Top 11 diners in Yerba Buena
Diners in Yerba Buena offer a delightful dining experience, showcasing a variety of culinary options in this vibrant San Francisco neighborhood. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these diners provide a welcoming atmosphere, serving delectable dishes that cater to diverse tastes. From classic American fare to international cuisine, diners in Yerba Buena never fail to satisfy your cravings.
1. The Grove - Yerba Buena
Located in the heart of San Francisco, Offers a variety of dishes for all dietary preferences

The Grove, located on Mission St in the SoMa (South of Market) area of San Francisco, is a frequent lunch stop for me, especially when I'm staying at the nearby St Regis Hotel. During a recent business trip in October, I visited the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) located in the St Regis building and decided to have lunch again at The Grove. The lunch crowd had not yet arrived, allowing me to quickly order my Tuna Melt sandwich, a delicious choice at The Grove, and a glass of Pinot Noir.
The Grove is a spacious and comfortable restaurant with a extensive menu, offering vegetarian options as well. Its popularity is well-deserved, given its convenient location near shopping, SFMOMA, and Union Square. I highly recommend The Grove for anyone looking for a relaxed dining experience with quality food and beverage options.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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2. Delarosa Downtown in Yerba Buena
Known for its pasta and pizza dishes, extensive wine list, and welcoming staff

The pizza crust was perfect and delicious, making for a memorable pizza lunch experience. I highly recommend visiting this establishment. However, there were a few issues with the drink service. The table water, which appeared to be tap water in a bottle, had something floating in it. We requested bottled water instead, but were only offered sparkling water.
The staff at this pizza place are generally friendly and attentive. Some reviewers have noted that the service can be inconsistent during mid-day, when there are fewer staff members available. Despite this, the quality of the pizza and the overall dining experience make it a place worth visiting.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
3. Super Duper Burgers

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
4. Amber India Restaurant
Live music on select nights, full bar with creative cocktails

We selected a nearby restaurant, situated bustling Yerba Buena Lane and adjacent to the Marriott Marquis hotel, for its convenience and proximity to our hotel and the convention center. To our pleasant surprise, this establishment exceeded our expectations, providing impeccable service and showcasing an array of delicious Indian dishes that featured rich, multidimensional sauces and carefully prepared ingredients.
During our two visits, which included both dine-in and carryout experiences, we indulged in a variety of items, such as samosas, paneer kadhai, garlic naan, and organic roti. Although we were slightly disappointed with the samosas, the rest of our dishes impressed us with their exceptional quality, leaving us eager to explore more of the menu's offerings.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
5. Joyride Pizza - Yerba Buena Gardens in Yerba Buena
Featuring outdoor seating with garden views and a fun atmosphere

Joyride Pizza in San Francisco offers great options for outdoor and window seating, making it a perfect spot for a casual yet elegant dining experience. The menu features delectable dishes, and the ambiance is perfect for various occasions, such as casual dinners, drinks and light bites, first dates, and lunch.
The pizza at Joyride Pizza is a must-try, with its airy focaccia base, evenly golden brown on the bottom, and caramelized outer walls made entirely of cheese. The pizza is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for pizza lovers looking for a unique and delicious dining experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
6. Mel's Drive-In
Iconic 1950s-style drive-in with carhop service

An authentic 50s diner with a nostalgic atmosphere is a highlight of this establishment, making it a great spot for a quick bite before heading to the Metreon or a convention at the Moscone Center. However, the service quality is poor and can negatively impact the dining experience. For instance, ordering an English muffin instead of a large breakfast portion can seem awkward to the waitstaff, leading to a less than ideal interaction.
While the food is decent and portion sizes are satisfactory, prices are a bit steep considering the quality of the meals. Moreover, coffee refills can be slow even when requested twice, suggesting inconsistent service delivery. Frequent visitors may argue that the name and branding of the diner drive up the costs more than food quality. It may be worth exploring nearby options for better value and service.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Late Night
7. The Lark
Features farm-to-table and sustainable ingredients

Dave's, a popular lunchtime bar, is known for its lively and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly diners and standing room only during peak hours. The upcoming Lark bar, which has taken over Dave's, aims to maintain its predecessor's vibrant energy, as stated by the management.
The transformation from Dave's to Lark bar has been mostly seamless, with the latter retaining the same laid-back vibe that Dave's was famous for. The food offerings at Lark bar are yet to be explored by the author, but the casual atmosphere remains unchanged. Crockpots on the counter suggest a continuation of the tradition of serving hearty and comforting meals, as was the case in Dave's.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Mid-Range
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8. The Garden Court
Offers a serene garden atmosphere with retractable roof and heat lamps for year-round dining.

The Garden Court, located in San Francisco, is a historic landmark that provides an exceptional dining experience in a breathtaking setting. They serve Breakfast daily, a 2 Course Prix Fixe Lunch from Monday to Thursday, and a charming Afternoon Tea on Friday and Saturday. The atmosphere of the old dining room is regal, featuring high ceilings and a beautiful interior. A live jazz band often performs, and at Christmas, a magnificent tree adds to the ambiance.
The food selection at The Garden Court is extensive, and champagne flows freely. The service is more than adequate, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, from breakfast items to lunch and afternoon tea options. The live jazz band and the presence of a grand Christmas tree during the holiday season contribute to the overall allure of the restaurant. Whether it's for a business meeting, a special occasion, or just a luxurious dining experience, The Garden Court is an excellent choice.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
9. La Société Bar & Café
Stylish atmosphere with a European vibe

The service at the establishment was exceptional, with staff going out of their way to ensure that all diners felt well taken care of. Many diners were particularly fond of the French Onion Soup, praising its delicious taste and satisfying warmth.
The cozy ambiance of the establishment was appreciated by many, contributing to the overall positive dining experience. However, opinions on the Steak Frites Au Poivre were mixed, with some diners enjoying its hearty and flavorful qualities while others had less favorable opinions.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
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10. B55 Craft House & Kitchen
Cozy atmosphere with fire pits, dog-friendly patio

On a rainy day, I stopped by B55 Craft House & Kitchen and found the atmosphere to be comforting and cozy. I ordered butternut squash soup, which was delicious and hit the spot on a wet day. My son opted for a big soft pretzel, which was warm and served with a tasty cheesy sauce, along with a craft beer. We both appreciated the lively environment and energy of the restaurant, although an additional waiter would have been helpful.
During the morning, B55 Craft House & Kitchen offers a breakfast buffet for hotel guests, although the quality and variety may not be worth the cost. However, the restaurant truly shines in the evening with attentive servers who provide excellent service, such as Rico, who made our dining experience enjoyable and memorable.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
11. MKT Restaurant and Bar

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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