If you’re spending time in San Francisco and looking for a restaurant that feels cozy, creative, and full of heart, Rich Table in Hayes Valley is a must. It’s not flashy, it’s not formal—but it’s full of intention. With seasonal California cooking and a space that feels like an elevated version of home, this spot quietly earns its place as one of the best restaurants in the city.

Rich Table doesn’t scream for attention—and that’s exactly why people love it. Walk inside and you’ll find a wood-filled space with an open kitchen, un-fussy decor, and the comforting sound of a full room enjoying good food. It’s the kind of place where you settle in and lose track of time.
Whether you’re dining solo, catching up with a friend, or exploring the city with someone you love, Rich Table offers the kind of experience that feels personal, not performative.

The Menu: Creative, Comforting, and Very California

What makes Rich Table special isn’t just the quality of ingredients—it’s how they’re used. Chefs Evan and Sarah Rich, alongside with the chef the cuisine, Gizela Ho, take seasonal produce and turn it into something playful, surprising, and often unforgettable. The cocktail program and wine list are equally thoughtful, but never over-complicated. The staff is always warm, helpful, and happy to guide you if you’re unsure what to pick.

A Few Standouts You’ll Want to Try:

If this is your first time or first time in a while, opt in for the chef’s tasting to explore the menu quite extensively! If you want to go a-la-carte route here are some of the highlights and must ordered items!

• Dried Porcini Doughnuts with Raclette: Rich, savory, and totally unexpected. A little wild on paper, but truly delicious.
• Sardine Chips: One of their signature bites. Salty, crispy, and made for sharing.
• Fresh Pastas that rotate with the seasons, but always come out perfectly balanced and full of flavor. But you can never go wrong with the uni Caccio e Peppe .
• The seasonal variation of their 21-day dry-aged ribeye, which is always a lot of fun (and flavor) on the plate.

The Space: Unpolished in the Best Way

There’s a lived-in comfort to Rich Table. The open kitchen, rustic wood accents, and hum of conversation create a feeling that’s more like a neighborhood dinner party than a high-end restaurant. It’s welcoming without trying to be Instagram-perfect. You won’t find velvet booths or designer chandeliers—but you’ll feel completely at ease.

What to Wear: Keep It Relaxed

If you’re visiting Rich Table while traveling, there’s no need to dress up. Think layers, clean lines, and easy comfort—San Francisco-style. This is a place where people show up in jeans and sweaters, or maybe something a little elevated but never overdone.

Insider Tips for Visiting Rich Table:

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends.
• Reservation opens 45 calendar days and is available on Resy
• Walk-in is a low probability, specially on weekends.

San Francisco is full of restaurants with buzz and polish. Rich Table is something else—it’s the kind of place that just knows what it’s doing. It’s thoughtful, it’s soulful, and it leaves you full in all the right ways.

If you’re the kind of traveler who appreciates food that speaks quietly but says a lot, this is your spot.

Final Thoughts: Where Flavor Feels Like Home

There’s something grounding about a meal at Rich Table. It’s not about flash, it’s about flavor. It’s not about being seen, it’s about feeling connected—to the food, to the space, and to the moment. And that, in its own way, is the kind of luxury that lasts.

One of the distinguishing marks about San Francisco is the cuisine but there are so many options to choose from that it can be overwhelming! So, I’m here to highlight some of my favorite restaurants in the city that are must tries! Small caveat about the post – I’ll be listing the Michelin 2 and 3 restaurants on a separate post.

It’s important to note that if you are opting for many of these suggestions you’ll want to make sure to book a table well in advance. Majority of these restaurants are booked 30 calendar days prior to the date. Here’s the list of the must try restaurants in San Francisco in no particular order:

     Rich Table:

Best known for it’s inventive California cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and warm, inviting atmosphere. Rich table is a staple to the city and is a go-to for elevated dining with a creative twist. You can read the full review here.

