What an amazing experience! We were even fortunate enough to have gone on a night when there was a collaboration with Chef Viki. The ambiance was warm and welcoming. Service was impeccable and in keeping with the standards of a 3 star restaurant. The food was incredible. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and reflected the creativity and passion of the chef. It was more than just a meal, it was a culinary journey. Chef Viki came table-side during service to introduce the dishes and finish them. Chef Crenn greeted guests and even took a photo with us. The whole experience from beginning to end was unforgettable! We look forward to going back again to try Chef Crenn's full menu! Atmosphere: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Food: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Total: 5/5 Price: $$$$$ Rating Criteria: Based on comparisons to other establishments in the area 1/5: Terrible, would not recommend 2/5: Might be worth it depending on price and other factors. 3/5: Solid option. Average in this category for the area. 4/5: Above average and excels in this area. 5/5: Excellent, needs no improvement Pricing Criteria: Based on what we spent $: $0 - $50 per person $$: $50 - $100 per person $$$: $100 - $200 per person $$$$: $200 - $500 per person $$$$$: $500+ per person Please be mindful that reviews are based on personal experience which may differ from person to person based upon a multitude of factors (individual/specific workers, time of day, personal preferences, etc). Pricing may also differ and is reflected here based on what we paid for our meal. We typically enjoy multiple courses with our meals including appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts, and sometimes drinks or tasting menus when available. Please do your own research if concerned about potential pricing. read more

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Dining here felt less like a traditional dinner and more like being part of a beautifully curated play. From the moment we were seated, the experience was immersive -- each course was introduced with thoughtful storytelling that made the meal feel theatrical, and truly special. The service was exceptional. The team made us feel genuinely welcome, guiding us through the progression of the menu in a way that built anticipation and excitement. One of the most memorable touches was the chef personally coming out to greet guests, which added a warm and human element to such a refined experience. Every detail felt purposeful, from the pacing to the presentation, creating a night that felt elevated yet inviting. This was more than just a meal -- it was a memorable experience and one we'll be talking about long after leaving San Francisco. I don't want to talk too much about the food, because I don't want to give away any of the magic for future guests :) read more

Atelier Crenn - Truffle uni - French Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Atelier Crenn delivers an experience that feels refined, thoughtful, and completely assured. The dining room is intimate and understated, which sets the tone immediately. There is a quiet elegance to the space and to the pacing of the evening. Nothing feels rushed or overly staged. It all unfolds naturally. Chef Dominique Crenn's pescatarian tasting menu is executed with real discipline and clarity. The seafood quality was exceptional throughout. The uni with yuzu and truffle was beautifully balanced, rich but precise. The onion tart and broth was unexpectedly moving and far more memorable than it sounds. The king crab and scallop courses were composed with restraint and intention. Even the brioche and cultured butter felt considered rather than routine. What stands out most is the confidence in the cooking. The flavors are focused and deliberate. Every course feels purposeful, and the progression moves seamlessly without repetition or excess. Desserts were light, polished, and thoughtfully composed, which I always appreciate at the end of a tasting menu. Service was seamless, warm, and informed without being intrusive. We left feeling genuinely impressed and very well taken care of. Atelier Crenn absolutely deserves its standing. It is elegant, disciplined, and quietly exceptional. read more

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We chose Atelier Crenn for our annual culinary experience for our anniversary dinner this year. I don't think there are words that can describe the experience and one must try on their own. The setting is simple, relaxed small dining room with 9-10 tables. The staff were super friendly, easy to talk to and ask questions, with amazing sense for service and diners comfort. I cannot begin to describe the meal, with the delicate and yet amazing flavors in every plate, each bite layered with intention, balance, and surprise. From start to finish, it was an unforgettable journey--beautiful, soulful, and unlike anything I've ever experienced. Atelier Crenn is not just a restaurant; it is an experience that stays with you long after the final course. Thank you for making the evening the most memorable experience for us. read more

