Best Restaurants in San Francisco

Hi Foodies!

Is San Francisco the new hub for foodies? Is SF catching up on their food game with New York?

Find out the best restaurants in San Francisco and SF’s neighboring cities.

I had lived in San Francisco for 8 years. I’ve personally been to every restaurant that’s on this list.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

San Francisco, CA

Top High-End Restaurants in San Francisco

Commonwealth (Contemporary) (Michelin) $$$$

Mourad (Moroccan) (Michelin) $$$$

Mourad is a modern interpretation of a cuisine deeply rooted in the past. The food pays homage to those roots, showcasing the rich and vibrant flavors of Morocco in new ways that harmonize with the fresh, local, artisanal ingredients, and the spirit of innovation of Northern California.

Leo’s Oyster Bar (Seafood) $$$

Leo’s Oyster Bar 568 Sacramento Street San Francisco, CA 94111

Leo’s Oyster Bar 568 Sacramento Street San Francisco, CA 94111

Leo’s Oyster Bar 568 Sacramento Street San Francisco, CA 94111

Leo’s Oyster Bar 568 Sacramento Street San Francisco, CA 94111

Rich Table (Contemporary American) (Michelin) $$$

RICH TABLE is one of my favorite restaurants of all time. I have been to this restaurant 4 times in one year because the food is that good. The atmosphere, the staff are also a highlight. Rich Table recently published a cookbook of their recipes. Check out the book, here.

Rich Table 199 Gough St San Francisco, CA 94102

Rich Table 199 Gough St San Francisco, CA 94102

Rich Table 199 Gough St San Francisco, CA 94102

Rich Table 199 Gough St San Francisco, CA 94102

Rich Table 199 Gough St San Francisco, CA 94102

RICH TABLE 199 Gough St San Francisco, CA 94102

RICH TABLE 199 Gough St San Francisco, CA 94102

RICH TABLE 199 Gough St San Francisco, CA 94102

RICH TABLE 199 Gough St San Francisco, CA 94102

RICH TABLE 199 Gough St San Francisco, CA 94102

Robin (Japanese) $$$

Mister Jiu’s (Contemporary Chinese) (Michelin) $$$

Al’s Place (New American) (Michelin) $$$

AL’s Place is a neighborhood restaurant in the Mission district of San Francisco from chef-owner Aaron London. Al’s Place offers a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu, that highlights the produce of Northern California.

Relaxed, modern New American restaurant for an inventive take on seafood & vegetable dishes.

Hakkassan (Chinese, Asian) $$$$

Petit Crenn (French) (Michelin) $$$$

Monsieur Benjamin (French, European) $$$

Californios (Mexican) (Michelin) $$$$

Piccino (Italian) $$

Alexander’s Steakhouse (Steakhouse, American) $$$$

Harris’ Steakhouse (Steakhouse, American) $$$$

Michael Mina (Mediterranean, American) (Michelin) $$$$

SPQR (Italian) (Michelin) $$$

A16 (Italian) $$

Cotogna (Italian) (Michelin) $$$

Quince (French) (Michelin) $$$$

Trace (Contemporary) (Michelin) $$$

Restaurant Gary Danko (American) (Michelin) $$$$

Saison (Contemporary American) (Michelin) $$$$

Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar (American) $$$$

top in between high-end and middle-end restaurants

Monsieur Benjamin (French, European) $$$

Monsieur Benjamin is a modern restaurant and bar in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. Their cooking utilizes the abundance of great products in the Bay Area to offer a menu inspired by the traditions of French cuisine and the spirit of Parisian bistro culture. Monsieur Benjamin is probably not the best choice for a hushed business dinner but a great place for friends, loved ones and families to dine together and enjoy some classic French dishes alongside tastefully modernized recipes.

La Mar Cebicheria Peruana (Peruvian) $$$

Flour + Water (Italian) $$$

Opening the doors in 2009 in the heart of the mission district in San Francisco, flour + water continues to showcase a menu influenced by regional traditions throughout Italy with Northern Californian inspirations led by Executive Chef Thomas McNaughton.

Liholiho Yacht Club (Eclectic, Asian Fusion, American) $$$

Back in Hawaii in the early 80’s the Kealoha uncles would race Hobie Cats, and throw “pop up” parties to pay for their supplies. They would go to the beach, fire up the grill, ice down the beer, and get a band to play. They charged a modest price with the intention of making enough money to allow them to keep doing what they loved. They realized they needed a name for their ‘organization’, and the brothers — who lived on Liholiho street — decided to name it Liholiho Yacht Club. This is how the modern day LYC was born.

House of Prime Rib (Steakhouse) $$$

The House of Prime Rib serves well-marbled Prime Rib in the English Tradition. The Prime Rib is carved at your table, to your specifications, from our unique stainless steel carts. The House of Priem Rib serves only the best beef available, the top 2% of all beef marketed.

