This ramen spot comes directly to San Francisco from Japan and specializes in creamy, chicken-y tori paitan ramen. In true Japanese fashion, this is a get-in-get-out type of ramen shop with communal seating and limited options. The ramen offerings are all good, but if you’re in the mood for something rich and heartier, go for the spicy lamb miso ramen, which comes filled with ground lamb and garnished with chili oil.

Some of the best Indian-Pakistani food in the city (at prices below those at nearby New Delhi Restaurant) can be found a few blocks from Union Square on Jones Street. Shalimar is known for its chicken jalfrezi and excellent tikka masala, but the restaurant itself is stark and fluorescent-lit, so it’s no place for visiting moms or first dates.

With soaring ceilings and large skylights, this Lower Nob Hill watering hole feels almost like the outdoors — if the outdoors offered a menu of thoughtful cocktails with Oaxacan influence at a modern bar dressed with wood-topped stools. The namesake Peacekeeper is a spicy blend of serrano tequila, pineapple, ginger, and lime — perfect for sipping next to the bar’s fireplace.

Ryoko’s is way, way outside the ordinary: It’s in a basement and open late-ish, while a DJ (typically a good one) plays loudly to keep the atmosphere lively. When ordering, stick mostly to the basics, though some weird house creations (like the “sexy roll” topped with melted American cheese) are worth a try. Overall, it’s a refreshing departure from the Union Square usual — and pretty much anything else.

Since it opened, Jasper’s has been a reliable pre-theater, post-shopping destination with a solid cocktail situation and plenty of hearty, slightly upscale, pub-style dinner options. Think poutine topped with duck confit, wings three ways (Sriracha Buffalo, Asian, and salt & vinegar), and a mac and cheese made with smoked gouda. Also, for this ’hood, the prices are pretty reasonable.

Korean meets Mexican cuisine at Tacorea, explaining that odd portmanteau of a name. Don’t be put off: the fusion delights are well worth it, including kimchi burritos — the big Ricardo is a smothered version — quesadillas, and bowls like “Mama Lee’s” spicy pork. More stoner-y food includes tater tot nachos. Portions are huge and service is kind.

It’s the only spot near Union Square serving up old-school, red-sauce Italian, and Cesario’s has probably some of the best of that genre of food that you’ll find outside North Beach. Chicken parmesan, lasagna, and penne Bolognese are the specials of the house here, and it’s all served on white tablecloths in a cozy dining room overlooking Mason Street. If Italian comfort food is what you’re craving and you don’t mind the small hike up the hill, this is a good bet where getting a table likely won’t be a problem.

Chef Pim Techamuanvivit’s popular Kin Khao is finally back, reopening inside the Parc 55 Hotel after being closed for over two years during the pandemic. The menu tends toward being seasonal, but among the favorite items is the mushroom hor mok, a curried mushroom dip with coconut cream, served in a jar, for spreading over rice crackers. Try the “pretty hot wings” as well, which is marinated in fish sauce and garlic, then glazed with tamarind and sriracha, or the Yaowaraj noodles with chicken, egg, scallions, cilantro, and XO sauce (and there’s a vegetarian version, as well, if you’re so inclined).

PBS-famous chef Ranjan Dey opened this upscale Indian restaurant in 1988, and while the regal atmosphere might feel a bit dated after all these years, it still serves reliably good food within stumbling distance of Union Square. Prices are a bit higher than your average Indian restaurant, but you won’t go wrong with any of the curries or the tandoori options. There’s also a full bar.

If you’re chasing those shiny Michelin stars around the Bay Area, then don’t overlook dinner at Sons & Daughters, with its quintessentially Californian tasting menus built around seasonal produce from local farms. The interior of the restaurant was redone during the pandemic, now featuring warm woods and an elegant fireplace.

A must-visit for locals and tourists alike, Sears Fine Foods is a historic diner that’s been in operation on the square for over 80 years. The house specialty is Swedish pancakes, served 18 to a plate, and breakfast is served daily until 2 p.m. There’s also a lunch menu, and dinner starts at 5 p.m., featuring an all-American menu of steaks and seafood, such as the cioppino. Be warned, this place tends to be busy, especially around breakfast hours.

It’s not technically an eating spot, but if you’re looking to just kick up your heels with a drink after wandering Union Square — preferably with some music — then Harlan Records is the place for you. This Japanese listening bar-inspired space recently took over the former Bar Fluxus location, but turned it into an audiophile’s dream, with solid, classic drinks such as the Old Fashioned or tequila sunrise.

This family-run omakase restaurant is moving to a new space in the East Cut, but for now, you can still find some of San Francisco’s best sushi in the Union Square neighborhood. Akiko’s chef and owner Ray Lee wows with a one-two punch of quality ingredients and innovative techniques making Akiko’s one of the city’s essential dining experiences. The restaurant is an intimate space so reservations are always encouraged.