Top 10 San Francisco Fine Dining Restaurants Perfect for an Anniversary in 2025

Celebrating an anniversary in the Bay Area? Whether it's your first or your fiftieth, nothing says romance like a luxurious evening in one of the finest dining establishments San Francisco has to offer. Known globally for its diverse cuisine and Michelin-starred talent, the city is a hotspot for culinary excellence. 

In this guide, we reveal the top 10 San Francisco fine dining restaurants, each handpicked for their exceptional ambiance, world-class service, and memorable dishes—ideal for an anniversary dinner. From sweeping skyline views to intimate candle-lit corners, these destinations deliver more than just a meal; they offer an experience. 

What Defines San Francisco Fine Dining? 

San Francisco fine dining blends innovation, sustainability, and diversity. Expect locally sourced ingredients, chef-driven tasting menus, artisanal wine pairings, and polished service. Whether it's a hidden gem tucked in Nob Hill or a glittering rooftop in SoMa, these venues stand out for their creativity and quality. 

Elements of Fine Dining: 

• Elegant and thoughtfully curated decor 

• Seasonal tasting menus or multi-course prix fixe options 

• Extensive wine and cocktail lists 

• Professional, attentive service 

• Premium ingredients (often organic, local, or foraged) 

Perfect for anniversaries, these establishments craft intimate and luxurious experiences you’ll remember for years. 

1. Atelier Crenn ✨ (Cow Hollow) 

Michelin Stars: 3 

Cuisine: French Contemporary 

Atelier Crenn, led by renowned Chef Dominique Crenn, is a temple of culinary poetry. Known for its artistry and commitment to sustainability, the restaurant presents a pescatarian tasting menu that unfolds like a love letter. Each dish is crafted to tell a story, making the entire evening feel like a curated journey of emotions, flavor, and design. 

The ambiance is warm and minimalist, allowing each dish to shine while keeping your focus on the one you love. The dining room exudes intimacy with thoughtful lighting and gentle music. Service is impeccable, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming—enhancing your connection with the food. 

Anniversary Highlights: 

• 14-course poetic tasting menu 

• Locally sourced seafood and vegetables 

• Wine pairing options that span rare vintages 

• Elegant presentation worthy of an art museum 

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or proposing, Atelier Crenn sets a gold standard for san francisco fine dining experiences. 

📍 3127 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123 

2. Benu 🌟 (SoMa) 

Michelin Stars: 3 

Cuisine: Asian Fusion (Korean, Chinese, Californian influences) 

Chef Corey Lee's Benu is a study in balance, discipline, and flavor. It effortlessly merges Asian techniques with Northern California's bounty to create one of the most innovative menus in the country. Set in a serene brick building in SoMa, Benu offers a tranquil yet upscale ambiance that whispers romance. 

From the start, the experience is designed for reflection and delight. The tasting menu includes dishes like quail egg with ginger potage, black truffle bao, and XO sauce-laced seafood. The muted tones and quiet sophistication of the interior lend themselves perfectly to intimate celebrations. 

Anniversary Highlights: 

• Intricate tasting menu with over 15 courses 

• Korean-Chinese fusion never seen elsewhere 

• Option to add rare sake or wine pairings 

• Elegant, almost meditative atmosphere 

Recognized as one of the best restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area, Benu turns a meal into a cultural experience. If you and your partner are lovers of culinary artistry, this is your destination. 

📍 22 Hawthorne St, San Francisco, CA 94105 

3. Quince 🌟 (Jackson Square) 

Michelin Stars: 3 

Cuisine: Californian-Italian 

Quince, under the guidance of Chef Michael Tusk, is both elegant and grand. Located in a historic 1907 brick-and-timber building in Jackson Square, the restaurant pairs architectural charm with inventive cuisine. Every anniversary dinner here feels like a gala designed just for you. 

The menu evolves with the seasons and relies heavily on the restaurant's own Fresh Run Farm. From handmade pastas to delicate seafood and truffle-infused dishes, every bite bursts with intention. Private dining areas are available for a more exclusive celebration. 

