Empress by Boon—from Malaysia-born Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon—is one of the most exciting restaurants to open in San Francisco recently. The restaurant opened its doors in June 2021, debuting a fully restored interior (inside the former space of Empress of China, an iconic Cantonese banquet hall in the heart of Chinatown that operated for roughly 50 years) that modernizes the space while keeping some of its original woodwork. Chef Ho, a Michelin-starred chef with experience at restaurants around the world (including Hakkasan), presents a prix fixe menu at a startingly reasonable rate of $78, as well as a separate small bites menu that’s served in a trendy bar area. The menu focuses on modern takes on traditional Cantonese fare prepared with local ingredients, many from the restaurant’s own organic farm in Gilroy, California.
San Francisco is hands-down one of the best cities for food in the world. Whether you’re a Michelin star maven or you’re seeking out amazing cheap eats, you can’t go wrong here. The best restaurants in San Francisco range from modern and innovative to old-school and comforting. Packed into just 7 square miles, the city is bursting with excellent dining options that crop up from The Mission to Chinatown (or roaming the streets in a food truck) and everywhere in between.
Deciding where to eat in San Francisco can be an overwhelming task, but we’re here to help. Our top picks for the best restaurants in the city spotlight inventive, fresh, reliable—and most of all memorable—food destinations throughout the city. The bulk of menus often highlight California's local bounty and authentic cooking techniques in a range of categories that include Thai, hearty vegetarian, American classics, fine dining, Mexican comfort fare, Instagram-worthy dim sum, and more.
Make your reservations now for one of the best restaurants in San Francisco and you’re in for a top-notch gastronomic experience.
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