Best Fine Dining in San Francisco

The food is well-regarded for its excellent freshness, authentic Mediterranean and Greek flavors, and beautiful preparation. Dishes are frequently described as delicious, flavorful, and high-quality, with many diners comparing it favorably to food experienced in Greece.

“Absolutely fresh and absolutely delicious”

Service is a standout aspect, with staff frequently described as kind, friendly, attentive, warm, and accommodating. Many diners highlight specific servers and the owner's personal engagement as contributing to a welcoming and memorable experience.

“Staff was very kind, friendly, and attentive”

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as beautiful, cozy, stylish, and energetic, often evoking a feeling of being in Greece. The decor and ambiance contribute significantly to the overall positive dining experience.

“Great vibes, and top-notch service”

While most diners find the food and experience worth the price, a few diners mention the restaurant being on the expensive side or having poor value for specific dishes, citing small portions or lack of included sides.

“Overpriced ~$35 souvlaki is a tiny serving”

The food is consistently described as excellent, innovative, and soulful, with a solid emphasis on unique flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients.

“Best meal we've ever had.”

Service is noted for its warmth, friendliness, and the personal touch provided by the chef-owners, who explain each dish with passion.

“Super friendly chefs and great service.”

The intimate, small-counter setting creates a personal and engaging atmosphere, making diners feel like part of a special experience.

“Feels like being part of something rare.”

While the experience is well-regarded, some diners note that the price point is high, with one diner suggesting some courses were basic for the cost.

“Not quite there for the price.”

The tasting menu offers a creative and unique experience, with dishes that are consistently described as delicious, innovative, and beautifully presented, highlighting fresh ingredients and expert preparation.

“One of THE BEST dining experiences”

Service is frequently lauded as excellent, warm, and attentive, with owners Joe and Chef Koji often singled out for their personal touch and hospitality.

“Incredible service, decor, plating”

The ambiance is well-regarded for its thoughtful, modern Japanese decor, creating an intimate and transportive atmosphere.

“Felt like I was transported to Tokyo”

While a prix fixe menu in San Francisco, the value is considered outstanding for the quality, creativity, and overall experience provided.

“Not unreasonably priced for a prix fixe”

The food is consistently described as first-rate, creative, and expertly prepared, with a strong emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and masterful aging techniques.

“Every bite was well thought out”

Service is frequently highlighted as attentive, kind, knowledgeable, and personable, contributing significantly to the intimate and welcoming dining experience.

“Staff were very attentive and kind”

The intimate, cozy, and often described as beautiful or serene atmosphere is a major draw, fostering a personal connection with the chef and other diners.

“Beautiful and intimate”

While acknowledged as expensive, diners generally find the unique experience and high-quality food to be worth the cost.

“Easily the most expensive meal”

The sushi is consistently described as outstanding, with incredibly fresh, high-quality fish prepared with innovative techniques. Chef Roger's expertise in sourcing and preparing unique ingredients is a recurring highlight.

“The best sushi I have ever had”

Service is overwhelmingly known for being attentive, friendly, and educational, largely driven by Chef Roger's personal engagement with diners.

“Staff was very attentive”

The atmosphere is often described as unpretentious and intimate, particularly at the sushi bar, with Chef Roger's personality being a central element of the experience.

“A no-frills spot”

While the omakase experience is considered expensive, most diners feel the quality, uniqueness, and overall experience justify the cost.

“Worth every penny”

The food is well-regarded for its creativity, freshness, and delicious flavors, with many dishes described as outstanding and well-balanced.

“Everything was really delicious”

Service is frequently highlighted as remarkably warm, attentive, friendly, and accommodating, with staff and chefs often going above and beyond.

“The staff were all so kind”

The atmosphere is consistently described as warm, inviting, cozy, posh, and elegant, contributing positively to the dining experience.

“Ambiance is warm and inviting”

Diners find the prices reasonable for the high quality and generous portions of food offered.

“Without the eye watering prices”

The omakase menu consistently features remarkably fresh, high-quality seafood with creative preparations and beautiful presentation. Standout dishes highlight the thoughtful treatment of each fish.

“Some of the best nigiri”

Service is well-regarded for being attentive, friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating, with staff often noticing and catering to individual needs like handedness.

“Great service and really enjoyed”

The ambiance is consistently described as lovely, intimate, romantic, and elegant, creating a pleasant atmosphere for special occasions or a nice night out.

“Great ambiance.”

Diners find the omakase experience to be of excellent quality and creativity for the price, often described as a great value compared to other high-end sushi establishments.

“Worth the price!”

Californios offers an first-rate and highly creative take on Mexican cuisine, well-regarded for its innovative flavors, artful presentation, and high-quality ingredients.

“Food was amazing”

Service is generally attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, contributing to a positive overall experience, though occasional lapses have been noted.

“Service was also attentive and friendly”

The atmosphere is consistently described as elegant, trendy, and relaxing, with beautiful decor and well-curated music enhancing the dining experience.

“Relaxed beautiful vibe”

While expensive, most diners find the unique, high-quality tasting menu experience to be worth the cost, though a few feel it is overpriced for the value received.

“Worth every penny”

The food is well-regarded for its creativity, balance, and use of high-quality ingredients, with many dishes described as masterpieces. While most find the flavors outstanding, a few noted occasional saltiness or a lack of variety in later courses.

“Every dish was perfect, and delicious”

Service is frequently highlighted as first-rate, with staff described as knowledgeable, attentive, friendly, and genuinely enthusiastic, often remembering guest details and making them feel welcome.

“Service was top notch”

The atmosphere is generally described as sophisticated, intimate, and well-curated, with a modern, sometimes brutalist, aesthetic that directs attention to the food.

“Ambiance was just perfect”

While many find the experience worth the cost, some diners question the value, particularly regarding wine pour sizes and the overall markup on beverages.

“Get real with the 2 oz wine pours”

The food is well-regarded for its creativity, fresh ingredients, and outstanding execution, often described as a culinary event.

“One of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to”

Service is frequently highlighted as warm, attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, contributing significantly to the overall experience.

“Staff was gracious, warm, and attentive”

The atmosphere is described as unique, intimate, cozy, and immersive, often compared to a cabin in the woods, though some note changes from its earlier communal setup.

“Cozy cabin-like setting”

While the experience is highly regarded, several diners find the high price point to be a significant drawback, questioning the value.

“Definitely overpriced”