With some of the best restaurants and bars in the country, the greater Bay Area is a known hub for foodies — and the Michelin Guide agrees. So each year when they release their annual rankings for California, the curiosity to see who has kept their stars and who has lost them grows exponentially.
This year saw several San Francisco new openings get put on the list including Chinatown’s Four Kings and Verjus near the TransAmerica Pyramid. Oakland, Sonoma and more areas also so saw new stars.
The Michelin Guide serves as any foodie’s key to the best restaurants around the world. Restaurants vie for one, two, or the three stars, with only a few receiving the coveted third star. A restaurant can also be awarded a Bib Gourmand, which signifies that they serves excellent food at a great value.
Part of the curious bunch that keeps up with which Bay Area restaurants make the cut? We’ve curated a list with the spots that have.
Feature Photo: Courtesy of PRESS
San Francisco
A great way to experience the city is through its cuisine; the food reflects the melting pot of culture that can be found around every one of San Francisco’s corners. The Michelin Guide has put their stamp of approval on a vast number of these options and while they are in fact all very different, but all of them are equally delicious and worth a visit.
1529 Fillmore St, San Francisco
State Bird Provisions began back in 2011 as a recipe for serving quail and has since then evolved into the Michelin star restaurant it is today. Its ever-changing menu keeps diners coming back to see what seasonal provisions will be on offer, from seared ahi with spicy avocado sauce in June to wagyu carpaccio toast in January. With its reputation as one of the most affordable Michelin restaurant, you can experience the best of the best without wincing when the bill arrives.
An in-house aging program, emphasis on wood-fired cooking and Asian flavor tilt mean ember-roasted Japanese A5 can be tried individually or as part of a tasting menu and the crispy pig ears find their jazz hands with chili fish caramel and cilantro. For dessert, the wagyu fat brownie topped with miso dots is a must. Try out the one-Michelin starred food today.
28 Waverly Place, Chinatown
Tucked away in a Chinatown alley, this one Michelin-starred restaurant has the vibe of a posh club with traditional Chinese flair, i.e. modern lazy-Susans. But about the food. Light and teeming with flavor, opt for the chilled beef tendon with Stemple Creek Beef Chow Fun garlic chives, scallions, bean sprouts and horseradish. If the hour-long prep time isn’t a turn off, the Liberty Farm roast duck will (lovingly) haunt you in your dreams.
55 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco
From spicy curries to pad kee mao (drunken noodles) and off-the-wall cocktails, Kin Khao has one Michelin star and the full-flavored Thai here is sure to impress. Coconut curry enlivens mushroom hor mok terrine while Monterey squid balances chile heat with plenty of seafood-driven umami. Sister restaurant, Nari, in Japantown, is open, too.
1525 Fillmore St, San Francisco
This one Michelin-starred second venture from State Bird Provisions chef-proprietors Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski is as innovative as the first. Along with seasonal variations on favorites like roti, pierogis and meat-centric platters meant for sharing, sip on a craft cocktail or pick from general manager and wine director Jason Alexander’s expansive wine list.
22 Hawthorne St, San Francisco
At a whopping three Michelin stars, plan on a formal and sophisticated evening if visiting Benu. The compositions on the tasting menu provide a full experience of this restaurant’s unique Asian fusion cuisine. On Sundays, Benu’s kitchen is offering menu previews of San Ho Won, chef Corey Lee’s new Korean fine dining concept launching in late 2021. Order here.
2170 Bryant St, San Francisco
In collaboration with chef Corey Lee (three Michelin-starred star Benu, In Situ), head chef Jeong-In Hwang’s restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission District leans into the foods of the duo’s cultural background and has one Michelin star of its own. A tilt towards home cooking but favoring seasonal ingredients and modern techniques mean classic dishes like bibimbap features seasonal vegetables and jjigae (kimchi stew) served alongside five-year doenjang-seasoned clams. Pair it with a soju cocktail or a glass of Chablis from the European and American-sourced wine list.