Bellota (Spanish) $$$

Inspired by the regional cuisines and traditions of Spain, The Absinthe Group’s Executive Chef Ryan McIlwraith crafts an eclectic menu of meats grilled on a wood-fired hearth, inventive paellas, Old World stews, fresh seafood, medium-sized tapas, imported charcuterie and cheeses, as well as slow-roasted vegetable dishes. The Spanish-focused cocktail menu from Jonny Raglin, Director of Bars at The Absinthe Group and co-creator of Comstock Saloon, features Spain’s cocktail of choice, gin tonic. The all-Spanish wine list emphasizes small producers and growers, and features sherry on tap.

1601 Bar & Kitchen (Modern Sri Lankan) $$$

Sri Lankan flavors & French culinary techniques define the menu at this upscale, minimalist spot.

Foreign Cinema (American) $$$

Scoma’s (Seafood) $$$

Petit Marlowe (French) $$

Marlowe (French, American) $$

Trestle (American) $$$

Lolinda (Argentinian, Latin) $$$

Elite Cafe (American) $$$

Coqueta (Spanish) $$$

Hard Water (Bar, American) $$$

The Commissary (Spanish) $$$

Central Kitchen (American) $$$

Mina Test Kitchen (American) $$$

RN74 (Wine Bar, French) $$$$

Press Club (Wine Bar, Contemporary) $$$

Top Middle-End Restaurants

August (1) Five (Modern Indian) $$

August (1) Five is a modern Indian restaurant named for the date commemorating India’s independence from British rule. Influenced by a range of culinary traditions, from colorful street foods to the hidden staples of home cooks, the menu is anchored in the regional cuisines of India.

CENTO Osteria (Italian) $$

Wayfare Tavern (Traditional American) $$

Wayfare Tavern brings a unique culinary vision and style to San Francisco. Featuring authentic American dishes inspired by the San Francisco restaurant scene of the early 1900’s, an era which has deeply influenced the people and fabric of San Francisco. Wayfare Tavern’s innovative yet familiar, menu ranges from classic comforts food like fried chicken and baked macaroni & cheese to rustic delicacies such as roasted bone marrow and steak tartare. The menu is seasonal and our culinary team sources local and sustainable ingredients whenever possible.

Hog Island Oyster Company (Seafood) $$$

Locanda (Italian) $$$

Barcino (Spanish) $$

Zuni Cafe (American) $$

Tartine Manufactory (Bakery) $$

Skool (Seafood, Asian) $$

China Live (Chinese) $$

Elephant Sushi (Japanese) $$

Park Tavern (American) $$

Urban Tavern (Gastropub, American) $$

Red Tavern (Russian) $$

Burritt Room + Tavern (American) $$

Bask (Mediterranean, Spanish) $$

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar (Bar, European) $$$

Gaspar Brasserie (French) $$

Anchor Oyster Bar & Seafood Market (Seafood, American) $$$

E & O Kitchen & Bar (Asian) $$

Eclipse Kitchen & Bar (American, Quick Bites) $$

barvale (Spanish) $$

Top Low-End Restaurants

RT Rotisserie (Quick Bites) $$

From the Rich Table (1 Michelin), RT Rotisserie puts a casual, counter-serve spin on rotisserie chicken & New American sides, like whole-roasted cauliflower, seared broccoli, and more.

II Casaro Pizzeria and Mozzarella Bar (Italian, Pizza) $$

Bota Tapas & Paella Bar (Spanish) $$

As an age-old tradition dating back to the early 1800s, Spanish travelers used “BOTA”, or traditional sheep-skinned repositories, to transport and share their wine. The Spaniards historically thrived on the values of sharing and community: two ideals that have buoyantly withstood the test of time. Tailored around these same ideals are Spain’s cuisine and the development of “tapas,” style dining – where individuals share small plates and memories. From Seville to San Francisco, and across the world, our goal is to initiate more memories – this is why and how we operate. Whether it be with your friends or family, we here at Bota sincerely hope that you enjoy this stop on your journey.

Vive la Tarte (Bakery, Brunch) $$

Lofty, industrial-chic Belgian bakery with an open kitchen for tarts, plus coffee, tea & juices.

Ippudo (Japanese) $$

Ginto Izakaya Japonaise (Japanese) $$

Izakaya Rintaro (Japanese) $$

House of Nanking (Chinese) $$

Fang (Chinese, Asian) $$

Flores (Mexican) $$

Pizzeria Delfina (Italian, Pizza) $$

Sparrow Bar & Kitchen (Brunch, American) $$

Oola (American) $$

Souvla (Greek) $

Lolo (Mexican) $$

Mission Beach Cafe (Cafe, American) $$

Nopalito (Mexican) $$

Fiorella (Italian) $$

Trailblazer Tavern (Bar, American) $$

Wine Kitchen (Wine Bar) $$

For more restaurants in San Francisco click here.

Best Restaurant outside of San Francisco

Healdsburg, CA

Valette Restaurant (Contemporary) $$$$

Valette was born from two brothers’ lifelong dream of creating a unique dining experience in their hometown of Healdsburg. Their goal is to provide a canvas for local farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their crafts.

