According to Sf.eater.com, whether you're entertaining out-of-town guests, planning a romantic evening, or simply want to soak in the beauty of San Francisco while enjoying great food, this list is for you. From Pacific Ocean sunsets to skyline rooftop cocktails, here are 17 of the best restaurants in San Francisco where the views are just as memorable as the meals.
1. Seal Rock Inn Restaurant – Lands End Serenity
Back with a fresh menu and unbeatable views, the newly reopened Seal Rock Inn serves up Pacific panoramas alongside cozy plates like mushroom tartines and Cuban sandwiches. A tranquil escape at the edge of the city.
📍 545 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco
2. Andytown Coffee Roasters – Ocean Beach Vibes
Right across from the sand at Ocean Beach, this sleek café is perfect for sipping espresso while watching the waves roll in. Inside, you'll find local art, surfboards, and plenty of natural light.
📍 800 Great Highway, San Francisco
3. Equator Coffees at Round House Café – Golden Gate Icon
Set in an Art Deco building right beside the Golden Gate Bridge, this coffee shop serves artisan brews and pastries with a side of postcard-perfect views.
📍 Golden Gate Bridge Plaza, San Francisco
4. Il Parco – Presidio Picnic Perfection
Il Parco is less a formal restaurant and more a scenic, open-air food experience within the Presidio Tunnel Tops park. Grab a focaccia pizza and enjoy it among panoramic park views and see-through seating areas.
📍 215 Lincoln Blvd, San Francisco
5. Greens Restaurant – Vegetarian with a View
A landmark for vegetarian cuisine since 1979, Greens offers floor-to-ceiling views of the bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin headlands—plus a refined, seasonal menu.
📍 2 Marina Blvd, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
6. Broad Street Oyster Company – Bay Breezes at Ghirardelli Square
Known for lobster rolls and caviar-topped seafood, this newcomer is perched above Ghirardelli Square and delivers sweeping views of the bay with every bite.
📍 900 North Point St, San Francisco
7. Scoma’s – Wharf-Side Classic
This Fisherman’s Wharf favorite has been serving freshly caught seafood since 1965. Sit right on the water and enjoy classics like cioppino or oysters while watching the boats float by.
📍 1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco
9. The Cheesecake Factory – Union Square Skyline
Sure, it’s a chain—but the rooftop seating at this Union Square staple is a hidden gem, offering surprisingly stunning views of downtown. Perfect for a sweet treat and cityscape sunset.
📍 251 Geary St, San Francisco
10. Starlite – 360-Degree Downtown Views
Located high above Union Square, Starlite is a rooftop bar and restaurant offering panoramic views, inventive cocktails, and a buzz-worthy food menu. Come for the skyline, stay for the vibe.
📍 450 Powell St, San Francisco
11. Empress by Boon – Elevated Cantonese Elegance
Set in a former Chinatown banquet hall, this modern Chinese restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with views stretching across North Beach and the Financial District.
📍 838 Grant Ave, San Francisco
12. Golden Sardine – Literary Vibes in North Beach
A charming wine bar on Columbus Avenue, this cozy upstairs spot offers an ideal perch for watching the vibrant neighborhood life of North Beach unfold below.
📍 362 Columbus Ave, San Francisco
13. Mission Rock Resort – Waterfront Seafood Escape
With two levels of outdoor seating, this Mission Bay gem is all about fresh oysters, weekend brunch, and breezy waterfront ambiance.
📍 817 Terry A. François Blvd, San Francisco
14. Cavaña – Rooftop Cocktails with a Ballpark Bonus
This Latin American-inspired rooftop bar near Mission Bay gives you an unexpected view: the outfield of Oracle Park. Cocktails, arepas, and sunset baseball glances? Yes, please.
📍 100 Channel St, 17th Floor, San Francisco
15. Kaiyo Rooftop – SoMa’s Chic Sky Lounge
Offering Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes and pisco cocktails, Kaiyo Rooftop provides jaw-dropping views of downtown and the Bay Bridge, making it a standout spot for brunch or date night.
📍 701 3rd St, San Francisco
16. Red’s Java House – Burger Joint with Bridge Views
No-frills and full of charm, Red’s is a waterfront dive that’s perfect for burgers, beer, and unbeatable views of the Bay Bridge.
📍 Pier 30, San Francisco
17. Mersea – Treasure Island Hidden Gem
Set in a repurposed shipping container on Treasure Island, Mersea gives you sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline and hearty comfort food—without the city crowds.
📍 699 Avenue of the Palms, Treasure Island
Source: Sf.eater.com
