50 Best American Restaurants in San Francisco

“We had dinner there and the food was delicious…. The fried quail was the star. The starters were excellent. Very recommended restaurant“

“We walked in on NYE without a reservation and they graciously found us a spot in the bar area. Service was on point and staff were festively dressed! I love a crafty cocktail but most are too sweet. I had the Smokey mezcal cocktail 🍹. Perfection. Appetizers were delish as well. Perfect way to start our NYE celebrations.“

“Great food and ambience here!“

“It was our first time and we were definitely pleased. Everything was delicious!“

“Great breakfast and fast service Thank you ♥️♥️“

“My friend, Mike, who lives nearby with his wife, raved about it so much that my BF and I decided to come after a short trip to Marin. It was everything that he described and more. It was fantastic! Excellent food and atmosphere. Will definitely add to my list of favorites and will recommend to my Palo Alto friends!“

“Affordable price, great taste“

“just lovely! vegan friendly but the fried chicken was tops!“

“Holy moly, this place was great! The food is tasty & beautifully served. The service was great & Hannah made terrific suggestions. Really well done!“

“The food in this restaurant is delicious, I hope you have time to try it.“

“Amazing dining experience. Worth the price“

“A great way to experience a four course meal at an affordable price, with delicious food. We will definitely be back.“

“味道很不错值得尝试一下！😁😁😁“

“I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. I am a business owner a few doors down and I wandered in with a friend after work one night about a month ago. We were met with such incredible warmth from the staff and the environment itself, even without a reservation. We sat at the bar and were greeted by Josh, only to find out later that he is the owner. He made excellent recommendations on everything from our drinks to dessert. The bar didn’t feel isolated from the rest of the restaurant and guests, but rather was lively hub frequented by kitchen and serving staff and warmed by a smoldering wood fire. The coziest. We swooned for the poke appetizer, complete with house-made toasted, but not crisp, blue corn tortillas. The pork shoulder tacos—also to die for. I have to say though, that the star on the sidelines was the beans. I honestly didn’t know I could feel this way about beans…but I digress. Josh bounced around from table to table all night, never letting a single ball drop, making every guest feel like *his* guest. A pot de crème sealed the evening in perfect bliss. I’m back a month later with the same friend, eating different and somehow even more incredible entrees: ribeye, halibut and a rhubarb crisp for dessert. I scarcely ever take the time to write a review as I prefer to vote with my $ and my feet, but I simply couldn’t eat here again without taking the time to sing it’s praises. Eat here.“

“Really nice place. Highly recommended“

“Just had a delicious burger here and am very appreciative of Gloria’s service. She took such good care of me while dining here, and I really appreciated her warm and thoughtful service. Burger was delicious, cooked correctly, and very quick to come out. Would come back.“

“First time at this restaurant- we have been to RH Rooftop Marin before. We had a reservation for 2 people and showed up a few min early. The hostess who helped us (there were 2 other hosts walking back and forth) was neutral, not warm or friendly. She asked us to wait in the waiting area for our table (empty except for a couple having drinks there from the bar). We waited for about 10 min, and noticed a party of 2 walked up and were seated right away. When another party of 2 did the same, my husband went up to ask how long our wait would be, and she said she could seat us. She brought us to a table immediately behind the hostess podium (which had been empty since we got there). I asked if there was another table available (I wanted to feel more like I was inside the restaurant) and her body language clearly showed that she was annoyed- shoulders slumped, sighed - and she brought us to another table. The restaurant was much louder than I expected, which made it seem less elegant than the photos showed when I booked. Our waiter was professional and nice, and we appreciated that. The food was mostly excellent- especially the Hamachi caviar carpaccio- amazing! My husband's Chilean sea bass was overcooked and rubbery. The Delice de Bourgogne board was fantastic (we've had this in the Marin restaurant). I don't know that I would come here again for a special dinner- I might come just for a casual meal. I did feel overdressed, as I tried following the dress code, but saw people in tennis shoes and athleisure clothes. There were a few people dressed up (large table for a birthday, etc) but if we go there again, I will definitely dress down. Overall, the food and service at our table were great, but the ambiance and service at the host stand were not. I really wanted to love this restaurant, but in my experience it did not live up to the beautiful photos online.“

“Amazing food and service. Love this place!“

“Dear the Perry’s Crew at SFO,

I am writing this from the bottom of my heart to thank you for your incredible assistance during my medical emergency at your restaurant last week.

