Quick answers — eating in San Francisco
- Best restaurant overall
- Atelier Crenn
- Best value
- Kin Khao (Approximately $60 - $90 USD (a la carte))
- Strongest cuisines
- American, French, Italian, Mexican & Latin, Chinese
- Dishes to try
- Dungeness Crab Cioppino, Mission Burrito, Sourdough Bread, Dim Sum
- Booking window
- For three-star establishments, booking typically opens 1-3 months in advance at specific times (e.g., 9 AM PST). Be ready precisely when reservations drop, as they fill within minutes.
Booking at top-tier restaurants is highly competitive, often requiring reservations weeks or months in advance, typically released on platforms like Tock. Dress codes range from smart casual to business formal, with jackets often recommended but rarely strictly required. Tipping averages 18-22%, and dinner service generally runs from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
American
Best American restaurants in San Francisco
Modern American cooking is regional and ingredient-driven, and it is where a lot of the world's tasting-menu formats were loosened into something more relaxed.
Benu
Three MICHELIN StarsModern American · SoMa · Approximately $375 - $400+ USD
Corey Lee
Corey Lee's Benu offers a refined, minimalist aesthetic, both in its serene dining room and its inventive, Asian-inflected American cuisine. The tasting menu showcases extraordinary technical precision and a deep understanding of ingredients, often transforming familiar flavors into something entirely new. It's a masterclass in elegant, globally-inspired cooking, earning consistent accolades for its unique perspective.
Order: Thousand-year-old quail egg with ginger and lily, Oyster with pork belly and kimchi
Quince
Three MICHELIN StarsCalifornian Contemporary · Jackson Square · Approximately $395 - $425+ USD
Michael Tusk
Quince embodies elegant, seasonal Californian cuisine with Italian influences, sourcing extensively from their own Fresh Run Farm. Chef Michael Tusk's sophisticated tasting menu highlights pristine ingredients with delicate preparations, served in a luxurious, art-filled setting. It offers a refined, classic fine-dining experience, balancing tradition with contemporary sensibilities, making it a cornerstone of the city's gastronomic scene.
Order: White Truffle (seasonal), Pasta dishes (e.g., Agnolotti dal Plin)
Lazy Bear
Two MICHELIN StarsModern American · Mission District · Approximately $225 - $250+ USD
David Barzelay
Lazy Bear offers a unique, interactive 'modern American dinner party' experience, evolving from a supper club. Guests begin with cocktails and snacks in a lounge before moving to communal tables in a rustic-chic setting for a multi-course tasting menu. Chef David Barzelay's inventive dishes focus on seasonal, local ingredients, presented with playful theatricality, making for a memorable and engaging gastronomic adventure.
Order: Foie Gras Torchons, Dry-Aged Duck
French
Best French restaurants in San Francisco
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Atelier Crenn
Three MICHELIN StarsModern French · Cow Hollow · Approximately $475 - $500+ USD
Dominique Crenn
Chef Dominique Crenn's artistic vision translates into a deeply personal, poetic menu. Her 'poetic culinaria' presents dishes as abstract art, meticulously crafted and often evoking nature, memory, and emotion. The intimate, sophisticated dining room complements the culinary narrative, creating an unforgettable, immersive experience. It's a statement on modern fine dining.
Order: Kir Breton (scallop, apple, butter), 'Walk in the Forest' (mushroom, pine, moss)
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in San Francisco
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Acquerello
Two MICHELIN StarsRefined Italian · Nob Hill · Approximately $250 - $300+ USD
Suzette Gresham
For over three decades, Acquerello has been a beacon of sophisticated Italian fine dining in San Francisco. Chef Suzette Gresham crafts elegant, meticulously presented dishes that respect traditional flavors while elevating them with modern technique. The serene, chapel-like setting, with its high ceilings and hushed ambiance, provides a backdrop for a truly refined and memorable culinary journey, defining enduring excellence.
Order: Rigatoni with sea urchin and guanciale, Roasted Lamb Loin
Mexican & Latin
Best Mexican and Latin American restaurants in San Francisco
Latin American kitchens have some of the fastest-moving cooking anywhere: masa ground in house, ceviche cured to order, and Nikkei menus mixing Peruvian and Japanese technique.
