San Francisco
The Best Fine Dining in San Francisco
For those seeking the best fine dining in San Francisco, we offer this curated guide to the city with a vibrant and diverse gastronomic landscape.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Whether you're after the very best in Michelin-star restaurants or something more casual, San Francisco fine dining has something to offer every palate from sea food delicacies to top-notch vegetarian options. Esteemed venues like Saison, Boulettes Larder, and AKIKOS exemplify the diverse and sophisticated culinary scene you can expect in San Francisco. Our selections are not only the crème de la crème but also include affordable fine dining restaurants that deliver exceptional experiences. This article is crafted based on the recommendations of World of Mouth experts such as Marcia Gagliardi, Omar Mamoon, and Virginia Miller, so you can be assured of dining at only the top fine dining restaurants in San Francisco.
Angler
Angler, a Michelin-starred restaurant, specializes in seafood and game dishes, all cooked over an open fire. The menu, inspired by local produce, changes daily to reflect the peak flavors of the season. With a relaxed yet classy ambiance, the restaurant also offers a comprehensive wine list with a focus on wines from Burgundy, Napa, and Sonoma.
Saison
Saison is a fine dining restaurant that serves Californian cuisine with a modern, Japanese-inspired twist, under the guidance of chef Richard Lee. The restaurant is known for its open kitchen design where cooking is done over an open wood fire, providing a unique culinary experience. With a focus on product-driven dishes and a highly recommended wine list, Saison has been appreciated by visitors for its consistent perfection in both food and service.
Boulettes Larder
Boulettes Larder is a classic restaurant known for its sophisticated food made from perfect ingredients and served in a casual ambiance. The establishment offers a variety of dishes, from fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and freshly pressed citrus juice for breakfast to a selection of mezze or fantastic pizza for lunch. The restaurant's interior, featuring large flower arrangements, linen blinds and chair covers, wooden counter and tables, and neatly organized kitchen utensils and pantry items, reflects its commitment to quality and hospitality.
AKIKOS
AKIKOS is a family-owned restaurant, known for its world-class sushi bar and modern omakase menu. Since its reopening in 2023, it has evolved into a must-visit sushi destination, boasting an elegant and striking interior. Under the guidance of Chef Ray Lee, the restaurant offers unparalleled ingredients, reflecting in the quality of their dishes.
Californios
Californios is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the trendy Mission District, offering inventive Mexican cuisine. The establishment, helmed by the talented Chef Val Cantú, provides a memorable high-end dining experience with a menu that explores Californian and Mexican influences, featuring all in-house made dishes. Customers rave about the best tortillas and masa, the unique fish taco, and the surprising grilled baby banana with savory caramel and cold-smoked caviar.
Atelier Crenn
Atelier Crenn is a 3 Michelin star restaurant known for its pure, elegant, and beautifully composed dishes. The menu is entirely pescatarian and lactose-free, providing a light yet satisfying dining experience. Patrons often commend the warm, kind atmosphere and the remarkable taste that characterizes each of the 19 courses offered.
State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions is a restaurant that specializes in seasonal Californian cooking, offering vibrant and surprising dishes. Known for its outstanding, inventive, and creative food, it's a favorite among many, with some customers dining there hundreds of times. The restaurant, originally created by Chefs Stuart and Nicole, is now led by the talented Chef Gaby, who continues to elevate the culinary experience.
Rich Table
Rich Table, led by Chefs Evan and Sarah Rich, is known for its elevated comfort food. The menu features a variety of dishes, with standouts including porcini donuts, sardine chips, beef dumplings, and a special off-menu dessert by Sarah. The restaurant also offers a selection of pastas, mains, and creative appetizers such as burrata with cauliflower tikka masala walnut crumble.
Sorrel
Sorrel is a neighborhood gem that offers a menu influenced by Alex Hong and Michael Tusk, with a solid core of pasta dishes. It's located in the Pacific Heights district, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere for its guests. Whether you're planning a private event or just looking for a pleasant dinner, Sorrel is an excellent choice with its diverse menu and warm ambiance.
Ju-Ni
Ju-Ni is a renowned sushi restaurant, known for its intimate omakase experience where one chef serves a maximum of four guests. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Geoffrey Lee, the restaurant crafts traditional sushi with a modern twist, such as frozen and shaved ankimo over ikura nigiri. The restaurant, which holds a Michelin star, offers a relaxed and personal setting, where guests can enjoy dishes like Akami (lean bluefin tuna), white soy cured king salmon and Shirako (Cod Milt).
Bar Crenn
Bar Crenn, a sibling to the 3-star Atelier Crenn, offers a classic French-style menu with a rustic twist. This restaurant provides a welcome change for those looking for a more laid-back dining experience. With a commitment to quality and accessibility, Bar Crenn ensures a memorable culinary journey for all its guests.
The Shota
The Shota is a Michelin-starred sushi bar, known for its exceptional service and elegant ambiance. Customers highly recommend the nigiri and sake pairings, served at a sleek, long counter. Despite its upscale feel, it retains the charm of traditional sushi bars, making it a favorite since its opening in 2018.
