30 Michelin Star Restaurants in San Francisco, CA To Dine at in 2024

Last Updated on October 4, 2024 | 0 Comments
dessert tasting menu

With 30 Michelin star restaurants in San Francisco, there is no shortage of immersive dining experiences available in the city. You can enjoy decadent multi-course menus of handcrafted cuisine from some of the best chefs in the country while discovering exciting new flavor combinations with top-notch fine dining service.

A Michelin star signifies culinary excellence and innovation and is based on five key judging criteria. To earn a Michelin star, a restaurant must possess high-quality ingredients, masterful techniques, harmonious flavors, a unique personality and outstanding consistency. Many of these restaurants book out months in advance, so if you are serious about getting a reservation, be sure to plan ahead.

 

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How Many Michelin Star Restaurants Are There in San Francisco?

There are so many fun restaurants in San Francisco for serious foodies. With 30 restaurants earning a coveted Michelin star, it’s no wonder this city is renowned for its culinary prowess. There are three restaurants in San Francisco with three Michelin stars, six restaurants with two stars and 21 restaurants with a single Michelin star. Likewise, 41 eateries have been awarded the Bib Gourmand for high-quality cooking at a reasonable price.

Dining at a Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco is a great way to celebrate a milestone occasion, such as a wedding anniversary, starting a new job or searching for date ideas in San Francisco. From laid-back Korean barbeque to premium Japanese wagyu there is a wide range of Michelin star restaurants in San Francisco to enjoy.

The 30 Michelin Star Restaurants in San Francisco, CA

1. Benu

This 3 Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco is known for its elaborate tasting menu. Benu offers gourmet Asian-fusion cuisine, presented with the utmost care and precision.

The Vibe

Benu is a swanky and modern Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco, perfect when looking for birthday ideas in San Francisco to celebrate a milestone.

What to Order

The only dining option is the chef's tasting menu with options like the eel and blue crab tart. You can choose to add wine pairings for an exquisite experience. 

Benu | 22 Hawthorne St., San Francisco, CA 94105| $$$$$

Try the eel and blue crab tart at this Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco
via Benu

2. Quince

An upscale 3 Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco, Quince is a modern eatery that serves upgraded French cuisine from a seasonal menu.

The Vibe

Dining at Quince is an elegant French affair with multiple tasting menus available. 

What to Order

Order the gastronomy menu for a ten-course experience or try the abbreviated four-course menu available exclusively in the salon at this Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco.

Quince | 470 Pacific Ave., San Francisco, CA 94133 | $$$$

3. Atelier Crenn

The first 3 Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco and the United States to be owned and operated by a woman chef, Atelier Crenn features a French-inspired menu that showcases the bounty of the sea and seasonal farm-to-table ingredients

The Vibe

Dining at Atelier Crenn is an exclusive experience as tables are booked out for months in advance. This dining experience is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of meal.  

What to Order

Indulge in the seasonal chefs' tasting menu, offering thought-provoking dishes plated to perfection. If available, indulge in the chocolate creations.

Atelier Crenn | 3127 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94123 | $$$$

Chocolate creations dessert from tasting menu
via Atelier Crenn

4. Birdsong

Discover a one-of-a-kind tasting experience at Birdsong. This innovative Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco offers artfully crafted Asian-fusion cuisine.

The Vibe

Enjoy modern décor with an intimate and cozy dining room styled with earthy tones. 

What to Order

There are two different tasting menu options at Birdsong: "Discovery" is a two-hour tasting experience, while "Journey" takes place across a three-hour sitting.

Birdsong | 1085 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103 | $$$$

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5. Lazy Bear

An unlikely Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco, Lazy Bear blossomed from the elaborate dinner parties that the owner and head chef used to hold at his apartment. The result is an iconically American dining experience.

The Vibe

This two Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco provides a unique experience inspired by the wilds of the San Fransisco Bay Area. The interior draws on masculine décor elements such as rich brown leather and natural wood grain tables.

What to Order

Order the monthly tasting menu for a unique experience. The menu is posted on the Lazy Bear website so you won’t be surprised by any menu items on your special day.

Lazy Bear | 3416 19th St., San Francisco, CA 94110 | $$$$

Enjoy the monthly tasting menu at this Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco
via Lazy Bear

6. Nari 

Influenced by heritage recipes and modern Californian tastes, Nari is a contemporary Thai restaurant. The menu is compact and straightforward, offering both a tasting menu and an à la carte option. This 1 Michelin starred restaurant in San Francisco also has items available for budget-conscious diners.

