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

Enjoy innovative dishes and unique culinary experiences at one of the many San Francisco fine dining restaurants.

My list of the 17 best covers a range of cuisines, including French, American, Italian, Mexican, luxury steakhouses, vegetarian, and vegan.

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.

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1. O' by Claude Le Tohic

At this French-American fine dining option in Union Square, you have a choice between the five-course and the nine-course tasting menu, the latter of which I recommend for the delicious caviar composition.

This Michelin star restaurant is on the top floor of the chef's six-story tribute to French cuisine, whose other floors include a patisserie, bistro, and bar and lounge. O' is the crowning jewel, where you'll find the most elegant setting with attentive service.

Located at One65 O'Farrell Street, the "O" of the street name—which sounds like the French "eau," meaning water—inspired Chef Le Tohic to create a refined concept menu centered on the elements of water, fire, and earth.

Average Price: Five-Course Tasting Menu $210, Nine-Course $295

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

Address: 165 O'Farrell Street

District: Union Square

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 exquisite 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, as well as a large selection from Italy, Spain, and France.

They also have a nice selection of wines by the glass.

Average Price: Starts at $119 for their fixed price menu, with a-la-carte options in the bar and lounge 

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

Address: 1 Mission Street

District: SOMA/Financial District

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 usually around $400+ per person, the wine pairing menu is an additional $200 or so per person

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 5 - 8:30 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 starts at $170+ per person (wine pairing is an additional $130 per person)

Hours: Thursday - Monday, 5 pm - 10 pm; closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Address: 800 North Point Street

District: Fisherman's Wharf

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

5. Greens

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 (one of the reasons that I love Greens so much).

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

There are usually other things going on and you can check out a gallery or do something else either before or after your meal.

Average Price: $3 - $5 for small plates; $11 - $13 for soups and small salads; $21 - $29 for main course

Hours:  

• Lunch: Tuesday - Friday, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
• Dinner: Tuesday - Thursday, 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm; Friday - Sunday, 5 pm - 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: Since opening in 1979, they have been famous for having female chefs, 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: $125 per person for the three-course dinner; $65 for the three-course lunch, $89 for brunch; caviar service available

Hours: Dinner: Monday - Thursday, 5 pm - 10pm; Friday - Saturday, 5 pm - 10:30 pm; Sunday, 5 pm - 9 pm; Weekday Lunch, 11:30 am - 2 pm; Weekend Brunch 11 am - 2:30 pm

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. You will need to put up a deposit per person when you book a table.

Average Price: $88 to $188 for the tasting menus; they have three options, so price will depend on which one you select

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 5:30 pm - 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: About $325 per person

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 5 - 10 pm; closed Sunday - Monday

Address: 355 11th Street

District: SOMA

9. Acquerello

This San Francisco fine dining restaurant is another 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: $275 for the seasonal, $215 for the vegetarian, and $165 for prix fixe (each offers wine pairing for an additional cost)

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

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. 

You will also need to put down a deposit for your dinner when you book your table. 

Average Price: $375 to $500 per person

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

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 $28 to $50 per person for lunch, $30 to $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 

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: $44 - $265 for main dishes, steaks are the priciest and cost up to $265

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 5 pm - 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: $198 omakase tasting menu, $148 for the petite omakase (Tuesday through Thursday only); they also have a few small items on their A la Carte menu that range from around $25 to $50

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, first seating at 5 pm, second seating at 8 pm; closed Mondays

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: $185 for prix fixe; main dishes range from $72 to $255

Hours: 5:30 pm - 9 pm daily

Address: 165 O'Farrell Street, 3rd Floor

District: Union Square

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 famous people eating here, such as Luciano Pavarotti, former 49ers Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana, and Keanu Reeves among many others.

Average Price: $70 - $80 per person; main dishes range from $21 to $50

Hours: Daily from 11:45 am to 9 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 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 - $90; main dishes range from $30 to $60

Weekday Hours: Monday - Friday: lunch, 11 am - 2:30 pm; counter service, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm; dinner 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Weekend Hours: Saturday is dinner-only from 4 pm - 9:30 pm; closed Sundays

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 US, 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 $45 to $300

Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 5 pm - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday, 5 pm - 10 pm

Address: 399 Geary Street

District: Union Square

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