701 Union St, San Francisco
A three-course, one Michelin-starred breakfast menu? That’s a mold-breaker in San Francisco where traditional eggs-meat-n-carb plates have reigned eternal. Yet Kristina Compton (Avery, Atelier Crenn) and Rachel Sillcocks (Cyrus, Nopa) play with the trio, incorporating manna with berries or cured trout with eggplant escabeche as the seasons dictate. The three-course menu is also available for dinner on Monday nights, but why not have the omelet topped with kaluga caviar? Très Français and muy delicioso.
355 11th St, San Francisco
The only Mexican restaurant in the U.S. with two Michelin stars, Californios redefines modern Mexican cuisine with a dazzling tasting menu. Chef Val Cantu brings vibrant flavors and intricate techniques to dishes like caviar-topped tostadas and delicate tamales wrapped in hoja santa. The dimly lit, sleek interior sets the mood for an unforgettable culinary journey.
149 Fell St, San Francisco
At Kiln, every dish pays homage to the art of open-fire cooking and reflects its one Michelin star rating. The ever-evolving menu highlights seasonal ingredients kissed by flame, from perfectly charred vegetables to deeply caramelized meats. A cozy yet elegant space with an emphasis on natural materials, Kiln’s intimate setting is perfect for savoring smoky, complex flavors.
1085 Mission St, San Francisco
A love letter to the Pacific Northwest, Birdsong’s two Michelin stars tasting menu leans into dry-aged meats, game birds, and oceanic treasures. Expect wood-fired duck with crispy skin, luscious king salmon, and the surprise of pickled pinecones. A balance of rustic and refined, Birdsong crafts deep, soulful flavors in every bite.
1625 Post St, San Francisco
A sister to Kin Khao, Nari takes Thai cuisine to elegant new heights with one Michelin star to back it up. Chef Pim Techamuanvivit delivers layered, aromatic dishes like the gaeng bumbai — a rich, coconut-infused curry with seasonal seafood. The chic, plant-filled dining room and impeccable cocktail list make it a go-to for both casual and special occasions.
1963 Sutter St, San Francisco
This mysterious newcomer is still a bit of an enigma, but early buzz suggests a hyper-seasonal tasting menu with locally foraged ingredients and a focus on sustainability. Diners can expect a deeply personal, chef-driven experience with ever-changing dishes that reflect the essence of the moment and the one Michelin star rating.
1722 Sacramento St, San Francisco
For over three decades, Acquerello has been a staple of San Francisco’s fine dining scene, known for impeccable service and refined Italian flavors, and it currently boasts two Michelin stars. The white-tablecloth dining room is the perfect backdrop for indulgences like black truffle risotto, aged Parmesan soufflé and an extraordinary wine list curated with passion.
165 O’Farrell St, San Francisco
Chef Claude Le Tohic, formerly of Joël Robuchon, brings Michelin-level precision to every plate at O’ with one Michelin star, to be exact. French technique meets California bounty in an opulent setting, with dishes that sing with finesse — think buttery lobster, wagyu beef with Bordelaise, and delicate mille-feuille for dessert.
708 Bush St, San Francisco
A love letter to Northern California, the one Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters’ intimate, 28-seat dining room is the stage for a deeply personal tasting menu. Every ingredient is sourced from the restaurant’s farm, allowing for unparalleled freshness in dishes like spot prawn crudo and roasted squab with elderberries.
2226 Polk St, San Francisco
Ssal, meaning “rice” in Korean, delivers refined yet soulful interpretations of Korean flavors. Thoughtful plating meets deep umami with dishes like short rib ssam, delicate seafood jeon and a rice course that elevates simplicity to an art form. The minimalist, intimate space lets the food shine as the one Michelin- starred cuisine that it is.
2316 Polk St, San Francisco
Blurring the lines between Japanese and Californian cuisines, Nisei’s one Michelin star multi-course tasting menu delivers exquisite flavors through pristine seafood, delicate broths and bold umami punches. The refined yet warm dining room sets the stage for an immersive experience of flavors and textures.