Cafe Jacqueline
Cafe Jacqueline is a long-standing establishment in San Francisco, renowned for its specialty in both savory and sweet soufflés. For over 40 years, the owner, Jacqueline Margulis, has been delighting patrons with her perfect soufflés. Despite a recent closure due to the pandemic, the restaurant is back in operation, continuing to serve its signature dishes.
Mijoté
Mijoté is a bistronomy-style restaurant offering a daily-changing 4-course set menu crafted by Michelin starred chef Kosuke Tada. Influenced by his experiences in Paris and Osaka, Chef Tada's dishes are rooted in French technique and feature locally sourced ingredients. The establishment also boasts a selection of natural wines from organic producers and is open for service from Tuesday to Saturday, 5-9 pm.
Ernest
Ernest is a San Francisco-based restaurant that offers an eclectic menu filled with delicious meals. They offer a special "let the kitchen cook for you" menu for $95, which includes many popular dishes and the option to add uni and jamón serrano toast. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 5:00 - 9:30pm, Ernest provides both reservations via Resy and walk-ins at their bar.
Le Fantastique
Le Fantastique is a seafood restaurant known for its wide variety of French wines and vintage vinyl music. The menu features a diverse range of dishes, including cured and aged raw fish served sashimi style, shokupan bread with a lobster thermidor dip, and Opah fish slices with Welsh onion broth. With its blend of elegant and casual ambiance, Le Fantastique offers a distinct dining experience centered around incredible bites, fine wines, and classic music.
Nisei
"Nisei" is a restaurant that offers a modern interpretation of Japanese cuisine under the guidance of Chef David Yoshimura. The menu is tasting-only, featuring unconventional flavors that embody both traditional Japanese ethos and Yoshimura's innovative culinary approach. Notable dishes include the Dorayaki, a playful and decadent twist on Japanese pancakes stuffed with banana and topped with caviar, paired perfectly with their extensive saké and wine offerings.
Lily
Lily is a restaurant in San Francisco that serves luxurious California-Vietnamese food, crafted by Chef Rob Lam. The menu features dishes inspired by his Vietnamese upbringing, enhanced by his French training, such as the popular Banh Mi with next-level pâté. The restaurant is open for weekend brunch and dinner, and offers dishes like the Bun Rieu, a crab and dry-farmed tomato dish, and the Cha Ca La Vong, a turmeric-fried catfish with noodles.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
San Francisco
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over 2,000 destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Whether you're after the very best in Michelin-star restaurants or something more casual, San Francisco fine dining has something to offer every palate from sea food delicacies to top-notch vegetarian options. Esteemed venues like Saison, Boulettes Larder, and AKIKOS exemplify the diverse and sophisticated culinary scene you can expect in San Francisco. Our selections are not only the crème de la crème but also include affordable fine dining restaurants that deliver exceptional experiences. This article is crafted based on the recommendations of World of Mouth experts such as Marcia Gagliardi, Omar Mamoon, and Virginia Miller, so you can be assured of dining at only the top fine dining restaurants in San Francisco.
Angler
Angler, a Michelin-starred restaurant, specializes in seafood and game dishes, all cooked over an open fire. The menu, inspired by local produce, changes daily to reflect the peak flavors of the season. With a relaxed yet classy ambiance, the restaurant also offers a comprehensive wine list with a focus on wines from Burgundy, Napa, and Sonoma.
Saison
Saison is a fine dining restaurant that serves Californian cuisine with a modern, Japanese-inspired twist, under the guidance of chef Richard Lee. The restaurant is known for its open kitchen design where cooking is done over an open wood fire, providing a unique culinary experience. With a focus on product-driven dishes and a highly recommended wine list, Saison has been appreciated by visitors for its consistent perfection in both food and service.
Boulettes Larder
Boulettes Larder is a classic restaurant known for its sophisticated food made from perfect ingredients and served in a casual ambiance. The establishment offers a variety of dishes, from fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and freshly pressed citrus juice for breakfast to a selection of mezze or fantastic pizza for lunch. The restaurant's interior, featuring large flower arrangements, linen blinds and chair covers, wooden counter and tables, and neatly organized kitchen utensils and pantry items, reflects its commitment to quality and hospitality.
AKIKOS
AKIKOS is a family-owned restaurant, known for its world-class sushi bar and modern omakase menu. Since its reopening in 2023, it has evolved into a must-visit sushi destination, boasting an elegant and striking interior. Under the guidance of Chef Ray Lee, the restaurant offers unparalleled ingredients, reflecting in the quality of their dishes.
Californios
Californios is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the trendy Mission District, offering inventive Mexican cuisine. The establishment, helmed by the talented Chef Val Cantú, provides a memorable high-end dining experience with a menu that explores Californian and Mexican influences, featuring all in-house made dishes. Customers rave about the best tortillas and masa, the unique fish taco, and the surprising grilled baby banana with savory caramel and cold-smoked caviar.
