1. Absinthe
French
Fine Dining
Absinthe is one of the most popular restaurants in San Francisco for every good reason. The food is exquisite, focusing on classic French dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
2. Benu
Modern Asian Fusion
Fine Dining
One of the most innovative restaurants in the Bay Area, Benu, serves modern Asian fusion cuisine that will impress. Chef Corey Lee's inventive dishes are based on traditional Asian flavours and techniques, with a whip of a contemporary twist. The restaurant's tasting menu changes daily and features seasonal ingredients so that you can try something new every visit.
3. Coi
French
Fine Dining
Coi is one of the most highly regarded restaurants in San Francisco, known for serving up exquisite fine-dining cuisine with fresh ingredients from local farms. Chef Daniel Patterson focuses on simple flavours that highlight the quality of produce, creating dishes like sea bass roasted over coals or duck breast glazed with black truffles. At Coi, you can enjoy an extensive wine list featuring old-world favourites and new California vintages with notes from sommelier Andy Hale.
4. Bix
French
Fine Dining
Bix is a San Francisco institution serving up classic American cuisine in a timeless jazz age setting. The restaurant is around since the 1920s and still retains its Art Deco charm, from the murals on the walls to the banquettes covered in luxurious red velvet. The menu features everything from crab cakes to filet mignon, but it's the cocktails that set Bix apart - they're some of the best in town.
5. Boulevard
Californian regional cuisine
Fine Dining
One of the Top 10 Restaurants in San Francisco, the iconic Boulevard is known for its innovative Californian cuisine and stunning views of the Bay Bridge. Chef Nancy Oakes serves up dishes like black truffle risotto with duck confit and red wine braised short ribs that have earned her restaurant a Michelin star. The atmosphere is elegant yet casual - perfect for date night or celebrating an anniversary with loved ones.
6. Gary Danko
French / Seafood
Fine Dining / Casual
One of San Francisco's restaurants that stand out, Gary Danko, is known for serving up exquisite fine dining in a casual setting. Chef Gary Danko's menu features classic French dishes made from locally sourced farm food, fresh seafood and periodic specials like house-made charcuterie boards. The restaurant offers a wide range of wine featuring traditional favourites and California vintages with notes from sommelier Andy Hale.
7. Quince
Italian/Californian regional cuisine
Fine Dining / Casual
Quince is a Michelin starred restaurant in San Francisco, serving up exquisite fine dining in a casual setting. Chef Michael Tusk's menu features classic Italian dishes prepared from fresh ingredients obtained from nearby organic farms. This place is famous among niche foodies who like experiments and want to delight their taste buds with some notes of vintages wine, rarely available at other restaurants.
8. Zuni Cafe
American / Seafood
Fine Dining / Casual
Zuni Café is a San Francisco institution, serving up classic American cuisine in a timeless setting. The menu includes everything from crab cakes to filet mignon, but the restaurant's signature dish is its roast chicken for two served with rosemary bread salad and lemon potatoes. The atmosphere at Zuni Cafe feels like home; it's cosy yet elegant with an open kitchen where you can watch chefs prepare your food before your eyes!
9. State Bird Provisions
Californian regional cuisine/American Seafood
Casual
State Bird Provisions is a San Francisco institution serving up innovative Californian cuisine in a casual setting. Chef Stuart Brioza and his wife Nicole Krasinski serve up dishes like pork belly buns, dim sum-style dumplings, and duck liver mousse - all of which are made to order from the restaurant's open kitchen. The atmosphere at State Bird is fun and festive, perfect for grabbing lunch with friends or celebrating a special occasion.
10. The Slanted Door
Vietnamese/Californian regional cuisine
Fine Dining / Casual
The Slanted Door is one of San Francisco's most iconic restaurants, known for its award-winning Vietnamese cuisine and stunning views of the Bay Bridge. Chef Charles Phan's menu features traditional Vietnamese favourites like pho and banh mi sandwiches and more modern takes on classic dishes like spring rolls with peanut sauce or fried tofu wrapped in lettuce leaves.