115 Sansome St, San Francisco
Sushi lovers, take note — The Shota offers an omakase experience, rated at one Michelin star and in rivalry to Japan’s finest. Focused on Edomae-style sushi, the menu highlights fish aged for maximum umami, pristine uni, and luxurious A5 wagyu. Minimalist decor keeps the spotlight where it belongs: on the impeccable craftsmanship.
3416 19th St, San Francisco
Lazy Bear turns fine dining into an interactive event, where guests gather around communal tables for a nostalgic, storytelling-driven tasting menu. Courses like ember-roasted carrots and aged duck with wild berries make it clear — this is elevated comfort food with serious technique and an impressive two Michelin stars.
2875 18th St, San Francisco
At Osito, everything touches the flame. This one Michelin-starred, communal dining experience features a single seasonal menu that celebrates open-fire cooking. Whole fish kissed by smoke, ember-roasted meats, and charred vegetables bring diners together over a meal that feels both primal and sophisticated.
470 Pacific Ave, San Francisco
A pinnacle of San Francisco fine dining, Quince’s three-Michelin-star experience is a symphony of California ingredients expressed through Italian-inspired dishes. Seasonal tasting menus may include velvety ricotta tortellini, A5 wagyu, or caviar served with impossibly delicate blinis. The definition of a splurge-worthy night.
178 Townsend St, San Francisco
Saison remains one of the city’s most coveted reservations, with two Michelin stars and a tasting menu that highlights open-fire cooking and ultra-premium ingredients. Expect caviar, wagyu and seafood kissed by flame, all served in a space where candlelight flickers off copper pots and hand-crafted ceramics.
3127 Fillmore St, San Francisco
415.440.0460
Dominique Crenn’s three-Michelin-starred masterpiece is as much art as it is dining. The poetic, seafood-forward tasting menu takes diners on a sensory journey — think delicate uni tartlets, rich abalone porridge, and whimsical desserts inspired by nature. A must for culinary adventurers.
3228 Sacramento St, San Francisco
At Sorrel, local ingredients shine in a one Michelin-starred tasting menu that straddles California and Italian influences. Handmade pastas, exquisitely plated seafood and hyper-seasonal vegetables make this spot a quiet powerhouse in the SF fine dining scene.
710 Commercial St, San Francisco
Rave reviews and packed reservation lists have become Four Kings’ calling card since opening in March 2024. Now nestled in a Chinatown brick and mortar, the Cantonese restaurant has been the talk of the town after gaining a reputation during its time as a roving pop-up. On the menu, fried squab is the star, alongside the HK black pepper steak, but attention should also be paid to the mapo spaghetti, escargot and pork chop rice with tomato egg.
550 Washington St, San Francisco
Under the red lacquered ceiling at Verjus, pre-dinner drinks might just turn into dinner, might just turn into a nightcap — and at that point, why not some pain perdu? This wine bar reopened in December 2024 after four years of closure, and owners Michael and Lindsay Tusk are embracing French drink and dining in its new chapter.
333 Battery St, San Francisco
A meal at Prelude feels like the opening act to a grand performance. With a menu that balances modern elegance and classic technique, dishes might include butter-poached lobster, dry-aged duck with seasonal accompaniments, or a decadent chocolate soufflé. Perfect for a pre-show dinner — or just a night when you want to feel like the main character.
201 Spear St #120, San Francisco
The Wild takes farm-to-table to the next level, showcasing hyper-seasonal ingredients with a rustic yet refined touch. Foraged mushrooms, freshly caught seafood, and locally raised meats star in a menu that shifts with the landscape. Earthy, soulful and deeply connected to its surroundings, this is a must-visit for those who love nature on their plate.
