HAUTE CUISINE IN SF
Mister Jiu's
28 Waverly Pl., San Francisco, California 94108
Michelin-starred Mister Jiu's is located in the heart of Chinatown and is known for its fusion of traditional Chinese cuisine with modern techniques. The contemporary decor and impeccable service provide the ultimate dining experience. Standout dishes like the pork belly with fermented black bean sauce and the sesame mochi cakes showcase Chef Brandon Jew's mastery of flavor and technique. Be sure to make a reservation in advance as Mister Jiu's is always in high demand.
Liholiho Yacht Club
871 Sutter St., San Francisco, California 94109
Liholiho Yacht Club is a trendy restaurant that combines Hawaiian and Californian cuisine to create a unique culinary experience. The restaurant's interior is stylish with wood-panelled walls and colourful murals of flora and fauna. The menu offers exciting dishes such as tuna poke, smoked trout dip, and pork belly steamed buns, along with an extensive selection of craft beers, wines, and tropical cocktails.
Spruce
3640 Sacramento St., San Francisco, California 94118
Located in the Presidio Heights neighborhood, Spruce offers a chic and sophisticated atmosphere that perfectly matches its expertly crafted cuisine. The menu showcases the best of Northern California's seasonal ingredients in dishes that are both classic and contemporary. The wine list is extensive and carefully curated, and the cocktail program is equally impressive.
State Bird Provisions
1529 Fillmore St., San Francisco, California 94115
The menu at State Bird Provisions is inspired by the diversity of California cuisine, featuring a harmonious blend of Asian flavors. The restaurant’s signature style is the “dim sum" dining experience where small plates of delicious, shareable dishes line carts and are served to diners as they choose. The James Beard award-winning restaurant is renowned for its creative and delicious cuisine, utilizing fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Lazy Bear
3416 19th St., San Francisco, California 94110
Lazy Bear is a unique dining experience known for its modern American dinner party vibe, the restaurant offers an intimate late-night setting with a tasting menu that features nostalgic flavors and ingredients sourced from the Bay Area. The establishment is the brainchild of Chef David Barzelay, who transformed his passion for hosting dinner parties into a career after being laid off as a lawyer. Starting as an underground restaurant in his apartment, Lazy Bear has evolved into a two-Michelin-starred venue, celebrated for its inventive techniques and warm hospitality. The restaurant’s selections reflect its dedication to crafting an unforgettable dining experience, with the upstairs lounge providing a cozy space for after-dinner beverages and conversation.
Nopa
560 Divisadero St., San Francisco, California 94117
Nopa is known for its delicious rustic cuisine. Located in the Western Addition district, Nopa provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere, blending modern décor with a vintage touch. Their kitchen emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, crafting unique and seasonal dishes that showcase their commitment to sustainability.
Rich Table
199 Gough St., San Francisco, California 94102
The brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Evan and Sarah Rich, Rich Table offers a seasonally-driven and constantly evolving menu that showcases the best of Northern California's ingredients. From the signature sardine chips to the decadent porcini doughnuts, each dish is a carefully crafted blend of flavors, textures, and techniques that reflect the chefs' passion for experimentation and attention to detail. The cozy yet modern space, warm hospitality, and extensive wine list complete the Rich Table experience.
Zuni Cafe
1658 Market St., San Francisco, California 94102
Zuni Café, established in 1979 by Billy West, became a cherished institution under the co-ownership of Judy Rodgers and Vince Calcagno. Named after the Zuni tribe and initially inspired by Southwestern cuisine, the restaurant later embraced French and Italian culinary traditions. Committed to sustainability, Zuni sources most of its ingredients from local, organic farms, ensuring that each dish reflects both seasonal availability and ecological responsibility.
nari
1625 Post St, San Francisco, California 94115
Nari combines traditional flavors with innovative techniques. Their menu features a variety of small plates such as tempura vegetables and grilled skewers, as well as larger entrées including sushi rolls and noodle dishes. The restaurant has a sleek and modern interior, with a sushi bar and open kitchen adding to the dining experience. Nari also offers an extensive sake and Japanese whiskey selection, making it a great spot for drinks and socializing.
