Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in San Francisco Bay Area? 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!

Blue Plate

4.9

4.9 (1528)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bernal Heights

About the restaurant

The Blue Plate opened in 1999 as a casual spot where friends and neighbors can enjoy the best ingredients our seasons have to offer. Owners Cory Obenour and Jeff Trenam have created a space that feels like a home, with three distinct dining rooms each appointed with the work of local artists. In the back, a lush, night-fragrant garden offers an exotic retreat from the bustle of the city. The kitchen stays committed to using the highest quality local produce and meats in classic American and rustic Mediterranean dishes. Through a working friendship with Bay Area farmers, the Blue Plate is expanding the notion of "the blue plate special" to include dining that is casual, affordable, delicious and responsible.

Top review

Beth

Dined on Apr 11, 2025

Delicious food, good value, great staff, nice ambience

Firefly Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (3072)

$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

Michael

Dined 4 days ago

Superlative vegetarian meal in a cozy and relaxing setting. Great service once seated. We had to wait for our table but the gave us free wine so it was fine. Love this place!

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Popular dish

Fried Heritage Chicken

Popular dish

Key Lime Pie

The Progress

4.8

4.8 (2554)

$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

DarrenVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Great atmosphere and vibes with perfect music. Fantastic staff and phenomenally innovative food!

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Experience

Robert Sinskey Vineyards at The Progress

Valette

4.8

4.8 (3884)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Healdsburg

About the restaurant

Contemporary American: Portraying what Sonoma County has to offer with refined elegance and simplicity.

We will showcase what the region has to offer by focusing on the amazing network of farmers and artisan producers in the area. The relationships we have formed with our purveyors have given us the opportunity to work with what is available while providing the flexibility of changing our menu weekly.

We are determined to provide warm and personable service by dedicated professionals who love what they do. Every guest will feel as if we were inviting them into our own homes.

The wine program is inspired by the incredible history and diversity of the region that surrounds us. Here you can explore classic varieties made by the pioneers whose dedication has made Northern California one of the most exciting wine growing regions in the world.

Top review

RyanVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing made to order, farm fresh, organic food in Healdsburg. We love going here!

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Popular dish

Day Boat Scallops en Croute

Popular dish

Coriander Crusted Duck Breast

Popular dish

Prime New York Strip Loin

Baxters Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (54)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Benicia

About the restaurant

Baxters is a casual fine dining experience located on First Street in the waterside town of Benicia. We are known for our Beef Wellington and succulent Scallops.

Top review

SusanVIP

Dined on Apr 13, 2025

Fabulous as always! Busy! Need reservations so don’t forget to make them. Great food and great service!

Walter Hansel Wine Bistro

4.9

4.9 (1997)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Santa Rosa

About the restaurant

We are located just 6 minutes from Coddingtown Mall and 10 minutes from Downtown Santa Rosa surrounded by beautiful vineyards with an onsite garden for fresh, farm-to-table vegetables and herbs.

"An impressive new Santa Rosa restaurant that's instantly one of our best"
Jeff Cox, renowned Wine Country food critic.

If you are unable to find the reservation you want, please call us directly at (707) 546-6462. Thank you.

Top review

CoreyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

One of my favorite local spots to visit. The staff is fantastic and the food is excellent. Can’t wait for my next visit!

B&V Whiskey Bar & Grille

4.8

4.8 (364)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sonoma

About the restaurant

Award winning Chef Carlo Cavallo’s upscale gastropub concept, B&V Whiskey Bar & Grille is located in the Historic Sonoma Creamery building across the street from the Old Mission in the Sonoma Plaza. We are Sonoma Plaza's only brew pub, whiskey bar. B&V's menu format is wine country inspired with farm to table elements, Italian and French influences, and good old fashion steak house. Chef Carlo Cavallo has won best beef in America, and been on Food Networks Guy Fieri show.

Top review

KathyVIP

Dined on Mar 30, 2025

A favorite of ours, great food & service! Definitely recommend.

The Patio

4.9

4.9 (287)

$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.

.

Top review

Edward

Dined 1 day ago

Tasty menu with good service and reasonable prices.

Blossom and Root Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (188)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Danville

About the restaurant

Featuring plant based ingredients, elevated cooking techniques, a creative beverage list and a colorful ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating. Blossom & Root is the Tri-Valley dining destination for anyone curious about - or naturally inclined towards contemporary vegan fare with an "Eat Local" emphasis. Private dining is available. The pretty space is full of blue patterns and hues, with lots of plants (decorative and possibly edible). Featuring just as creative of a bar program as menu. Steven Diehl has elevated the bar program to match our eclectic menu by Chef Chris Johnson. Together the team puts out beautiful food and beverages not to be missed.

Top review

Joann

Dined 3 days ago

This was our first time eating at the restaurant, the service was pleasant the food was so well displayed, also delicious I had the fried tofu bowl .. when I come to the area will definitely eat there again..

The Village Pub

4.8

4.8 (4099)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Woodside

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Woodside, The Village Pub is a culinary gem that has captivated the palates of discerning diners for over two decades. The restaurant's contemporary Californian cuisine, rooted in the culinary traditions of France and the Mediterranean, is a symphony of flavors that celebrates the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Each dish is a testament to the chef's artistry, with every component meticulously crafted to showcase the essence of each ingredient. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that diners can always savor the bounty of the harvest. The Village Pub's partnership with SMIP Ranch, a nearby organic farm, is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and sustainability. The farm's heirloom produce, cultivated with care and harvested exclusively for the restaurant, adds an unparalleled depth of flavor to every dish. The restaurant's ambiance is as inviting as its cuisine. The cozy front lounge and more formal dining area offer a choice of settings, each with its own unique charm. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes The Village Pub the perfect place for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or simply a delightful evening out with friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned gourmand or a curious newcomer, The Village Pub promises an unforgettable culinary experience. Come and

Top review

BrianVIP

Dined 1 day ago

The Easter Brunch was EXCELLENT this morning and we could not have had finer service from the professional team at Village Pub. We appreciated the experience fully. Thank you!

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Experience

Mother's Day Brunch

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