Before settling into its permanent home a few blocks from the San Francisco Bay, chef Francis Ang gained an ardent following for his refined Filipino dishes at pop-ups around town. Now, you can grab a table in the greenery-filled dining room inside the Kimpton Alton Hotel for chicken adobo skewers, trout belly toast, poached egg-topped sisig fried rice, and desserts like banana donuts with condensed milk ice cream. Pro tip: ask about the secret menu with a select offering of adventurous dishes.

Set under the soaring glass dome of the architecturally striking 1909 Palace Hotel, The Garden Court is among the most beautiful hotel restaurants in the world. Glimmering with ornate details, marble columns, and massive crystal chandeliers, the show-stopping room offers a lavish setting for sourdough French toast and mimosa-filled brunches and sophisticated evening cocktails. Don’t miss Saturday’s afternoon tea service with exquisite pastries and tea cakes, a tradition since 1910.

The Cavalier redefines expectations for British fare with contemporary dishes inspired by our pals across the pond. In a playfully posh setting—think taxidermy, tufted booths, and prints of red-coated equestrians—you’ll enjoy fish & chips with minted peas, herb-crusted lamb ribs, and bacon-adorned deviled eggs. Drinks follow suit with a proper Pimm’s Cup and Earl Grey-infused vesper. On weekend evenings, duck into the restaurant’s clandestine cocktail lounge.

Reservations are a must at Charmaine’s Rooftop Lounge, a swanky rooftop retreat set atop the uber-stylish Proper Hotel, fashioned by celeb-designer Kelly Wearstler. The vibe is akin to a lively cocktail party with vibrant, mint-garnished drinks and shareable Californian-inspired dishes like smoked trout dip, pork belly bossam wraps, and ahi poke with sesame rice crackers. Sit in the indoor salon with floor-to-ceiling windows or on the outdoor garden terrace ablaze with warming fire pits.

With a parade of cable cars rolling by, the stately Beacon Grand Hotel offers a quintessential San Francisco experience in the heart of Union Square. Overlooking the structure’s grand lobby, the hotel’s all-day restaurant The Post Room features a cozy fireplace and wood-paneled walls. Settle in for a Mediterranean-inspired menu with dishes like ancho chili octopus, a whole roasted branzino, and signature housemade dinner rolls with honey butter. Weekends feature live music around a grand piano.

In a serene dining room within the fashionable The Jay Hotel, Prelude brings Southern fare to a fine dining setting that feels as effortless as it is gratifying. Start with the exceptional “dirty rice”-stuffed chicken wings before moving on to the smoked catfish dumplings and a duroc pork chop. Order a side of creamy hominy grits for the table—your fellow diners will thank you. Bonus points for the attentive waitstaff who embody the grace of both Southern hospitality and fine dining service.

When searching for restaurants near the Fairmont Hotel, look no further than the wondrous Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, one of the world’s greatest tiki restaurants and a San Francisco must. Against a backdrop of tropical-worthy interiors—tikis, thatched huts, and a centerpiece, indoor pool with simulated thunderstorms—its potent grogs, Asian-inspired appetizers, and nightly band have fueled many a festive night. Skip the line with an advance reservation.

Get nearly 360-degree views from this observation deck-like lounge on the top floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins in Nob Hill. At the Top of the Mark, the unparalleled, panoramic views of the city and San Francisco Bay are complemented by a menu of classic cocktails, wines, and draft beers. Savory contemporary American dishes include creative flatbreads, short rib sliders, and a charcuterie board with local meats and cheeses.

With an attractive French brasserie setting and a chef with MICHELIN cred, Le Parc Bistrobar is a luxe retreat at the edge of the Financial District. Chef Bruno Chemel dishes up exemplary French classics such as steak frites, salmon tartare, and a red wine-braised oxtail. The lengthy list of champagne and French wines is a given. The cozy, dual-level restaurant is a charmer and is an obvious choice for a first—or fiftieth—date night spot.

Set in the heart of San Francisco’s theater district near The Curran and Toni Rembe Theater, Tratto serves up crowd-pleasing Italian fare in a bustling, light-filled space. Here, you’ll find a hearty minestrone, homemade gnocchi in a white wine sauce, and thin-crust pizzas including a homemade sausage and hot honey. Pop in before the show for a weekday happy hour with discounted drinks like a Campari margarita and an old fashioned.