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Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

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OpenTable
Updated February 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in San Francisco Bay Area? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Pizzaiolo - Oakland restaurant
4.9
4.9 (666)
$31 to $50
Italian
Oakland
About the restaurant
**Please note we are walk-ins only**

We at Pizzaiolo believe that the simple act of feeding people is at the core of what it is to be human. We focus on the ritual of taking life from the world around us and presenting it to you to sustain your own life.

When the day is done, the thinking that seems to matter most is that we are taking part in a web of human interaction. The food you eat at Pizzaiolo is 100% down-home human-made.

Top review
carrie
Dined on Dec 24, 2024
A beautiful neighborhood restaurant. Crowded holiday evening but the staff is warm and friendly and we were treated like family. My go to restaurant for delicious food in a sweet and comfortable environment.
A photo of Ti Piacera restaurant
4.8
4.8 (708)
$30 and under
Italian
Nob Hill
About the restaurant
Ti Piacera has been a neighborhood destination since 2002. With our full-service bar, excellent Northern Italian cuisine, and extensive wine list, our restaurant is a perfect place to spend an entire evening. We feature fresh seafood and hearty soup specials every day. With our high-vaulted ceilings and elegant, lighting Ti Piacera is a great place for a romantic evening for two, or a Birthday party for 20.
We also serve lunch seven days a week, and brunch on the weekends, so come and join us for a business meeting or a weekend get together. So, come to where the locals go, you won't regret it.

Top review
dan
Dined on Jan 5, 2025
Yummy Cocktails, family friendly, dinner was great. I had the gnocchi and carpaccio appetizer.
A photo of Wild Rose Eatery and Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (197)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Campbell
About the restaurant
The perfect place for your next event, a night out with friends or date night. Culinary Excellence and Sophisticated Craft Cocktails. Fun Nightlife and Late Night Food.

Top review
Stephanie
Dined 7 days ago
It was the most amazing experience. It exceeded my expectations tremendously. Thank you for making this day so special and making my Babygirl’s birthday so memorable.
A photo of Roses on Adeline restaurant
4.8
4.8 (51)
$30 and under
Californian
Berkeley
About the restaurant
All guests must be 21+
Where love for Food, Art & Community thrives.

Seasonally driven bar food & cocktails with an emphasis on quality and freshness, beer, wine & great vibes too!

Our menu features comforts & classics with a sprinkle of innovation and creativity.
Fresh, seasonal, local California fusion.

Top review
David
Dined 1 day ago
Great ambiance for a romantic dinner. Food was delicious and the drinks are creative and fun
A photo of Fusion Dumpling restaurant
4.8
4.8 (37)
$30 and under
Asian
Chinatown
About the restaurant
A NEW TAKE ON TRADITIONAL DUMPLINGS

Nestled in the heart of Chinatown in San Francisco, Fusion Dumpling is a Shanghai Dumpling House with a menu fusing Szechuan, Shanghai, and Northern delicacies.

Our take on a traditional dumpling combines Chongqing-Szechuan Bun style Xiao Long Bao, Shanghai soup dumpling pan-fried buns, and Northern-style dumplings to create a “Flavored in one” dumpling unlike any other.

Chef Du and his team, known best for savory soup dumplings, presents a menu for both the adventure seeker and traditional Chinese food lover alike. From mini hot pots, noodles and rice, and private home cuisines, to classic dishes and of course dumplings – the new menu is exploding with flavor.

Each dish is made to order.
Seating is limited. Peak times can lead to wait times.

Reservations are recommended.

Top review
bob
Dined on Feb 7, 2025
This was our first time at Fusion Dumpling. It did not disappoint. Food was delicious. We ordered crab noodles, eggplant, and a array of dumplings and potstickers. The waygu & truffle dumpling my wife’s favorite dumpling. I loved the eggplant dish served hot pot style and the walnut shrimp and experience onto itself. Both delicious. Two last comments. Serving dishes are elegant and add to this great dining experience. And their noodle dish is a must. We look forward to another dinner and will bring friends.
A photo of The Club On Post restaurant
4.8
4.8 (37)
$30 and under
Californian
San Jose
About the restaurant
Introducing The Club on Post, a culinary gem nestled in the historic district of San Jose. Led by the visionary Chef Antonio, our restaurant embodies the vibrant spirit of downtown, situated amidst iconic landmarks like the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, California Theatre, San Jose Improv and SAP Center. With a prime location near major hotels and Cesar Chavez Plaza, we offer a haven for locals and visitors alike.