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Hands down the best restaurant I have ever been to and the top Michelin by leagues ahead. Before the reservation, we went next door to Bar Cren. We knew that we would opt for the wine tasting menu and decided to take one quick shot beforehand... Customer service is phenomenal and friendly -- From entering the restaurant to ending, every single worker here treated us with kindness. They joked with us about how we wanted to take 1942 shots next door and set a jovial mood. The sommeliers did a great job at explaining how each wine pairing would complement the dish and then also pointed out how it could complement other dishes that we were having. I don't remember their name specifically but there was a lady with the blonde bob cut and the tall gentleman with the slickback hair, they were amazing and made our experience so much more enjoyable. Every dish had a ton of flavor and could not decide which is my favorite -- (I am not going to outline the tasting menu but I will point out the main ingredient in my favorite dishes) The first round brought out several dishes and my favorite from the selection was definitely the uni and the oyster. Such an explosion of flavors with each bite. I don't want to dissect and give away their tasting menu but it was pescatarian! There were scallops, kind crab, geoduck, black cod, abalone, madai! A smorgasbord of critters with sauce reductions topped off with truffles. My favorite was the black cod with spiced yogurt! The brioche bun with their cultured butter was fantastic. Best bread from a restaurant I've ever had. The dessert menu was cultivated by a pâtissier? The mochi was delicious and I dropped my citrus pillow. The wafer and "blackberry" icecream was so unique. Cream shaped into blackberries! Should be on food network for sure. Heavy on the wine pairing, a must. There were a total of 8 1 oz glasses. Heavy on ordering, not them pouring. They don't want to overdo it. They want you to enjoy the experience without being completely inebriated. Although, we did take shots next door... Then Dominique came out! She made the rounds and said hello to everyone. Very personable, had some laughs and light conversation with her. Such a unique, personable experience that blew every other one out of the water. Overall, best Michelin star I've been to (I've been to about 10 now). Amazing staff, amazing food, and amazing owner! read more

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It's long been on my bookmark. I even had a reservation during this restaurant's 1st iteration. I cancelled because my guest and I scored an even more difficult reservation in another Michelin restaurant in town. My generous friend invited me to a belated birthday meal on an early Tuesday evening. He made reservations through Tock like most fine dining places these days. Parking is always challenging in this neighborhood but I found a space after about ten minutes of searching. Funny part was the host took a space that I circled to a space next to Shake Shack. Walking up, there were a few people waiting outside along with my friend. We were greeted and led to our table a few places from the hostess stand. After a quick explanation of the chef's and restaurant's background, our journey through the tasting menu began. Here are the courses followed by my ingredient note: a. Kir Breton (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=JcpfCDiW9eKzrZwDLXJKew), apple. b. Oyster (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=LHIspMOhMMUOIdJYBNN-cA). c. Tomato, Melon, Truffle (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=wla7GfZC8VXj8b67G56ViA), tomato tart, basil, and gelee. d. Onion Tart & Broth (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=a9HNjxDvDugo07dtaSBNSw) (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=_OJEt-qlOnZ2pBch06nltw). e. Tomato, sunchoke, & uni (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=216&select=dv2jnSQ4XQuD5S2XLSKnsw). f. Geoduck, Persillade, Prawn (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=E7ExEEeoA91_nFkdJQ-Ygw), g. King Crab (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=-cYA-FbVT67rf7uumiY88Q), Japanese pastry, caviar, avocado, and fruit gelee. h. Scallop, Carrot (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=9ab0UKHr_gf5bSvg9_Q29Q), lemongrass sauce, anchovy. Here is a photo of the scallop before adding the carrot aspect (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=UY48c7l9WqcK6PMHkI2atA). i. Brioche & Cultured Butter (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=RY30HQ7vA9-R4CVTu2xeOA) (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=bt9A9ELGW7f6aPnvxC6PpA), think milk bread texture. j. Black Cod, Spiced Yogurt (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=2ynKkrWHkJSaMg_lCgS6IQ), cod confit, green pepper, and cucumber. k. Abalone, Smoked Mussel, Kohlrabi (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=IUyor9D3svv9rI2VxC0e0w), sauerkraut. l. California Halibut (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=LyrsbauFv-NIOEO3TJaEdg), poached, carrot puree. Desserts: a. Korean Melon (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=kDIceXvGm0ExruzOQJkPJQ), tea infusion. b. Sea Buckthorn Mochi (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=5UvXExkY_Y0wVSVzF5L-7g), assorted flavors. c. Tomato Strawberry Sandwich (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=G2UZfqfOeq9n4z7A2id0cQ). d. La Margarita (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=kcVPZeDcAUojxaVlx2eQDg), daisy, coconut, and mango. e. Chocolates (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=pPHk5dRnziqivKpfgDsT_w), given the choice from there, here is what I tried (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=0&select=EkKTKJbCNUVyD8-vl0GxHA). Like a classic concert, our meal was an orchestrated symphony with the various wait staff rotating to present our courses. The dining room was a little less than half full when we started as Malo introduced himself and the background of the restaurant. I was particularly happy to meet the chef owner as she is now a celebrity in this community. Merci beaucoup, Mademoiselle Crenn, for a wonderful meal and welcoming us into your life's journey. read more

