San Francisco Fine Dining: 17 of SF's Finest Restaurants

Enjoy top dishes and culinary experiences at one of the many San Francisco fine dining restaurants. My list of the 17 best includes a range of cuisines, from French, American, Italian, and Mexican, vegetarian and vegan. You will also find some of our luxury steakhouses and those with Japanese inspired dishes.

Most of these high-end restaurants are in Union Square, the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood, and the Financial District. I also added in a few of my top picks in some of our more local areas.

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

1. Estiatorio Ornos, a Michael Mina Restaurant

For years, Michael Mina offered one of the best San Francisco fine dining experiences at his Michelin-Star namesake restaurant. In 2021, the celebrity chef opened a new restaurant in its place with a focus on Mediterranean seafood rather than Middle Eastern cuisine.

This lovely place is in the heart of the Financial District and offers a tasting menu like the one before. They also offer a-la-carte options and dishes to share, including a phyllo-crusted Dover Sole. They’ve thought of all the details for your dining experience, including the Greek music that will transport you to Ornos beach. 

Average Price: Tasting Menu is around $195 per person (not including drinks)

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 5 - 9 pm (until 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays); closed Monday - Tuesday

Address: 252 California Street

District: Financial District

2. Boulevard

Boulevard opened in 1993. It's a San Francisco institution and one of the most popular San Francisco fine dining restaurants in the city. It combines both French and New American Cuisine.

I recommend trying their Angus Filet Mignon or the Pork Prime Rib Chop. Both are wood oven roasted and have incredible flavor.

In addition to their dishes, you will also find that they have an extensive wine menu. You will find several great options from Napa, Sonoma and other local wine regions. You will also find a large selection of wines from Italy, Spain, and France. They also have a nice selection of wines by the glass.

Average Price: $98 fixed price menu, with a-la-carte options in the bar and lounge 

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 5 - 9:30 pm; closed Sunday - Monday

Address: 1 Mission Street

District: SOMA/Financial District

>> More French restaurants around SF

3. Atelier Crenn

Atelier Crenn is truly a dining experience like no other. The chef, Dominque Crenn, takes great pride in every dish she serves to her patrons, with an emphasis on seasonal and sustainable French cuisine. 

Something I love about this restaurant is instead of having a standard menu, they have a single tasting menu that is explained as a written poem. Each line describes the dish you will be served that evening. This tasting "menu" includes up to 20+ courses in one sitting.

As of the writing of this page, it has three Michelin stars.

Average Price: The tasting menu is $395+ per person, the wine pairing menu is an additional $175 per person

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 5 - 7:45 pm; closed Sunday - Monday

Address: 3127 Fillmore Street

District: Cow Hollow

4. Gary Danko

Gary Danko is a San Francisco fine dining experience that is hard to match. They pay special attention to every single detail and you will notice this from the moment you walk through their doors. If I have a special occasion dinner, Gary Danko is usually first on my list.

They use fresh, local ingredients and change their menu frequently. They offer several wonderful fish dishes as well as meat and game birds. They also have a wonderful selection of cheeses and some of the best desserts in the city. Make sure to check out their wine list too.

Just be warned, you will need to call several weeks in advance to book a table.

Average Price: Five-course tasting menu at $165 per person (wine pairing is an additional $125 per person)

Hours: Thursday - Sunday, 5:30 - 9 pm

Address: 800 North Point Street

District: Fisherman's Wharf

>> More great places to eat in Fisherman's Wharf

5. Greens

Simply stated, Greens is without a question the best vegetarian or vegan fine dining restaurant in the city. Not only will you get excellent food drinks, and service, but you'll have a view of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The reason this restaurant is named Greens is that it is all based on locally grown fruits, vegetables and other ingredients. The beauty of Greens is that the entire menu is vegetarian. Many of the dishes can easily be made vegan as well.

Some of my favorites include the Kimchi Pancake, Szechuan Braised Tofu, and the Brentwood Corn & Zucchini Enchilada. That last meal is one of the reasons that I love Greens so much.

Make sure to also leave room for one of their amazing desserts! 

