San Francisco Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in San Francisco - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
Sort by:
23 Recommendations
{{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }}
0 Recommendations
Loading...
-
1. Acquerello
$$$$ | Polk Gulch |Chef and co-owner Suzette Gresham has elicited swoons over the years with high-end but soulful Italian cooking that is worth every penny. Her cuttlefish "tagliatelle" is a star of the menu, which features both classic and cutting-edge dishes. Dinners are prix fixe, with three, four, or five courses and several choices within each course. Co-owner Giancarlo Paterlini oversees the service, and his son Gianpaolo presides over the roughly 2,000-bottle list of Italian wines. The room, in a former chapel, with a vaulted ceiling and terra-cotta and pale-ocher palette, is refined but never stuffy.
1722 Sacramento St., San Francisco, California, 94109, USA415-567–5432Known For
- Sensational prix-fixe dining
- City's premier Italian cheese selection
- Extensive Italian wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential -
2. Atelier Crenn
$$$ | Cow Hollow |Dinner at the spectacularly inventive flagship of San Francisco’s most celebrated chef of the moment, Dominique Crenn, is an exploration of both Crenn's journey as a chef and California's distinct geography and history. Each course is usually eye-opening (and downright delicious) and many dishes feature produce from Crenn's own Bleu Belle Farm. The presentations, textures, and tastes will stay with diners for years after the final chocolate bite from pastry wizard Juan Contreras.
3127 Fillmore St., San Francisco, California, 94123, USA415-440–0460Known For
- Extraordinary, whimsical pescatarian tasting menu
- Stellar desserts
- Hip-elegant atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch -
3. Benu
$$$$ | SoMa |Chef Corey Lee's three-Michelin-star fine dining mecca is a must-stop for those who hop from city to city collecting memorable meals. Lee, formerly of French Laundry, meticulously ties together cooking techniques and ingredients commonly seen in different cuisines of Asia—such as xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and kimchi—with a deft gastronomic touch. You may find spectacular dishes like an haute take on barbecued quail with black truffle steamed buns, or charcoal noodles with caviar and giant squid. Bare-wood tables and a hip, minimalistic interior guarantee concentration on the plate. The tasting menu is mandatory and memorable, with a couple of choices for diners in the final two large presentation savory courses.
22 Hawthorne St., San Francisco, California, 94105, USA415-685–4860Known For
- High-end dining
- Phenomenal wine pairings
- Stellar service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential -
4. Birdsong
$$$$ | SoMa |Despite its gritty location a block from Market Street's roughest section (take a cab or rideshare directly to the restaurant), this sweeping, elaborate tasting-menu restaurant with a refined forest-wilderness theme is a destination for discerning fine-dining lovers from all over the country. Chef and co-owner Christopher Bleidorn spread his wings here at his first solo project after working in the kitchen at some of San Francisco's top kitchens (Atelier Crenn, Saison, Benu), and each of the 11 or so dishes he and his team creates is a masterpiece in presentation and taste. Diners are usually still dreaming about the magnificent caviar and cornbread course months later. The superb wine program and sharp service further elevate the experience.
1085 Mission St., San Francisco, California, 94103, USA415-369–9161Known For
- Incredible aged meat dishes
- Beautiful open-kitchen setting
- Creek-raised trout prepared three ways
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch -
5. Boulevard
$$$$ | |Celebrated local chef Nancy Oakes' high-profile, high-priced eatery in the historic 1889 Audiffred Building has been attracting well-dressed locals and flush out-of-towners since 1993. A striking belle époque interior (originally designed by Pat Kuleto and later touched up by Ken Fulk, both star local architects) is the setting for sophisticated American food with a French accent and a distinct local California produce twist. The main dining room has a three-course set menu with several options in each course, while most of that menu is available à la carte in the bar area.
1 Mission St., San Francisco, California, 94105, USA415-543–6084Known For
- Any pork chop preparation
- Polished service
- Lively bar area
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
6. Californios
$$$$ | SoMa |This Californian-Mexican tasting-menu concept by chef Val M. Cantu continues to be one of the hottest tickets in the entire Bay Area. Cantu and his team's creations, along with Charlotte Randolph's acclaimed wine program, remain as special as ever (the restaurant had a great run in smaller Mission District digs before moving to SoMa), crafting what is possibly the country's leading Mexican-influenced fine dining experience. As wonderful as what's on the table is, the posh black-walled setting with contemporary art and dramatic chandeliers is just as notable. It's also possible to make a reservation for some tequila and mezcal cocktails in the front bar (no food, just drinks), allowing guests to feel the mystique without spending hundreds on dinner.
355 11th St., San Francisco, California, 94103, USA415-757–0994Known For
- House-made tortillas used in brilliant ways
- Wonderful patio
- Grilled banana with cold-smoked caviar
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch -
7. Coi
$$$$ | North Beach | Modern AmericanAlthough Daniel Patterson no longer presides over the kitchen, under chef Erik Anderson his Michelin three-star restaurant is still a can't-miss destination for exquisite, rarefied dining in a womblike space that features natural linens, soft lighting, and hand-crafted pottery. The eight-course tasting menu focuses on seafood and prizes obsessively sourced, highly seasonal ingredients in dishes such as Dungeness crab with grapefruit, Champagne, and bay leaf.