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This is one of those restaurants that you hear about it in passing throughout the years and the repetition causes it to stick in your mind. I first heard about it on Check Please Bay Area years ago. Then it popped up again when Chef Dominique Crenn was featured on Netflix' Chefs Table. And it popped up again on Netflix's Culinary Class Wars, when one of the contestants worked there. I feel that the universe was signaling for me to go there. So after some begging and bamboozling of my husband, he finally agreed to take me there as my Hanukkah gift. First, I'll share some historical context of how we got there. That night, when we were scheduled to go, SF had a huge power outage, due to an alleged fire at one of PG&E's stations. The outage affected the western part of the city, mostly the Richmond and Sunset districts. My mom's house didn't have electricity, wifi, or service for hours. We were going to uber or Waymo to the restaurant. Unfortunately, the Waymo's went crazy after the outage and we didn't have service to order an Uber. So we ended up driving there. Thankfully, and I took this as another sign the universe wanted us to eat there, we found a parking spot A BLOCK AWAY from the restaurant. If that's no universal intervention, I don't know what is. We finally got to the restaurant and it was a huge relief. The menu that night was a pescatarian based menu. My husband doesn't like seafood so he was given the vegetarian alternative. Everything was delicious. Each course was designed to evoke some memory from Chef Crenn's childhood and memories of life and travel. The meal was poetic and extremely well put together. It was one of the best meals I've had in a while and the dessert at the end was very memorable. With multiple courses like this, it's easy to get stuffed easily, however, I didn't feel very full by the end. I felt just the right amount of full. My favorite item was the little snowman. I felt bad for eating it because it felt like I was eating Frosty the Snowman, but it was soooo good. Service was excellent. The staff members welcome questions and are happy to answer them. We had a later reservation so the restaurant was quiet. I believe the Bar Crenn next door was a bit more lively. I'd like to check that out one day. An excellent meal that is worth the price tag. read more

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A lovely experience but made for those who would view this as another night out. The food and service was perfect, the presentation exquisite. Every dish came out like a work of art. However, it lacked the insane wow factor of some other places, instead almost feeling like a "casual" vibe for a Michelin 3 star. The pace was also quite fast, though not in a bad way. Lives up to the reputation. read more

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Exceptional meal for special occasions. Fun to try. The concept of serving pescatarian was very intriguing, because seafood is my favorite. I was brought here to celebrate birthday, and it was definitely a meal to remember! A couple of my favorite dishes were the oyster and grilled abalone. The least favorite was the onion broth, which was on the saltier side. Areas for improvement: I think 3 of the dishes were a tad over seasoned, the service rhythm was off (waited 25 mins before the first course came out), the portions were smaller than expected (could've probably ate a burger at shake shack after), and the chair was very uncomfortable (3 hours on it was excruciating). read more

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Atelier Crenn was on my list when I saw her episode on Chef's Table. I was intrigued by the chef who was the first woman to get 2 stars in the US. It did not disappoint! My meal was 100% pescatarian. The treatment of the vegetables was incredibly delicious. True to her French roots the gele's and sauces made me want to order vats of them to go. The plates were visually beautiful with the flavors only heightening my experience. Some dishes delighted me, others were very surprising and 1 was the first time I'd had that particular treatment. It was a culinary adventure that ended with an array of chocolate to choose from as a perfect final bite. If you have an opportunity to go -- GO! read more

