Great Hotel Restaurants in San Francisco

By Aaron Danzig

Don't just stay here; eat here! Some of San Francisco's hotels are home to exceptional restaurants.

You're headed to San Francisco for its iconic views and signature swagger. The rumors suggest there's nothing like an epic helicopter tour over the bay followed by drinks in Central Market...and the rumors are true. Of course, you need to stay fueled up for your adventures in the City by the Bay, and your next good meal may be closer than you think. Thanks to an influx of culinary talent in the city, hotel restaurants are getting their hands on some of the best epicurean innovators around. Here are some hotels that take dining way beyond fresh sourdough bread and Joe's Special.

The Cavalier

360 Jessie St.

Calling all Anglophiles: The Cavalier in Hotel Zetta is bringing upscale English pub fare to San Francisco. Recycled cathedral lights and polished marble floors create an atmosphere fit for a queen, while the menu will satiate the hunger of even the most discerning diner. Begin your culinary odyssey with oysters and crispy brussells sprout chips, and move on to a mind-blowing take on classic fish and chips.

Chambers

601 Eddy St.

The sign behind the bar at this Phoenix Hotel restaurant says "Be Amazing," and it appears the venue has taken its own advice to heart. The dark decor adds of Chambers a mysterious vibe to the dining room, while packed bookshelves and artistic lighting can make you feel at home. Spend your romantic evening enjoying the chef's tasting menu, or sink your teeth into a New York strip steak or house burger topped with aioli and manchego.

Dirty Habit

12 Fourth St.

When you're looking to knock the socks off your date, Dirty Habit in Hotel Zelos is the place to be. Its rooftop location gives it an advantage over most San Francisco restaurants with fresh air and views to kick your meal off right. Considering the soothing combination of glamorous decor and comforting fire pits, you might just stay at the restaurant and bar until the last call. In the meantime, nosh on Chef Justin Koenig's international fare, including ricotta dumplings and foie gras torchon.

La Société Bar & Café

50 3rd Street

The newly renovated Hyatt Regency SF SOMA showcases La Société Bar & Café, a contemporary French brasserie inspired by bountiful California produce. Explore their classic French dishes, served in a chic and comfortable space. Don't forget to try their overwhelming selection of French and California wines or their eclectic cocktail selection showcasing French spirits. Stop by for breakfast, happy hour, or try their impressive dinner menu.

Lobby Bar

4230 18th St.

Located on the ground floor of the Hotel Castro, Lobby Bar has quickly become a beloved spot among locals and visitors searching for a cozy place for cocktails and tasty bites. With its retro-chic ambiance, the bar serves cocktails ranging from creative twists on classics to more unusual concoctions. But don't let the name fool you; Lobby Bar has a full menu featuring delectable options like broccoli rabe flatbreads, chicken karaage, and even their unique "caviar and chips."

Luce

888 Howard St.

Luce serves American cuisine, but we're not talking street cart hot dogs. On the contrary, this restaurant at the InterContinental San Francisco is serving exquisite fare that ranges from king salmon confit to Pacific halibut poached in California olive oil. From the swirl on the marble floors to the creative way the food is plated, Luce makes your dining experience an artistic one.

Kin Khao

55 Cyril Magnin St

This one Michelin star restaurant is in the Parc 55 Hilton in Union Square. Kin Khao is a culinary gem that boasts a menu of bold flavors and authentic regional dishes crafted with the finest locally-sourced ingredients. From the comforting and aromatic five-spice duck noodle soup to the velvety smooth Khun Yai's rabbit green curry, every dish exemplifies the chef's dedication to bringing flavorful and authentic Thai cuisine to America. Open for both lunch and dinner, be sure to make a reservation as this place is popular for both visitors and locals.

MKT

757 Market St.

Stationed in the Four Seasons, MKT takes its farm-to-table mission seriously; but it's not just the fresh eats that will have you coming back for more. The restaurant also boasts killer views of San Francisco from its fifth-floor location, as well as some seriously genius craft cocktails. Even drink ingredients are sourced from the region, so you're getting a truly local experience. Grab a table and delight in devouring royal sweet scallops or grilled swordfish.

OneUp

345 Stockton St.

Natural lighting and sleek decor set the stage for your wonderful meal at OneUp, located in the Grand Hyatt. An upscale American bistro with a decidedly NorCal flavor, the menu here is curated by chef Kevin Villalovos. Using fresh ingredients and hearth ovens, the creative concoctions served include stout-braised short ribs, pan-roasted teriyaki salmon, and classic cioppino. Thursday through Sunday, you can enjoy the live music of local artists while you dine.

Parallel 37

600 Stockton St.

Situated in the Ritz-Carlton and headed by Chef Michael Rotondo, Parallel 37 has a menu focused on locally-sourced ingredients and market-fresh goodness. The perfect place for a sophisticated night out, the restaurant's commitment to keeping things natural is also translated to the decor. Chic slate floors and exposed wood beams combine to create a trendy ambiance. The dinner menu has items such as herb-crusted rack of lamb, organic roasted chicken, and seared octopus.

The Post Room

450 Powell St

The Post Room inside the Beacon Grand is a lounge, bar, and all-day dining destination that exudes a Gilded Age opulence. This restaurant brings to life the flavors of the western Mediterranean with the help of locally sourced, farm-fresh produce. The menu features al dente pasta, sun-ripened fruit, and wild-caught seafood, using the best ingredients from California. An array of craft cocktails and a dedicated spritz collection are also available. Whether you're looking for a sit-down meal, a light aperitif, or an evening cocktail with your friends, The Post Room will be your new favorite hangout in Union Square.

The Third Floor

433 Clay St

The Third Floor, a modern interpretation of the classic hotel lobby restaurant and bar, just opened at the new hotel, The Jay, Autograph Collection. Step into an upscale, light-filled environment with a comfortable lounge serving meals all day. Unwind on the outdoor terrace, complete with fire pits and panoramic views of the iconic San Francisco skyline.

Aaron Danzig

Aaron is the Manager of Digital & Social Media Marketing at San Francisco Travel. He has lived in San Francisco for over 9 years and has worked in Travel & Tourism for over 7 of those. He is usually exploring the Bay Area hunting for that new and unique experience and good food too!