San Francisco is a vibrant city full to the brim with world-class bars and restaurants – none more classy and exciting than rooftop venues. With unbeatable views of the calm bay waters and downtown skyline, rooftop restaurants in San Francisco are perfect places to soak up the city’s delightful cosmopolitan atmosphere.
So grab yourself a classy cocktail from the bar and sit down for an alfresco bite to eat at San Francisco’s top rooftop restaurants and bars. No doubt they’ll add that je ne sais quoi to your romantic date night with your special someone.
Table of Contents
Our Criteria
The perfect dinner and drinks experience is different for each couple – we all have our own unique tastes and priorities. While some of us are most pleased by an extensive list of classic cocktails, others might be after a cute spot with the best views of the entire city. Then again, you might be after a cheap and cheerful price, versus the foodie couple seeking outstanding gourmet grub. It’s all down to what matters most to your date vibes.
That’s why we’ve ranked our suggestions based on what you’re looking for. The criteria we’ve used for this post is as follows:
Price
Food
Atmosphere
Customer Reviews
We’ll let you know how pricey each place is
We’ll tell you if the menu will have your mouth watering
Date night isn’t complete without romance – so the mood has to be right
Average ratings based on Google and TripAdvisor
Where to grab a rooftop dinner in San Francisco
El Techo de Lolinda
9/10
Enamoree Score
Our list of San Francisco’s rooftop restaurants simply had to start with El Techo de Lolinda. Good food and great vibes aside, it has got one of the best rooftop terraces in the entire city – spacious, trendy, and offers spectacular views of the entire cityscape from afar.
We recommend booking your table at sunset. Peak golden hours set the mood just right for your romantic night out together.
Price | Food | Atmosphere | Customer reviews | Book now |
620 Jones
7/10
Enamoree Score
Just a short walk from the bustling Union Square, 620 Jones is perfect for arty couples wanting urban atmosphere over sophistication. With plenty of patio seating, this is a San Francisco rooftop bar that tends to get lively – but rarely overcrowded. So find a good spot and stay there for the whole evening sipping cheap beers and tucking into its selection of delicious small plates.
Price | Food | Atmosphere | Customer reviews | Book now |
Rooftop 25
9/10
Enamoree Score
If it’s sophistication you’re after, head to Rooftop 25 for the night. It’s one of the newest and most sought-after rooftop restaurants in San Francisco, so don’t miss out.
Headed up by renowned chef, Chef Matthew Dolan, the food here is simply unmissable. Dive into New American-style cuisine and pair it with a carefully-selected bottle of wine to wash it all down. Not wine-drinkers? Be sure to order one of their boozy slushies or something from their innovative craft cocktail menu – the Coconut & Rye is our personal favorite (bourbon, vermouth, and coconut butter).
It might be slightly on the expensive side, but totally worth doing for special occasions.
Price | Food | Atmosphere | Customer reviews | Book now |
Kaiyo Rooftop
8/10
Enamoree Score
Found on the 12th floor of Hyatt Place Hotel, this San Francisco rooftop bar takes a prime spot in the kicking SoMa district. Take a wander around the nearby San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and make Kaiyo Rooftop your final stop-off for a well-deserved drink.
Labeled as a ‘tropical oasis in the sky’, Kaiyo Rooftop offers an immersive dinner and drinks experience – rich with lush plants, and panoramic views of downtown San Francisco. Plus, don’t worry about getting here early for a good seat – there really are no bad ones.
Price | Food | Atmosphere | Customer reviews | Book now |
Oeste
8/10
Enamoree Score
If you’re looking for casual and cozy rooftop restaurants in San Francisco, Oeste is the place to be. You’ll relax on the outdoor terrace and take in the warm and inviting atmosphere. This is somewhere that prides itself on being an all-inclusive space.
One of the best times to come is for brunch (every Saturday and Sunday). Choose from favorites like avocado toast and egg & bacon – then wash it down with a mimosa or bloody mary.
Price | Food | Atmosphere | Customer reviews | Book now |
Hotel Via
9/10
Enamoree Score
For an extra-special premium-style experience, book a slot at Hotel Via – and be sure to make a reservation because this is a place that offers exclusive access only. The vibes are pretty VIP too, with a chic rooftop terrace showcasing incredible views of the city skyline.
This is an upscale place – prices are high (especially if you opt for a private cabana for around $1,000), but it’s worth splashing out for if you’re celebrating an anniversary or engagement. You can snuggle up around the firepit and admire the scenes.
Price | Food | Atmosphere | Customer reviews | Book now |
Fiorella Sunset
7/10
Enamoree Score
If you’re a couple of pizza-lovers who like to live the simple life, Fiorella Sunset is the place for you. Date night doesn’t always need to be fancy, sometimes a pepperoni pizza and an ice-cold beer will do just fine.
But Fiorella Sunset doesn’t serve your standard takeaway type, it’s a level up. You’ll dine on a woodfired pizza of your choice – our favorite being ‘Clam Pie’ and sip on your go-to beverages of beers, wines, spirits, or cocktails.
Be sure to request a city-view table to make the most of the outdoor space.
Price | Food | Atmosphere | Customer reviews | Book now |
Charmaine’s
8/10
Enamoree Score
Last on our list of the best rooftop restaurants in San Francisco is Charmaine’s, a super-stylish rooftop bar and lounge that sits high up above Market Street.
You’ll ascend an elevator with the doors opening up onto the outdoor patio itself – being instantly hit with insane views of downtown San Francisco. You’ll then be led by a friendly server to a balcony-side table. It’s undoubtedly one of the snazziest San Francisco rooftop bars, so come dressed in something smart to make the most of the luxurious experience.
The food is a big draw too, including delicious small bites like pork belly skewers and classic favorites like ‘The Proper Cheeseburger’.
Price | Food | Atmosphere | Customer reviews | Book now |
The best rooftop bar in San Francisco
San Francisco rooftop restaurants are found all across the city, so it’s down to you to find the one that excites you most. If you’re looking for a casual bite to eat or an after-work drink, we recommend Oeste or 620 Jones. If it’s a deluxe experience you’re after, try Hotel Via or Kaiyo Rooftop. You really are spoilt for choice. Have you tried any of our suggestions? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear about your experiences.
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