Cool Restaurants in SoMa (San Francisco)

Roe Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of French and Burmese cuisine at Roe Restaurant which proudly features five varieties of caviar. The majority of the menu consists of traditional sushi and sashimi, although they offer unique dishes such as fermented green tea salad with crisp fava beans. Divided into two spaces, diners relax and listen to a jazz trio downstairs while East-West cocktails flow at the DJ lounge upstairs.

Mighty

With live music and its cutting edge location, this is definitely the place to be in the Bay Area. Mighty is a hidden gem in the emerging Somisspo district, San Francisco's newest neighborhood, where SOMA, the Mission and Potrero Hill meet. Rocking yet soothing, swanky yet grooving, this spot was named "Best New Club in America" by Urb magazine. Opens Daily at 9 pm.

Koh Samui & The Monkey

Thai food is one of the choicest cuisines in San Francisco. With the many Thai restaurants in the city, visitors and locals are always searching for something better. Koh Samui & The Monkey is among the best in town. Walking through the door, you'll feel transported to ancient Thailand. The restaurant is decorated with exquisite and rare antiques, hand picked by the owner. Servers are in traditional Thai costumes, creating an authentic atmosphere. Their fried calamari and crispy imperial rolls are excellent. There's a wide variety of seafood, poultry and beef entrées as well as some outstanding vegetarian dishes. Their Kung Hima prawns are notable, as well as their Lemongrass Chicken.

21st Amendment

21st Amendment (affectionately known by locals as "21A"), offers good food, reasonable prices and a generally friendly atmosphere. This large bar/restaurant is a popular after-work destination; needless to say, it can get pretty crowded when the whistle blows, especially on Fridays. If the front is too packed to get a seat, try heading to upstairs seating area, which is a great place to grab a cocktail with a view of the whole interior. Happy hour deals are to be had, and food specialties include the classic '21A Burgers' that are made with Niman Ranch beef and served with hearty fries. In the mornings the place is open from Monday to Sunday at 11.30 am.

The Butler & the Chef Bistro

This authentically French neighborhood oasis provides respite to SoMa professionals in need of breakfasts more pleasurable than a stale danish and lunches more moving than a microwave burrito. The Butler & the Chef offers an elegant menu of salads, pates, quiches, crepes, croissants and more. The sandwiches stand head and shoulders above typical deli fare, all served on freshly baked bread and chock full of specialty meats, luscious veggies and exotic greens. For dessert, enjoy decadent standards like creme brulee or opt for the simple but stunningly good maple-pecan cookie. Beer and wine are available, in addition to a full list of coffee specialties. See website for menu.

ACME Chophouse

ACME Chophouse offers the freshest poultry and seafood dishes for your dining pleasure among the highly-rated items on the regular menu are lamb T-bone chops, filet mignon and braised short ribs. The raw bar, on the other hand, has such offerings as chilled shrimp and oysters on the half shell. Several wines that go wonderfully with such cuisine are also available and the brightly lit interiors of the restaurant make for happy eating.

Zuppa

Zuppa, the long awaited brainchild of Joseph Manzare of Globe Restaurant is quite popular in this area. The restaurant had opened to rave reviews from epicures and locals alike. Its reasonably priced menu and delectable cuisine tantalizes and certainly lives up to the advanced publicity. Previously home to the Monk, the decor has been subtly altered but the charm has been retained and contributes tremendously to the ambiance.

Town Hall Restaurant

This stylish and vibrant South of Market restaurant, opened by the famous Rosenthal brothers Mitchell and Steven along with Doug Washington has become a favorite hang out among the city's most well known faces. Town Hall Restaurant offers a unique blend of New Orleans and Californian cuisines such as Sautéed Shrimp Étouffée and Smoked Duck and Sweet Potato Enchiladas, complemented by a diverse wine list. The interior is the perfect mixture of comfort and sophistication, with exposed brick and high ceilings, slightly reminiscent of colonial New England. Whether you're a local or just visiting, take a trip to Town Hall.

Bacar

If you wish to savor American cuisine in comfort, then Bacar should be your destination. Early morning hunger pangs and late night stomach growls will also be catered to. The menu features items, such as veal osso buco, arugula and shaved reggiano and serrano ham. Eat to the rhythms of jazz, rock or avant garde as there's music Monday through Saturday. There's a Wine Salon too where the huge wine list comprises of about 1,300 European and Californian varietals. So, get ready to host your own wine party and do keep a check on the monthly events organized by Bacar.

Bong Su Restaurant & Lounge

The long, narrow hall of Bong Su takes you on a short trip to quaint, lush Vietnam. Beautiful sandstone carvings, wooden tables, Buddha statues, bamboo screens and subdued lighting comprise the decorative elements of the restaurant. Chef Tammy Huynh takes all credit for the well-crafted menu that features carefully modified traditional Vietnamese dishes. Some of the favorites include Empress Rice, Lemongrass Bass and among the desserts, the Banana-stuffed Beignets. The posh bar has a good wine collection. If you are not in the mood for wine, try one of the teas they serve.

Supperclub

Supperclub brings together a night of dinner, drink, music, art, and performance all in one. Started in Amsterdam, this international sensation has made its way to the City by the Bay. In one evening you can sip on your favorite cocktail while relaxing amongst fluffy pillows, examine funky wall paintings, gasp at circus-style aerial dancers, and savor a dinner perfected just to your liking. A single course meal lasts a minimum of three hours with plenty of entertainment to pass the time. Supperclub also features Le Bar Rouge, a busy bar especially on the weekends with a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails. La Salle Privee is a smaller sitting area in the club, which features additional art and performance, and is also used as a private dining room.

Caffe Museo

Its not just SFMOMA-goers that fill this sleek hi-tech eatery. The freshly baked scones and other bakery treats tempt locals into taking a mid-morning break. The lunch and dinner menus feature such upscale offerings as delicately seasoned rock shrimp over risotto and pannini with a variety of toppings. The din can be a little overwhelming at peak hours (it is the price you pay for all that stylish but sound-reflective chrome and glass), but the ambience is arty and the students from the local art academy sketching at a nearby table makes for a posh Bohemian ambiance.