Anniversary Highlights: 

• Farm-to-table excellence with Italian inspiration 

• Award-winning wine list curated by in-house sommeliers 

• Live piano music on select nights 

• Personalized service including custom desserts 

Quince offers luxury, warmth, and world-class hospitality—a top contender among the best restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

📍 470 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133 

4. Acquerello 🍷 (Nob Hill) 

Michelin Stars: 2 

Cuisine: Refined Italian 

Housed in a former chapel, Acquerello combines timeless elegance with culinary precision. This Nob Hill favorite has been serving elevated Italian cuisine for decades, all while maintaining a standard of sophistication that makes it perfect for a romantic evening. 

With soaring ceilings, soft lighting, and a tranquil ambiance, Acquerello invites quiet conversation and unhurried enjoyment. The multi-course tasting menu changes seasonally and often includes luxuries like foie gras-stuffed pasta, Alba white truffles, and deeply aged wines. 

Anniversary Highlights: 

• Opulent dining space ideal for celebrations 

• Legendary pasta courses that surprise and delight 

• Over 2,000 wines available, including rare Italian vintages 

• Expert staff who cater to anniversaries with flair 

It’s not just a dinner—it’s a warm and refined immersion into Italian romance. 

📍 1722 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94109 

5. Lazy Bear 🔥 (Mission District) 

Michelin Stars: 2  

Cuisine: New American, Experiential Dining 

Lazy Bear isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a performance. Housed in a chic, industrial space in the Mission District, this two-Michelin-starred experience begins in a mezzanine lounge with cocktails and canapés before guests are seated at a communal table for a culinary showcase. The atmosphere is lively and interactive, blending fine dining with dinner party vibes. 

Chef David Barzelay’s ever-changing tasting menu showcases American nostalgia with a modern twist. Think dry-aged duck with fermented berries, smoked trout roe on buttermilk panna cotta, and seasonal foraged vegetables plated like works of art. The open kitchen design allows guests to observe, interact, and learn from the chefs throughout the evening. 

Anniversary Highlights: 

• Interactive chef-led presentations at your table 

• Seasonal 12–15 course tasting menu 

• Warm, energetic, and social ambiance 

• Elevated yet approachable New American dishes 

Perfect for couples who want more than a meal—this is an evening of storytelling, craftsmanship, and memorable flavors. 

📍 3416 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94110 

6. Niku Steakhouse 🔥 (Design District) 

Michelin Stars: 1  

Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired American Steakhouse 

Niku Steakhouse is a carnivore’s dream elevated to luxury dining. Located in the Design District, this sleek, modern spot is part of the Omakase Restaurant Group, blending Japanese precision with American boldness. The highlight? Their in-house dry-aging program and exclusive access to A5 Wagyu from Japan’s most prestigious farms. 

What makes Niku especially anniversary-worthy is its plush interior—dark wood, leather accents, glowing embers from the open fire grill—and its focus on dramatic presentation. You’ll find center-cut steaks served with wasabi béarnaise, bone marrow with pickled vegetables, and rich umami-packed sauces. The service is upscale yet approachable, perfect for couples who want an elevated but not stuffy experience. 

Anniversary Highlights: 

• A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, butchered in-house 

• Romantic booths with warm ambient lighting 

• Rare Japanese whiskeys and sommelier-curated wine list 

• Chef’s tasting menu available for indulgent dining 

Ideal for meat-loving couples who want flair, fire, and finesse. 

📍 61 Division St, San Francisco, CA 94103 

7. Campton Place Restaurant 🏛️ (Union Square) 

Michelin Stars: 2  

Cuisine: California-Indian 

Inside the elegant Taj Campton Place Hotel, this restaurant offers a unique twist: refined Indian flavors presented through a Californian lens. Chef Srijith Gopinathan has developed a signature "Spice Route" tasting menu, drawing on heritage ingredients, French technique, and hyper-seasonal produce. 

Imagine the boldness of tamarind, turmeric, and fenugreek harmonized with locally foraged mushrooms or Sonoma duck. The setting is opulent yet calm, featuring creamy tones, plush seating, and views of Union Square. It’s like stepping into a jewel box of flavor and luxury. 

Anniversary Highlights: 

• One-of-a-kind “Spice Route” 9-course menu 

• Michelin-rated fusion of tradition and innovation 

• High-touch white-glove service 

• Rare wine list emphasizing California and Old World producers 

A haven for adventurous palates and romantic elegance. 

