Are you looking for the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco? If so, keep reading!
If you’re looking to find the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco, then you have come to the right place!
In this list, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite upscale restaurants in San Francisco, from all kinds of cuisines and different parts of the city.
So whether you’re looking for upscale restaurants in San Francisco to celebrate a special occasion, or whether you just want to try something new – hopefully you’ll find something perfect on this list of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco.
So, let’s get into it!
Here are our favorite upscale restaurants in San Francisco…
LUCE
To kick off our list of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco, we have LUCE! Regarded for its excellent wine list and fine-dining menu, this high-end restaurant is tucked away in the InterContinental Hotel.
As soon as you step in, you’ll know you’re in the lap of luxury; boasting floor-to-ceiling windows that offer unbeatable panoramas, perfect white tablecloths, and uber-polite serving staff, it’s unsurprising that LUCE is considered one of the top upscale restaurants in San Francisco!
If you’re not sure what to order, we suggest diving into the seasonal menu. Typically brimming with local ingredients, you’ll be able to sample everything from Wagyu Beef Tartar with Confit Yolk to Seared Snapper.
Serving an impressive a la carte menu and a glorious nine-course tasting menu at $115, there’s something for everyone at this upscale restaurant in San Francisco.
Read more about San Francisco food: 15 restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco
Sons & Daughters
If your idea of heaven is eating top-quality food by a roaring fireplace, then you’ll appreciate the next pick on our list of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco.
Serving up contemporary American fare, Sons & Daughters is a popular restaurant in Union Square that’s known for its open kitchen and amazing eight-course tasting menu.
With only 28 seats and a distinctly cozy atmosphere, it’s one of those upscale restaurants in San Francisco that you just won’t want to leave!
Depending on your taste, you can sample dishes like Grilled White Asparagus with Lime or delicate plates of Escargot.
Oh, and did we mention that this is one of the upscale restaurants in San Francisco with a killer wine list? Sure, you’ll have to pay $95 for the privilege of pairing, but we’d say it’s worth the extra investment.
Atelier Crenn
Next on our list of upscale restaurants in San Francisco, it’s Atelier Crenn.
Serving up impeccable French cuisine, Atelier Crenn is one of the upscale restaurants in San Francisco that’s earned three Michelin Stars! Run by Frenchie Dominique Crenn, this flagship restaurant aims to bring joy back to eating.
Boasting a fourteen-course tasting menu and some of the finest ingredients available from around the globe, it’s unsurprising that this is one of the upscale restaurants in San Francisco that’s always packed to the rafters.
The tasting menu will set you back a staggering $335, but if you’d like to push the boat out, consider adding wine pairings for $220. Coming from lesser-known French winemakers, it’s a unique way to spice up your outing!
It’s another great choice for upscale restaurants in San Francisco!
Read more about San Francisco food: 20 amazing dessert places in San Francisco
Benu
If you’re looking for upscale restaurants in San Francisco that fuse French, Cantonese, and Korean cuisines, then you’ll need to stop by Benu on your next Cali adventure.
Not only do the dishes here look picture-perfect, but they’re made with unique flavors and impeccable ingredients that will take your palate on a journey around the globe. It’s no wonder this place made our list of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco.
While you’re here, be sure to try out the $350 prix-fixe menu that features a variety of seafood, vegetable, and meat dishes. However, it doesn’t stop there – you’ll also be given a few sweet treats to round things off!
With each dish bursting with rich flavors, this is one of the upscale restaurants in San Francisco that you simply need to try.
Upscale restaurants in San Francisco: Quince
Quince is our next suggestion for upscale restaurants in San Francisco. Run by restauranteurs Michael and Lindsay Tusk, Quince is the place to be for local dishes that are made using seasonal ingredients.
Considered one of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco for French and Italian dishes, you’ll struggle to choose just one dish from their menu.
To save you the hassle, we suggest opting for the eight-ten course tasting menu. Covering everything from asparagus three ways to an amazing Fava Bean and Truffle dish, your tastebuds will be begging for more.
If you’d prefer something slightly cheaper, simply look to their five-course Salon menu. Offering a five-course tasting menu for $180, it’ll be a touch lighter on your wallet. It’s a perfect choice for romantic upscale restaurants in San Francisco.
Acquerello
Next on our list of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco, it’s Acquerello.
If you happen to be in the Nob Hill area, Acquerello is one of the upscale restaurants in San Francisco that you won’t regret visiting.
Although its beautiful décor, graceful white tablecloths, and glimmering flower arrangements are worth the price of admission, it’s the food that sets this place apart.
Serving classic but elevated Italian dishes, you can expect Dungeness Crab Risotto and several creamy plates of pasta to make an appearance.
Their prix-fixe menus are more varied than other upscale restaurants in San Francisco, and you can pick from a three, four, or five-course option depending on your budget. If money’s no object, the eight to ten-course tasting menu is a total revelation.
Read more about visiting San Francisco: 9 reasons you’ll love visiting Haight Ashbury
Campton Place
Right on the ground floor of the Taj Campton Place lies the wonderful Campton Place restaurant. It’s our next choice for the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco.
Praised for its incredible south Indian flavors and warm décor, this is one of the upscale restaurants in San Francisco that feels like home from the second you step through the door.
