2024 Best Classic Restaurants in San Francisco/Bay Area

Iconic Restaurants
in San Francisco/Bay Area

The dining scene is full of restaurants attempting to cash in on the latest culinary trends, and often closing just as quickly as they open. But many landmark restaurants are steeped in history and have served meals to our parents (or even grandparents). They might range from classic lunch counters to white-tablecloth establishments.

Enjoy a meal at GAYOT's Top Old-Timer Restaurants in San Francisco/Bay Area, some of which are still trendy and à la mode after all these years. These selections are presented in alphabetical order.

> Find Classic Restaurants in other cities.
 
House of Prime Rib
14/20
Prime rib central, with cuts to accommodate all appetites complemented by traditional trimmings. See More

Book a Table

View Restaurant
John's Grill
11/20
Union Square restaurant best known as author Dashiell Hammett’s favorite dining room. See More

Book a Table

View Restaurant
Original Joe's
13/20
Classic, colorful Italian restaurant that woos the city's politicos, business big-wigs and socialites to its red vinyl booths. See More

Book a Table

View Restaurant
Sam's Grill
12/20
Established in 1867, Sam's Grill is a monument to the days of leisurely three-martini lunches. See More

Book a Table

View Restaurant
Swan Oyster Depot
13/20
Visit this San Francisco landmark for simple seafood done right. See More
View Restaurant
Tadich Grill
13/20
Loved by locals and tourists, Tadich has been serving simple seafood to packed houses since 1849. See More
View Restaurant
13/20
This family-owned North Beach tradition pulls fabulous pizzas and calzones from the well-used wood-fired oven. See More
View Restaurant
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
12/20
Entering the Tonga Room is like stepping into a happy-hour version of Disneyland's "The Pirates of the Caribbean." See More

Book a Table

View Restaurant
Top of the Mark
13/20
Striking 360-degree panoramas are only part of the story at this classic, romantic top-floor retreat. See More
View Restaurant

Son restaurant bordeaux
DINING IN BORDEAUX | GAYOT.com

A chef with a grand future. Read the article.