By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | July 27, 2022 | Food & Drink, Restaurants, Culture, Travel, Clubs and Bars, Local, Community,
The San Francisco summer sun can be glaringly brutal, fortunately many restaurants here offer cozy refuge with their dark and intimate atmospheres. Paired with each of these venue's high-quality cuisine, their dim and cool interiors truly add to and even enhance their unique dining experiences.
See our list below for our best city eateries that not only boast impeccable dishes, but also a delightfully lowly-lit ambience for when you want an intimate environment that's less sunny.
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515 Broadway / Website
North Beach's Le Petit Paris 1975 is truly a swanky and sultry respite from the tourist bustle outside. Step indoors and immediately be transported to a chic Parisian oasis illuminated only by cool neon and star lights above.
We recommend their refreshing espresso martini while also indulging on their delectable sandwiches and charcuterie boards with only the finest cheeses, all while enjoying their calming French movies and music.
15 Romolo Pl / Website
This is a North Beach triple threat, as it is not only a hidden gem, but is also a gorgeously vintage speakeasy and a tasty restaurant. Your senses will truly heighten in their authentically dim lounge while replenishing on their Romolo Burger or Pickle Brined Chicken Sandwich, both pairing effortlessly on their artisanal cocktails.
1737 Post St #380 / Website
For a break from the radiant Japantown, head inside their shopping plaza to Kushi Tsuru, which is serene, culturally authentic, and wonderfully comforting. This is a definite tucked-away, familial atmosphere that will nourish you with their luscious Tonkatsu Ramen, Donburi, or creative sushi.
600 Polk St / Website
Whitechapel emulates an old English train tunnel, sophisticating its dark Victorian aesthetics with posh steampunk decor, generous fare, and inventive libations. This is the ideal dinner spot to slide into and impress friends with, as they will be pleasantly surprised by the spacious interior that provides ample comfy couches to enjoy your authentic Shepard's Pie or Bangers and Mash on.
2251 Market St / Website
For a relaxed and intriguing stop along Market Street in the Castro, head to Santeria, which is themed with traditional voodoo and ritualistic aesthetics. Their murals and sultry red lighting feels both playful and flirty, with their high-quality and fresh cooking providing the comfort. This is also a dog-friendly environment, to ensure that your pup doesn't overheat and feels at home as well.
301 Mission St / Website
Lastly, for a Financial District cove, renowned Chef Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry's International Smoke is perfect for ducking into to avoid the sunny high rise reflections. Here you can relax and refresh on their lavish drinks and divine barbeque before venturing back out, although we can guarantee you'll want to relax for a bit here with a few more of their deluxe cocktails and snacks.
All of these tucked-away and shaded relaxing restaurants are sure to fully cool you off while also providing exceptional nourishment!
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Photography by: Hikarinoshita Hikari/Unsplash