SingleThread Farm Restaurant (Contemporary) $$$$

Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar (Seafood) $$

Costeaux French Bakery (French, Bakery) $$

Guiso Latin Fusion (Latin) $$

The Brass Rabit (Contemporary) $$$$

Check out the Wine Country Walking Tour. This tour includes a classic wine and food pairing to most wineries, and restaurants in Healdsburg.

Sonoma, CA

Scribe Winery (Winery, Contemporary American) $$$

Scribe Winery 2100 Denmark St Sonoma, CA 95476

Scribe Winery 2100 Denmark St Sonoma, CA 95476

Scribe Winery 2100 Denmark St Sonoma, CA 95476

Scribe Winery 2100 Denmark St Sonoma, CA 95476

Scribe Winery 2100 Denmark St Sonoma, CA 95476

Scribe Winery 2100 Denmark St Sonoma, CA 95476

Auteur Wines (Winery, Quick Bites) $$$

WALT Wines (Winery, Quick Bites) $$$

the girl & the fig (American) $$

Cafe La Haye (American) $$$$

Harvest Moon Cafe (American) $$

Sante (American, Contemporary) $$$$

The Zina Lounge (Wine Bar, Contemporary) $$$

LaSalette Restaurant (Portuguese) $$

El Dorado Kitchen (American) $$

Oso Sonoma (American) $$

Tasca Tasca (Portuguese, European) $$

Corner 103 (Wine Bar, Quick Bites) $$$

Wild Flour Bread (Bakery) $$

Glen Ellen, CA

The Fig Cafe (American) $$$

Glen Ellen Star (American) $$$

Yeti (Nepali) $$$

Napa, CA

La Toque (French) (Michelin) $$$$

Kenzo (Japanese) (Michelin) $$$

Zuzu (Spanish) $$

La Taberna (Spanish) $$

Napa Valley Bistro (American) $$

Grace’s Table (Eclectic, American) $$

Morimoto Napa (Japanese) $$$$

Mininashi (Japanese) $$

Oenotri (Italian) $$$

TORC (American) $$$

Angèle Restaurant & Bar (French) $$$

GRAN ELÉCTRICA (Mexican) $$

Bistro Don Giovanni (Italian) $$$

Compline (European) $$

Charlie Palmer Steak Napa (Steakhouse) $$$$

Oxbow Wine Merchant & Wine Bar (Wine Bar) $$

Ca’ Momi Osteria (Italian) $$

FARM at Carneros (New American) $$$

Mustards Grill (American, Grill) $$$

Domaine Carneros (Winery, Quick Bites) $$$

Brix (New American) $$

Carmel, CA

Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse (7D Steakhouse) (Steakhouse, Contemporary American) $$$$

In 2017, Gregory and Madigan Ahn with their team at the acclaimed Folktale Winery in Carmel Valley, acquired the restaurant and launched Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse.

Originally constructed as a bank in the 1970’s, the building that stands at the south-east corner of Seventh Avenue and Dolores Street has always stood out in the landscape of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The modernist architecture, once a controversial design for a building in ‘charming’ Carmel-by-the-Sea, has become a treasured landmark.

Elevated steakhouse fare, sustainable seafood & local wines served in airy, upscale quarters.

Aubergine at L’Auberge Carmel (French) $$$$

Casanova Restaurant (Italian, European) $$$

L’escargot (French) $$$

La Bicyclette (Italian) $$

La Balena (Italian) $$$

Cantinerra Luca (Italian) $$

Mission Ranch Restaurant (American) $$

Anton & Michel (Modern American, European) $$$$

II Tegamino (Italian) $$

Basil Seasonal Dining (American) $$

Portabella (European) $$$

Carmel Bouchee (French) $$$

Yafa (Mediterranean) $$

Forge in the Forest Restaurant (Contemporary, American) $$

Yountville, CA

Bouchon Bistro (French) (Michelin) $$$$

In October 1998, four years after his successful debut in Napa Valley with The French Laundry, Chef Thomas Keller introduced Bouchon, offering authentic French bistro fare with Keller’s unfailing attention to detail in both ingredients and presentation.

Atelier by JCB (Wine Bar) $$

The French Laundry (French) $$$$

Bistro Jeanty (French) $$$

Bottega Napa Valley (Spanish) $$$

Ad Hoc (American) $$$

Redd Wood (American, Bar) $$

St. Helena, California

The Restaurant at Meadowood (Contemporary) $$$$

The Charter Oak (American, Grill) $$

Archetype (New American) $$

Harvest Table (American, Brasserie) $$$

Goose & Gander (American) $$

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch (American) $$

Long Meadow Ranch Winery (Wine Bar, Quick Bites) $$

PRESS St. Helena (Steakhouse) $$$$

The Grill at Meadowood (American, Contemporary) $$$$

Acacia House (American, Contemporary) $$$$

Comment if you agree or have opinions about these restaurants. Perhaps you have some other suggestions…