San Francisco has some affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in a city known for high prices on most everything. While the notion of dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant may seem out of reach, not all award-winning restaurants cost an “arm and a leg”. Indeed, it may be a surprise that several local Michelin-starred restaurants have many menu items priced under $25.
Update: Some places may be closed or have modified hours due to COVID-19
Budget-Friendly SF Michelin Star Restaurants
AL’s Place
1499 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 416-6136
www.alsplacesf.com
Located in the vibrant Mission District, AL’s Place is easily one of the City’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants. It is led by Chef/Owner Aaron London, AL’s Place, which offers superb Northern California regional cuisine in a cozy and relaxed environment. Open only for dinner; the 46-seat restaurant features a magnificent vegetable-centric menu. On the other hand, it also offers several exceptional omnivorous dishes. Most items on the menu are $22 or lower. However, additional prime options like Fish Mullet and 35-Day Aged Ribeye exist.
Update: This San Francisco Michelin-Starred restaurant closed on August 28, 2022
In Situ
151 Third St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 941-6050
Opened in 2016 to widespread acclaim, It Situ is an extraordinary concept restaurant inside the San Francisco Museum of Art (SFMOMA). Founded by Corey Lee, owner/chef of the Michelin 3-starred Benu located nearby, In Situ features a revolving menu whose unique dishes are made from recipes by chefs from around the world. All current menu items are listed under $30, except the Roasted Filet of Beef and Smoked Bone Marrow ($48), provided by Chef Paul Cunningham.
Note: In Situ has permanently closed.
Kin Khao
55 Cyril Magnin St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 362-7456
Located in a rear alcove of the upscale Parc 55 Hotel, Kin Khao is a casual and oft-lively Thai eatery serving what’s described as “…. not Thai food for beginners”. While items on the menu are what owner Pim Techamuanvivit says is “the kind of food I grew up eating,” the high-quality spices have the potential to overwhelm an unsuspecting guest. However, the menu items are as incredibly delicious as they are innovative, using high-quality ingredients from local purveyors. Don’t forget to visit the sister restaurant, Nari.
Note: Kin Khao is back open after a temporary closure due to renovations and health mandates in San Francisco
Related: Michelin Star Dining at ONE65 in San Francisco
Luce
888 Howard St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 616-6566
www.lucewinerestaurant.com
A consistent Michelin star recipient since 2010, Luce is well known for its globally inspired New American fare. Led by Chef Daniel Corey, Luce offers multiple affordable Michelin-quality items, particularly for brunch and lunch. For instance, Avocado Toast is just $8, house-made Straus yogurt is $11, while the Winter Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli lunch entrée is priced at just $21. If you have dinner, try signature dishes like the duck breast, dive scallops, or black truffle beef short rib.
Related: InterContinental San Francisco
State Bird Provisions
1529 Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 795-1272
www.statebirdsf.com
The 2013 James Beard Award winner for Best New Restaurant, State Bird Provisions was predicted then to “have a significant impact on the industry for years to come.” Yet despite that, spouses Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski have managed to keep menu items remarkably affordable. Located in the Fillmore District, State Bird Provisions features menu items refreshingly priced between $3 and $32. If you have time, visit the sister restaurant, Progress.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.