You will find it in the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture. There is usually other things going on and you can check out a gallery or do something else either before or after your meal.

Average Price: $6 - $15 for small plates; $11 - $18 for first course; $21 - $32 for main course

Hours:  

• Lunch: Tuesday - Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
• Dinner: Tuesday - Thursday from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday - Sunday from 5 pm to 9 pm
• Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 10:30 am - 2:30 pm

Address: Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture at Building A, 2 Marina Blvd

District: Marina District

Fun note: They are famous for having female chefs throughout the restaurants since opening in 1979 starting with the incredibly renown Deborah Madison.

6. Spruce

Spruce has been one of my favorite San Francisco fine dining places for a long time. The first time I ate here, the entire neighborhood lost power, but Spruce was still able to serve up an amazing meal and they served it by candlelight! That takes some serious talent and a lot of skill.

They focus on California-inspired cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. Some of my favorites include the Wild Pacific Halibut, 14-Day Aged New York Strip, and the Sonoma Chicken.

They are located off the tourist path in the Presidio Heights District, but it is more than worth the effort to get to this Michelin-star restaurant. 

Average Price: $89 per person for the three-course dinner; $70 for brunch; caviar service available

Hours: Open daily for dinner, 5 - 10 pm; weekday lunch 11:30 - 2; weekend brunch 11 - 2:30

Address: 3640 Sacramento Street

District: Presidio Heights

7. Eight Tables

Perhaps because this restaurant is like no other, it continues to win award after award, including "Most Beautiful Restaurant of the Year." Though the address is located down an alley, you can enter the restaurant through the gold door inside China Live and head up to the second floor.

If you are here on a special occasion or are looking for a unique dining experience, then head over to Eight Tables. If you let them know ahead of time, they can also accommodate vegetarian customers. Reservations only.

Average Price: $250 for the tasting menu (wine pairing for an additional $200)

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 5:30 - 9 pm; closed Sundays and Mondays

Address: 8 Kenneth Rexroth Place (although I recommend entering through China Live at 644 Broadway)

District: North Beach

8. Californios

Californios is the only restaurant on my list of San Francisco fine dining options to serve up Mexican dishes. In fact, it's the first Mexican restaurant in the US to earn two Michelin stars!

This warm, family-owned and operated space offers classic Mexican dishes with a special touch. For a little local flavor, they serve fun items like fish tacos with fresh cod on sourdough tortillas, or rainbow-colored granita for dessert.

Average Price: $267 per person (additional wine pairing available for $100 per person)

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 5 - 10 pm; closed Sundays and Mondays

Address: 355 11th Street

District: SOMA

9. Acquerello

This San Francisco fine dining restaurant is a two-star Michelin pick. Set in a warm, rustic converted chapel, Acquarello has been an SF favorite for more than three decades and their service is top notch.

They offer contemporary takes on tasty Italian dishes with hand-made pastas and the freshest ingredients. You can choose from three options: for their seasonal tasting menu or tasting of vegetables, the full table must participate; for the prix fixe menu, diners can choose their own plates for each of the four courses. 

Average Price: $250 for the seasonal, $195 for the vegetarian, and $150 for prix fixe (each offers wine pairing for an additional cost)

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 5:30 - 9 pm; closed Sundays and Mondays

Address: 1722 Sacramento Street

District: Nob Hill

10. Quince

Quince is a great pick for a special evening on the town. They serve Californian cuisine that draws heavily from both French & Italian inspiration. And with the great care they take to craft every dish, they've earned their three Michelin stars.

The menu frequently changes, offering 8 to 10 courses so that guests can really taste a full range of creative flavors and textures. Their dishes feature local seafood including cod and lobster, and other organic ingredients from their nearby farm. 

Average Price: $360 per person (wine pairing for an additional $295 per person)

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 5:30 - 8:30 pm; closed Sunday - Tuesday

Address: 470 Pacific Avenue

District: Financial District

11. Kokkari Estiatorio

If you're looking for delicious Greek food, look no further. Here you order a la carte from an amazing array of appetizers and main dishes.