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My first time dining at a 3 Michelin star establishment, and it was truly remarkable! The level of service here is something that I haven't experienced anywhere else. As soon as you step in you are greeted warmly and taken care of until the moment you step out. The food was so beautiful and my taste buds were tingling from tasting flavors they've never experienced before. I could feel the care and intention that went behind the entire dining experience, which I will remember for a lifetime. We went for my birthday and were also lucky enough to meet Chef Dominique and get a kitchen tour which had my friends and I all awestruck. Thank you to the entire team for such a memorable evening and definitely worth trying out if you have the opportunity. read more

Atelier Crenn - Exterior - French Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Such an amazing experience from start to finish. The service was truly impeccable - attentive, friendly, and thoughtful without being overbearing. The food was absolutely delicious, with every dish beautifully prepared and full of flavor. I was pleasantly surprised by how satisfying the portions were - usually after a fine dining meal, I'm still a little hungry, but I left feeling full and happy. A perfect mix of quality, service, and atmosphere. read more

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The food and service speak for themselves. This place was a spot I wanted to go to for quite a while and finally reserved a time to go. So good. My favorite dish was the tuna. It was so goddamn fresh and soft like butter, and the sauce thingies to dip it in had some out of this world flavor. I could write an essay about the spot but I will leave it at 5/5. Loved the lighting and decor too. It was a small place, but I didn't feel too uptight or anything. We also ordered some tea at the end and it was on the house which we appreciated :). read more

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I recently celebrated my birthday with dinner at Atelier Crenn. The night started off with a presentation of a poem, which I was surprised with a custom birthday greeting. It took me a minute to notice this wasn't a drawing of the staff, but of my favorite kpop band. I let out a laugh as soon as it dawned on me, I really appreciate the humor and personalization. All the dishes were beautiful to look at and delicious to the taste. It's a great experience for a special occasion or a dinner to splurge on. read more

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I went to Atelier Crenn in June 2024 with my girls and my best friend. This review is a tad overdue, but almost on purpose. From then to now, there was a lot to digest (no pun intended) in my life but my memories of Crenn lingers to a point where I think I can review it properly now. We've been trying to get a reservation for a while, but we finally got seats and these fine dining seats are about $500 each, prepaid in advance. We love going out a couple of times a year for one-of-a-kind experiences like Crenn and it was well worth the admission price. When we were seated, we received a card with a poem that resonates the Crenn story. At the heart of it all, the inspiration for this restaurant and the menu is about love and family. The menu on that evening consisted of: -Kir Breton -Green Strawberry -Oyster, Raw & Grilled -Peas, Wasabi- & Lovage -Dungeness Crab Broth, Tartlet & Avocado -Prawn & Seaweed -Shiso Tempura, Sea Urchin, & Spot Prawn -Sourdough & Dutch Crunch -Monterey Bay Abalone, Caviar -McFarland Trout, Tarragon -Blue Belle Farm Spring Chicory Dessert -Sugar Bee Apple -Pina Colada Cupcake -Thai Salad -Huckleberry Pine Come - Mignardises The artistry of it all was beautiful. Each piece of food can be photographed and displayed in a museum. Ingredients are locally sourced. The first course was a constructed and deconstructed strawberry. The mastery in technique was amazing and the strawberry, made of some type of cream, looked surreal. The green pea dish was a highlight for me. The freshwater prawn sourced from Monterey was so sweet and delicate. The Dutch Crunch bread is my utter favorite and is displayed as my Yelp profile picture. The abalone and caviar dish was art and it is often featured as a home screen wallpaper on my phone. The desserts are imaginations coming to life. The flavor profile is amazingly unique that I do not expect to ever taste anything like those desserts again. The time spent at Crenn often plays as a flashback in my mind. It was a wonderful time spent with such special people in my life. Time goes by and life things change... but my amazing experience at Crenn is like a photograph that I will always pull out and look at, remember the experience, and cherish the feelings. That is the power of a great food experience shared with the most impactful people in my life. This was a truly unforgettable experience. Please come and create your own adventure. read more

