Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

OpenTable

Updated 05 January 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in San Francisco Bay Area? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Firefly Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (3016)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Noe Valley

About the restaurant

We serve food that, more often than not, accesses that part of our deepest soul where genuine expression can flow forth. We have always tried to give our food and service our best selves, as honest and vulnerable as we can muster. We strive to be a place where you might actually have a real connection; maybe with your server, maybe with your food or maybe with your possibly gracious host who is ACTUALLY glad you’re there.

Oh, you wanted a restaurant description? Sorry. Can’t really help you there. We’re not so big on labels. Our food is hard to nail down as we are constantly evolving and entirely seasonal and personal. We’ve used “Food you eat” as a tag line on occasion and that remains accurate. We could also describe it as “Food we really want you to eat”. When you’re here, tell us what you would call it.

Top review

Laura

Dined 6 days ago

The rehabbed parklet is private and warm, with diner-controlled heaters as well as blankets, and a cheerful atmosphere. We were there on one of the coldest nights of the year and everyone was cosy. I continue to appreciate Firefly's dedication to accessibility in its approach to food and service. Everything was delicious and my guests had a lovely experience.

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Popular dish

Fried Heritage Chicken

Popular dish

Key Lime Pie

Baxters Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (19)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Benicia

About the restaurant

Baxters is a casual fine dining experience located on First Street in the waterside town of Benicia. We are known for our Beef Wellington and succulent Scallops.

Top review

Helen

Dined 6 days ago

Baxters in Benicia service, food, staff were outstanding. The ambiance is very intimate in the speakeasy area as easiest to have a conversation. Excellent for a dinner date. I highly recommend the Beef Wellington on the menu. I have also visited for brunch w family. Baxters is the epitome of excellence in all categories.

Blue Plate

4.9

4.9 (1529)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bernal Heights

About the restaurant

The Blue Plate opened in 1999 as a casual spot where friends and neighbors can enjoy the best ingredients our seasons have to offer. Owners Cory Obenour and Jeff Trenam have created a space that feels like a home, with three distinct dining rooms each appointed with the work of local artists. In the back, a lush, night-fragrant garden offers an exotic retreat from the bustle of the city. The kitchen stays committed to using the highest quality local produce and meats in classic American and rustic Mediterranean dishes. Through a working friendship with Bay Area farmers, the Blue Plate is expanding the notion of "the blue plate special" to include dining that is casual, affordable, delicious and responsible.

Top review

Elysa

Dined on 12 Jan 2025

Consistently great! Delish soup. Always good entrees and happen to be there for good music playing too.

Walter Hansel Wine Bistro

4.9

4.9 (1960)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Santa Rosa

About the restaurant

We are located just 6 minutes from Coddingtown Mall and 10 minutes from Downtown Santa Rosa surrounded by beautiful vineyards with an onsite garden for fresh, farm-to-table vegetables and herbs.

"An impressive new Santa Rosa restaurant that's instantly one of our best"
Jeff Cox, renowned Wine Country food critic.

If you are unable to find the reservation you want, please call us directly at (707) 546-6462. Thank you.

Top review

Melisa

Dined 5 days ago

I sat at the bar since it was only me. Went to celebrate the purchase of my mew home and to enjoy the awesomely delicious lamb risotto. Walter Hansel has become one of my favorite restaurants and now I will only 2.5 miles from it. They have the best staff and the food is just terrific.

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4.8

4.8 (4030)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Woodside

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Woodside, The Village Pub is a culinary gem that has captivated the palates of discerning diners for over two decades. The restaurant's contemporary Californian cuisine, rooted in the culinary traditions of France and the Mediterranean, is a symphony of flavors that celebrates the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Each dish is a testament to the chef's artistry, with every component meticulously crafted to showcase the essence of each ingredient. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that diners can always savor the bounty of the harvest. The Village Pub's partnership with SMIP Ranch, a nearby organic farm, is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and sustainability. The farm's heirloom produce, cultivated with care and harvested exclusively for the restaurant, adds an unparalleled depth of flavor to every dish. The restaurant's ambiance is as inviting as its cuisine. The cozy front lounge and more formal dining area offer a choice of settings, each with its own unique charm. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes The Village Pub the perfect place for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or simply a delightful evening out with friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned gourmand or a curious newcomer, The Village Pub promises an unforgettable culinary experience. Come and

Top review

Bevan

Dined 1 day ago

We had the most most wonderful evening! Thank you!