South Bay
Gastronomy doesn’t end at the San Francisco city limits. Just south of the city by the bay, there are many cities and towns with creative menus and cutting-edge cuisine that you can sink your teeth into. The region is generally divided into two rough geographical areas: the Peninsula just south of SF and the South Bay, centered around San Jose. We’re including restaurants from both these areas as we take a walk through a handful of the Michelin-rated restaurants in the South Bay.
2967 Woodside Rd, Woodside
With quality local ingredients, an impressive wine and spritz program and a wonderful patio for al fresco dining, the Village Pub is a sophisticated choice in the quiet town of Woodside. The restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star for the past 12 consecutive years. Its contemporary Californian menu is rooted in French and Mediterranean cuisines, and guests especially praise this restaurant for its beautifully presented food and warm, attentive staff.
223 E 4th Ave, San Mateo
This restaurant’s name is a reminder for guests to take a pause while dining to relax and fully enjoy their experience — which is easy to do when the food is this delicious. Pausa is a fresh and authentic Italian restaurant, with a selection of pasta, mouthwatering entrees and a formidable choice of cheeses and cured meats to start your meal. Did I mention pizza? Pausa leaves its pizza doughs to mature for a full 72 hours for that perfect pillowy effect. Each dish is also perfectly crafted to complement the list of Italian wines. Because of its delicious food at solid prices, Pausa was awarded the Bib Gourmand.
1602 S El Camino Real, San Mateo
Another San Mateo pick, this cozy and adorable restaurant is a consistent favorite for locals and visitors. The menu hosts several contemporary Californian dishes, sporting Indian and French influences, with ample options for seafood, steaks and vegetarian-friendly options. Notably, the restaurant space is an old Victorian home, making for an elegant yet homey and intimate atmosphere that guests love. The menu also changes seasonally, offering visitors something new to try throughout the year. For years, All Spice held a Michelin star, and today it is rated in the Michelin Guide.
312 Arguello St, Redwood City
Sushi Shin offers new and fresh Japanese cuisine. With over 20 years of experience, Chef Jason Zhan explores new and exciting dishes with creative flair for guests. Guests praise the restaurant for its attention to detail, both in food and service. This intimate restaurant only has nine seats, so you’re in for a treat if you are lucky enough to get a reservation. Sushi Shin received a one-star rating by Michelin in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and today it is recommended in the Michelin guide.
3607 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park
Flea Street is a quintessential spot for a Northern California farm-to-table experience. This restaurant values creativity and exploration in food, as well as freshness and sustainability with vegetable-forward dishes and pasture-raised meats. Its menu is updated nightly depending on seasons and availability. Along with the food, guests also enjoy the warm and inviting service at the Michelin-recommended Flea Street.
341 California Ave, Palo Alto
This Italian spot in the techie college town of Palo Alto has earned a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide. Ingredients are all fresh and local, and raw materials for pasta and pizza are imported to ensure the best and most authentic flavors. Guests consistently rave about the cacio e pepe that iTalico serves. The restaurant also has a long list of excellent Italian wines. If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, or are just looking for date night inspiration, iTalico can be your jumping-off point.
250 California Ave, Palo Alto
Protégé is an upscale yet casual restaurant offering New American cuisine in Palo Alto. Due to its unique menu, stellar service and expert wine pairings, this place has been awarded a Michelin Star. Guests particularly love the restaurant’s seafood dishes, which include oysters, crab, lobster and fish. Impeccable and attentive service staff and warm hospitality top off a great meal.
325 E 4th Ave, San Mateo
Sushi Yoshizumi offers high-quality, upscale edomae-style sushi. Overall, the food is sophisticated yet simple, with nothing just for show. Remarkably, every single fish in this restaurant is wild-caught and comes directly from Japan, making the food truly authentic. The restaurant held a one-star Michelin rating from 2016–2023, and today it’s recommended in the Michelin Guide, in addition to several other food awards and honors.
