Best Upscale Carnivore Restaurants in Pacific Heights | Upscale & Carnivore

20 restaurants in Best Upscale Carnivore Restaurants in Pacific Heights | Upscale & Carnivore

• Bistro Aix — French · rated 4/5: Bistro Aix invites guests into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the vibrant colors of a seasonal harvest take center stage in every elegantly composed dish. The kitchen celebrates the purity of the land and sea, offering everything from velvety summer corn chowder and jewel-toned beet salads to the delicate richness of house-cured salmon and warm, grilled figs. This refined escape honors the beauty of fresh ingredients, creating a soulful dining experience that feels like a timeless summer afternoon.
• Home Plate — American · rated 4/5: Stepping into Home Plate feels like finding the sweet spot of neighborhood dining, where a playful, high-energy atmosphere invites guests to settle in for a spirited and soulful meal. The kitchen hits a home run with indulgent, shareable plates like golden-fried avocados and "All Star" tacos that burst with bold flavors, perfectly balanced by crisp, vibrant salads and seasonal fruits. Whether you’re diving into a mountain of decadent tater tot nachos or savoring a delicate, pan-seared crab cake, every bite captures a sense of nostalgic joy and casual sophistication.
• Lucca Delicatessen — Italian · rated 4/5: Stepping into this bustling neighborhood landmark feels like entering a timeless Italian larder, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of sliced salumi and sharp provolone. Towering sandwiches like the legendary Italian Combo and the zesty Calabrian are built with artisanal precision on crusty bread, offering a masterclass in balanced textures and bold, old-world flavors that turn a simple lunch into a gourmet event.
• Squat & Gobble — American · rated 4/5: This bustling neighborhood haunt hums with energy as the aroma of golden, buttery batter wafts from the griddle, inviting guests to enjoy a playful, global twist on the classic crepe. Paper-thin folds of dough become a savory canvas for an eclectic array of fillings, ranging from the zesty heat of a veggie fajita to the rich, melted indulgence of a Philly cheese steak or a pesto-infused chicken masterpiece. It is a vibrant, unpretentious space where hearty portions and bold flavors come together, offering a satisfying retreat for a casual brunch or a restorative midday feast.
• California Wine Merchant — American · rated 3/5: This intimate neighborhood gem invites guests to explore a curated world of viticulture, where the clinking of glasses accompanies artfully arranged platters of nutty Holland Gouda and savory Italian dry salami. Whether sipping a rare vintage by the half-glass or joining the lively hum of a Monday night winemaker tasting, the atmosphere balances sophisticated discovery with the relaxed comfort of a local haunt. Crisp craft ales and organic hummus plates provide a refreshing counterpoint to the extensive wine list, creating a versatile sanctuary for both the casual sipper and the dedicated connoisseur.
• Mel's Drive-in — American · rated 3/5: This neon-lit sanctuary of Americana hums with the nostalgic energy of a classic diner, where the comforting aroma of sizzling griddles and fresh-brewed coffee invites guests to linger over hearty morning staples. From the decadent sweetness of Nutella-slathered French toast to the savory depth of house-made corned beef hash and farm-fresh eggs, every plate serves up a soulful celebration of timeless comfort food.
• A16 — Italian: This lively destination channels the rustic charm of Southern Italy, drawing guests into a spirited space filled with the enticing aromas of slow-simmered tripe and savory braised meats. The table comes alive with vibrant persimmon salads and creamy Artigiana burrata, leading into soulful plates of charred polpo and earthy fava that honor traditional Neapolitan flavors. It is a celebration of honest, sun-soaked ingredients, where every bite offers a sophisticated yet deeply comforting journey through the heart of the Mediterranean.
• Wildseed — Mediterranean: Sun-drenched and vibrant, this plant-forward sanctuary transforms seasonal bounty into a kaleidoscope of global flavors, where the smoky depth of Athenian eggplant meets the zesty crunch of herb-flecked green falafel. The airy, botanical-inspired space hums with energy as guests share colorful mezze plates and inventive bites like beet poke or wild mushroom zeppole, creating a dining experience that feels both indulgent and revitalizing.
• Opa Cafe — Greek: Sunlight dances across the tables of this bright neighborhood gem, where the morning air is perfumed with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and golden-brown sourdough. Artfully plated gourmet toasts topped with vibrant avocado and silky smoked salmon offer a fresh, modern start to the day, while hearty, hand-rolled wraps and fluffy omelettes provide a warm and soul-satisfying breakfast experience.
• Pa'ina — Japanese: Pa'ina transports diners to a sun-drenched tropical getaway where the vibrant colors of fresh-caught poke and the briny sweetness of raw oysters take center stage. Pillowy baos stuffed with tender kalua pig and crispy, glazed wings offer a playful fusion of textures, creating a lively communal atmosphere that celebrates the bold, soul-warming flavors of the Pacific.
