Some people might argue that all dining in San Francisco is fine dining -- by virtue of it being in San Francisco.
Issues of city pride aside, the restaurants here comprise a group of personal favorites, leaning toward the upscale, where the combination food, ambiance and service make for a fine dining experience.
Since it's virtually impossible to pick a handful of restaurants in a city known for its culinary arts, I consider this a mere starter list of places that excel in their own categories.
Published in 2007 - Updated annually
See a list of places that opened their doors in 2007 and those coming up in 2008.
11. Jardiniere
Jardiniere
Civic Center
300 Grove Street (at Franklin)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Telephone: (415) 861-5555
See Jardiniere on a map
Jardiniere is a great choice if you're attending an event in the Civic Center area. It's also an easy walk from Civic Center BART. A Pat Kuleto establishment, Jardiniere is tucked away in the former Kimball's Jazz Club building. Be sure to book a table upstairs, removed from the busy bar, but with a view to the scene downstairs. The ambiance is elegant but friendly, food is Californian with French influence and based on seasonal ingredients.
12. Masa's
Masa's
Union Square
648 Bush Street (between Powell & Stockton)
San Francisco, CA 94108
Telephone: (415) 989-7154
Masa's setting is elegant but understated, with white tablecloths in a small space that's conducive to conversation. The cuisine is French with California influences, from Executive Chef Gregory Short, formerly at French Laundry in Yountville. Masa's has six and nine course tasting menus, and well as a special vegetarian tasting menu.
13. Millenium (Vegetarian)
Millenium
Civic Center/Tenderloin
580 Geary Street (at Jones)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Telephone: (415) 345-3900
See Millenium on a map
Millenium is an upscale vegetarian restaurant, committed to an environmental and sustainable food ethic. Millenium (along with Greens at Fort Mason) stands out as a fine dining experience where vegetarians don't have to dance around one entree or a collection of side dishes. In addition to its regular menu, Millenium also offers a five-course tasting menu.
14. The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton
The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton
Nob Hill
603 Stockton Street (at Pine)
San Francisco, CA 94108
Telephone: (415) 296-7465
See Ritz Carlton on a map
The atmosphere is true to what you might expect at the Ritz -- formal, hospitable, attentive, expensive. It's an elegant retreat for a romantic meal, with French cuisine and a traditional dinner menu as well as an eight-course tasting menu. The wine list has more than 1400 global selections.
15. Town Hall
Town Hall
SoMa/South of Market
342 Howard Street (at Fremont)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: (415) 908-3900
See Town Hall on a map
Town Hall's location, in the 1907 Marine Electric Building is among my favorite spaces in town. The ambiance is warm and laid back with its exposed brick and hefty wooden tables. It's tucked away on Howard Street, a relatively short walk from the Embarcadero area and from BART. The menu has some delicioius southern twists, like the popular barbecued shrimp appetizer. Service is friendly and informed.
Read a short review of Town Hall including restaurant details and transit information.