In a moment that was incredibly frightening for me, your team’s fast response and professionalism quite literally saved my life. I truly believe that without your quick thinking, I wouldn't be here today to write this note.

I also want to extend a special thank you to the Manager on duty. Taking the time to speak with my wife on the phone and provide her with updates while the medical team assisted me meant the world to her during a very difficult hour.

You are all heroes in my book. And for what it's worth—from what I remember before things went sideways—the food was fantastic and highly recommended!

With deepest gratitude,

Jorge Rosales“

“What an amazing culinary experience! We had a three course meal. The waiter was very helpful, friendly and had great recommendations! I highly recommend this place if you're in San Francisco!“

“Get there early if you want a seat. Their Whiskey Sour is absolutely perfect And they have actual food if you like that kind of stuff🍸🍹“

“Absolutely delicious. The staff was awesome. Consuelo couldn't have been more friendly! Great experience. Highly recommend 😋😋“

“This place should have a line out the door every day. Incredible value. Excellent service. Delicious food. Warm and friendly staff. They greeted all their regulars by name like old friends. I can't wait to become a regular myself. I can't recommend enough. Coming back as often as I can.“

“Last Saturday we ordered a lot of food from the melt. The whole crew was working overtime and we all ordered multiple items and the crew absolutely killed it. Lady working the cashier was absolutely amazing. Sweetest lady ever. The cooks were amazing and they have a very good crew working. The only names I received were Mar, Janeka, Dom and Tone but everyone was incredible and we definitely will be back.“

“Another brilliant visit to Sorrel and Alex Hong continues to reign as my current favorite Chef! 🤘🏼If you haven’t been to Sorrel, go. Total genius.“

“Leurs salades Le service Le PATIO a l’arrière 👍👍“

“If you make a reservation then you will be hosted in the dining area with fixed menu.
If you walk in, you can sit in the lounge and bar area which is a first come first serve basis. They also have some tables in this area.
Staff were super friendly and guided us with the menu.
My favorite dish was the famous burger which is only available in the lounge area.“

“Excellent place! Everything we tried was outstanding.
Amy was exceptional — a true professional, warm and welcoming, and she made us feel right at home.
We enjoyed the gnocchi, the green salad, the black cod, and the soup of the day, and every dish was wonderful.
The wine list is also excellent. We will definitely be back!“

“A great burger. From my first year in the bay area there was something special about Nation's Giant Burgers, scattered around the East Bay. A juicy patty, cheese, with the fixings a nice clump of lettuce, onions and tomato, thick slab of cheese and pickles. Great thick fries, and pies.. seriously the best pie I ever had was at a Nation's. Their Strawberry Tart only offered when in season, is just large strawberries, a tasty almost shortbread crust and whipped cream. The one I had in 2001, days after 9/11, the strawberries were bursting with juice, almost like a jam, the skin barely holding, and. not too sweet, not too tart... In Plant City, Florida they have amazing strawberries.. previously the best I had ever tasted, but these, from a California Farm is what they said, are always going to be the best. �Other than their Strawberry Tart, I like their Banana Split, Banana Cream, Chocolate Cream, Pecan, Blueberry... well.. all of them. Never a bad choice. How I like my burger. Cheese, no dressing, grilled onions, light lettuce. Then I get hash browns and ham on the side (sometimes one egg also) and add them to the burger. Anyway. yes. 👍 more, again.“

“Great entertainment and hosts!!!“

“I love the afternoon tea service here! The setting, food and service are all wonderful. Some hotel afternoon tea services in the city are overpriced for the quality but this restaurant offer the perfectly balanced service. I recommend you try the tea called “Nuit à Versailles.” I live 6 blocks away from this restaurant and I will be back soon again.“

“Good food, excellent service“

“Holy Schnike!!! The food is incredibly delicious, the non-seafood versions I am getting are the most amazing tastes. The Wines paired with the dishes are inspired and spot on.“

“Fab bar with a great range of booze and really friendly and helpful staff. Took the time to discuss UK vs USA measures and jiggers with me - fascinating!“

“The food was great, the service was amazing and staff very kind! Clean restrooms are a plus too! Thank you for the great food and great service!“

“The burger was really good. Got the HWC burger with waffle fries, the burger was really flavorful and juicy. Taste wise I had zero complaints.