115 De Anza Blvd, San Mateo
Tucked unassumingly in a San Mateo strip mall, Wakuriya is a one Michelin-starred hidden gem offering a traditional kaiseki experience with meticulous attention to detail. Chef Katsuhiro Yamasaki and his wife Mayumi run the intimate, reservation-only spot where seasonal ingredients shine in courses like chawanmushi, sashimi and beautifully plated grilled fish. A quiet, transportive dining experience that’s worth planning ahead for.
East Bay
Oakland
A mecca of gastronomy, Oakland hosts hundreds of restaurants from countless cuisines. Included in this mix of businesses are 24 Michelin Guide-rated restaurants, selected by the culinary world’s most distinguished reviewers on the merits of their food.
3859 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
Commis on Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue has earned a well-deserved two stars from Michelin. A menu of precise and inspired contemporary cuisine borrows flavors from Chef James Cyhabout’s Chinese and Thai heritage. For food that looks and tastes beautiful, plus an equally creative cocktail menu, Commis stands tall as Oakland’s only Michelin-starred restaurant (at the time of writing). Reserve your seat in advance! The intimate dining room books up quickly.
4029 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
Dedicated to farm-to-table ingredients and highlighting the nuances of local produce, Pomet (French for “orchard”) earned its Michelin green star in 2023. Proprietor Aomboon Deasy also works in farming as an owner of K&J Orchards, and Chef Alan Hsu takes Pomet’s agricultural roots seriously when crafting the restaurant’s artful menu — even the wood fire ovens use recycled logs. And after a meal of sustainably sourced meat and “ugly mushroom” pasta, guests receive a complimentary slice of fruit.
5912 College Ave, Oakland
Perfect for plant-based foodies, Millennium prepares a vegan menu that will make even die-hard carnivores swoon. At least, so spake Michelin when it awarded Millennium the Bib Gourmand. This Rockridge restaurant serves innovative dishes from sustainable sources for ever-changing à la carte and tasting menus. Cashew cheesecake, anybody?
3725 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland
Another Bib Gourmand winner, Jo’s Modern Thai mixes well-loved recipes with modern experimentation. Run by Oakland native Kao Saelee, the restaurant harkens to the homey cuisine of Saelee’s family’s restaurant, Racha Cafe in Berkeley. But Jo’s menu, crafted by Chef Intu-On Kornnawong, perfects classics like pad thai while saving time for culinary twists, like a pork laab burger.
388 Grand Ave, Oakland
MAMA Oakland honors the owner’s late grandmother, carrying on her sugo and meatballs in its thoughtful Italian cuisine. True to its proud family origins, MAMA presents a simple but technically impressive dinner menu, taking the diner through three courses of well-crafted and seasonally inspired dishes. To top it all off, an attentive staff and inviting wine list make the Bib Gourmand winner feel like home.
3762 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
Mägo’s inventive Colombian fare won it a place in Michelin’s California restaurant guide. Whether enjoying the nightly seven-course tasting menu or sitting at the bar for à la carte dining, guests will enjoy wood-grilled meats and produce with elegant cocktails to accompany their meal.
4935 Shattuck Ave, Oakland
Nestled in Temescal, Snail Bar specializes in natural wine, crafting seasonal small plates to go with its expert drink selection. Oysters, crudité, charcuterie and fresh produce shine alongside complex vintages and interesting blends. Much more than just a hip atmosphere (which is impeccable in their cozy dining room), Snail Bar won the Bib Gourmand designation in 2023.
1940 Union St STE 21, Oakland
Sun Moon Studio is an intimate, farmer and producer-driven restaurant nestled in West Oakland, California. Established by chefs Alan Hsu and Sarah Cooper, both alumni of esteemed Michelin-starred establishments like Benu in San Francisco and Per Se in New York City, the restaurant offers a multi-course tasting menu that showcases the bounty of local producers and farmers through the lens of their life experiences.
Berkeley
Berkeley, California: a city just east of San Francisco and the birthplace of California cuisine. Though foodies might quibble over the exact origins and definition of what’s called “California cuisine,” Berkeley’s distinct food culture and record of culinary innovation place it squarely in the state’s food history.