• Wise Sons Bagel & Bakery — American: Stepping into this modern homage to the classic Jewish deli, guests are greeted by the comforting aroma of toasted bagels and the savory steam of hand-sliced pastrami. Towering, melt-in-your-mouth Reubens and golden-crisped chicken schnitzel anchor a menu that celebrates heritage through vibrant, house-made flavors and artisanal bakes. Whether tucking into a smoky trout salad sandwich or a classic egg salad on fresh-baked bread, the experience is one of pure, unpretentious warmth and culinary nostalgia.
• State Bird Provisions — American: This high-energy culinary destination invites guests into a world of communal celebration, where the intimate Alcove Table serves as the heart of a festive, family-style feast punctuated by sparkling Champagne toasts. The experience balances bold innovation with nostalgic comfort, layering dishes with the savory complexity of house-made garum salt before concluding with a whimsical celebration cake and a signature bottle of creamy 'World Peace' peanut milk.
• Progress — American: Step into a dynamic culinary workshop where the boundaries of traditional dining dissolve into a spirited celebration of communal flavors and avant-garde artistry. The air hums with the excitement of shared family-style feasts and the whimsical spectacle of a "Dessert Circus," punctuated by unexpected delights like savory garum salt and the velvety comfort of their signature "World Peace" peanut milk. It is a place where every champagne toast and artisanal coffee pour feels like a curated performance, blending industrial sophistication with a soulful, inventive approach to the modern table.
• Rooster & Rice — Thai: Steaming bowls of fragrant, ginger-scented rice and succulent poached chicken take center stage at this vibrant eatery, where the soul of Thai comfort food is refined into a sleek, modern experience. The kitchen masterfully balances textures, offering everything from the golden, spice-rubbed crunch of Hat Yai fried chicken to the rich, aromatic warmth of velvety coconut-curry noodles. It is a nourishing sanctuary where simple ingredients are elevated through traditional techniques, creating a meal that feels both wholesome and deeply soul-satisfying.
• The Brazen Head — American: Stepping into The Brazen Head feels like discovering a hidden sanctuary of refined comfort, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of bubbling French onion gratinee and roasted garlic. The kitchen masterfully balances rustic indulgence and coastal elegance, serving everything from decadent wheels of melted camembert and buttery escargot to tender prime rib sliders and garlic-kissed prawn scampi. It is a place where timeless flavors and a warm, inviting atmosphere converge to create a dining experience that feels both celebratory and intimately familiar.
• Perry's — Steakhouse: Perry’s captures the timeless charm of a classic American bistro, where the lively hum of conversation mingles with the irresistible aroma of golden onion strings and smoky grilled artichokes. Guests gather in a warm, social atmosphere to share plates of delicate Dungeness crabcakes and ahi poke before diving into refined coastal classics like the buttery Petrale Sole Meuniere. It is a vibrant neighborhood staple that blends polished service with an effortless sense of comfort, making every meal feel like a celebrated tradition.
• BANGKOK STREET Thai Street Food — Thai: The air hums with the vibrant energy of a Thai night market, where the sizzle of golden seafood pancakes and the aromatic steam of river prawn tom yum transport diners straight to the bustling heart of Bangkok. Velvety wagyu boat noodles and rich, slow-simmered massaman curry offer a luxurious depth of flavor, beautifully complemented by the playful crunch of crispy chicken khao soi and the bold, spicy heat of whole-fried fish. Every dish captures the soulful, sun-drenched spirit of authentic street culture, inviting guests to share traditional pinto sets in a space that feels both nostalgic and electric.
• The Tailor's Son — Italian: The Tailor’s Son invites guests into a stylish, light-filled space where the heritage of Northern Italy is woven into every detail, from the artisanal craftsmanship of the decor to the vibrant energy of the dining room. The air is filled with the scent of warm, house-made focaccia as plates of silky tuna carpaccio and crispy Milanese meatballs arrive, celebrating a culinary approach that balances rustic tradition with modern elegance. Whether sharing delicate crostini topped with creamy baccalà or savoring a robust carne cruda, diners experience a soulful tribute to Italian flavors that feels both timeless and fashionably contemporary.
• Ilcha — Korean: Ilcha pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern Korean gastropub, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of soy-marinated galbi and the irresistible crunch of golden fried chicken. Playful reinterpretations of street food favorites, like corn cheese-smothered tater tots and chewy rice cake skewers, share the table with refined platters of silky soy-marinated shrimp and tender bossam paired with fresh oysters. It is a spirited destination where traditional flavors meet contemporary comfort, inviting guests to gather for a soulful and communal dining experience.
• Zushi Puzzle — Japanese: Zushi Puzzle serves as an intimate haven where the art of Japanese cuisine is revealed through a vibrant tapestry of textures, from the delicate crunch of golden tempura to the velvety richness of chilled monkfish liver. The air hums with the energy of a focused kitchen as diners explore a landscape of savory gyoza and citrus-kissed albacore, creating a sensory journey that feels both meticulously crafted and effortlessly welcoming.