Overall the meal was sort ok for the price in SF I guess. The burger itself was almost the size of a whopper jr but with more meat. The quality of the burger is great but the size is a bit disappointing. Waffle fries were standard, nothing super amazing nor bad.

If I could just buy 2 burgers for the price of the burger & fries I'd be more than happy. That said, even with the but of criticism I'd go back again no hesitation.“

“First time at this restaurant- we have been to RH Rooftop Marin before. We had a reservation for 2 people and showed up a few min early. The hostess who helped us (there were 2 other hosts walking back and forth) was neutral, not warm or friendly. She asked us to wait in the waiting area for our table (empty except for a couple having drinks there from the bar). We waited for about 10 min, and noticed a party of 2 walked up and were seated right away. When another party of 2 did the same, my husband went up to ask how long our wait would be, and she said she could seat us. She brought us to a table immediately behind the hostess podium (which had been empty since we got there). I asked if there was another table available (I wanted to feel more like I was inside the restaurant) and her body language clearly showed that she was annoyed- shoulders slumped, sighed - and she brought us to another table. The restaurant was much louder than I expected, which made it seem less elegant than the photos showed when I booked. Our waiter was professional and nice, and we appreciated that. The food was mostly excellent- especially the Hamachi caviar carpaccio- amazing! My husband's Chilean sea bass was overcooked and rubbery. The Delice de Bourgogne board was fantastic (we've had this in the Marin restaurant). I don't know that I would come here again for a special dinner- I might come just for a casual meal. I did feel overdressed, as I tried following the dress code, but saw people in tennis shoes and athleisure clothes. There were a few people dressed up (large table for a birthday, etc) but if we go there again, I will definitely dress down. Overall, the food and service at our table were great, but the ambiance and service at the host stand were not. I really wanted to love this restaurant, but in my experience it did not live up to the beautiful photos online.“

“Loved loved the atmosphere and food“

“posole crispy tacos tres leches guacamole chips“

“Eat here once and you’re coming back. Eat here twice and you’re family. Best atmosphere in SF, incredible interesting wine list, service that is knowledgeable AND fun/grounded/ entertaining and the food, my god the food! This place just celebrated 23 years in business, they deserve At least 23 more!!!!“

“I was on vacation in San Francisco & my cousin recommended Kates Kitchen. We had breakfast there & the food was very tasty. I highly recommend stopping by Kate's for a bite to eat if you are in the area.“

“great food and cocktails, bread to die for“

“My favorite food is everything on the menu“

“Good service and good food😋“

“Never disappointed when you go to Heritage… Tonight I tried the New York steak absolutely delicious… Carrot soup absolutely delicious… And of course too and with chocolate chip cookies warm from the oven and coffewith a dollop of Cardamom whipping cream …Yum! Oh and great Manhattans with Basil Hayden bourbon 🥂🎄🙏🏼❤️😘“

“Small intimate spot. Very friendly staff fast service and ordering wasn't an issue an as soon as you place your order it goes in so foods coming out very very timely manner! S/O to ochoCinco we came because of his mention on nightcap! Great recommendation it was very very good! The gentleman with the Dreeds lightskin brother was fantastic a the Spanish server as well everyone solid! I'll be back!“

“Excellent dining experience. Food and service were superb!“

“If you are near the ballpark before 2 PM stop in for a great breakfast or brunch. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros and the dish just popped with flavor. The Salsa was excellent as was the Pico and the ham I substituted for the pork chorizo. My wife had a scramble with hash browns, which I can testify were awesome as were the eggs. It's been awhile since we had been there but it won't be long before we go back. Excellent breakfast spot.“

“Good drinks, great atmosphere, best food!!“

“What a great place, and why I have discovered it only now. John is the most gracious host who made us feel extremely welcome and comfortable. The whole place is very cozy. It's like a private dining. We were able to enjoy our food and talk as if we were the only people in the restaurant. The food was also great. I don't really like butternut squash soup, but I loved John's. Halibut was very delicious that melted in your mouth. The other dishes were also great and wonderfully presented. Even the dinner rolls which they bake in the house, were also delicious. I actually begged John, and he gave me some to take home. I think the local patrons should chip in and buy this place a great espresso machine :). That was the only thing missing for me in this dinner.“