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San Francisco is known for its vibrant food culture, mild weather, and sprawling city views. What better place to take in the atmosphere than a rooftop restaurant? In this post, I’m sharing the very best rooftop restaurants in San Francisco. Whether you want a rooftop bar or a rooftop restaurant in San Francisco, you’ll find one to suit your needs here!
Rooftop dining makes every meal an event. Whether you’re looking to grab cocktails and appetizers with friends or are planning a glamorous dinner with a view, San Francisco has the rooftop venue you need.
If you’re looking for a fabulous way to see the bay area while enjoying creative eats and craft cocktails, a rooftop restaurant is a truly special experience. Explore the best restaurants with rooftop views throughout San Francisco’s exciting neighborhoods.
These rooftop spots range from semi-casual to very fancy. As with all nice things in San Francisco, expect to pay a little more for the views at these rooftop restaurants and bars. Read on for tips on enjoying the top rooftop spots in San Francisco.
1. The View Lounge
I LOVE the View Lounge! This is one of my favorite San Francisco bars and restaurants with a view. Found at the top of the Marriott Marquis, the View Lounge has it all – massive arched windows, excellent cocktails, and an incredible vantage point for a San Francisco skyline view.
Cocktail options include golden gate gimlets, skyline punch, and classic Moscow mules. Pair the drink of your choice with small plates like marinated olives, grilled octopus, and house made potato chips.
The Marriott also has an indoor dining room called the Bluestem Brasserie, where you can enjoy a more extensive food menu.
- Location: San Francisco Marriott Marquis, 780 Mission St, San Francisco
- Reservations: Accepted; call ahead and go early when it opens at 4pm
- Serves: Cocktails & small plates
2. Top of the Mark
Top of the Mark is located in the influential Nob Hill neighborhood, known for its wealth, ornate architecture, and exclusive hotels. You’ll find this rooftop restaurant on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel.
Their lounge area is a great spot to enjoy light eats with a panoramic view. Flatbreads, charcuterie boards, and mezze of cheese are all well-loved dishes. And desserts like their s’mores fondue and blueberry buttermilk tarte round off this venue to make it one of the best rooftop restaurants in San Francisco.
They also do special events there. I once went to a movie night where we enjoyed a movie and some popcorn with our drinks. Definitely, one of the most memorable rooftop restaurants in San Francisco. It’s one of my go-to rooftop restaurants in San Francisco for visitors.
- Location: 999 California St, San Francisco, CA
- Reservations: Accepted
- Offers: Light appetizers & drinks
3. The Palm Court at Restoration Hardware
Located near Historic Pier 70 in Dogpatch, Restoration Hardware is maybe the least expected spot for a beautiful rooftop restaurant. Once a shipbuilding hub in the 1800s, the streets of Dogpatch are now home to trendy restaurants, cocktails, and galleries. The Palm Court fits right into the scene.
It’s a great place to enjoy Sunday brunch in the dining room. Follow with a glass of bubbly from their wine bar and enjoy a stunning view of the city from their upper floor. The interiors are luxe, with chandelier fixtures and a marble fountain centerpiece.
Enjoy some of their most popular dishes, including fresh burrata, a wagyu ribeye sandwich, and tasty sides like truffle fries and charred baby peppers. Make sure to finish your meal with a decadent caramelized banana split if you still have some room.
I have been to every Restoration Hardware restaurant nearby (Palm Court, Yountville and Corte Madera) as I love window shopping and the beautiful decor. The food at RH is quite overpriced but I go for the glistening chandeliers a girls brunch or a fancy date night.
Wondering what to wear? Check out my latest guide on date night outfits.
- Location: 590 20th St, San Francisco, CA
- Reservations: Available to book online.
- Serves: Brunch, lunch, & dinner
4. Charmaines
Charmaines is not only one of the best rooftop restaurants in San Francisco, but it’s also one of my favorites; it boasts a full bar, lounge area, and outdoor seating with twinkling city views at night. On cold nights, they have fire pits and blankets available to keep you warm.
This bar straddles the Civic Center and Tenderloin neighborhoods, be careful in this area as it can be a little wild particularly at night. It’s conveniently close to Opera Plaza, which is a major cultural hub for the city.
The bar and lounge have a smart, casual dress code. It’s a great rooftop bar to gather with friends, enjoy creative cocktails, and share appetizers or a meal. Enjoy the city views along with house-made charcuterie and a glass of Proper Cup. There is a $65 per person minimum for groups of three or more.
Charmaines Rooftop Bar & Lounge
- Location: Proper Hotel, 45 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA
- Reservations: Accepted; booking fee required.
- Serves: Dinner & drinks
5. 620 Jones
This rooftop venue is between Union Square and Lower Nob Hill, known for the nearby bars and global eateries. And while this outdoor area is technically a rooftop, it doesn’t offer much of a view. Regardless, its weekday happy hour and classic, cocktails provide the perfect amount of charm.
