 Chotto Matte San Francisco restaurant

2. Chotto Matte San Francisco

4.6

Exceptional(200)

$$$$

• Asian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 19 times today

Situated in Downtown San Francisco, Chotto Matte is renowned for its signature Nikkei Cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and electric atmosphere. Chotto Matte’s chic, contemporary interior is inspired by its Japanese & Peruvian roots, making it a unique dining experience, every time. Key highlights include Chotto’s recognizable bold design, tropical foliage and theatrical robata grill.

3. Bon Delire

4.7

Exceptional(580)

$$$$

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 39 times today

Bon Délire’s chic yet approachable atmosphere draws inspiration from the cafés, lounges, and bistros of Paris. The interior boasts a sculpted horseshoe-shaped wooden bar, plush banquettes, and vibrant, European-imported furnishings that invite intimate dining and lounging. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with views of the Bay Bridge, or relax at the outdoor cafe-style seating, framed by planter boxes and umbrellas, perfect for people-watching along the Embarcadero.At night, the space comes alive with flickering projections of vintage French films and a relaxed, nostalgic soundtrack of throwback French and American tunes, making Bon Délire a sophisticated yet cozy setting for private and semi-private events.

4. Waterbar

4.7

Exceptional(11408)

$$$$

• Seafood • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 118 times today

Waterbar is a seafood-centric restaurant located on the waterfront with spectacular panoramic views of the bay and city skyline, exceptional design, and a menu of the freshest sustainable fish and seafood. Featuring stunning outdoor (dog-friendly) dining on the waterfront patio, a relaxed atmosphere and floor-to-ceiling circular aquariums filled with an eye-catching array of fish and marine life from the Pacific Ocean. Waterbar is not to be missed.Please note, we only accept reservations 30 days in advance.

5. a Mano

4.6

Exceptional(314)

$$$$

• Italian • Western Addition

Booked 66 times today

A Mano: Where Italian Tradition Meets California FlairStep into a Mano, a San Francisco haven for handcrafted Italian cuisine. Our name, meaning "by hand," reflects our dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients and time-honored cooking methods. In our warm and inviting space, you'll be greeted by the aroma of wood-fired pizzas and the gentle hum of conversation. Our menu features a symphony of flavors, from delicate handmade pastas to vibrant salads and hearty secondi. Each dish is a testament to our passion for authentic Italian flavors with a touch of California sunshine.Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner, a lively gathering with friends, or a solo escape into culinary bliss, a Mano offers an unforgettable experience. Join us and savor the taste of Italy, made with love, right here in San Francisco.

6. little shucker

4.5

Awesome(168)

$$$$

• Seafood • Pacific Heights

Booked 43 times today

Wine, seafood, steak & seasonal dishes from The Snug team & Chef Adrian Garcia.The New York Times: “The 25 Best Restaurants in San Francisco Right Now; 2023, 2024”"Hottest New Restaurants in San Francisco 2023" -- Eater"Best New Restaurants of 2023" -- The Infatuation

7. Hazies

4.5

Awesome(187)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 15 times today

Hazie's is a vibrant restaurant in the heart of San Francisco, offering a unique dining experience. Our diverse menu features everything from innovative cocktails to delicious brunch options, catering to a variety of tastes. Led by chef Joey Altman, Hazie's dishes showcase a fusion of global flavors, drawing inspiration from Asian, Mediterranean, Californian, and Mexican cuisines. Whether you're in the mood for savory duck carbonara, a crispy chicken sandwich, or a refreshing tuna poke bowl, there's something to satisfy every palate. The atmosphere at Hazie's is inviting, with a modern ambiance, comfortable seating, and warm lighting. Our friendly and attentive staff ensures that your dining experience is enjoyable from start to finish. Whether you're seeking a casual lunch with friends, a romantic dinner date, or a lively family brunch, Hazie's is the perfect destination for every occasion. Come and embark on a culinary adventure with us!