1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Top of the list in renown, Chez Panisse revolutionized New California cuisine with a farm-to-table menu that prioritizes quality local ingredients. The restaurant has perfected its own model, sourcing 75% of its produce from its organic farm and obtaining the rest from producers within a 50-mile radius. These victories for local food chains, along with the restaurant being zero-landfill waste, won Chez Panisse a Green Star for sustainability in Michelin’s first round of awarding the distinction.
Dining at Chez Panisse means getting a hyper-seasonal menu, written for that specific day. The dishes are simple yet elegant, highlighting ingredients’ quality to craft something delicious. Diners also have their choice of reserving at the downstairs restaurant, which serves a fixed-price, four-course menu, or at the upstairs café for an equally inventive à la carte menu. I can’t tease menu items since dishes rotate, but I will paste one menu item from this week (at time of writing): “Monterey Bay squid cooked in the hearth with red wine and leeks; with saffron risotto.” I’m in.
2020 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
With an ambience that’s as delicious as the food, Comal is a suave, upscale Mexican restaurant tucked in the heart of Downtown Berkeley. Perfect corn tortillas are cooked on the kitchen’s comal — the restaurant’s namesake: a flat, griddle-like pan used for centuries across Latin America. The menu includes mainstays like enchiladas and chile rellenos, while incorporating dishes that highlight the flavors of Oaxaca, earning Comal the Bib Gourmand designation.
Whether you’re seated indoors or outdoors (the heated, covered patio is a year-round favorite), your meal should be punctuated by the irresistible corn chips and one of the many fresh appetizers — ceviche and tostadas abound, along with sikil pak, a smoky Mayan pepita dip. If you’re looking to impress a date, share a for-two plate, which splits a meat main and sides. Vegetarians and pescatarians have their pick of the menu too, with a stellar mushroom quesadilla and rock cod tacos, among other options, giving plenty to dine on.
2190 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
Great China’s expansive dinner menu and solid lunch special make it both a chic destination and your favorite neighborhood Chinese spot. It’s no wonder that the restaurant won a Bib Gourmand — it’s a prototypical awardee of the distinction for “exceptionally good food at moderate prices.”
On its Northern Chinese menu, Peking duck is their signature. Other big-ticket menu items include a bone-in roast duck and whole bass (priced “as quoted,” according to the season), and curious foodies should try the refreshing “double skin,” a cold appetizer of mung bean noodles, seafood, veggies and pork. The tea offerings are also exceptional, with several options along a range of floral notes, like the beautiful snow chrysanthemum tea. And for comfy Chinese classics, you’ve got exceptional chow mein, kung pao, hot & sour and dumplings. Get there early if you can manage it. This place gets packed — and no reservations for small parties!
2130 Center St, Berkeley
Ippuku’s entryway is inconspicuous during the day, but the stylish yakitori house opens up its gray facade for dinner, welcoming guests with a wood-built counter pulled straight from the streets of Kyoto. Ippuku is an izakaya, meaning it’s basically a Japanese pub, a casual bar with snacks to wash the sake down.
It’s skewers galore on this Bib Gourmand-winning menu. You can get chicken thighs, breasts, hearts, gizzards and more grilled on a stick over charcoal, along with fixings like udon, tempura fish cakes, fried rice balls, tofu skin and more. Order the omakase to get the chef’s pick of five skewers, and take in the restaurant’s vibes from the low seats or a tatami table.
2390 Fourth St, Berkeley
In any discussion about Indian food in Berkeley, conversants tend to reach consensus that Vik’s Chaat is the best in town. And once you enter Vik’s massive food hall slash grocery store, you’ll smell why. For the uninitiated, chaat is a type of Indian street food, a usually crunchy and potato-y snack with a chutney or yogurt to go with it.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with the large chaat menu, featuring samosas and various puri (pani puri, sev puri, dahi batata puri — hold me back!), but the masterminds at Vik’s also offer a huge menu of curries, dosas and whatever else you could want. To try a variety, go with a thali, a platter of several dishes. Vik’s Chaat cycles their thalis daily, and curious patrons can look ahead at the day’s specials on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
In 2019, Vik’s hit the Michelin guide, which noted its great value and appeal as a good, casual meal for both Indian food novices and aficionados.