To make the most of your visit, order the four-course tasting menu. Featuring dishes like Poached Lobster and Coconut Curry, you’ll feel as though you’re on the Silk Road when it comes to spices!
Whether you’re an Indian food fanatic or are new to the cuisine, you’re bound to find something that tickles your tastebuds on this incredible menu. It’s definitely one of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco.
Read more about San Francisco food: 6 famous places to eat in San Francisco
COI
Located in Jackson Square, COI is one of the upscale restaurants in San Francisco that specializes in modern American cuisine.
Serving elevated favorites and new-age recipes that you’re unlikely to have tried before, you should book a table pronto!
As with most of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco, the best food at COI can be found on the tasting menu.
Coming in at $275/person for the nightly tasting menu and $175/person for a smaller five-course option, you’ll be able to sample everything from melt-in-your-mouth duck dishes to gloriously decadent desserts.
With so much variety on offer, it’s unsurprising that this is considered one of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco!
Read more about San Francisco: 30 things to do in Union Square, San Francisco
Angler
As you might have guessed from its name, Angler San Francisco is one of the upscale restaurants in San Francisco that’s all about seafood. However, it also incorporates several incredible land-based dishes that will satisfy even the fussiest meat-eaters.
The kitchen’s impressive open-flame grill cooks meat perfectly, and you can expect everything from delicious steaks to delicate rabbit to make its way out from the pass. It’s one of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco for meat lovers.
If you’re feeling brave, sample the Antelope Tartar! It may sound utterly bizarre, but when it comes to upscale restaurants in San Francisco, you’ve got to try everything that’s deemed weird and wonderful, right?
Birdsong
The next place on our list of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco? It’s Birdsong!
Boasting some of the finest wood-fired cooking in California, this Pacific Northwestern-themed restaurant believes that preserving ancient cooking methods and using fresh, local flavors are crucial when it comes to excellent food.
If you’re looking to see what all the fuss is about, try one of the restaurant’s popular tasting menus! Available in five, seven, or thirteen-course options, you can munch away to your heart’s content. It’s definitely a great choice for upscale restaurants in San Francisco for special occasions.
As one of the most popular upscale restaurants in San Francisco, we highly recommend snagging a reservation before arriving. You may be able to score a walk-in spot, but we’d say you’re playing with fire!
Kin Khao
Next on our list of upscale restaurants in San Francisco, it’s Kin Khao. Serving delicious Thai dishes, Kin Khao is one of the upscale restaurants in San Francisco that’s been awarded a Michelin star for its work.
Unlike some of the other spots on our list, Kin Khao isn’t outwardly flashy; you’ll only find mugs and chopsticks on each of the tables! However, sometimes it’s the unassuming places that can surprise you, right?
Offering an eight-course meal for a mere $65, this is one of the upscale restaurants in San Francisco that’s easy on the wallet.
Whether you want to sample Braised Beef Cheeks with Curry or a delicious Charred Squid dish, you’re bound to book a second visit before clearing your plate!
Read more about San Francisco: 35 romantic date ideas in San Francisco
Mister Jiu’s
Mister Jiu’s has been considered one of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco for years – and it’s easy to see why!
Not only does it boast exquisite chandeliers and an incredible bar area, but the food effortlessly blends traditional Chinese flavors with modern twists for a menu that’s hard to beat.
If you’re not sure what to order, we highly recommend the Classics menu. Packed with flavorsome picks like “lion’s head” meatballs, Tofu Skin with Spring Onions, and Cured Egg Yolks, this is one of the upscale restaurants in San Francisco that promises a unique dining experience.
Mourad
Modern, welcoming, and serving some of the most delicious dishes in town, Mourad is one of the upscale restaurants in San Francisco to add to your foodie bucket list this year.
Focusing on North African flavors, each dish is delicately spiced and brimming with flavor. We think you’ll agree this is one of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco.
The eight-course tasting menu is a must-order item, and clocks in at $155 per person. Although you may balk at the price, you’ll find everything from Almond Squid to Aged Squab on the list to pique your interest.
Offering plenty of interesting flavors to suit every taste, this is one of the upscale restaurants in San Francisco that’s unlikely to disappoint.
Octavia
If contemporary American cuisine is your cup of tea, then you’ll just adore the next spot on our list of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco… Octavia.
Not only has this place earned several Michelin stars during its years of operation, but it happens to have made the Zagat 50-best list too!
Once you’ve taken in the incredible décor (hello hardwood floors and impressive columns!), you’ll be treated to an amazing a la carte menu that’s packed with seasonal dishes.
Including everything from Chilled Squid Ink Noodles to Fennel and Lemon Agrumato, you’ll struggle to order just one thing! A perfect pick for the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco.
Sorrel
The final place on our list of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco? It’s Sorrel! Although the décor may be more minimalistic than other upscale restaurants in San Francisco, it’s still totally elegant.
With trailing plants and a sprawling marble bar in the mix, it’s easy to see why guests love spending hours in this stunning restaurant.
We heartily recommend ordering the $115 tasting menu, but if you’re here for breakfast, we suggest trying out their rotating pastry service! Hey – it’s one of the most unique things you’ll see in San Fran croissant-wise!
We hope this list of the best upscale restaurants in San Francisco has been helpful!
Which of these upscale restaurants in San Francisco do you think you’ll be visiting first? Let us know!
Read more about San Francisco food: Where to find the best late-night food in San Francisco