When you think of San Francisco, what comes to mind?
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Three things pop into my head: the big red bridge, mission burritos, and the modern marvels of company headquarters like Apple, Meta, and Google in nearby Silicon Valley.
(I also think about my first visit to the Tenderloin, but that’s another story.)
The city is a unique blend of history and modernity, to put it lightly. From the days of hippie adventures on Haight Street to its rise as the mainstay of multi-trillion-dollar corporations, San Francisco continues to evolve in unpredictable, unique ways.
I won’t bother delving into the cultural core of San Francisco—I think we should eat our way to it, instead.
As in any city that defies easy summarizing, food is often a surprisingly accurate meter to gauge culture, values, and trends.
And San Francisco is one of the top destinations for foodies in the US, only narrowly beaten by New York City when it comes to Michelin-rated eateries.
Can you name the best Michelin restaurants in San Francisco?
Best Michelin restaurants in San Francisco: Three-star picks
Atelier Crenn
Chef Dominique Crenn isn’t solely focused on her dishes—she’s also curating a world of delectable ambiance and service at Atelier Crenn. Crenn also places a strong emphasis on eco-friendly agriculture.
As with Quince (below) she partners with farms to ensure her produce is grown with regenerative practices. The menu is dairy-free and pescatarian, too, making it a top choice for those who want to sample the best in alternative dining.
Benu
Dubbed an ‘oasis in the center of the city’, Benu offers an Asian-inspired menu from Chef Corey Lee. But expect to be surprised by his simple dishes that are elevated to new heights—then served with a keen eye for visual pleasure.
Nothing is quite what it seems thanks to Lee’s expert ability to offer a twist on favorites like barbecued duck, shark’s fin (faux), and xiao long bao.
Quince
Similar to Atelier Crenn, you’ve likely read through menus similar to Quince’s before—but the Michellin-caliber twist at Quince is the restaurant’s longstanding experience and dedication to freshness.
Chefs Michael and Lindsay Tusk have partnered with a 25-acre farm north of the city, which provides ultra-fresh produce that is grown according to sustainable practices. Each dish is a celebration of every single ingredient.
Best Michelin restaurants in San Francisco: Two-star picks
If you can’t manage a reservation at one of the establishments above, then check out the two-star Michelin restaurants below. I’d say you won’t notice the difference, but I’d hate to project my subpar palette onto anyone.
How about this: You’ll notice the difference, but you won’t mind.
- Acquerello. A luxury Italian dining room that’s been around since 1989, producing dishes with visual appeal and delectable complexity.
- Birdsong. An atmospheric restaurant that brings out the best in cooking techniques from a range of expert culinary minds.
- Californios. A restaurant that turns a passionate and masterful eye toward traditional Mexican cuisine.
- Commis. Thai and Chinese heritage meld in this longstanding favorite.
- Lazy Bear. A daring and modern take on dozens of classic dishes that ooze with confidence.
- Saison. It’s pure innovation and delight at Saison, leading to playful-but-delicious meals.
- Sons & Daughters. A sleek eatery that offers modern twists across a detailed tasting menu.