373 Broadway, San Francisco, California, 94133, USA415-393–9000Known For
- Fine dining
- Seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood
- Three Michelin stars
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. No lunch., Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch -
8. Nightbird
$$$$ | Hayes Valley |Chef-owner Kim Alter's solo debut is this small, charming, seasonally focused tasting-menu destination that is an oasis of calm away from the frantic traffic of Gough Street. The five-course-plus-five-bite menus are beautifully orchestrated, served by a staff that seems to always anticipate the next question or request, making this one of the more relaxed splurges of San Francisco's gastronomic elite restaurants.
330 Gough St., San Francisco, California, 94102, USA415-829–7565Known For
- Quail egg amuse-bouche
- Tiny art-deco adjacent bar, Linden Room
- Timing adjusted for diners with tickets to a show
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch -
9. Octavia
$$$ | Lower Pacific Heights |Regardless of the time of year, Melissa Perello’s upscale restaurant is a perennial favorite for diners seeking out what California cuisine really tastes like. The warm, immaculate dining room is a perfect setting for edgier dishes like the chilled squid-ink noodles starter, along with more comforting produce-driven small plates and entrées. Imaginative desserts and a top-tier wine program round out what is one of San Francisco's definitive dining experiences.
1701 Octavia St., San Francisco, California, 94109, USA415-408–7507Known For
- Exciting preparations with peak-of-season produce
- Spicy deviled egg starter
- Truly professional service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch -
10. Rich Table
$$$ | Hayes Valley |Sardine chips and porcini doughnuts are popular bites at co-chef Evan and Sarah Rich's lively, creative restaurant; mains are also clever stunners, including pastas like the sea urchin cacio e pepe. The room's weathered-wood wallboards, repurposed from a Northern California sawmill, give it a homey vibe. There's a nice selection of wines by the glass and artisanal cocktails. Reservations are not an easy acquisition, but twelve bar seats are available for walk-ins. Try their fast-casual option a block away, RT Rotisserie, if you need a quick pre-theater sandwich or roast chicken plate.
199 Gough St., San Francisco, California, 94102, USA415-355–9085Known For
- Tough-to-get reservations
- Freshly baked bread
- Seasonal ingredients
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential -
11. Sons & Daughters
$$$$ | Nob Hill |The constantly evolving tasting menu that chef-owner Teague Moriarty serves at his standout, Michelin-star restaurant serves as a primer for how to do highly seasonal cuisine right. Though the preparations are intricate and often luxurious, there is a pretension-free, contemporary elegance that makes this one of the most relaxed (and fun) fine-dining experiences in the city. The accompanying wine list is equally stellar.
708 Bush St., San Francisco, California, 94108, USA415-994–7933Known For
- Cozy but chic dining room anchored by an ornate fireplace
- Excellent house-made bread
- Attentive service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch -
12. Sorrel
$$$$ | |After a long run as one of San Francisco’s most important dining pop-ups, Alex Hong’s refined seasonal Californian cooking can be found in one of San Francisco's most dramatic dining settings, with a skylight and floral arrangements that epitomize California “good life” architecture. That vibe is reflected in dishes like a springtime dry-aged duck with green garlic and kumquat, where Hong beautifully blends contemporary techniques and local ingredients. The tasting menu and à la carte offerings change relatively frequently, but the signature sourdough focaccia and oyster with sorrel ice are staples. Hong, an alum of Quince's esteemed kitchen, is also immensely talented at the pasta craft, and an elegant pasta or two is offered each evening.
3228 Sacramento St., San Francisco, California, 94115, USA415-525–3765Known For
- Exemplary pastas
- Beautifully composed tasting menu
- Upscale dinner party vibe
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch -
13. SPQR
$$$$ | Pacific Heights |This modern Italian favorite continues to be a special destination for chef Matthew Accarrino's inventive seasonal cooking. The five-course tasting menu includes tempting antipasti, superlative pastas like mustard capellini with guinea hen ragù, and a few hearty secondi; save space for the fantastic desserts. The Italian wine list is also full of gems and divided by region, providing a great education with your bottle. The polished yet relaxed atmosphere, with travel posters on the wall, attracts a dedicated neighborhood following of all ages. Singles and walk-in couples can sit at the two counters (one looks into the galley kitchen). Accarrino's fried chicken on Sundays is worth planning your day around. And doughnuts and coffee are served during the daytime for Fillmore's steady stream of weekend power shoppers and walkers.