The Vibe

The sleek décor is modern and inviting with an intriguing East Asian edge. 

What to Order

Try the succulent squid and pork jowl with a hearty peanut sauce and a refreshing chili lime dressing. The gaeng bumbai aubergine is also a popular entrée option featuring a rich eggplant curry topped with crispy shallots.

Nari | 1625 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115 | $$$

7. Kin Khao

Offering vibrant Thai cuisine, Kin Khao makes Michelin star dining more accessible in San Francisco. The restaurant provides a more casual dining experience and even offers a lunch menu, appealing to those looking to enjoy great food without spending hundreds of dollars.

The Vibe

Kin Khao is a light, airy, casual Thai eatery with great service and reasonable prices. This 1 Michelin star restaurant debunks the myth fine dining has to be stuffy, offering a laid-back welcoming atmosphere instead.

What to Order

Try the sweet and savory caramelized pork belly or the creative Khun Yai rabbit green curry. 

Kin Khao | 55 Cyril Magnin St., San Francisco, CA 94102| $$$

Sweet and savory caramelized pork belly on a pot
via Kin Khao

8. Californios

Be immersed in the flavors of Mexican cuisine at Californios. This exciting Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco serves gourmet Mexican fusion cuisine made from the highest quality seasonal ingredients.

The Vibe

Dinner at Californios is the typical white linen Michelin star experience, featuring exceptional service and Chef-crafted dishes.

What to Order

This special occasion restaurant offers a chef's tasting menu comprising seasonal cuisine.

Californios | 3422 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60624 | $$$$

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9. The Progress

Share Michelin-starred dishes meant to be enjoyed family style at The Progress. This New American Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco showcases naturally sourced ingredients of the highest quality. The Progress elevates traditional San Francisco foods to a Michelin star level. 

The Vibe

The Progress is located in a historic theater and has a bustling family-friendly environment.

What to Order

Order the comforting fire-kissed shishito peppers. Don’t miss out on the innovative dessert menu including refreshing strawberry rhubarb sorbet.

The Progress | 1525 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94115 | $$$$

Savor some fire-kissed shishito peppers at this Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco
via The Progress

10. State Bird Provisions

A rustic Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco, State Bird Provisions is a local favorite known for its critically acclaimed cuisine. It often attracts a line around the block of hungry patrons eager to experience its offerings.

The Vibe

State Bird Provisions is upscale with a modern industrial atmosphere, serving small plates and American fusion tapas.

What to Order

Try the beef tongue pastrami served with briny capers and Parmesan or indulge in the refreshing strawberry guava salad. 

State Bird Provisions | 1529 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94115 | $$$$

11. Acquerello 

For more than three decades Acquerello has offered an unparalleled Italian fine-dining experience to loyal diners in San Francisco. The refined luxury of this Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco has made it a favorite among patrons.

The Vibe

Acquerello offers immense elegance with a dark and intimate dining space, accented with fine leather and rich touches of gold.

What to Order

There are four different dining options at Acquerello. Explore a seasonal tasting menu with dishes like the butter-poached lobster, a vegetable tasting menu and a prix fixe menu. 

Acquerello | ​​1722 Sacramento St., San Francisco, CA 94109 | $$$$

Butter-poached lobster served on a plate
via Acquerello

12. O’ By Claude Le Tohic

Located on the fifth and sixth floors of the One65 building, O’ By Claude Le Tohic is part of a multi-level culinary experience. This French eatery offers fine dining cuisine and immaculate service, making it a popular Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco. 

The Vibe

Dine surrounded by illustrious décor and be pampered with great service.

What to Order

Try the seasonal tasting menu, with five-course and nine-course options to choose from. 

O’ By Claude Le Tohic | 165 O'Farrell St., San Francisco, CA 94102 | $$$$

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13. Sons & Daughters 

Emphasizing sustainability, Son’s & Daughters is a Nordic-inspired Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco. It offers fresh, locally sourced dishes made with classic cooking techniques.

The Vibe 

The dining room is welcoming and lively, wrapping around an intriguing open kitchen.

What to Order

The multi-course seasonal tasting menu is the only option available at Sons & Daughters.

Sons & Daughters | 708 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94108 | $$$$

Indluge in the multi-course seasonal tasting menu at this Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco
via Sons & Daughters

14. Aphotic

Derived from the Greek word meaning "without light," Aphotic is a Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco that offers a unique take on sustainably sourced high-quality seafood.

The Vibe

The interior is dark, sexy and lavishly decorated, making it one of the most romantic restaurants in San Francisco to cozy up with a date.

