In 2018, 55 Bay Area restaurants earned Michelin stars, one more than last years 54, with seven earning the guide’s highest distinction: three stars.
Besides the Bay Area, Michelin rated restuarants in three other U.S. markets: New York City, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
A new guide is published by Michelin each year; therefore a restaurant is assessed yearly.
Even established Michelin-starred restaurants have to keep pushing to retain their status or move up another level.
For those that slip in quality however, a demotion or removal from the guide altogether can be devastating.
Which San Francisco restaurants had three Michelin stars?
The Bay Area had seven Michelin three-star restaurants.
Three stars: “Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.”
These are restaurants so remarkable that distance should not be an obstacle.
Benu, San Francisco
Coi, San Francisco
Saison, San Francisco
Quince, San Francisco
The French Laundry, Wine Country
The Restaurant at Meadowood, Wine Country
Manresa, Peninsula, San Francisco
1. Benu | A Bold, Open-Minded California Vision
Address: Benu - 22 Hawthorne St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
Tel: (415) 685-4860
Reservations: Book two months in advance; phone reservations are taken Tuesday - Saturday mornings.
New American cuisine in the United States reflects the country itself: diverse, layered, and shaped by many culinary traditions. The hallmark of the flourishing food culture in the West Coast is openness, originality, seasonality, and range. California diners are especially willing to embrace an unconventional culinary philosophy as long as the food delivers.
Benu is a particularly California expression of that idea. Korean-American chef Corey Lee immigrated Beginning formal training at the age of 17, he became proficient in classic French techniques as well as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking. Benu was born from his mastery of these traditions. French technique gives a solid base, Asian traditions add layers of flavor and identity, and seasonal ingredients from California add the soul and variety from his different styles of cooking.
The result at Benu is Asian-inspired cuisine that is anything but ordinary. It is influenced by Western techniques and is perfectly tailored to current American preferences. The experience is built on interesting pairings and combinations, and the presentation and flavors live up to the promise of avoidance of simple categorizations.
Benu
2. Saison | San Francisco's Most expensive Japanese centered restaurant
Address: Saison - 178 Townsend St, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
Tel: (415) 828-7990
Reservations: Call 90 days in advance or try to book on Opentable
It comes as no surprise that Saison is in the three-star club. Located in SoMa and serving Japanese cuisine, it has been called the most expensive restaurant in San Francisco. Its name cleverly evokes the word `season` which is fitting for one of the most season-driven dining experiences in the country.
The atmosphere is meticulously arranged, even providing valuable cashmere wraps for guests who feel cold. That same meticulousness extends to ingredient selection and menu creation. Diners in the open kitchen can watch chef Joshua Skenes and his team prepare each course with military-like precision.
Chef Skenes is not Japanese and does not conform to the traditional chef's jacket style. That individuality helps remove some of the unnecessary ceremony that is associated with fine dining: this three-star restaurant has no dress code. Relax, enjoy the show, and pay close attention to the meals being prepared.
3. Quince | A Long-Awaited Rise to Three Stars Address: Quince - 470 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA Tel: (415) 775-8500 Website: * **Reservations: You may book through the website here and reservations are recommended two months in advance. Quince opened in 2003, and is now regarded as one of the top restaurants in San Francisco. It integrates modern Italian cuisine with French and Californian influences, and has earned 3 Michelin stars after having been rated 2 stars for many years. The venue is located in a transformed brick warehouse from 1907 in Jackson Square, which has been restored in an Art Deco style to create a polished elegant setting. The wine cellar and circular lounging area are a nice touch and can host patrons in style as they sip on wines from various regions around the world. The restaurant's Chef Michael Tusk primarily uses seasonal ingredients and ethically sourced produce, and plants and herbs are sourced from the restaurant's rooftop garden. Sheage and Cheese/Fruit farms also make daily deliveries. Quince is also one of the more affordable three-star restaurants with a standard prix fixe menu priced at $220 before taxes and tips. Michelin International Director Michael Ellis commented on the interesting details of each small course, and the transformation of simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.
