Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in San Francisco

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in San Francisco? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. 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 (3164)

$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

KarenGold

Dined 5 days ago

Always a fabulous experience at Firefly. Outstanding menu, great service.

Blue Plate

4.8

4.8 (1459)

$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 on Oct 22, 2026

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

Hilda and Jesse

4.8

4.8 (222)

$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

Andy

Dined 5 days ago

I was in town for the Golden Gate Half-Marathon and was looking to mark the occasion with a nice post-race meal. Hilda and Jesse has been on my list of places to check out whenever I'm in the Bay Area for a few years now and I was fortunate enough that a reservation was available the day of the race. I went with the Chef's Adventure Menu, with a beverage pairing and pancake add-on, and there was no bad bite among the bunch. The standouts for me were the restaurant's take on a hushpuppy and tempura-fried black code in a pomegranate ponzu sauce. The service was also incredibly attentive and made sure I had a good dining experience. I left thoroughly stuffed and thoroughly satisfied.

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Experience

Chef's Adventure Menu

Octavia

4.8

4.8 (2889)

$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

Jane

Dined 1 day ago

We love Octavia. Each dish is exquisite, a wonderful and imaginative combination of flavors. And the service could not be more welcoming. We return every chance we have.

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Experience

Large Party Reservation (7-12 people)

Prospect

4.8

4.8 (2698)

$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 on Oct 24, 2026

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

The Progress

4.7

4.7 (2945)

$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

sue

Dined 4 days ago

Our experience was remarkable - the food unique and delicious, the service attentive. It took a bit to get it started but once they caught up the pacing was great. Our only suggestion would be to have cushions on the benches - I understand the aesthetic but it’s uncomfortable.

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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)

The Fly Trap

4.6

4.6 (1429)

$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 on Oct 20, 2026

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.

Spruce

4.7

4.7 (5782)

$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

KenGold

Dined 3 days ago

I've eaten here many times over the years. It is one of my favorite SF restaurants. Great atmosphere and food (always get the pasta with Truffles if it is on the menu), service is first-rate, and it has a fantastic wine program. Always ask for more Parker House rolls.

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The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus - San Francisco

4.7

4.7 (6732)

$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 on Oct 24, 2026

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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4.6

4.6 (320)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

About the restaurant

Although we try to accommodate every request for the back patio, we are experiencing high demand and have limited seating in order to observe social distancing. We also offer outdoor seating on the sidewalk and new parklet, as well as limited indoor seating. Thank you for understanding and we look forward to seeing you soon!

We are following the health guidelines to keep our guests and staff safe. Due to these circumstances, we kindly ask that you do not show up early or late, and honor a 1.5 hour maximum duration to your reservation.

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Top review

KimberlyGold

Dined on Oct 21, 2026

Lovely patio in back in addition to indoor seating with exceptionally nice and atrentive service. Ruben is a wonderful server and bartender!

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