Californios
Two MICHELIN StarsModern Mexican · Mission District · Approximately $255 - $275+ USD
Val M. Cantu
Californios reinvents Mexican cuisine with remarkable innovation and precision, challenging preconceived notions of flavor. Chef Val M. Cantu's tasting menu is a vibrant, sophisticated exploration of Mexican ingredients and culinary heritage, presented with artistic flair. The sleek, modern dining room provides a chic backdrop for a truly unique gastronomic journey, establishing a new standard for contemporary Mexican fine dining.
Order: Tamal with caviar, seasonal tacos
Chinese
Best Chinese restaurants in San Francisco
Chinese fine dining is regional: Cantonese seafood and dim sum, the chilli and numbing pepper of Sichuan, the delicate soups of Shanghai. Larger tables see more of the menu.
Mister Jiu's
One MICHELIN StarModern Chinese · Chinatown · Approximately $160 - $185+ USD
Brandon Jew
Mister Jiu's revitalizes Cantonese-American cuisine with a contemporary, Californian sensibility in a stunning, historic Chinatown setting. Chef Brandon Jew's dishes are thoughtful and exquisitely balanced, utilizing local, seasonal ingredients to reinterpret classic flavors. The beautiful dining room, with its grand windows overlooking the city, offers a vibrant, elevated experience, bridging tradition and innovation masterfully.
Order: Tea-Smoked Duck, Salt-Baked Oysters
Thai
Best Thai restaurants in San Francisco
Thai cooking balances sour, salt, sweet and heat in every dish. Ask for the kitchen's own level of spice rather than the tourist setting if you want it as intended.
Kin Khao
One MICHELIN StarThai · Union Square · Approximately $60 - $90 USD (a la carte)
Pim Techamuanvivit
Kin Khao elevates traditional Thai cuisine with a focus on authentic flavors and high-quality, local ingredients, eschewing sweet-and-sour stereotypes. Chef Pim Techamuanvivit crafts dishes with vibrant, complex spice profiles and a bold approach to texture. The lively, modern space provides a dynamic setting for an adventurous culinary journey, proving that Thai food can be both authentic and Michelin-starred.
Order: Massaman Curry with Short Rib, Pretty Hot Wings
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in San Francisco
Brenda's French Soul Food
A beloved spot for New Orleans-inspired comfort food. Don't miss the fried beignets (plain, chocolate, or apple) and classic brunch items like shrimp and grits. Expect generous portions and a lively atmosphere for around $15-25 per person.
Burma Superstar
Experience vibrant Burmese flavors in a perpetually bustling setting. The tea leaf salad is a must-try, along with the Burmese samusas and Mohinga. Expect a wait, but the delicious, unique cuisine is worth it. Meals typically range from $18-30 per person.
State Bird Provisions (walk-in bar seats)
While a Michelin-starred restaurant, its walk-in bar seats offer a more spontaneous and relatively affordable way to experience their 'provisions' served dim sum style. Sample creative American small plates like state bird with provisions or creative pancakes for $30-50 per person.
La Taqueria
A legendary Mission District institution famous for its burritos and tacos. Opt for the 'Dorados' style burrito for a crispy exterior, or any of their perfectly grilled meats. Expect quick service and incredible value, with most items under $10-15.
Tony's Pizza Napoletana
Offering a dizzying array of pizza styles, from Neapolitan to New York, Sicilian, and Detroit. The Margherita is a classic, but explore other award-winning options. Perfect for sharing with friends in a lively setting, with prices ranging from $20-40 per person depending on choice.
Local dishes
What to eat in San Francisco
Dungeness Crab Cioppino
This hearty seafood stew, originating in San Francisco, features fresh Dungeness crab, mussels, clams, and fish simmered in a rich tomato and wine broth. It's often served with crusty sourdough bread for dipping. Scoma's on Pier 47 is an iconic spot to experience this local delicacy, capturing the essence of San Francisco's maritime heritage.
Mission Burrito
Larger than traditional burritos, the Mission burrito is typically wrapped in a steamed flour tortilla, packed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and various other fillings. It's a staple of the Mission District's vibrant food scene. La Taqueria is legendary for its version, often considered the gold standard, focusing on perfectly grilled meats and fresh ingredients.
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco's sourdough boasts a distinct tangy flavor, attributed to the unique wild yeast strains in the local air. It's an essential part of the city's culinary identity, perfect for sandwiches or served alongside soups. Boudin Bakery, founded in 1849, is a historic institution famous for its sourdough, often serving clam chowder in bread bowls.
Dim Sum
These small, bite-sized portions of food are traditionally served in bamboo steamers or on small plates, often enjoyed with tea during brunch. From delicate dumplings to savory buns, dim sum offers a delicious variety. Good Mong Kok Bakery in Chinatown is renowned for its fresh, affordable, and authentic offerings, drawing long lines for its quality.
