San Francisco has always been a food lover’s paradise. But in 2026, the city is absolutely on fire. The Bay Area now boasts a record 51 Michelin-starred establishments, including three three-star icons that continue to push culinary boundaries.
From fog-kissed seafood shacks to poetry-inspired tasting menus, this city serves up magic on every corner.
The best part? You don’t need a trust fund to eat well here. Sure, the fine dining scene is world-class. But San Francisco’s soul lives in its diversity—the Mission taquerias, the Chinatown noodle houses, the Richmond District dumpling dens.
We’ve crisscrossed every neighborhood to bring you the absolute best restaurants in San Francisco right now. Let’s eat.
1. Atelier Crenn
Dominique Crenn’s flagship remains America’s most poetic dining experience. This Cow Hollow gem holds three Michelin stars plus a Green Star for sustainability, and in 2026, the new “Crenn Collection” focuses on regenerative seaweeds and foraged coastal ingredients .
Walking in feels like entering an art gallery where the paintings happen to be edible.
The tasting menu is a journey through Crenn’s memories and imagination, rendered entirely in seafood and vegetables. The sea urchin with hazelnut dashi is pure magic.
The service is warm and personal—Crenn herself often greets guests. Yes, it’s expensive. The spend runs $300 to $450 per person . But for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience, this is the place.
Bookings open on Tock 90 days out, and they disappear fast. Set your calendar reminders now. For a transcendent San Francisco fine dining experience, Atelier Crenn is simply unmatched. It’s poetry on a plate.
2. Liholiho Yacht Club
There’s no restaurant quite like Liholiho Yacht Club because there’s no chef quite like Ravi Kapur.
His heritage-driven cuisine draws from Hawaiian, Chinese, and Indian influences, creating something entirely original and utterly delicious . The Lower Nob Hill spot has been packed since day one, and the energy shows no signs of cooling.
The menu begs you to come with a hungry crew and share everything. Tuna poke and poppyseed beef tongue steam buns are classic Liho dishes that locals crave.
The swordfish katsu became an instant hit when it debuted. Every plate bursts with flavor and personality. The vibe is loud, fun, and completely unpretentious.
If your group is big enough, book the Ohana Table up front for a family-style feast . You’ll leave planning your return before dessert arrives. For a uniquely joyful San Francisco restaurant experience, Liholiho Yacht Club delivers every single time.
3. Quince
Michael Tusk’s Jackson Square masterpiece continues to evolve. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant earned a Green Star in 2025, and the 2026 menu features an expanded greenhouse experience directly from their Fresh Run Farm.
The commitment to local, sustainable ingredients runs deep here.
The dining room is elegant without being stuffy. The service is polished and knowledgeable. But the food is the real star.
The abalone with Dungeness crab showcases the best of Northern California’s bounty. Every dish is thoughtful, precise, and deeply satisfying. It’s California cuisine at its finest.
Expect to spend $280 to $420 per person . Reservations open on Resy 60 days out. For a premier San Francisco dining experience that defines the city’s farm-to-table legacy, Quince is essential. Pure class from start to finish.
4. Mister Jiu’s
How lucky is San Francisco to have Brandon Jew? His contemporary Chinese restaurant in Chinatown is truly one of the most special dining experiences in America.
But it’s much more than a place to grab dinner. This space celebrates and preserves the country’s first and oldest Chinatown, housed in the historic former Four Seas building.
The dining room is stunning. The food is equally impressive. Jew and team recently rolled out a banquet menu featuring his crispy-skinned Peking-style roast duck as the centerpiece.
For $125 per person, each diner also gets a pick from a small first course, a slightly larger second course, and dessert. They’ve shifted away from the tasting menu to a stronger a la carte menu, marking a return to the restaurant’s beginnings.
The cheong fun and chilled beef tendon are not to be missed. For a culturally rich and utterly delicious San Francisco restaurant experience, Mister Jiu’s is a true treasure. Book ahead.
5. Lazy Bear
Lazy Bear may have ditched the long communal dining table after its redesign, but don’t worry—the restaurant still feels like a dinner party.
A meal here lasts around three hours and features a dozen-or-so courses celebrating the bounty of the Bay Area. The Mission District spot earned its two Michelin stars through pure creativity and heart.
The house cultured butter might be the best in San Francisco. The whipped scrambled eggs are menu mainstays for good reason.
Everything else changes with the seasons—mushrooms in fall, orchard fruits in summer, duck in winter. Chef David Barzelay’s team executes flawlessly while keeping the vibe relaxed and welcoming.
Expect to spend around $220 to $320 per person . Book on Tock and prepare for an evening that feels like a celebration. For a modern, playful San Francisco dining experience, Lazy Bear is a total winner.
6. Nopa Fish
From California cuisine stalwart Nopa comes this fish market and kitchen at the historic Ferry Building. The concept opened in June 2025 and has quickly become a destination for sustainable seafood lovers . The concise menu lets pristine ingredients shine.
The fish and chips use wild local rockfish, beer-battered and fried until golden brown and delicious. The smoked albacore melt piles wild Pacific tuna, sauerkraut, and your choice of cheese between two buttered and toasted slices of Acme sourdough. It’s simple perfection.
If you’re cooking at home, the beautiful glass case is filled with fresh fish to take away. Come on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday so you can also shop the farmer’s market . For a casual, waterfront San Francisco restaurant experience, Nopa Fish hits all the right notes.