Unlike the other San Francisco fine dining restaurants on my list, this one is open every day of the week, including for lunch during the week. This gives you more flexibility in booking your reservations. 

They accept reservations up to two months in advance and I recommend calling them to book your table as early as possible. Since they are located in the Financial District, they are popular with locals especially for business engagements.

Average Price: About $50 per person for lunch, $70 for dinner (varies, as you order a la carte), plus drinks

Hours: For lunch, Monday - Friday, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm; for dinner, every day, 5 - 10 pm (until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays)

Address: 200 Jackson Street

District: Financial District

12. Harris' Restaurant

This steakhouse offers a lively night out on the town and serves up some of the best Midwestern steaks. Their most popular menu items include the filet mignon, porterhouse steak, prime rib, and wagyu.  

Enjoy the classy setting with the piano lounge and full bar. 

Average Price: $55 - $70 for main dishes

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 5 - 9 pm (until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays); closed Mondays

Address: 2100 Van Ness Avenue

District: Nob Hill

13. Kusakabe

This high-end spot is the best San Francisco fine dining option for Japanese cuisine. They serve a multi-course "omakase" prix fixe menu that offers beautiful, authentic, and delicious sushi which actually fills you up.

The tasting menu is seasonal and fresh and based on the Japanese kaiseki tradition, balancing taste, texture, appearance, and colors. The dining experience here is truly memorable. 

Average Price: $185 omakase (tasting menu)

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, first seating at 5 pm, second seating at 8 pm; closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Address: 584 Washington Street

District: Financial District

14. Alexander's Steakhouse

Another San Francisco fine dining steakhouse is Alexander's. What I love about this place is that they focus on bringing in the highest quality meats from small producers in the US, Australia, and Japan.

Their menu includes classic steak cuts, including rib eye, T-bone, and New York, in addition to Japanese-inspired dishes.

Average Price: $230 for prix fixe; main dishes range from $48 to $145 

Hours: 5:30 - 9 pm daily

Address: 448 Brannan Street

District: SOMA

15. John's Grill

Named one of Esquire Magazine's top 10 Restaurants in America, you know you are in for a true San Francisco exquisite dining experience at John's Grill. They are famous for their steaks, lamb chops, and incredible seafood. Their wine list is extensive and will have something for everyone.

Beyond the food, one of the fun experiences you may have is seeing some of the most famous people anywhere eating here. Examples include Luciano Pavarotti, ex-49ers Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana, and Keanu Reeves among many others.

Average Price: $70 - $80; main dishes range from $25 to $40

Hours: Lunch is from 11:45 am - 3:30 pm, Dinner is from 3:30 - 9:30 pm

Address: 63 Ellis Street

District: Union Square

16. Tadich Grill

A true classic SF dining experience, Tadich Grill opened in 1849 and has been beloved by locals and visitors since then. They have over 75 entrees, so you are sure to find something delicious. I love their Swordfish Steak and their Sonoma Lamb - Double Cut Rib Chops.

The servers have an average of 35 years in the service industry and more than 16 years at Tadich Grill. To give you an idea of the quality and atmosphere, the late great Anthony Bourdain said, "It is a shame we don't have something like this in New York."

Average Price: $60 - $80; main dishes range from $30 to $50

Hours: Monday - Friday lunch is from 11 am - 2:30 pm, Dinner is from 4:30 - 9:30 pm; Saturday is only dinner from 4:30 - 9:30 pm, closed on Sunday

Address: 240 California Street

District: Financial District

17. Mastro's Steakhouse

You will only have the best of the best with this San Francisco fine dining experience. With a number of restaurants around the U.S., Mastro's has won many awards, including being named one of the Top 10 Steakhouses in the country by Gayot.

They serve only the highest quality seafood and steaks. Depending on the day, they may have live music playing for your enjoyment as you dine on the finest food around.

Note: They have a strict dress code, so please check ahead.

Average Price: $250 - $350; main dishes range from $50 to $300

Hours: Monday - Thursday 5 - 10 pm; Friday - Sunday 5 - 10 pm

Address: 399 Geary Street

District: Union Square

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