How Many Michelin Star Restaurants in San Francisco: Key Takeaways
- San Francisco has 30 Michelin-starred restaurants as of August 2025
- Three restaurants hold the prestigious three-star rating
- Six restaurants have earned two stars, while 21 have one star
San Francisco ranks among the top U.S. cities with the most Michelin-starred dining establishments. Its culinary scene features a broad spectrum of innovative and acclaimed restaurants.
This guide details San Francisco's Michelin star count and highlights standout venues captivating food lovers worldwide.
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1. Overview of Michelin Star Restaurant Tiers in San Francisco
The Michelin Guide awards stars to restaurants based on quality, creativity, and consistency, with one to three stars indicating increasing levels of excellence.
As of August 2025, San Francisco is home to:
- Three three-star restaurants, representing the highest honor
- Six two-star restaurants, signaling excellent cuisine worth a detour
- Twenty-one one-star restaurants, noted for high quality and skillful cooking
This distribution reflects San Francisco’s dynamic and diverse food scene that appeals to a variety of tastes and dining experiences.
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2. San Francisco’s Three-Star Michelin Restaurants
Three restaurants have earned the coveted three Michelin stars, reserved for exceptional dining.
- Atelier Crenn: Famous for poetic plating and innovation under Chef Dominique Crenn
- Benu: Renowned for its avant-garde fusion of Asian and American flavors
- Quince: Celebrated for its fine Italian-inspired cuisine and impeccable service
Dining at these establishments offers an unparalleled gastronomic journey, often considered a bucket-list experience for food lovers.
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3. Two-Star Michelin Restaurants in San Francisco
Six restaurants have earned two stars, signifying excellent cooking that's worth a special trip.
- Acquerello
- Birdsong
- Californios
- Lazy Bear
- Saison
- Sons & Daughters
Of note, Sons & Daughters also received a Green Star for sustainability, spotlighting its commitment to eco-friendly practices.
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4. Notable One-Star Michelin Restaurants in San Francisco
One-star restaurants form the largest group with 21 establishments recognized for their high quality and creativity.
Some noteworthy names include:
- 7 Adams
- Angler SF
- Aphotic
- Hilda and Jesse
- Kiln (recently promoted to two stars)
- Kin Khao
- Le Comptoir at Bar Crenn
- Mister Jiu’s
- Nari
- Niku Steakhouse
- Nisei
- O’ by Claude Le Tohic
- Osito
- The Progress
- San Ho Won
- The Shota
- Sorrel
- Ssal
- State Bird Provisions
Notably, Kiln was promoted from one to two stars in the 2025 guide, illustrating the evolving and competitive culinary landscape.
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5. The Impact of Michelin Stars on San Francisco’s Culinary Scene
Michelin stars greatly enhance a restaurant’s reputation, attracting food enthusiasts locally and globally.
This acclaim supports San Francisco’s position as a world-class food destination known for innovation, quality, and sustainability.
Restaurants leverage their star status to invest in culinary creativity, staff training, and guest experiences, fostering vibrant culinary tourism that benefits the local economy.
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6. How To Experience Michelin Star Dining in San Francisco
Experiencing Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco requires planning, as these venues often have limited seating and high demand.
Tips for diners include:
- Make reservations weeks or months in advance, especially for three-star restaurants
- Explore tasting menus to sample a range of culinary artistry
- Check each restaurant’s dress code and cancellation policies
- Consider visiting one-star or two-star venues for outstanding experiences at varied price points
If you are interested in the service team behind these experiences, check out our Server career overview to understand the role better.
7. Additional Resources for Michelin Star Restaurant Information in San Francisco
- Michelin Guide California 2025 Selection
- San Francisco Travel Association
- California Department of Public Health – Food Safety Program
How Many Michelin Star Restaurants in San Francisco: Conclusion
San Francisco’s impressive tally of 30 Michelin-starred restaurants showcases its status as a culinary powerhouse.
From the elite three-star temples of gastronomy to the diverse one-star innovators, the city offers unrivaled dining experiences for all tastes.
Whether seeking innovative cuisine, sustainability, or classic fine dining, San Francisco’s Michelin-starred restaurants remain at the forefront of American culinary excellence.
For employers in San Francisco's vibrant hospitality sector, our restaurant Michelin stars statistics spotlight provides useful data to aid strategic planning and marketing.
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