Where to eat near The Marker in San Francisco

Union Square isn’t just the epicenter of San Francisco shopping and culture but also a culinary crossroads where the city’s global flavors meet its signature charm. Pre-theater crowds and late-night diners fill the streets, following the scent of wood-fired pizza, sizzling woks, and freshly baked sourdough.

At the center of it all is The Marker, perfectly positioned for guests who want to savor every bite of the neighborhood’s offerings. And while Union Square restaurants abound, the journey should begin right downstairs at Tratto, a modern Italian trattoria where handmade pastas, craft cocktails, and the glow of warm lighting set the tone for the evening.

In this guide, we’ll take you from Tratto’s welcoming tables to a handful of standout eateries just steps away. Think of it as a local’s shortlist, not a generic “top 10,” but a thoughtfully chosen path through the best food near Union Square, tailored for curious appetites.

Tratto – The Culinary Heart of The Marker

Tucked just off The Marker’s lobby, Tratto captures what’s best about dining in San Francisco: ingredient-driven menus, a lively but unpretentious vibe, and a crowd that mixes locals, travelers, and theater-goers in equal measure.

Concept & Story
Tratto reimagines the neighborhood Italian restaurant for a modern city crowd. Its open kitchen hums with energy, sending out small plates perfect for sharing and hearty pasta dishes crafted with care. The atmosphere is warm and convivial, with rustic wood accents and just the right level of city buzz.

Menu Highlights

• Signature Pastas: Think house-made pappardelle with rich, slow-braised sauces, or seasonal gnocchi that changes with what’s fresh at the market. 
• Small Plates: Crisp arancini, burrata with roasted peppers, and charcuterie boards for the table. 
• Drinks: An aperitivo menu featuring spritzes, negronis, and Italian wines curated for pairing. 
• Diet-Friendly Options: Thoughtful vegetarian dishes and gluten-free pasta options keep everyone at the table happy. 

Why It Works
Tratto is as fitting for a quick happy hour as it is for a drawn-out, wine-filled dinner. Locals pop in for post-work drinks; theater patrons time their pre-show meals here; guests linger over dessert, knowing the elevator home is just steps away.

Special Experiences
Weekend brunch brings elevated comfort dishes like Smoked Salmon Breakfast and Straus Farms Yogurt Parfait. Seasonal menus and occasional chef collaborations keep things fresh year-round, and partnerships with local farms reflect San Francisco’s deep food culture.

Explore Tratto’s menu and reserve your table to make it the first stop on your Union Square dining itinerary.

Other Noteworthy Restaurants Near Union Square

After you’ve experienced Tratto, Union Square’s dining map unfolds in every direction. Here are a few standouts within an easy stroll of The Marker:

John’s Grill – Classic San Francisco
Just a 6-minute walk from the hotel, this 1908 institution is a wood-paneled time capsule. Best known for its role in The Maltese Falcon lore, John’s Grill serves hearty steaks, fresh seafood, and a martini that’s stood the test of time.

Sons & Daughters – Fine Dining with Michelin Recognition
A 10-minute walk brings you to this intimate tasting-menu spot, where hyper-seasonal California ingredients meet inventive plating. Perfect for a celebratory night or an unforgettable date.

Cafe de la Presse – Parisian Café in the City
Steps from Chinatown Gate, this French bistro charms with wicker chairs, espresso drinks, and flaky croissants. Ideal for a light breakfast or an afternoon glass of wine.

E&O Kitchen and Bar – Pan-Asian Flavors
Located just 7 minutes from The Marker, E&O offers bold Southeast Asian dishes — think Indonesian corn fritters, Thai curries, and inventive cocktails. The vibrant dining room is perfect for groups.

Insider Dining Tips for Union Square

• When to Dine: For pre-theater dinners, aim for 5:30–6:00 PM to make an 8 PM curtain. Lunchtime? Book ahead on weekdays when business crowds fill tables. 
• Happy Hours: Tratto’s aperitivo menu pairs well with nearby cocktail bars like Pacific Cocktail Haven for a two-stop evening. 
• Morning Bites: Blue Bottle Coffee (just 4 minutes away) or Café Madeleine for pastries on the go. 
• Reservations: OpenTable and Resy are the most common booking platforms here. For last-minute dining, try walking in right as restaurants open. 
• Special Events: Union Square occasionally hosts pop-up food markets or wine tastings — check local event listings during your stay. 

From wood-fired Italian at Tratto to century-old grill rooms and inventive tasting menus, Union Square offers a dining spectrum few neighborhoods can match. And with The Marker as your base, you’re not just close to the action — you’re starting at one of its best tables.

From handcrafted Italian plates to late-night cocktails, start your Union Square food journey at Tratto before exploring more of San Francisco’s vibrant culinary scene. 

Book your stay at The Marker and experience Union Square’s dining hub from the heart of it all.