By Erin Kain By Erin Kain | December 10, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
These are the hardest reservations to make in San Francisco.
The succulent burger at Miller & Lux
Head to this old school resto for perfectly aged, well-marbled cuts of prime rib served in the English tradition. Tender slices of high-quality corn-fed beef are carved tableside, best enjoyed with a hearty side of mashed potatoes and brown gravy, creamed spinach or tasty Yorkshire pudding. Reservations open a year in advance, so be sure to plan accordingly. 1906 Van Ness Ave.
Serving up succulent American small plates dim sum-style, State Bird Provisions might just be the city’s trendiest restaurant. Savor lemongrass shrimp dumplings, pork belly salad, manila clams and corn mochi—if you can snag a seat, that is. Reservations are bookable 30 days in advance and are notoriously hard to come by. 1529 Fillmore St.
Don’t expect menus at this Hayes Valley omakase spot. Instead, chef Adam Tortosa curates multiple sushi-heavy tasting courses—think nigiri, beef tartare, sesame noodles, sumptuous soups and more—customized according to the guest’s budget. A fan favorite? The Kyabia caviar tops a crispy potato chip and is served on top of sushi rice. 620 Gough St.
Inspired by a Chinese dining style known as si fang cai, Eight Tables by George Chen is an elaborate tasting experience crafted with seasonal ingredients and a personalized touch. The omakase menu changes frequently, but past items have included California asparagus with Kaluga caviar, Mongolian spiced lamb and jasmine tea rice pudding. Reservations are required for dinner service Tuesday through Saturday. 8 Kenneth Rexroth Place
Michelin-starred chef Ho Chee Boon serves up elevated Cantonese fare at this distinctive resto, particularly elegant yet approachable seasonal prix fixe menus with optional wine pairings. Sample dishes include a summer truffle puff, steamed shrimp and squid dumplings, braised crispy short ribs and dried scallops with peanut rice. 838 Grant Ave.
Just steps from the Bay sits Atelier Crenn, an artful French resto offering mouthwatering multicourse experiences. Boasting three Michelin stars, the 14-course pescatarian tasting menu is presented by chef-owner Dominique Crenn. 3127 Fillmore St.
An Italian hot spot situated in historic Jackson Square, Cotogna is well-known for its housemade pastas and spit-roasted meats. The menu changes daily according to what’s growing at local farms, but expect inventive dishes like dry-farmed tomato gazpacho, pappardelle with duck leg ragu, wild king salmon and the Tuscan mixed grill with Wolfe Ranch quail, spit-roasted pork loin, ribs, belly and housemade sausage. 490 Pacific Ave.
Inspired by flavors found in the wild combined with American nostalgia, the tasting menu at this two-Michelin-star communal dining hub changes frequently, offering inventive delights such as dry-aged beef tartare, new potato fondue and ham and barley broth with charred onions. Instead of reservations, the resto sells tickets that are released on the 1st of each month via Tock. 3416 19th St.
Opened in 2010 by chef Corey Lee, Benu boasts three Michelin stars and plenty of scrumptious eats. The tasting menu features a wide variety of seafood and veggies, plus a few meat dishes and some sweets, of course. Be sure to set aside a few hours and check out the extensive wine selection. 22 Hawthorne St.
For wood-fired cooking and seasonal ingredients, Saison’s ever-changing tasting menus are destined to delight. The capable kitchen avoids imported and commercial goods, instead focusing on building its own pantry through harvesting and preserving goods. Coveted reservations are released on the 1st of each month for dinner seatings Tuesday through Saturday. 178 Townsend St.
Sitting pretty in the Chase Center, chef Tyler Florence’s modern American steakhouse serves up all the classics, plus a few innovative twists. Expect high-quality steaks—think filet mignon, New York strip and Australian wagyu—alongside fresh, sustainable seafood and veggies fresh from the farm. 700 Terry A Francois Blvd.
Photography by: COURTESY OF MILLER & LUX