Atelier Crenn
Atelier Crenn is a 3 Michelin star restaurant known for its pure, elegant, and beautifully composed dishes. The menu is entirely pescatarian and lactose-free, providing a light yet satisfying dining experience. Patrons often commend the warm, kind atmosphere and the remarkable taste that characterizes each of the 19 courses offered.
State Bird Provisions
State Bird Provisions is a restaurant that specializes in seasonal Californian cooking, offering vibrant and surprising dishes. Known for its outstanding, inventive, and creative food, it's a favorite among many, with some customers dining there hundreds of times. The restaurant, originally created by Chefs Stuart and Nicole, is now led by the talented Chef Gaby, who continues to elevate the culinary experience.
Rich Table
Rich Table, led by Chefs Evan and Sarah Rich, is known for its elevated comfort food. The menu features a variety of dishes, with standouts including porcini donuts, sardine chips, beef dumplings, and a special off-menu dessert by Sarah. The restaurant also offers a selection of pastas, mains, and creative appetizers such as burrata with cauliflower tikka masala walnut crumble.
Sorrel
Sorrel is a neighborhood gem that offers a menu influenced by Alex Hong and Michael Tusk, with a solid core of pasta dishes. It's located in the Pacific Heights district, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere for its guests. Whether you're planning a private event or just looking for a pleasant dinner, Sorrel is an excellent choice with its diverse menu and warm ambiance.
Ju-Ni
Ju-Ni is a renowned sushi restaurant, known for its intimate omakase experience where one chef serves a maximum of four guests. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Geoffrey Lee, the restaurant crafts traditional sushi with a modern twist, such as frozen and shaved ankimo over ikura nigiri. The restaurant, which holds a Michelin star, offers a relaxed and personal setting, where guests can enjoy dishes like Akami (lean bluefin tuna), white soy cured king salmon and Shirako (Cod Milt).
Bar Crenn
Bar Crenn, a sibling to the 3-star Atelier Crenn, offers a classic French-style menu with a rustic twist. This restaurant provides a welcome change for those looking for a more laid-back dining experience. With a commitment to quality and accessibility, Bar Crenn ensures a memorable culinary journey for all its guests.
The Shota
The Shota is a Michelin-starred sushi bar, known for its exceptional service and elegant ambiance. Customers highly recommend the nigiri and sake pairings, served at a sleek, long counter. Despite its upscale feel, it retains the charm of traditional sushi bars, making it a favorite since its opening in 2018.
Cafe Jacqueline
Cafe Jacqueline is a long-standing establishment in San Francisco, renowned for its specialty in both savory and sweet soufflés. For over 40 years, the owner, Jacqueline Margulis, has been delighting patrons with her perfect soufflés. Despite a recent closure due to the pandemic, the restaurant is back in operation, continuing to serve its signature dishes.
Mijoté
Mijoté is a bistronomy-style restaurant offering a daily-changing 4-course set menu crafted by Michelin starred chef Kosuke Tada. Influenced by his experiences in Paris and Osaka, Chef Tada's dishes are rooted in French technique and feature locally sourced ingredients. The establishment also boasts a selection of natural wines from organic producers and is open for service from Tuesday to Saturday, 5-9 pm.
Ernest
Ernest is a San Francisco-based restaurant that offers an eclectic menu filled with delicious meals. They offer a special "let the kitchen cook for you" menu for $95, which includes many popular dishes and the option to add uni and jamón serrano toast. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 5:00 - 9:30pm, Ernest provides both reservations via Resy and walk-ins at their bar.
Le Fantastique
Le Fantastique is a seafood restaurant known for its wide variety of French wines and vintage vinyl music. The menu features a diverse range of dishes, including cured and aged raw fish served sashimi style, shokupan bread with a lobster thermidor dip, and Opah fish slices with Welsh onion broth. With its blend of elegant and casual ambiance, Le Fantastique offers a distinct dining experience centered around incredible bites, fine wines, and classic music.
Nisei
"Nisei" is a restaurant that offers a modern interpretation of Japanese cuisine under the guidance of Chef David Yoshimura. The menu is tasting-only, featuring unconventional flavors that embody both traditional Japanese ethos and Yoshimura's innovative culinary approach. Notable dishes include the Dorayaki, a playful and decadent twist on Japanese pancakes stuffed with banana and topped with caviar, paired perfectly with their extensive saké and wine offerings.
Lily
Lily is a restaurant in San Francisco that serves luxurious California-Vietnamese food, crafted by Chef Rob Lam. The menu features dishes inspired by his Vietnamese upbringing, enhanced by his French training, such as the popular Banh Mi with next-level pâté. The restaurant is open for weekend brunch and dinner, and offers dishes like the Bun Rieu, a crab and dry-farmed tomato dish, and the Cha Ca La Vong, a turmeric-fried catfish with noodles.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
San Francisco
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over
2,200
destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
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