25 Must-Eat Restaurants in San Francisco's Union Square

Find a fantastic place to eat in one of San Francisco’s most popular neighborhoods.

Union Square is at the very heart of downtown San Francisco. Home to a number of landmarks, dozens of shops, and hotels at all price points, Union Square is a popular destination for visitors. It is also home to many of the best and most diverse culinary options in all of San Francisco. Here’s your guide to the Union Square food scene.

Akiko’s Sushi Bar

542A Mason Street

(415) 989-8218

Opened in 1998, Akiko’s has been a favorite among San Franciscans and visitors alike. Just a short walk from Union Square, Akiko’s is one of the best sushi spots in the city. The intimate sushi bar serves everything from fresh handrolls to teryaki, and has something for every sushi lover to enjoy. Due to its quaint size, reservations are strongly recommended.

Akiko's Sushi Bar

Bartlett Hall

242 O'Farrell St.

(415) 433-4332

Located right in the heart of Union Square is Bartlett Hall. This venue features delicious food and constant sports entertainment on their numerous televisions. We recommend the Bartlett Burger, a delicious sandwich complete with caramelized onions, garlic chive aioli, and several other delicious ingredients you have to taste to believe. Their lounge area is also filled with overstuffed chairs, where you can hang out while watching the game or waiting for your table.

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Bodega SF

138 Mason Street

(415) 655-9341

Bodega SF, a development of Matthew Ho’s family restaurant Bodega Bistro, serves quality, traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant has extensive lunch and dinner menus, along with a gourmet happy hour menu that is coupled with creative cocktails. If you are looking for a quick take-out spot, Bodega offers both lunch and dinner take-out, which they have an entirely separate menu for!

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Bottle Club Pub

555 Geary Street

(415) 423-2582

With a creative selection of cocktails, wine and draft beer, plus a small but mighty food menu, Bottle Club Pub is a go-to spot to grab a drink in the area. Taking bar food to the next level, the short but sweet menu consists of gourmet smash burgers, fish and chips, wedge salads and more.

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Bouche

603 Bush St.

(415) 956-0396

Above the Stockton Tunnel, you will find Bouche, a small, cozy French bistro and wine bar. The team at Bouche is dedicated to searching out the freshest local ingredients, with a notable selection of French wines to pair with the food. Their prix fixe menu ($55) changes depending on the season. There is a modern yet intimate feel at Bouche that is perfect for both couples or a small group of friends. Sit indoors or outdoors in their heated parklet.

visit bouche

Cafe Bastille

44 Belden Place

(415) 986-5673

Cafe Bastille recently merged with B44 Catalan Bistro to create one inclusive dining experience with double the cuisine options. With a combination of Spanish and French food, this restaurant embraces a quirky style with everything from Spanish style tapas to croque monsieur.

Cafe Bastille

Cesario’s

601 Sutter Street

(415) 441-9898

For some of the best Italian food you can find outside of North Beach, take a trip to Cesario’s, a neighborhood favorite. With a homey atmosphere and adorned with white tablecloths, this is the best spot to get your traditional Italian fix.

cesario's

Del Popolo

855 Bush St.

(415) 589-7940

Del Popolo is one of the more popular pizza places in San Francisco, and many locals stop by to enjoy their unique artisan-style creations like their pineapple pizza and variety of appetizers like dressed cucumber and melon. For those who want a more traditional pizza, they have several to choose from as well.

visit del popolo

E&O Kitchen and Bar

314 Sutter St.

(415) 693-0303

A neighborhood institution that's always reliable, E&O Kitchen and Bar serves Asian dishes with bold flavors. Open for both indoor and outdoor dining, as well as take-out and delivery, E&O offers everything from raw bar selections to dumplings, noodles to satay, and even specialty burgers. With Executive Chef Sharon Nahm in the kitchen and Ace Chon behind the bar, patrons are in excellent hands. Don't miss their happy hour, Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 3 to 6 p.m.

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Jasper’s Corner Tap and Kitchen

401 Taylor Street

(415) 775-7979

Jasper’s Corner Tap and Kitchen prides itself on three things: beer, sports, and local ingredients. This means that not only do they have craft beer from Bay Area breweries and an Anthony Bourdain-endorsed burger, but they also have 12 flat screen TVs for every sports fan to catch up on the games of the day. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and even brunch, this is a good stop all day long.

Visit Jasper's corner tap and kitchen

John's Grill

63 Ellis St.

(415) 986-0069

Do not miss John's Grill for either lunch or dinner, served daily. They have been serving celebrities, visitors, and locals alike since 1908! John's Grill is notable for steaks, seafood, and stiff cocktails. Their signature dish is the Sam Spade's Lamb Chops, named for author Dashiell Hammett's most famous literary creation.

visit John's Grill

Michelin Star

Kin Khao

55 Cyril Magnin St.

(415) 362-7456

Kin Khao is one of the crown jewels of Union Square. This popular Thai restaurant has earned a Michelin star—and if you ask San Franciscans, they'll emphatically tell you that Kin Khao deserves it. While they have a robust list of traditional Thai dishes, chef Pim Techamuanvivit, isn't afraid to experiment. The menu is loaded with innovative fusion dishes, as well.