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Weird experience. Food was obviously amazing as was the food service. This is table stakes for a 3-Michelin star restaurant. Where they lose 3 stars for me is I pre-ordered the cookbook and not only was it completely missed, but I had to reach out to them after the fact to ask about it and they almost seemed very nonchalant about it. They offered to send it but it's simply not the same. Unsure how something like that gets overlooked for a $1,xxx meal for two, but something like that leaves a poor taste in your mouth after paying that much. Kinda sucks, tbh. read more

My husband and I enjoyed the experience and we're glad that we spent our anniversary here at Atelier Crenn. And thank you for the complementary bubbly! The food was delicious and beautifully plated. I do wish that there was MORE... I remember saying "I don't want this to end" multiple times after finishing a scoop of whatever it was I was eating. Not gonna lie... I left dinner feeling hungry, which is a completely different experience from the other Michelin 3-star restaurants that we've been to. The dessert was also not as impressive (and a bit forgettable) as the others. We did the chocolate add-on which was just 3 pieces of chocolate each. They were good but it was kind of lame, considering how the server bragged about how they always have 25lbs of chocolate on hand. Service was great! Everyone was knowledgeable & friendly and it didn't feel intimidating to be there. Just comparing to the other three-star, it wasn't as refined. Servers would kind of run into each other, setting the plates down wasn't as neat, and I was playing with the crumbs on the table practically the whole time. Now I am not like a snobby diner... but these are some of the things that impressed us when we dined at those 3-star restaurants. So, while we did have an incredible time, we probably would not go back. Not to say that people shouldn't come here; it's definitely a GREAT one-time experience, more so if you haven't had a 3-star experience before. Other things to note: 1. Use ALL the utensils. You will struggle if you don't lol. 2. There's only ONE bathroom; they don't want you to wait in a line, so you kind of get chaperoned. 3. If you do decide to do the chocolate add-on, pick the fruity and not-so-typical chocolate flavors. We really liked the pandan, strawberry, and yuzu. 4. There is a parking garage nearby that is only a few minutes walking distance away. read more

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A little mad at myself because I forgot to check in on yelp LOL. But oh well. That was a memorable dinner. Menu was seafood heavy (no complaints). Service was top notch. Chef Dominique came by every table to warmly greet and shake hands with everyone. They asked us what our favorite entrees were, we could not pick just one, had to name a few and eventually our table had named essentially all the entrees lol. (My faves were the onion broth and the pea pod dessert, and the uni...). Loved the little tour they gave us after the dinner service. Would love to visit Bar Crenn, it looks amazingly warm and inviting! read more

Atelier Crenn - French Near Me - San Francisco, California

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One of the best meals I've ever had in my life. Exceeded my high expectations in every way. I was excited to go to Atelier Crenn but a little worried because I had to have the vegetarian menu because I am allergic to fish. Sometimes Michelin restaurants miss with the allergy substitutions. Well, not here. While my husband had amazing caviar and fish, I had the best vegetarian meal of my life. I would rank this in the top tier of Michelin restaurants I've been to along with Per Se, SingleThread and French Laundry. All the flavors were unique, the presentations beautiful. We also got to meet Chef Crenn as she came to everyone's table. I don't even have the words to describe how outstanding the food was. Full of flavor. The wine was also spectacular and my husband had the non-alcoholic pairing which was delicious. We also got a kitchen tour and it was so charming back there and everyone seemed legitimately happy to be there. I also got to see Bar Crenn, which is gorgeous, has several à la carte options and cocktails. A perfect meal for any special occasion that you should have at least once in your life. I will be going back. read more