At The Club on Post, indulge in our culinary masterpiece, the signature Club Wagyu Burger, a testament to Chef Antonio's culinary prowess. Pair it with our renowned espresso martini, hailed as the best in San Jose, for an unforgettable dining experience.

Step into our laid-back yet chic atmosphere, adorned with welcoming Roman plaster walls, where every visit feels like a journey into culinary excellence and relaxation. Experience the essence of San Jose's dining scene at The Club on Post.

Top review
elisaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
What a great dining experience! Charming interior with a cozy & cool vibe. Our cocktails were delicious! And our dinner was even better. We will be back
A photo of Wilfred's Lounge restaurant
4.7
4.7 (429)
$31 to $50
Hawaiian
Napa
About the restaurant
With a shake and a sizzle, we’ve brought tiki to downtown Napa. We’re making waves on the Napa River as Napa Valley’s first & only tiki bar. Take in the views from our river-front upper deck as you enjoy a cocktail, meet your 'ohana at our intimate bar, or or enjoy full-service dining on our patio or in our dining room.

Wilfred’s Lounge serves up tradition with a twist on island-inspired cocktails and cuisine. Whether you’re looking for Napa's best Mai Tai, rum, or something in between, we have a full bar and kitchen to serve your every whim. Experience a little aloha and escape to our corner of the world.

Top review
Richard
Dined on Jan 27, 2025
Our first time to this restaurant, was fantastic and definitely will be back.
A photo of Alter Ego Cocktail Club restaurant
4.7
4.7 (72)
$50 and over
Lounge
San Jose
About the restaurant
A dimly lit mysterious cocktail lounge tucked behind the curtain of the vinyl bar, Still O.G., boasting a diverse array of delicious and methodically prepared small plates in addition to wildly imaginative and carefully crafted cocktails.

Small plate offerings include dishes such as steak tartare with puffed rice served in a perilla leaf, Spanish octopus al pastor that is confit then fried and served alongside caramelized pineapple puree and pineapple salsa, and the namesake Alter Ego egg.

The diverse cocktail menu features 16 signature cocktails such as the Kyushu Coffee, a blend of Shochu, black coffee and kuromitsu topped with a black sesame foam or the Buster and Babs; a Rum and Brandy based milk punch inspired by the flavors of carrot cake served in a decanter with glassware for 2.

A seated experience with tableside service in an intimate space, reservations and walk-ins both accepted, although reservations are highly recommended.

ID required (21+ & up only)

Top review
Juan Carlos
Dined on Jan 25, 2025
Easily best cocktail club/lounge in Down town San Jose!
A photo of Speisekammer restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1646)
$30 and under
German
Alameda
About the restaurant
Traditional German cuisine- Pickup-take out & delivery through UberEats, Postmates & Grubhub- Limited outdoor dining.
Top review
Todd
Dined on Feb 3, 2025
Our server was Uriel; he took care of us wonderfully. The Reibekuchen and Fried Brussels Sprouts were outstanding as was the Leek and Mushroom Soup. The Salmon and Chicken Schnitzel were done perfectly. For dessert we had Strudel and Cheese Cake.
A photo of Per Diem - Financial District restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1037)
$30 and under
Californian
Financial District / Embarcadero
About the restaurant
Per Diem brings the unique style and ambiance of San Francisco to an upscale venue in the heart of the City. The internationally acclaimed Michelin Guide lists Per Diem as part of an elite group of Bay Area restaurants that received a Recommend rating.

We are inspired by the vibrant, fresh produce of Northern California. Per Diem’s offerings of rich flavors and 20th century décor will entice patrons looking for social meeting quarters or a savored dining experience.

Top review
Jane S.K.VIP
Dined 1 day ago
Friendly service, tasty food and a great atmosphere.
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