This is the largest rooftop restaurant in San Francisco, so you can enjoy their outdoor space without a reservation. Pair your go-to cocktail with crispy cauliflower, baby kale salad, and papas bravas. The pizza is always delicious here!
- Location: 620 Jones St, San Francisco, CA
- Reservations: Accepted for groups of 6 and over; call for same-day reservations.
- Serves: Brunch, dinner, drinks, and late-night bites
6. El Techno
The Mission District is one of the most colorful neighborhoods in San Francisco, with live music venues, craft cocktail lounges, and Latino-style eateries. On sunny days, this is an absolute hotspot for San Franciscans to enjoy upbeat music along with delicious food.
El Techno is just the spot for you to join in on the fun. Here, you’ll find Latin American street food served with a range of signature drinks. Visit for a weekend brunch and order their fish tacos – these tacos are incredibly fresh and flavorful.
They also offer tequila-focused specialty cocktails and a variety of cold beer; from pina coladas to cocktail pitchers of sangria, El Techno promises a great time.
And if their menu wasn’t enough to entice, this restaurant has expansive city views. Scoring a seat at this location can be tricky, though they’ve recently started offering limited reservations.
- Location: 2516 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
- Reservations: Accepted, but limited; walk-ins recommended.
- Serves: Brunch, dinner, cocktails, & happy hour
7. Rooftop 25
Rooftop 25 is just outside of South Beach, located in the popular Soma neighborhood. Here you’ll find upscale dining and a thriving nightlife scene.
This rooftop restaurant features communal tables, heat lamps, and whimsical string lights. They’re also a wonderful weather-proofed option, with a glass roof and glass windscreen to protect you from the elements.
Popular eats include Neapolitan-style pizzas and small plates like pretzel bites, ahi tuna poke, and crawfish guacamole. Pair your food with one of Rooftop 25’s signature cocktails, like a spicy passion fruit margarita or tried-and-true espresso martini.
- Location: 25 Lusk St, San Francisco, CA
- Reservations: Accepted; book online.
- Serves: Lunch on weekends, dinner, & drinks
8. Dirty Habit
Located in the popular Soma area near Union Square, Dirty Habit is a rooftop restaurant in the heart of San Francisco.
This restaurant offers elevated bites like salt spring mussels, caviar and Santa Barbara Uni. If you’re up for a fun drink, they serve large punch bowls that are perfect for sharing.
This location is also nearby Powell and Market Street, where you can explore galleries, boutique shops, and nightspots after. I went to a fashion show here once and it was a lot of fun!
- Location: Hotel Zelos, 12 4th St, San Francisco, CA
- Reservations: Accepted; book online.
- Serves: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, & drinks
9. Rooftop at VIA
The Rooftop at VIA is not only one of the best rooftop restaurants in San Francisco but also one of the most exclusive.
Only hotel guests and private parties can enjoy this outdoor patio, and the views are absolutely worth the effort. This is a perfect outdoor venue for views of the Bay Bridge, Oracle Park, and the rolling hills of San Francisco.
If you visit, keep things simple with tried-and-true cocktails along with small bites like Greek hummus, roasted vegetables, and soft baked pretzels; the view is the real star here.
- Location: 138 King St, San Francisco, CA
- Reservations: Only accepted for private events.
- Serves: Light fare, dinner, & drinks
10. B Restaurant
Located beside Yerba Buena Gardens, B Restaurant, and Bar is another rooftop bar and restaurant in San Francisco; you’ll have views of the gardens and some San Francisco city views.
Top menu items include the peach panzanella arugula salad, tomato cream pasta, and panna cotta dessert.
Make sure to check their cocktail list; Playtime is one of their most popular craft cocktails, containing an amazing combination of bourbon, cacao, and lemon.
- Location: Moscone Center, 720 Howard St, San Francisco, CA
- Reservations: Accepted
- Serves: Lunch, dinner, & drinks
11. Kaiyo Rooftop
Kaiyo Rooftop serves Japanese-Peruvian fusion in the South Beach neighborhood; they offer a tropical oasis with an immersive culinary experience – complete with sweeping views.
Gather with friends and try any of their shareable plates; sushi fans will love their lima roll or kaiyo roll.
Complete your experience with specialty pisco sour as you lounge on their rooftop patio.
- Location: Hyatt Place, 701 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
- Reservations: Required
- Serves: Cocktails, sharing plates, and spirits
Conclusion: The Best Rooftop Restaurants in San Francisco
I hope you’ve found the dining inspiration you need with the best rooftop restaurants San Francisco has to offer. In case you are visiting San Francisco, make sure you bring warm clothes as it can get quite cool in the shade and in the evenings. Everything is always better when you are warm!
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