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Food was very nice, but the service was a miss in ways that I would have never expected from a 3 star michelin restaurant. - a dish was brought out with no explanation: I had to flag someone down to explain what the dish was - when I left my seat to use the restroom I came back to my napkin still displaced: this is typically reset for you once you leave - one dish nearly arrived to our table before we were ready for the next and they had to awkwardly back track - before any food came out we had a conversation with the sommelier about the wine options. we were then handed the wine book to review. we were investigating the wine book on the table for a few minutes but then 5 small bites arrived and were set directly in front of us to where there was no room on the table for us to continue to review the wines. it felt rushed and I thought they could of been more attentive - a type soup arrived with no utensils so we were drinking it directly from the cup, but about halfway through drinking it we received spoons with no explanation which was confusing Are these dealbreakers? Not necessarily, but I expect the best from a restaurant of this caliber and it did take away overall from the experience as a whole. Though they did have a lot of very good seafood focused dishes that I enjoyed (crab, cod, etc.), due to the service issues I personally will not dine here again. read more

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I have been waiting to write this review since I learned about Atelier Crenn from Chef's Table... This was my first 3 star experience and it lived up to my expectations - yes I read all the reviews before and was very prepared to be underwhelmed or disappointed with the evening. Everything was a knockout. Seriously. I was happy with every bite and the drink pairings were delicious. The ambiance of Atelier Crenn nails "quiet luxury". Everything is the top of its game but so casual and not stuffy. I'm very confused with the reviews complaining about the price point. Sure it could be cheaper but when you make your reservation you're already agreeing to buy into the fine dining game - this isn't Costco. read more

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Long overdue. I went there for my birthday last July for a major milestone. Had been wanting to go for a very long time. I've had the good fortune to have tried other 3-star Michelin restaurants and I have to say that Atelier Crenn did not live up to my expectations. I appreciate that they tried to be different with a pescatorian menu...however, the execution fell short as several dishes were missing the wow factor and just boring and flavorless. I will say that the wine selection was superb although very pricey. We had the Vine Hill Ranch cabernet that was recommended and it was amazing. Overall, I'm glad I tried it but it's very expensive, overhyped and overpriced for what you get. I'd compare it more to a 1 or 2-star on the food, and service was very good but for the value this doesn't come close to other 3-star restaurants that set the bar for me at this price range (French Laundry and Alinea in Chicago). read more

Sorry for the Late Review - But This Experience Deserves to Be Shared. Dining at Atelier Crenn was unforgettable. Each dish felt like a piece of art. I had planned the evening as a surprise for my mom, and it ended up being so much more special than I could have hoped for. While we were waiting at the bar, Chef Dominique Crenn came out to personally greet her. Such a thoughtful gesture from a truly great and gracious chef. Thank you to everyone at Atelier Crenn for a wonderful evening for my amazing mom. So worth the splurge! read more

Atelier Crenn - French Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I'm no serial Michelin guide diner, but I can certainly appreciate how Chef Crenn is so deserving of the 3 Michelin stars. While all Michelin-starred restaurant are expected to serve exceptional cuisine, the hospitality and inspiration from the dining experience are also equally important, which Atelier Crenn certainly provided. I was so honored when my friends invited me to join them for a birthday celebration dinner here in December, and even more pleased to find out that Chef Crenn was in the kitchen! The cuisine is pescatarian, and I was impressed with the creativity and thoughtfulness put in each dish. It is now May as I'm writing this review, and I can still vividly remember the umami from the dungeness crab broth, the distinct fragrance of the herb butter, the taste of ocean from the frozen oyster creme, etc. Somewhere midway during our dinner, we saw Chef Crenn making her rounds greeting guests in the dining room. One of my friends later asked if we could meet Chef Crenn, and they brought us into the kitchen where there was also filming going on for a show. This dinner experience was certainly one for the books. That being said, if you're looking for a showy dining experience with the bells/whistles/frills, this might not meet your expectations (my other friend who dined here for Valentine's day is a case in point). read more

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Ambitious. A large number of courses, even for a 3 star meal, and very experimental with a number of them. Fun plays with texture, flavor, and ideas. While some of the courses didn't land (the taiyaki in particular was bordering on gross), I would much rather a restaurant take risks and try something new. The service was the most refined I've ever received in a restaurant, and the decor was clean yet welcoming. I do wish they had the poems still, but the food was the focus and I'm very happy with that. read more