7. Octavia
Chef Melissa Perello’s sophomore restaurant is the perfect date night spot. It’s dimly lit and romantic, with ever-changing seasonal fare that leans light and refreshing. The Lower Pacific Heights location has become a neighborhood favorite for good reason.
The grilled calamari with sumac yogurt and Japanese cucumbers sings with freshness. The tomatoes with shisho and grilled okra taste like summer on a plate.
But you could just as easily go full “Lady and the Tramp” with the perfect pastas. The sizeable wine list makes any night feel special.
If you really want to go big, choose the chef’s tasting menu. No decisions are our favorite decisions . For a romantic, thoughtful San Francisco restaurant experience, Octavia delivers every time. Reservations are a must.
8. Sons & Daughters
This Nob Hill gem has earned two Michelin stars through its commitment to Nordic technique and zero-waste philosophy. The 2026 “Sons Supper” series highlights hyper-local pickled forages and cured proteins . It’s inventive, sustainable, and utterly delicious.
The pickled kelp with trout roe showcases the kitchen’s creativity. Each course builds on the last, taking you on a journey through texture and flavor. The service is warm and knowledgeable, guiding you through the experience without pretension.
Expect to spend $220 to $320 per person . Book via OpenTable and prepare for an evening that feels both innovative and grounded. For a world-class San Francisco fine dining experience, Sons & Daughters is a must.
9. Pearl 6101
Pearl 6101 is both a neighborhood gem for the Outer Richmond and a dining destination for the rest of the city.
Make a beeline to the beautiful marble-top bar, pull up a wooden stool closest to the kitchen, and immediately order some oysters. They’re topped with fiery fermented hot sauce and nasal-clearing horseradish.
Pair them with the Pearl Martini, a genius concoction of gin distilled with nori, garnished with a pickled sea bean. It’s like taking a boozy sip of the sea. The vibe is immaculate, the staff are cool, and your fellow patrons friendly.
Chef Mel Lopez’s refreshing ever-changing Cal-Med menu offers something for everyone. Order whatever’s calling your name—it’s sure to be delicious . For a neighborhood spot that feels like a destination, Pearl 6101 is a total gem.
10. R & G Lounge
You can’t talk about San Francisco dining without mentioning Chinatown’s R & G Lounge. This beloved institution has been serving Cantonese classics since 1985, and it remains one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in the city . The proof is in the crowds.
The salt and pepper crab is legendary. Whole Dungeness crab, lightly battered and fried, tossed with garlic, chili, and salt. It’s messy, addictive, and absolutely unforgettable.
The beef chow fun and the steamed fish are also knockout choices. The atmosphere is bustling and energetic—this is Chinatown dining at its best.
Expect to spend around $48 per person, making it an incredible value for the quality . For an authentic, iconic San Francisco restaurant experience, R & G Lounge is non-negotiable. Come hungry and ready to get your hands dirty.
11. Soba Dining Sora
Japanese restaurant powerhouse Hinodeya Ramen expanded in December 2025 with the long-awaited Soba Dining Sora . The move? Lots of buckwheat noodles that arrive at the table alongside just-ground sesame seeds, ginger, wasabi, and bowls of soup or broth.
The experience is interactive and satisfying. You control the intensity of each bite, customizing your bowl to perfection. The noodles themselves are masterpieces—perfectly textured, nutty, and satisfying. The broths are deeply flavorful without being heavy.
The space is warm and inviting, perfect for a solo lunch or a casual dinner with friends. For a noodle-focused San Francisco restaurant that delivers on every level, Soba Dining Sora is a must. Slurp accordingly.
12. Lapisara
Yelp’s 2026 Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States includes two San Francisco spots. Lapisara landed at number 57, and the recognition is well deserved . This Thai-inspired brunch and dinner spot near Union Square serves creative dishes that keep locals coming back.
The tom yum burritos are genius—all that classic Thai flavor wrapped in a convenient package. The fried chicken with sambal mayo is another standout, crispy and spicy and completely addictive. The vibe is trendy and fun, attracting a stylish crowd.
It’s the kind of place where you want to order one of everything and share with friends. For a buzzy, creative San Francisco restaurant experience, Lapisara is a total winner. Get there before the secret’s completely out.
13. Sam Wo Restaurant
Sam Wo’s is famously one of San Francisco’s longest-running restaurants, lasting 116 years before its closure in January 2025 when chef and owner David Ho decided to retire.
During its time, the spot was a favorite late-night haven, serving food into the late hours. Now, it’s been resurrected as of September 2025.
The new incarnation mixes old and new dishes. The barbecue pork rice noodle rolls honor tradition. The dim sum items like har gow and siu mai are executed with precision. The space has been refreshed while maintaining the soul of the original.
It’s a San Francisco institution reborn. For a taste of history with modern touches, this is a must-visit San Francisco restaurant. Welcome back, Sam Wo. We missed you.
Conclusion
San Francisco’s dining scene has never been more exciting. From poetry-inspired tasting menus and legendary Chinatown crab to resurrected century-old noodle houses and Yelp-approved Thai fusion, this city serves up an incredible range of flavors.
The Bay Area’s 51 Michelin stars prove it’s a world-class destination .
But you have to get out there. That perfect Peking duck, that transcendent bowl of soba, that life-changing salt and pepper crab—it’s all here. It’s waiting for you.
So grab your jacket, round up your favorite people, and start exploring. Your next unforgettable meal in the City by the Bay is just a reservation away. Which spot are you hitting first?