1911 Fillmore St., San Francisco, California, 94115, USA415-771–7779Known For
- Chicken liver mousse antipasti
- Vintages from less-known Italian wine regions
- Fried chicken on Sundays
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed. No lunch Thurs. and Fri. -
14. Birdbox
$$ | SoMa |The search for San Francisco's greatest fried chicken ends at this casual counter-service restaurant. It started as a COVID-19 pandemic concept at fine dining sibling Birdsong and became so popular that it received its own brick-and-mortar space. That fine dining pedigree can be found in the pitch-perfect sandwiches, "birdboxes" (various sizes of fried chicken with outstanding homemade sauces), and the local, free-range poultry sourcing. Don't worry vegetarians—the hen of the wood mushroom sandwich is just as special as its fried chicken peer.
680A 2nd St., San Francisco, California, 94107, USAKnown For
- Claude the Claw sandwich
- Sour cream and onion–seasoned fried chicken
- Best cornbread in town
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. -
15. Bouche
$$$$ | Union Sq. |They don't hand out awards for the the smallest restaurant in San Francisco, but this charmer right on top of the Stockton Tunnel outside Union Square would definitely be a contender. It's a perfect example of a French bistro given a California spin—the best of both worlds seamlessly cooked together in a value prix-fixe menu. There's plenty of joie de vivre in the compact bi-level space.
603 Bush St., San Francisco, California, 94108, USA415-956–0396Known For
- Charming ambience and food
- Counter seating in front of kitchen
- Fougasse bread
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch -
16. Frances
$$$$ | Castro |One of the hottest tickets in town, chef Melissa Perello's simple, sublime restaurant is a consummate date-night destination. Perello's seasonal California-French cooking is its own enduring love affair, with standouts including the savory bavette steak, grilled Sakura pork chop, and panisse frites. For dessert, the lumberjack cake is a perennial favorite. The space has a limited number of tables, the tasting menu changes weekly, and service is professional and warm.
3870 17th St., San Francisco, California, 94114, USA415-621–3870Known For
- Lumberjack cake
- Neighborhood gem
- Reasonably priced tasting menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential -
17. Gary Danko
$$$$ | |This classic for prix-fixe dining has earned legions of fans—and a Michelin star—for its refined and creative seasonal California cooking, displayed in dishes like glazed oysters with Ossetra caviar and juniper-crusted venison. The banquette-lined rooms, with stunning floral arrangements, are as memorable as the food and impeccable service. The cost of a meal is pegged to the number of courses, from three to five, with several choices in each course. The wine list is immense.
800 N. Point St., San Francisco, California, 94109, USA415-749–2060Known For
- Table-side cheese cart
- Soufflé for dessert
- Reservations are hard to get
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. No lunch, Reservations essential -
18. Lovejoy's Tea Room
$$ | Noe Valley |The tearoom is a homey jumble, with its lace-covered tables, couches, and mismatched chairs set among the antiques for sale. High tea and cream tea are served, along with traditional English-tearoom "fayre," such as crustless sandwiches, scones, crumpets, and shepherd's pie. It's all quite cozy. The antiques shop across the street is a fun browse for teas and vintage teacups.
1351 Church St., San Francisco, California, USAKnown For
- Comfy-chic vibe
- Classic English high tea
- Lovejoy's Antiques, across the street
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed. No dinner -
19. Nisei
$$$$ | Russian Hill |As the American child of a Japanese immigrant—the definition of nisei— Chef David Yoshimura wants us to know that there's more to Japanese cuisine than ramen and sushi. At his new, low-key and elegant black-walled restaurant—already awarded its first Michelin star—Yoshimura puts his own creative spin on washoku, traditional seasonal Japanese cooking, to deliver what he calls "Japanese soul food." The multicourse tasting menu may include examples of the bold flavors and stark contrasts he favors such as banana dorayaki (filled pancakes) with caviar and black curry with sweetbreads. The wine pairing is a good bet, as the chef is also a sommelier.
2316 Polk St., San Francisco, California, 94109, USAKnown For
- Inventive Japanese food with a strong flavor profile
- Innovative flavor combinations
- Excellent cocktails at Bar Iris
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch -
20. ONE65
$$$$ | Union Sq. |It's hard to describe this ode to France's many culinary specialties without a map diagram, as this is a full six-story, four-concept venue just a block from Union Square. The shimmering gem of the house is upstairs, the exquisite fine-dining tasting menu space O' by Claude Le Tohic; the other floors are taken up by a modern cocktail bar (Elements), a more casual bistro and grill (closed for remodeling at time of writing), and a ground-floor bakery and patisserie.
165 O'Farrell St., San Francisco, California, 94102, USA415-814–8888Known For
- Cocktails high above the street at moody, urbane Elements lounge
- Patisserie's macarons
- Stellar house-baked breads
-
{{ (numCurrentPage-1)*numPageLimit+index+1 }}. {{ item.name }}
{{ item.price_tag }} | {{ item.neighborhood }} | | {{ item.first_keyword }}{{ item.address }}{{ item.phone[0] }}Known For
- {{ capitalizeFirstLetter(pro) }}
{{ item.details.title }} Details
{{ item.details.content.toString() }} -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
No Restaurants Results
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