Oysters
Given its proximity to the Pacific and Tomales Bay, fresh oysters are a San Francisco highlight. They are often served raw on the half shell with mignonette, showcasing their briny, clean flavors. Hog Island Oyster Co. at the Ferry Building is celebrated for its sustainably farmed oysters, offering a prime spot to enjoy them with bay views.
Irish Coffee
While not originally from San Francisco, this warm cocktail of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream was popularized in the U.S. at The Buena Vista Cafe. Its cozy warmth and invigorating kick make it a popular choice, especially on a foggy San Francisco day. The Buena Vista is an institution, famous for serving thousands daily.
Peking Duck
A classic Chinese dish, Peking duck features crispy skin and tender meat, often served with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. In San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown, several restaurants offer excellent renditions. Z & Y Restaurant is particularly lauded for its authentic and flavorful Peking duck, a must-try for enthusiasts.
It's-It Ice Cream Sandwich
This beloved local treat consists of a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two oatmeal cookies, all dipped in dark chocolate. Invented in San Francisco in 1928, it's a nostalgic and uniquely satisfying dessert. Look for them in grocery stores, corner markets, and occasionally at street vendors throughout the city for a true local flavor.
How to book a table in San Francisco
- · For three-star establishments, booking typically opens 1-3 months in advance at specific times (e.g., 9 AM PST). Be ready precisely when reservations drop, as they fill within minutes.
- · Many top restaurants use Tock, requiring a non-refundable deposit or full pre-payment for the tasting menu, which is then applied to your meal cost. Cancellations often result in forfeiture.
- · Consider weekday lunch menus at starred restaurants for a potentially more accessible price point and easier reservation, offering a similar culinary experience in a condensed format.
- · Be mindful of strict cancellation and no-show policies. Many fine dining establishments charge the full tasting menu price for cancellations within 72 hours or for no-shows.
FAQ
San Francisco restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in San Francisco?
Atelier Crenn in Cow Hollow is the benchmark table — Modern French, led by Dominique Crenn, three michelin stars, around Approximately $475 - $500+ USD per person. Order the Kir Breton (scallop, apple, butter), 'Walk in the Forest' (mushroom, pine, moss)
Where is the best American restaurant in San Francisco?
Benu in SoMa is the American table to book in San Francisco (Approximately $375 - $400+ USD per person). Other strong options: Quince, Lazy Bear.
Where is the best French restaurant in San Francisco?
Atelier Crenn in Cow Hollow is the French table to book in San Francisco (Approximately $475 - $500+ USD per person).
Where is the best Italian restaurant in San Francisco?
Acquerello in Nob Hill is the Italian table to book in San Francisco (Approximately $250 - $300+ USD per person).
Where is the best Mexican and Latin American restaurant in San Francisco?
Californios in Mission District is the Mexican and Latin American table to book in San Francisco (Approximately $255 - $275+ USD per person).
Where is the best Chinese restaurant in San Francisco?
Mister Jiu's in Chinatown is the Chinese table to book in San Francisco (Approximately $160 - $185+ USD per person).
Where is the best Thai restaurant in San Francisco?
Kin Khao in Union Square is the Thai table to book in San Francisco (Approximately $60 - $90 USD (a la carte) per person).
Where can I eat well in San Francisco without spending a fortune?
Kin Khao is the best-value table on this list at roughly Approximately $60 - $90 USD (a la carte) per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Brenda's French Soul Food, Burma Superstar, State Bird Provisions (walk-in bar seats).
How far in advance should I book restaurants in San Francisco?
For three-star establishments, booking typically opens 1-3 months in advance at specific times (e.g., 9 AM PST). Be ready precisely when reservations drop, as they fill within minutes. Many top restaurants use Tock, requiring a non-refundable deposit or full pre-payment for the tasting menu, which is then applied to your meal cost. Cancellations often result in forfeiture.
What food is San Francisco famous for?
Dungeness Crab Cioppino, Mission Burrito, Sourdough Bread, Dim Sum, Oysters — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. This hearty seafood stew, originating in San Francisco, features fresh Dungeness crab, mussels, clams, and fish simmered in a rich tomato and wine broth. It's often served with crusty sourdough bread for dipping. Scoma's on Pier 47 is an iconic spot to experience this local delicacy, capturing the essence of San Francisco's maritime heritage.
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