Lord Stanley
2065 Polk St., San Francisco, California 94109
Lord Stanley is a Michelin-starred jewel that stands as a tribute to the culinary artistry of co-chefs and proprietors Rupert and Carrie Blease. After a hiatus, this Californian bistro de luxe has made a comeback, now featuring a dynamic house menu crafted by Chef de Cuisine Nathan Matkowsky, who infuses French culinary traditions with Asian influences. The restaurant is known for dishes such as duck terrine accompanied by curried apple, wagyu bavette tartare, and escargot atop house-made brioche toast. Complemented by a natural wine selection curated by Wine Director Louisa Smith and a variety of Parisian chocolates, pastries, and cakes from Pastry Chef Harper Zapf, Lord Stanley is a standout in the lively Russian Hill area.
Cotogna
490 Pacific Ave., San Francisco, California 94133
Cotogna, a restaurant envisioned by the acclaimed Chef Michael Tusk and his partner Lindsay Tusk, is an establishment recognized by Michelin. It is celebrated for its dynamic menu featuring freshly made pastas, spit-roasted and grilled meats, as well as seafood prepared in a wood-fired oven. ‘Cotogna,’ which translates to ‘quince’ in Italian, mirrors the restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, particularly from Fresh Run Farm in Bolinas. The restaurant welcomes guests into its warm ambiance, highlighted by rustic brickwork and a gleaming copper chef’s counter, embodying the essence of a sophisticated yet inviting bistro.
Angler
132 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, California 94105
Angler, a Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for its exquisite seafood offerings and fire-cooked dishes. Located on the Embarcadero waterfront, it provides breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and boasts a rustic yet elegant ambiance. Angler is part of the Saison Hospitality group, led by the celebrated Chef Joshua Skenes, who is acclaimed for his innovative approach to fire cooking and his dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients.
Ju-Ni
1335 Fulton St., San Francisco, California 94117
Ju-Ni offers an intimate omakase experience. With only twelve seats, each group of four guests enjoys personalized attention from a dedicated chef, ensuring a unique dining journey. The restaurant is a testament to the art of sushi, with a 14-course menu that evolves with the seasons, highlighting ingredients at their peak, mostly sourced from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. Executive Chef Geoffrey Lee, co-founder alongside Tan Truong, is known for his passion for omakase and creating memorable moments through a blend of tradition and innovation. Ju-Ni’s ambiance is designed to cater to a vibrant crowd, reflecting the lively spirit of its neighborhood just off the Divisadero corridor.
Rintaro
82 14th St., San Francisco, California 94103
Rintaro is owned by Sylvan Mishima Brackett, a chef with deep roots in both Japanese and Californian culture. It offers an exquisite menu that includes hand-rolled udon, pasture-raised chicken grilled over a binchotan, and wasabi grown in Half Moon Bay. Brackett, who was born in Kyoto and raised in Northern California, has crafted a serene space at Rintaro, reflecting his heritage and the artisanal spirit of the area. The design of the restaurant, featuring wood-framed booths from redwood wine casks and a Hinoki cedar bar, adds to the authentic experience of haute cuisine, making Rintaro a true reflection of Brackett’s vision and a celebration of sophisticated, produce-centric cooking.
Monsieur Benjamin
451 Gough St., San Francisco, California 94102
Monsieur Benjamin is a reflection of Chef Corey Lee’s expertise in contemporary French cuisine. The restaurant is known for its menu that combines classic French dishes with modern twists, utilizing the rich produce of the Bay Area. One signature dish that stands out is the Steak Frites with Sauce Choron, grilled in the charcoal oven. This dish, along with others like Lobster Ragout and Steak Tartare, exemplifies the innovative approach Chef Lee brings from his experience at Benu to the vibrant setting of Monsieur Benjamin.
