Only 6 US restaurants made the list.
Popular foodie website Eater recently released their 2021 list of the world’s best restaurants, and we saw some familiar names pop up alongside famed institutions across Europe, South America, and Asia.
San Francisco’s own Benu ranked at #28, and Atelier Crenn came in at #48. Nearby Healdsburg boasts SingleThread, which came in at #37. All of these establishments boast 3 Michelin stars each and grace the top tiers of the Bay’s formidable fine dining scene. What’s more, Chef Dominique Crenn of Atelier Crenn received this year’s Icon Award for her contributions to the industry, namely sustainability and inclusivity through her work with lab-grown meat.
Only 6 total US restaurants showed up in the top 50. They are (#22) Cosme, a Mexican restaurant in NYC; (#28) Benu, a contemporary Asian/New American restaurant here in SF; (#37) SingleThread Farms, a Californian restaurant in Healdsburg; (#43) Atomix, a Korean restaurant in NYC; (#44) Le Bernardin, a French seafood restaurant in NYC, and (#48) Atelier Crenn, a modern French restaurant here in SF.
The top 5 restaurants on Eater’s list are (#1) Noma, a Scandinavian restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark; (#2) Geranium, a fine dining restaurant also in Copenhagen; (#3) Asador Etxebarri, a Basque restaurant in Atxondo, Spain; (#4) Central, a Peruvian restaurant in Lima, Peru; and (#5) Disfrutar, a fine dining restaurant in Barcelona, Spain.
Here’s a bit more information about our Bay Area contenders:
#28: Benu
This sleek San Francisco restaurant is an industry leader for good reason. Chef Corey Lee creates breathtaking menu items from meticulously treated ingredients, but the environment is notably relaxed and patient despite the high-stakes cooking. Enjoy contemporary Asian influences using seasonal items that are constantly evolving. The Michelin Guide recommends trying the lobster xiao long bao, the barbecued quail with black truffle cream, and milk pudding for dessert.
Location: 22 Hawthorne St, San Francisco, CA
#37: SingleThread Farms
This excellent Californian restaurant in Healdsburg, Sonoma County is helmed by Chef Kyle Connaughton alongside his wife Katina, who also serves as on-site farmer. The delicate dishes are carefully tuned into the farm’s micro-seasons, and the chef’s training from Japan influences many exquisite seafood dishes using the freshest catch. Think pumpkin tartare with Dungeness crab, smoked king salmon, and Japanese cheesecake, per Michelin’s recommendation. The restaurant functions in conjunction with SingleThread’s 5-star inn, which also offers a private in-room dining experience featuring a family-style donabe hot pot dinner.
Location: 131 North St, Healdsburg, CA
#48: Atelier Crenn
Atelier Crenn is a luxurious contemporary French restaurant by Chef Dominique Crenn, serving innovative, sustainable, and elegant cuisine. The Michelin Guide recommends trying the English peas and mint with seed and grains; striped bass with boudin noir and porcini; and the honey, sapote and pollen with exotic fruit for dessert.
Decorated chef Dominique Crenn’s reputation precedes her, as she was the first woman to receive 2, and then 3 Michelin stars in the United States. She is the recipient of Eater’s Icon Award this year, which recognizes an individual that has made significant contributions to the industry. In Crenn’s case, it’s her work with stem cell-grown meat company Upside Foods. She recently announced several new ventures, including a new restaurant in Paris and a patisserie in Salesforce Tower.
Location: 3127 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA
Featured image: City Foodsters via Flickr