Food with a View

San Francisco Restaurant Reviews

Cliff House Restaurant - Incredible ocean-front views in a historic setting.  One of the best ways to combine a great meal or snack with a beach walk and history.  Highly recommended.

Moss Beach Distillery - Half Moon Bay

Waterfront

San Francisco's Best Views

Greens

SF's best vegetarian restaurant and located in a restored army base with a beautiful waterfront view. Very expensive at around $50 per person, but vegetarian so good, a wolf would love it! Located near Marina Green at Fort Mason's Building A 771-6222. Our Rating=A

The Caprice Restaurant - Tiburon

Donna writes, "I was looking for a restaurant with superb views of the Golden Gate Bridge to dine at on our last night in the City. . .the ideal location would have been Green's, but we wanted steak/seafood and they are strictly vegetarian.   I looked EVERYWHERE for recommendations, but very few places have a clear unobstructed view of the bridge.  After what must have been 40 hours of research, I stumbled upon a review for the Caprice and decided to take a chance--and I am fortunate to have found it.

It is pricey--about $50 per person--but has a MUCH better atmosphere than the tourist traps down on the wharf.  Instead of a noisy din, it was elegant and had nice jazz music.  The food---OH MY GOD--was superb.  We had an outstanding shellfish sampler with crab legs, mussels, scallops and prawns for $13.  The filet mignon was top-shelf, with fresh baby veggies and
whipped chive potatoes.  We initially felt somewhat underdressed (had dressed comfortably for our upcoming flight home)--however, our waitress reassured us that the dress code runs the gamut--clearly, they recognize their clientele is not all local.   Free valet parking was an added bonus, and for those without a car rental, the ferry runs to Tiburon.  This restaurant would delight everyone including the most serious of foodies.  I highly recommend it."

Bank of America Building's Carnelian Room Restaurant

555 California Street / (415) 433-7500

The Carnelian Room ($$$$) in the Bank of America building at Montgomery and California offers great views. Unfortunately, they also offer very snooty service and eye-popping food prices. A drink there will run you about $8, and an appetizer about $13. You can sit and sip an afternoon glass of wine while admiring the view. The restaurant has the feel of an elite enclave at the top of a 52 story building.  During the day, most of the restaurant is a members-only club.  In the evening, The Carnelian Room is a high-end restaurant with awesome views.  There is a narrow bar area paneled in wood with lush music.  This bar was used as a setting in the movie "Dirty Harry" with Clint Eastwood.  The Carnelian Rooom is the highest public viewpoint in San Francisco.  The best view is where two picture windows allow you to view Treasure Island, Alcatraz, and many skyscrapers.  You will feel yourself looming over the landmark Transamerica pyramid.  The elegant and quiet atmosphere is the best fit for couples versus small groups. 

Cityscape Bar and Restaurant

333 O'Farrell St / (415) 923-5002

San Francisco's Hilton Hotel offers great views from the 46th floor of the hotel.  With 14 foot floor-to-ceiling windows wrapping the room, the views are incredible.  This is a great late-night spot and also often offers a champagne and jazz brunch on Sunday's. 

View Lounge

55 Fourth Street / (415) 896-1600

The View Lounge at the San Francisco Marriott hotel is a popular after-work stop for San Francisco locals planning their evenings on the town.  The lounge features a bank of industrial wraparound windows that reveal expansive vistas.  Music is typically mellow jazz over quiet conversations.  Sunsets are amazing as the light disappears and the city lights come into view. 

Top of the Mark

1 Nob Hill / (415) 616-6916

The Top of the Mark at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel is a classic San Francisco landmark atop the 19th floor of the hotel.  The bar has been open since 1939, after it was converted from a penthouse hotel room.  Soldiers on the way to World War II often used this as a taking off point for their journey across the ocean.  The Top of the Mark features over 100 delicious martinis in a swanky atmosphere.  The music is often l ive with a horn-intensive jazz band playing next to intricate chandeliers.  The views are 360 degrees and stunning -- don't miss this one!

Harry Denton's Starlight Room

450 Powell Street / (415) 395-8595

The modern decor of Harry Denton's Starlight Room - including beautiful chandeliers  - brings patrons to a cool experience.  The bar is located atop the Sir Francis Drake Hotel with a hot dance floor that features vistas of San Francisco.  Harry Denton is a San Francisco party favorite - and his dance-party bar does not disappoint.