2451 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Another Berkeley izakaya, Fish and Bird serves up a range of Japanese dishes and drinks on its relatively quiet portion of downtown’s Shattuck Avenue. Local ingredients meet Japanese imports on this Michelin-rated menu, which keeps pace with trends in Japanese food culture. There’s plenty of fried goodness by way of tempuras and karaage (fried chicken), but Fish and Bird also hones a modern style and a focus on fresh, organic small plates.
Sip on a shochu cocktail while taking a trip through a selection of sashimi. Or slurp up some udon while pondering another serving of green bean fritters. Whatever you do, be sure to save some room for the out-of-this-world creamy Basque cheesecake.
2026 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley
Spanish tapas and paella, served up in a hip and lively space on San Pablo Avenue. La Marcha has small plates for all times of day — be it lunch, dinner, happy hour and even a new weekend brunch — and critics rave about their creative and inspired paellas.
Recommended by the Michelin Guide, La Marcha is named for “the march,” when Spanish folks empty out of work in the evening and begin grazing food and drink at tapas places. This Berkeley joint keeps up that spirit, with cozy seating and a commendable wine menu (which of course features sangria and, amusingly, a gazpacho bloody Mary during brunch). Round it out with some creamy croquettes and a Spanish tortilla, and you’ll be transported to Madrid. Don’t walk out of there without trying a dish with squid ink!
1830 Fourth St, Berkeley
Nestled in Berkeley’s Fourth Street district, the Michelin-recommended Iyasare is where heartfelt Japanese comfort food gets a refined California twist. Chef Shotaro Kamio draws from his Tohoku roots to craft soul-warming dishes like uni-topped ochazuke, miso black cod, and delicate sashimi platters. The elegant yet relaxed space makes it a serene spot for date night or an elevated lunch break.
1788 Fourth St, Berkeley
From the team behind Doña Tomás, this bustling taqueria is a Berkeley staple for those craving fresh, authentic Mexican fare. Think street-style tacos with carnitas or grilled fish, chilaquiles that hit the comfort food spot, and aguas frescas so refreshing you’ll want to take a gallon home. Bright, bold and always satisfying, Tacubaya is Michelin-recommended.
1313 Ninth St, Berkeley
Michelin-recommended Funky Elephant is the kind of spot where bold flavors and a laid-back vibe come together perfectly. The menu leans into vibrant Thai street food — think chili-laced fried chicken, spicy som tam papaya salad, and irresistible drunken noodles. Don’t sleep on their signature cocktails, either — they pack just the right punch.
North Bay
Napa
Delicious wine isn’t the only thing Wine Country has to offer — Napa is also home to many well-worth-it eateries, some even with Michelin accolades. From world-renowned to newer additions, see what Michelin-starred restaurants Napa has to offer.
6640 Washington St, Yountville
Unsurprisingly at the top of the list, this world-renowned destination restaurant in Yountville has earned three Michelin stars, as well as a green star for sustainability. The French Laundry’s daily menus feature fresh and local ingredients, as well as wines that are bottled exclusively for this restaurant. Extraordinary is the standard here, from attentive servers and staff to top-notch French dishes and excellent wine recommendations.
587 St Helena Hwy, St Helena
With one star to its name, Press’ flavorful and expertly crafted dishes aim to highlight and celebrate the best local ingredients that the area offers. The restaurant’s 10,000-bottle wine collection is the largest of any Napa Valley wine collection in the world. Many guests enjoy the tasting menu at this one star restaurant to sample a bit of everything that the chef offers.
Kenzo has one star and is known for its traditional and authentic Japanese cuisine, as well as the serene and relaxing ambiance and stand-out hospitality. The upscale menu changes on a seasonal basis, giving customers something different with each visit.