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4.8

4.8 (2485)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Western Addition

About the restaurant

The Progress is a vehicle for a completely local production. Innovative meals are served with memorable wine & cocktails. The Greatest Dinner Party Ever.

Top review

Emilio

Dined 5 days ago

Outstanding experience; they truly exceeded all expectations!

Blossom and Root Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (155)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Danville

About the restaurant

Featuring plant based ingredients, elevated cooking techniques, a creative beverage list and a colorful ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating. Blossom & Root is the Tri-Valley dining destination for anyone curious about - or naturally inclined towards contemporary vegan fare with an "Eat Local" emphasis. Private dining is available. The pretty space is full of blue patterns and hues, with lots of plants (decorative and possibly edible). Featuring just as creative of a bar program as menu. Joe Steiner has elevated the bar program to match our eclectic menu by Chef Chris Johnson. Together the team puts out beautiful food and beverages not to be missed.

Top review

Deepak

Dined on 1 Jan 2025

It is one of the great vegan place in east bay area. Their meals have a well balanced mixture of veggies, protein and carbs. The quantity was just also perfect for a meal. We got a broccoli soup and tofu bowl. Both were delicious.

Gatehouse Restaurant at The Culinary Institute of America

4.8

4.8 (1132)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

St. Helena

About the restaurant

Join us for a unique dining experience that is unmatched in the Napa Valley. Set on the historic campus of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone, Gatehouse Restaurant showcases the talents of CIA students who have completed two years of rigorous study, under the supervision of our world-class faculty. Enjoy a meal inspired by local produce from the college’s own farms and gardens, and other high-quality ingredients. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Top review

OwenVIP

Dined today

I love the enthusiasm of the students and their passion for food and wine!

Valette

4.8

4.8 (3804)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Healdsburg

About the restaurant

Contemporary American: Portraying what Sonoma County has to offer with refined elegance and simplicity.

We will showcase what the region has to offer by focusing on the amazing network of farmers and artisan producers in the area. The relationships we have formed with our purveyors have given us the opportunity to work with what is available while providing the flexibility of changing our menu weekly.

We are determined to provide warm and personable service by dedicated professionals who love what they do. Every guest will feel as if we were inviting them into our own homes.

The wine program is inspired by the incredible history and diversity of the region that surrounds us. Here you can explore classic varieties made by the pioneers whose dedication has made Northern California one of the most exciting wine growing regions in the world.

Top review

YvetteVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Have been here a couple of times. We don’t live in the area, but have really enjoyed this restaurant when visiting. Good vibe, food, service, cocktails, and ambiance.

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Popular dish

Day Boat Scallops en Croute

Popular dish

Coriander Crusted Duck Breast

Popular dish

Prime New York Strip Loin

Bardo Lounge & Supper Club

4.9

4.9 (495)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Oakland

About the restaurant

Recommended in the MICHELIN Guide for California 2021-2023. Located in Oakland’s historic Grand Lake District, Bardo is a neighborhood lounge and restaurant inspired by the comfort and camaraderie of a mid-century dinner party. Drawing on the celebration and elegance of old school entertaining, we envisioned a space for friends and neighbors to enjoy amazing food, cocktails, conversation and great music.

Our lounge is a swank living room, furnished with hand-picked finds from antique and vintage markets from Palm Springs to Portland. Our mezzanine dining room features a rotating menu of fresh, seasonal supper-fare with local and sustainably sourced meats, fish and produce. While we think the food, drinks and atmosphere are all great reasons to visit us, it’s the relationships with our friends, neighbors and guests that is the driving force behind Bardo.

Top review

EllenVIP

Dined 1 day ago

First time in a long time that a restaurant gave me the medium rare burger I wanted! I was thrilled! The fries stayed hot/warm throughout the meal - another rarity. I 'll be back!

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Bardo Valentine's Dinner

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