What to Order

Impress your date with the chef’s table-tasting menu comprising 13 unforgettable courses. 

Aphotic | 816 Folsom St., San Francisco, CA 94107 | $$$$

15. Niku Steakhouse

Known for its in-house dry-aging process, Niku Steakhouse is a Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco celebrated for its prime cuts of Japanese A5 wagyu beef.

The Vibe

Niku Steakhouse has a dark and moody interior with intriguing Japanese design elements.

What to Order

You have to try the steak at Niku Steakhouse. Try the American wagyu tomahawk or the Australian wagyu filet mignon. Don’t miss out on the decadent wagyu fat brownie drizzled with caramel and topped with miso ice cream.

Niku Steakhouse | 61 Division St., San Francisco, CA 94103 | $$$$

Wagyu tomahawk steak sliced
via Niku Steakhouse

16. Saison

Specializing in Chinese fusion cuisine, Saison is a Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco renowned for using an open hearth in the cooking process.

The Vibe

The bustling open kitchen with a dark and moody interior makes the Saison dining experience stand out. 

What to Order

Grab cocktails and uni toast in the bar or make a reservation for the full chef’s tasting menu, available nightly. 

Saison | 178 Townsend St., San Francisco, CA 94107 | $$$$

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17. Ssal

Explore the flavors of contemporary Korea at Ssal. Dining at this Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco is by reservation only.

The Vibe

The upscale atmosphere of Ssal is intimate and unique featuring an open kitchen and immersive dining.

What to Order

Indulge in the multi-course chef’s tasting menu featuring exciting seasonal dishes. 

Ssal  | 2226 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109 | $$$$

Enjoy some seasonal dishes at this Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco
via Ssal

18. Mister Jiu’s

Located in Chinatown, Mister Jiu’s is a contemporary Chinese-American Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco. This family-friendly eatery boasts a welcoming atmosphere and graciously accepts walk-ins in the bar area.

The Vibe

This creative eatery features a mix of plated dishes and traditional Chinese banquet-style dining.

What to Order

Order the seasonal tasting menu for a flavorful experience. Try one of the large communal entrées such as the sizzle fish served with ginger, scallions and fermented black beans. 

Mister Jiu’s | 28 Waverly Pl., San Francisco, CA 94108 | $$$$

19. Nisei

This Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco earned its first star only one year after opening. Nisei combines elite culinary techniques with the inviting flavors of Japanese-American fusion.

The Vibe

The interior of Nisei is a tasteful blend of modern décor with historically Japanese accents. 

What to Order

Enjoy the chef’s tasting menu that features delicious Asian fare and changes seasonally to ensure maximum freshness. 

Nisei | 2316 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109 | $$$$

Savor a delicious Chef’s tasting menu at this Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco
via Nisei

20. The Shota

Experience Edomae-style omakase at The Shota, a highly-rated Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco.

The Vibe

The dining space is very upscale and intimate, limited only to patrons with reservations. 

What to Order

Partake in the 15-course tasting menu including sushi and otsumami. 

The Shota | 115 Sansome St., San Francisco, CA 94104 | $$$$

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21. Osito

Featuring a live-fire tasting menu that spotlights natural flavors, Osito is a Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco known for its elevated Tex-Mex fusion cuisine enjoyed by loyal patrons.

The Vibe

Dining at Osito is a smoky, sultry experience featuring elite service. 

What to Order

Experience the Tex-Mex fusion cuisine with a choice of tasting menus or seasonal selections from the à la carte menu.

Osito | 2875 18th St., San Francisco, CA 94110 | $$$$

Tex-Mex tasting menu
via Osito

22. Wakuriya

Specializing in Japanese kaiseki-style plates, Wakuriya is an upscale Michelin star restaurant near San Francisco. This traditional dining style features small and elaborate dishes served over multiple courses.

The Vibe

The dining room is intimate and only seats 16 people, making the reservations for Wakuriya highly coveted. 

What to Order

Indulge in the popular chef’s tasting menu, comprising a variety of seasonal and tasty dishes. 

Wakuriya | 115 De Anza Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94402 | $$$$

23. San Ho Won

Located in San Francisco, San Ho Won is a Michelin star restaurant known for its Korean barbeque, cooked over an authentic charcoal grill.

The Vibe

San Ho Won is a casual family-friendly restaurant with top-notch cuisine. 

What to Order

Try the charcoal-grilled Pacific mackerel fillet, the prime beef ribeye and the house double-cut galbi.