    San Ho Won:

A collaboration between chef Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang, San Ho Won re-imagines Korean charcoal BBQ through a fine-dining lens. Expect deeply rooted Korean flavors, elegant plating, and a modern twist on tradition.

 

    Ernest:

Ernest is playful and bold, blending global influences into a constantly changing menu. From caviar-topped waffles to beef tartar sushi rice, each dish reflects chef Brandon Rice’s inventive and personal approach to food.

   Cotogna:

Cotogna is a beloved Jackson Square staple serving rustic Italian fare with flair. Whether it’s wood-fired pizza or handmade pasta, the ingredients shine in this lively and welcoming spot.

    Sorrel:

Sorrel offers a refined take on California cuisine with strong Italian influences, all presented through a seasonal tasting menu. With a Michelin star and a focus on local ingredients, the experience balances elegance and creativity. Expect beautifully plated dishes, house-made pastas, and a warm, intimate setting in the heart of Pacific Heights.

    Verjus:

A Parisian-style wine bar and épicerie, Verjus serves natural and french focused wines alongside vibrant small plates . Perfect for a casual evening that still feels a little chic.

    Angler:

Angler delivers a refined take on live-fire cooking, with a menu centered around pristine seafood, game, and seasonal vegetables. The waterfront setting and open hearth kitchen create a warm yet upscale dining experience.

    Izakaya Rintaro:

Izakaya Rintaro feels like a slice of Tokyo in San Francisco. House made udon and a seasonal menu of grilled skewers, sashimi, and small plates, it’s an immersive and soulful experience.

     Kitchen Istanbul:

A hidden gem in inner richmond , Kitchen Istanbul serves Mediterranean and Turkish dishes that are both refined and comforting. The flavors are bold, the portions generous, and the hospitality warm.

     AltoVino:

Nestled in Nob Hill, AltoVino is a charming neighborhood Italian restaurant with a focus on Italian wines and comforting, house-made pastas. It’s intimate, unfussy, and full of heart.

     7 Adams:

7 Adams offers a thoughtful seasonal tasting menu in a minimalist space, where the focus is entirely on the food. The husband-and-wife team behind it crafts dishes that are precise, elegant, and quietly ambitious.

 

    Good Good Culture Club:

Colorful, casual, and joyfully rebellious, Good Good Culture Club dishes out Asian American cuisine with punchy flavors and community-driven energy. It’s fun, fresh, and unapologetically bold.

     Kokkari:

Kokkari  Estiatorio blends rustic Greek charm with refined Northern California sensibilities. Located in the Financial District, this beloved taverna is known for its warm hospitality, roaring fireplace, and wood-beamed ceilings that create an inviting, old-world atmosphere.

     Nari:

At Nari, chef Pim Techamuanvivit brings contemporary elegance to Thai cuisine. Located in the Hotel Kabuki, this beautifully designed space pairs bold, layered flavors with a refined touch.

     The Boulevard:

A cornerstone of San Francisco’s dining scene since 1993, Boulevard offers a refined take on California cuisine with European influences. Located in the historic Audiffred Building on the Embarcadero, the restaurant’s Belle Époque-inspired interior—featuring mosaic floors, colorful glass, and polished bronze—creates an elegant and inviting atmosphere.

    Copra:

Copra celebrates the coastal cuisines of Southern India and Sri Lanka through richly spiced, thoughtfully plated dishes. The energy is lively, the cocktails are creative, and the experience is full of personality.

    State Bird Provisions:

State Bird Provisions offers a unique dining experience with its dim sum-style service of inventive Californian small plates.  The ever-changing menu and casual yet refined atmosphere make it a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts.

    The Progress:

Located in a repurposed historic theater, The Progress offers a The menu is distinctly Californian with a south asian twist. experience with a focus on seasonal, shareable dishes.

    Foreign Cinema:

Foreign Cinema has been a unique destination that combines Californian-Mediterranean cuisine with the magic of outdoor film screenings. Situated in the Mission District, the restaurant features a stylish indoor dining room with a fireplace and a heated, covered outdoor courtyard where classic films are projected at dusk .