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Le Central

453 Bush St

(415) 391-2233

Sitting in a one-story brick building between the Financial District and Union Square, Le Central holds the title of San Francisco’s most historic French Bistro. The brasserie atmosphere draws guests in to enjoy traditional French dishes, including escargot bourguignon and steak frites, along with their signature dish, cassoulet, which has a cult-like following.

visit le central

Le Colonial

20 Cosmo Pl.

(415) 931-3600

Le Colonial is the place to go for Southeast Asian fare in Union Square. From the tuna carpaccio to the scallops, everything on this menu is fresh and authentic. Le Colonial is adorned with stunning interior decoration, which brings the garden-like charm to life. If you aren't sure what to order, speak with the server, as they are more than happy to suggest many delicious items for you to try.

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Mastro’s Steakhouse

399 Geary Street

(415) 363-9539

Mastro’s is an upscale steakhouse, perfect for meetings or special occasions. Named one of the top steakhouses in the country, Mastro’s serves a top notch selection of meats and seafood, and boasts an elegant vibe along with a formal dress code. The restaurant is located just a short walk from Union Square, and reservations are highly suggested.

Visit Mastro's Steakhouse

Mensho Tokyo SF

672 Geary Street

For a quick bite that will blow you away, get in line for Mensho Tokyo SF for some of the best ramen in San Francisco. Mensho is small but mighty, which means that lines tend to be long, so we suggest arriving before their 5 p.m. opening. With a variety of ramen dishes and unique sides, Mensho is a must-visit.

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MKT Restaurant and Bar

757 Market St

(415) 633-3838

The MKT Restaurant and Bar is located at San Francisco’s Four Seasons Hotel, serving seafood and steak complete with a 180-degree view of the SoMa district. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a separate menu for quick bar bites to accompany a cocktail. Whether or not you are visiting the Four Seasons, this spot is in an ideal location and and has the perfect rooftop outdoor seating atmosphere.

visit MKT Restaurant and bar

Peacekeeper

925 Bush Street

(415) 504-2502

Peacekeeper is a trendy neighborhood place to grab drinks and bar snacks, and is a short walk from Union Square bordering Nob Hill. Make a reservation to indulge in craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere.

visit peacekeeper

The Rotunda at Nieman Marcus

150 Stockton Street, Level Four

(415) 249-2720

Elevate the perfect shopping day with brunch or lunch atop Union Square’s Neiman Marcus, and make a reservation at the Rotunda. Famous for their popovers and fresh menu items, the Rotunda is a go-to spot for special occasions and outings. With a gorgeous view of the store and the stained glass ceilings, the Rotunda is also a great spot to take a pit stop for a cocktail. Reservations are highly recommended, which you can make on the site.

visit the rotunda

Ryoko’s Japanese Restaurant & Bar

619 Taylor Street

(415) 775-1028

If you are looking for a lively atmosphere with an adventurous menu, Ryoko’s is for you. Located in a downstairs, intimate space and accompanied by a DJ on the weekends, this is not your typical sushi spot. If you want to dive in headfirst, order the Sexy roll, topped with American cheese.

Visit Ryoko's

Sears Fine Food

439 Powell Street

(415) 986-0700

Sears Fine Food is a San Francisco staple, serving American diner classics like burgers and benedicts. Located directly on Powell Street, Sears is just a short walk from Union Square and right on the cable car line. It’s always packed, from breakfast to dinner. Famous for their 18 Swedish Pancakes with jam and butter, this diner is a must-visit.

Visit Sears Fine Food

Shalimar

532 Jones Street

(415) 928-0333

Shalimar is one of the best Indian-Pakistani restaurants in the city, priced at an extremely affordable rate. Famous for their chicken jalfrezi and tikka masala, Shalimar offers both dine-in and takeout.

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Michelin Star

Sons and Daughters

708 Bush Street

(415) 994-7933

Sons and Daughters, is a cozy spot that serves a Nordic-inspired tasting menu using Northern California produce. Head chef Harrison Cheney recently received the prestigious 2023 Michelin Guide to California Young Chef Award, and continues to impress those who visit the restaurant. The tasting menu is upscale at $225 per person, and reservations are highly recommended.

visit sons and daughters

Tratto

501 Geary St.

(415) 292-8151

Tratto is a casual family-style Italian joint. If you're in the mood for a Bloody Mary with your breakfast, or pizza and some Italian soda, try Tratto. They have happy hour Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tratto is a simple restaurant and is great if you're looking to eat quick and move on to the next activity.

Tratto

Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar

450 Post Street

(415) 999-4950

Located in the Kensington Park Hotel, Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar is known for their seafood-centric menu and maximalist art deco interior. In the heart of the city, this European Mediterranean restaurant is an experience in and of itself, topped with quality wine and gourmet dishes of grilled fish and meats. Reservations are strongly recommended.

visit Ula restaurant & tapas bar

This is just a small sampling of the many delicious restaurants in Union Square. We strongly recommend that you walk around the neighborhood and see which restaurant calls out to you. You won't be disappointed.