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Truly unique experience with very attentive service. Think guide rather than waiter and journey rather than another tasting menu. The food was very unique but the plating and design is what has stayed with me. The restaurant is very small but beautiful. A marvel hidden in plain sight. read more

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Enjoyed a great night with my friends at atelier crenn what a phenomenal experience. The meal was light and refreshing I recall a very feminine feeling from it read more

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Came back to Atelier Crenn after a few years, this time with my wife. And, the food and service was as exquisite as I remembered. Chef Crenn stopped by at our table for a brief moment as well. Everything was amazing - from the usual kir briton to their famous brioche, to the crab to tuna shashimi style to onion ice cream. Favorite dishes were Alaskan king crab with caviar and the ice cream taco. Would highly recommend everyone to try the restaurant. Hoping to be back sometime again. read more

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My first 3 star restaurant. Me and my friends have had this restaurant at the top of our bucket list for a while and finally got a chance to enjoy their February 4 course menu. Loved everything about the dishes especially the presentation, revolving around Chef Crenn's love for seafood. I did find it a little unsettling the servers rotated throughout our dinner, including them fixing my cutlery multiple times. However the servers were very enthusiastic as each dish was brought out. I would say that there have been better Michelin star restaurants I've been to with more up kept service, but thats not to say the ambience was very relaxing and provided a comfortable space to enjoy the night. read more

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Our party agreed that dinner at Atelier Crenn was an unforgettable experience. Each dish was a true work of art, beautifully presented and thoughtfully crafted. Two of us opted for the wine pairing, and we loved learning from the sommeliers. We also appreciated the attentive and gracious service throughout the evening. Thank you for a truly memorable night! read more

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I am a solo diner. Atelier Crenn would not let me reserve a table. They only do 2 or more diners. They told me, in a response to a voice mail, that I could get on their waitlist and perhaps be able to get a table if another party cancelled . Boo Atelier Crenn. Very poor behavior in my opinion. read more

This was a great "special night out" experience. The dishes were presented most beautifully, moving along nicely and with superb service. You do not get a menu before the meal but rather a couple of poems to illustrate the chef's emotional journey in preparing the dishes being served to you. That is very original and interesting, albeit not super practical if you actually want to know the details of what you're eating (the servers do explain that to you, but it requires a great attention to detail and outstanding memory to keep track of everything). My favorites were the amuse bouche items served before the meal, the warm sweet brioche, and the onion soup. All of the fish dishes were prepared with interesting sauces, accoutrements, and decorations. However, at the end of the meal, they started to blend together as a lot of the fish seemed to have a similar soft and pulpy consistency (I am typically pescatarian but I don't eat mollusks, which might have influenced my experience). As lovely as the presentations were, I would have appreciated a bit more variety in consistency - crispy, crunchy, and firm - as well as sides (a carb or two would have been fine too!). The wine pairing was available for online purchase at $200 per person. I wish we had purchased that in advance as they charged us $250 per person when we purchased it at the restaurant. The pourings for the wine pairing, as described by others, were quite small, and wines were mainly from West Coast sources at the basic price level. Desserts were interesting, but didn't quite wow. It is a very small restaurant, with just nine round tables, and a simple decor. This being SF, some of the guests were dressed elegantly whereas others were wearing jeans and sneakers. Overall, it was an interesting and unique dinner - with a price tag to match. read more

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Absolutely wonderful food and a delightful staff! Exceptional in every way. What a beautiful experience to be able to enjoy this food which is also such beautiful art. read more

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I've wanted to check out this restaurant for a while, and I finally made it happen last month. As we sat down at our table, the server walked us through the tasting menu. It's written like poetry, with dishes delivered as interpretations of lines from the poem. The dairy-free, pescatarian menu showcases Chef Dominique's memories and inspiration from the sea, as well as the finest local ingredients from the Bay Area. The entire flow of the dinner was seamless, with each course elegantly presented by the hospitable staff. Overall, the flavors were more subtle but creative. We also opted for both the wine pairing and the non-alcoholic pairing. I enjoyed the NA pairing more, especially some of the house-made options. It was definitely a better value as well! I also want to highlight the desserts by Pastry Chef Juan Contreras. My favorite was the Sugar Bee Apple, which, compressed with yuzu, sake, and ginger, was very refreshing. It also helped cleanse the palate and transition from savory dishes to sweets. The dessert courses, holistically speaking, harmonized beautifully with the preceding savory dishes. We enjoyed all of them. Thanks for a vibrant culinary experience! Congratulations to the entire team for maintaining 3 stars from Michelin Guide this year! read more