738 Main St, St Helena
This delicious farm-to-table restaurant is located at Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena, offering an unforgettable view. The menu showcases ingredients fresh from the ranch, farm and vineyard. Some guest favorites include the “brick cooked” chicken, the oysters on the half shell and the Dungeness crab roll.
6770 Washington St, Yountville
This homey, country-style Bib Gourmand Italian restaurant is housed in what was a century-old Italian grocery store that has been converted into one of the most welcoming and cozy restaurants in the area. The menu features wood-fired pizzas, farm-fresh salads and simple yet excellent pastas. Those who frequent the restaurant love it especially for its popular wood-fired focaccia, chopped salad and pepperoni pizzas.
6534 Washington St, Yountville
Thomas Keller’s beloved bistro transports diners straight to France with its pitch-perfect execution of classics like steak frites, duck confit, and heavenly French onion soup. Don’t skip the bakery next door for a buttery croissant or an éclair to-go. Whether you’re popping in for oysters and Champagne or settling in for a full meal, Bouchon never disappoints.
6476 Washington St, Yountville
Casual yet flawlessly executed, Ad Hoc serves a daily-changing, family-style menu that feels like the best home-cooked meal you’ve ever had. One night might feature buttermilk fried chicken, another might be melt-in-your-mouth short ribs with creamy mashed potatoes. Whatever’s on the menu, trust that it’ll be comforting, seasonal and absolutely delicious.
180 Rutherford Hill Rd, Rutherford
Set high above Napa Valley, Auberge du Soleil is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, at a one Michelin star rating. The Mediterranean-inspired menu features exquisite dishes like seared foie gras, olive oil-poached halibut and black truffle risotto, all paired with one of the region’s most impressive wine lists. It’s effortlessly romantic and an essential stop for a luxurious Wine Country getaway.
400 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga
Nestled within the stunning Four Seasons Napa Valley, Auro delivers a tasting menu that celebrates the region’s terroir with impeccable technique. From caviar-topped amuse-bouches to perfectly aged wagyu, every course is a balance of elegance and innovation. With a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, it’s a must for lovers of great wine and even greater food of a one Michelin star rating.
Sonoma
Also part of Wine Country, Sonoma is home to great tasting rooms and great food. This is your guide to the Michelin-starred options you can find.
312 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma
This Sonoma County gem combines European techniques with California’s seasonal bounty in a warm, welcoming space. Expect thoughtful, beautifully plated dishes like house-made pasta with local truffles or a perfectly seared duck breast paired with stone fruit. It’s refined but unpretentious — just like the best dinner parties.
139 E Napa St, Sonoma
Enclos is an intimate escape into a world of lush flavors and meticulously crafted dishes. The menu leans into French and Californian influences, offering delicacies like slow-roasted lamb with lavender honey or a delicate seafood nage infused with fresh herbs. Tucked away in an elegant setting, it’s the kind of place where time slows down, and every bite lingers.
131 North St, Healdsburg
With three Michelin stars and a farm-driven ethos, Single Thread is more than a meal — it’s an experience. Chef Kyle Connaughton’s intricate tasting menu blends Japanese kaiseki traditions with Sonoma’s best produce, all sourced from the restaurant’s own farm. Expect edible floral arrangements, pristine sashimi, and perfectly balanced broths in an intimate, immersive setting.
Marin
While there may not be as many Michelin-starred restaurants here as San Francisco, there are plenty that are Michelin-recognized, and San Anselmo boasts the county’s stand-out.
198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo
The sleek aesthetic — cool gray concrete walls, dark woods and plush banquettes — is a welcoming entrance for this Michelin one-star restaurant, but chef Ron Siegel and wife Kimberly Siegel, who runs the front of the house, have defined their restaurant with a sophisticated menu of Japanese-inflected dishes. That means a single tasting menu that hews to the seasons and understated, ever-present service.