📍 340 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108 

8. Kokkari Estiatorio 🇬🇷 (Financial District) 

Michelin Guide Mentioned 

Cuisine: Upscale Greek/Mediterranean 

Kokkari Estiatorio channels the spirit of a chic Greek taverna with the polish of a five-star restaurant. It’s rustic yet refined—stone fireplaces, wood-beamed ceilings, and an open kitchen evoke warmth and intimacy. If you’re looking for a balance of hearty and heavenly, this is your spot. 

The menu features slow-roasted lamb, grilled octopus, and moussaka made with artful precision. Mediterranean wines and ouzo cocktails add to the cultural flair. Kokkari isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience of joy, hospitality, and rustic luxury. 

Anniversary Highlights: 

• Old World ambiance with roaring fireplaces 

• Elevated comfort food—think truffle tzatziki or grilled whole branzino 

• Renowned service praised for personalization 

• Romantic, rustic aesthetic perfect for cozy dates 

This is where warmth meets sophistication, ideal for couples seeking a soulful, satisfying night out. 

📍 200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111 

9. Birdsong 🕊️ (SoMa) 

Michelin Stars: 2  

Cuisine: Pacific Northwest-Inspired New American 

Birdsong brings the forest to the plate in the most refined way imaginable. Centered around live-fire cooking and nose-to-tail ethos, Chef Chris Bleidorn’s Michelin-starred restaurant crafts a narrative of North American culinary heritage with a fine dining edge. It's an immersive experience rooted in nature, warmth, and innovation. 

The intimate dining room, with an open kitchen and minimalist design, creates a sense of rustic elegance. You’ll enjoy dishes like dry-aged duck with pine, house-milled einkorn bread with cultured butter, and desserts infused with spruce tips or wild herbs. Every element is intentional—from foraged ingredients to handmade ceramic plates. 

Anniversary Highlights: 

• Fire-cooked dishes with earthy, nostalgic tones 

• Tasting menus tell a story of place and season 

• Quiet, elegant atmosphere with thoughtful pacing 

• Focus on sustainability and local sourcing 

Ideal for couples seeking a deeply personal, nature-inspired, and Michelin-starred anniversary experience. 

📍 1085 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103 

10. Kiln 🔥 (Hayes Valley) 

Michelin Stars: 1  

Cuisine: Modern Californian, Wood-Fire Inspired 

Kiln is one of San Francisco’s most exciting new entries into the Michelin scene, bringing an intimate, fire-focused dining experience to the heart of Hayes Valley. Led by Chef John Wesley, Kiln combines the elegance of fine dining with the primal satisfaction of fire-cooked food. The restaurant name itself nods to its inspiration—heat, transformation, and artistry. 

The space is small and softly lit, designed for quiet conversation and slow enjoyment. Each dish on the tasting menu is crafted with meticulous detail and seasonal Northern California ingredients. Dishes may include ember-roasted maitake mushrooms, koji-aged meats, or fermented vegetables paired with inventive sauces. You’ll notice the subtle smokiness, the balance of textures, and the influence of Japanese and Nordic cooking styles throughout the meal. 

Anniversary Highlights: 

• Cozy, intimate setting with a minimalist aesthetic 

• Fire-driven tasting menu with elegant plating 

• Deep focus on fermentation and aging techniques 

• Stellar wine and sake list emphasizing low-intervention producers 

Kiln is perfect for couples who love refined craftsmanship, minimalist beauty, and a bit of culinary edge. Quietly bold, it’s a hidden gem designed to spark memory and connection. 

📍 2162 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114 

Whether you're toasting to your first year together or your golden jubilee, San Francisco's fine dining scene offers a rich tapestry of flavors, atmospheres, and experiences designed for romance. From the poetic storytelling of Atelier Crenn to the rustic warmth of Kokkari Estiatorio, each of these top 10 restaurants brings something unique to the table—literally. 

Choosing the best restaurant in San Francisco Bay Area for your anniversary is about more than food—it's about finding a space where love, memory, and taste collide. These culinary gems are more than destinations; they are stages where unforgettable moments unfold, where glasses clink in candlelight, and where dishes arrive as love letters written in flavor. 

So book your table, raise a glass, and let the magic of San Francisco fine dining be part of your next celebration. Here's to many more beautiful meals—and memories—to come.