A photo of Hayes Street Grill restaurant

8. Hayes Street Grill

4.7

Exceptional(4578)

$$$$

• Seafood • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 37 times today

Hayes Street Grill is a neo-traditional fish house in San Francisco's Civic Center district, across the street from the Performing Arts Center, opposite Davies Symphony Hall and a block from both the Opera House and City Hall. We use an international mix of recipes, unified with a theme of fish and seafood. Above every other consideration, we want the freshness and pristine quality of the fish, produce, and naturally-raised meats to speak for themselves.The Hayes Street Grill's walls are covered with autographed photos of the artists who consider the restaurant their club. Though we've remodeled since our opening 47 years ago, the original brass coat hooks along the walls remain, as does our founding philosophy of cooking only the food we would serve at home to our families, albeit dressed up a little, with a religious dedication to wholesomeness.

A photo of Crustacean San Francisco restaurant

9. Crustacean San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(361)

$$$$

• Asian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 38 times today

Crustacean San Francisco is an elevated experience that blends tradition with whimsical innovation, offering a culinary journey rooted in passion, heritage, and artistry by Chef Helene An. Guests will be allured by the rose gold bar that opens to the high ceiling and dining area with private room. The menu starters includes Snake River Wagyu Dumpling, Kohlrabi Caesar Salad, and Dungeness Crab & Caviar "Banh Khot", and not to be missed - the iconic dishes that sparked a movement—Chef Helene's legendary AN’s Famous Garlic Noodles™ & AN’s Famous Garlic Roasted Dungeness Crab™Please note: Crustacean enforces a business chic dress code.

10. BIX

4.6

Exceptional(5254)

$$$$

• American • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 58 times today

An exceptionally stylish supper club, civilized speakeasy, a sophisticated saloon. Each of these "personae" is housed in a soaring two-story interior distinguished by a gently curving mahogany bar, fluted columns with ornate capitals, stunning original art, plush banquettes, cozy booths, starched linens, glittering glasses, and polished flatware. Overall, the ambiance is pure 1930's and 1940's - tasteful art moderne reminiscent of the glory days of Cunard and French Line ships. Fashionable and glamorous are the hallmarks. Trendy is simply not a part of the BIX culture. The clientele at BIX ranges from San Francisco movers-and-shakers to "savvy travelers" - owner Doug Biederbeck's term for the many diners in the know from out of town who patronize his establishment. All of them step from the featureless alley into another world - a world of superb cookery and libations, of sparkling service, of stylish nostalgia, of polished live jazz. That world is BIX.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
BridgetGold
New Orleans / Louisiana •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food was incredible, and the service from the staff was top notch. Our server’s suggestions for food and beverage were spot on. Even though wait times on food from the different kitchens varied, we never felt like we were waiting for our food without anything.
More info
Chotto Matte San Francisco$$$$• Asian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.6
A
Annemarie
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Starlite is an amazing spot. The drinks are delicious and the presentation is great. The atmosphere is perfect, so much fun!! But most of all, the team is incredible. From the hosts like Michelle, to the incredible bartenders, to the servers Roxxane, Jose, Ivan, and Bridget, to the manager. This is a beautifully run lounge, everyone was so kind, fun, and attentive and made us feel so special! The manager TJ is the best, and made our night extra special. Highly highly recommend.
More info
Starlite$$$$• Cocktail Bar• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
D
Debbie
Utah •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Salad was delicious. It was fresh and inventive, and the lobster spaghetti was perfect.
More info
BIX$$$$• American• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
C
CherylGold
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great service delicious food great atmosphere felt like I was in Europe !
More info
Bon Delire$$$$• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
M
MarilynnGold
San Francisco Bay Area •45 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 6, 2026
The lamb dish was outstanding. Stay away from any thing that says fried.
More info
Aliment$$$$• American• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.3

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
People watching

Downtown / Union Square

Morgan Hill
Los Gatos
SOMA
Pacific Heights
Pittsburg
Sunset District
San Mateo
Santa Rosa
Pinole
Cole Valley
San Leandro
Saratoga
Tomales
Yountville
The Castro
Larkspur
North Beach
Napa
Martinez
Daly City