10 Michelin-Starred Restaurants You Must Try in San Francisco & the Bay Area
Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway or simply want to experience world-class cuisine, San Francisco offers a treasure trove of Michelin-starred restaurants that consistently raise the bar. From inventive tasting menus to re-imagined Korean barbecue, these dining spots are more than meals—they’re experiences. Here are the top Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco and the Bay Area you absolutely must visit.
1. Quince (3 Stars)
Located in the historic Jackson Square, Quince is where Italian cuisine meets California ingredients. Chef Michael Tusk’s tasting menu rotates with the seasons, offering one of the most refined dining experiences in the city.
2. Benu (3 Stars)
A staple in the fine dining scene, Benu delivers a modern Asian-inspired tasting menu that’s both inventive and deeply nuanced. Helmed by Chef Corey Lee, this SoMa gem is perfect for those seeking precision, elegance, and bold flavor pairings.
3. The French Laundry (3 Stars – Yountville)
The French Laundry is a pilgrimage for fine dining lovers. Chef Thomas Keller’s iconic restaurant in Yountville offers an exquisite, French-inspired tasting menu that continues to define luxury cuisine in America.
4. SingleThread (3 Stars – Sonoma)
Located in Healdsburg, SingleThread brings Japanese precision and Sonoma-sourced ingredients together under one roof. Stay overnight in their stunning inn and enjoy a 10-course kaiseki-style meal that tells a story with every bite.
5. Commis (2 Stars – Oakland)
Just across the Bay in Oakland, Commis is a minimalist, modernist marvel. Chef James Syhabout crafts artful tasting menus with a precise, almost scientific attention to detail. It’s the only two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the East Bay—and well worth the trip.
6. Acquerello (2 Star)
A longtime favorite among San Francisco’s elite, Acquerello serves upscale Italian with a timeless feel. The pasta tasting menu is a standout, and the wine list is nothing short of exceptional.
7. Lazy Bear (2 Stars)
A dinner party you’ll never forget. Lazy Bear in the Mission District brings communal fine dining to the forefront with an ever-changing seasonal menu served in a cozy, open-kitchen environment. Part meal, part theater—this one’s for adventurous eaters.
8. Saison (2 Stars)
Known for its open-fire cooking and ever-evolving tasting menu, Saison brings bold, flame-driven flavors to the heart of SoMa. Chef Richard Lee crafts each dish around smoke, heat, and seasonality—think ember-roasted seafood, dry-aged duck, and intensely flavorful vegetables. Minimalist yet warm, it’s one of the most unique Michelin experiences in the city.
9. Sorrel (1 Star)
Fresh, modern, and California-centric, Sorrel showcases local ingredients with a creative flair. The vibe is polished yet relaxed, and every dish is plated with the kind of care you’d expect from a Michelin-starred kitchen.
10. San Ho Won (1 Star)
San Ho Won redefines Korean BBQ with Michelin-level execution. Think wood-fired galbi, perfectly charred meats, and house-made kimchi, all in a minimalist-industrial setting in the Mission. Chef Corey Lee’s influence shines again here!
Conclusion
If Michelin-starred dining is on your bucket list, San Francisco and the greater Bay Area deliver with artistry, creativity, and unmatched culinary talent. Whether you stay within city limits or venture into wine country or East Bay, these restaurants are worth every bite—and every reservation alert. To explore some of my other favorite places to dine in San Francisco check out this post!