Alamo Restaurants

Best restaurants in San Francisco: 15 iconic places

San Francisco‘s restaurant scene ranks among the finest in North America, with more MICHELIN-Starred establishments than any city outside of New York. The best restaurants in San Francisco span multiple neighborhoods and cuisines, from classic prime rib carved tableside to innovative multi-course tasting menus that push culinary boundaries. Whether seeking MICHELIN-starred fine dining or creative small plates in the Western Addition, these essential San Francisco restaurants define the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. Reservations are highly recommended at these top dining destinations. What the experts say: “Dinner at the new cool-kid restaurant of the year or the myriad decades-old institutions proves it: the Paris of the West cooks on the cutting edge.” —Paolo Bicchieri, writer living on the coast with bylines in the San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner, Eater SF, KQED, and more “San Francisco is without a doubt one of the best dining destinations in America. We have it all—from multiple Michelin-Starred restaurants to your favorite mom-and-pops. The city is a diverse melting pot of deliciousness.” —Omar Mamoon, San Francisco-based writer with bylines in the San Francisco Chronicle, Esquire, Condé Nast Traveler, and more and cookie dough professional—find him on Instagram “SF is a top dining destination: There are always new and hot places to chase down a reservation at, and our longtime classics age like fine wine, offering consistency, top ingredients, and tuned service that create memorable experiences and repeat customers.” —Marcia Gagliardi, SF-based restaurant columnist and founder of the insider tablehopper newsletter (since 2006!); pre-influencer; on Instagram: @tablehopper