San Ho Won | 2170 Bryant St., San Francisco, CA 94110 | $$$$

Charcoal-grilled Pacific mackerel fillet, the prime beef ribeye and the house double-cut galbi
via San Ho Won

24. Sorrel

Combining local California cuisine with old-school Italian influences, Sorrel is a modern Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco renowned for its star-studded menu of gourmet dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

The Vibe

Sorrel is upscale and inviting with multiple tasting menus and accessible bar options.

What to Order

Indulge in the seasonal tasting menu or savor the five-course option of chef-chosen dishes for the best experience at this Michelin star Italian restaurant.

Sorrel | 3228 Sacramento St., San Francisco, CA 94115 | $$$$

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25. La Comptoir at Bar Crenn

Music, merriment and flavor meet at this Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco. La Comptoir is a special menu available in the Bar Crenn lounge. 

The Vibe

Made for music lovers and enjoyers of good food, Bar Crenn is a luxury experience like no other.

What to Order

The La Comptoir tasting menu is an interactive dining experience 

Bar Crenn | 3131 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94123 | $$$$

La Comptoir tasting menu is a delicious treat
via Bar Crenn

26. Angler SF

Enjoy stunning waterfront views at this one-of-a-kind Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco. Angler SF is a seafood-focused eatery with wood-fired hearth cooking offering lunch and dinner options.

The Vibe

Angler SF has a refreshing coastal atmosphere with expansive oceanfront views of the Embarcadero waterfront. 

What to Order

Order the succulent hand-dived scallops or the whole bream with coconut and swarnadwipa.

Angler SF | 132 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105 | $$$$

27. Gary Danko

Open for over 24 years, this Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco has been operating at the highest level for an impressive span. Gary Danko serves elevated French fare and is known for its unwavering commitment to excellence. 

The Vibe

Gary Danko is a swanky fine-dining restaurant located in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood.

What to Order

Choose from three, four or five courses of immaculate French cuisine with wine pairings available. If available, make sure to try the Dungeness crab salad.

Gary Danko | 800 N. Point St., San Francisco, CA 94109 | $$$$

Dungeness crab salad from tasting menu
via Gary Danko

28. Commis

Offering elevated global fusion cuisine, Commis is a Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco renowned for its elaborate menu and impeccable service, making it perfect for special occasions.

The Vibe

This restaurant has standout minimalistic décor with thoughtful details throughout. 

What to Order

Indulge in the elaborate tasting menu featuring fresh seasonal dishes like the steamed northern halibut.

Commis | 3859 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA 94611 | $$$$

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29. Madcap

Known for its organic farm-raised products, Madcap is an edgy Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco where the menu changes frequently to showcase the freshest seasonal ingredients.

The Vibe

Madcap offers an intimate dining space with urban design elements.

What to Order

Enjoy organic fusion cuisine from the eleven-course or eight-course tasting menus. 

Madcap | 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960 | $$$$

Savor an original tasting menu at this Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco
via Madcap

30. Sushi Yoshizumi

A Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco offering an authentic Edomae sushi eating experience, Sushi Yoshizumi occasionally offers an extremely rare sake collection from Japan. This eatery has a strict no-kids-under-14 policy and requires reservations. 

The Vibe

This restaurant is simple and uncomplicated, focusing on the quality of the ingredients. The intimate seating gives you front-row viewing access to the preparation of your food.

What to Order

Enjoy the authentic tasting menu of pared-down Japanese favorites available nightly.

Sushi Yoshizumi | 325 E. 4th Ave. San Mateo, CA 94401 | $$$$

Enjoy Michelin Star-Quality Foods in San Francisco

While experiencing a Michelin star restaurant in San Francisco in person can be fun, having a private chef cook for you at home is also an amazing experience. Skip the hassle of hard-to-get reservations and dodge limited parking by indulging in restaurant-quality cuisine at your home. Explore private chefs in San Francisco who will travel to your location and prepare the top-notch cuisine of your choice. 

If you're after a more interactive experience to impress your date, explore food tours in San Francisco. These tours are a great way to savor all the city's food scene has to offer. While there are plenty of Michelin star restaurants in San Francisco, there are lots of culinary gems without a star rating that are equally worth visiting! 

Cozymeal chef preparing some pasta
via Cozymeal

There are so many Michelin star restaurants in San Francisco to discover. No matter your price range or cuisine preference, there is a Michelin experience for you. From exciting new 1 Michelin star eateries to critically acclaimed 3 Michelin star restaurants in San Francisco, there are dozens of amazing dining experiences to be had.

For even more ways to explore San Francisco and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.