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A Michelin-Starred Reunion Night with Mom Atelier Crenn | San Francisco ‍ The world's only female chef with 3 Michelin stars, Dominique Crenn, presents a poetic table inspired by nature -- seafood-forward and vegetable-driven. Each course feels like a love letter to the earth. To celebrate my mom visiting me in San Francisco, I took her to the most romantic Michelin 3-star restaurant in the city. Every dish was light, elegant, and full of stories -- a tender yet powerful showcase of feminine grace and strength. Menu Highlights (Each dish felt like a little poem) Kir Breton - A bubbly, breezy opening that kissed like the sea wind of northwestern France Acorn - Forest on a plate, earthy and nostalgic Oyster Tart - A tiny tart packed with the ocean's essence Cauliflower Tart & Toasted Rice Dashi - Sweet cauliflower meets nutty rice broth, delicate yet savory Pea & Wasabi / Pea, Truffle, Uni - A stunning pea trilogy -- the uni-truffle combo was a luxurious stroll through an enchanted garden King Crab / Scallop & Carrot - Sweet, fresh, and brimming with umami Brioche & Herb Butter - Perfectly toasted brioche with fragrant herbed butter -- the kind of bite you close your eyes for Mushroom Chawanmushi - A Japanese-French fusion custard, warm and refined Black Cod, Halibut, Abalone, Smoked Mussels - A maritime symphony with every bite layered and expressive Goddess Salad / Green Almond & Aloe - Like a walk through a springtime forest Strawberry & Champagne / Pea Pod / Chocolates - A soft, dreamy ending like a gentle goodbye kiss ‍What made the night extra special was the calm, flowing pace of the dinner. No rush, no fuss -- just two women quietly tasting, talking, and feeling a little closer to each other with every bite. read more

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It's a disappointing Michelin experience even compares to one Michelin standard and other really good neighborhood restaurants even without Michelin star. One dimensional and none of the course of the tasting menu was memorable. It was mostly dishes consists of sweet, sour, olive oil, vinaigrette, orange zest variations. All tasted similar and there was no WOW factor that make you think that you're eating at a Michelin restaurant, let alone a three star Michelin. The dining room is small with about only 8 tables and very loud that we had trouble hearing what our sommelier and server explained to us. Dominique Crenn only talked to select few tables and she wouldn't even came out when one of my dining companion asked the sommelier that she would love to meet Dominique. Business casual dress code was not strictly enforced. Majority of the courses tasted cold and sour. all style no substance read more

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We came here to celebrate a beautiful occasion and this would be my first 3 star Michelin experience. Perhaps I had high expectations based on prior Michelin experiences, but I was disappointed. The biggest disappointment was lack of attention to detail. I ordered a mocktail, and thought that would make the waiters notice I was not drinking. And yet for dessert, I was given Champaign bubbles that I had to scrape out, without any courtesy or acknowledgment. I'll say the food was good, perhaps not blow me away for what I'd expect a 3 star, but pretty good. And last the ambiance was mediocre. All the waiters were nicely dressed, but the vibe was strange - the music playing didn't match the vibe inside, so just appeared not nicely organized. I don't anticipate coming back, with the cost of the meal and the better experiences at 1 star restaurants, unfortunately this was not a win. read more

I am a foodie at heart and this was my first 3 Michelin star experience, and it lived up to my expectations. I first learned about Chef Dominque Crenn when she appeared in my favorite show, Top Chef, as a mentor and guest judge. She was also featured as an Iron Chef on the Netflix show Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend. While we waited to be seated, her staff gave us two complimentary champagne glasses for my birthday celebration. Once we were seated, I received a beautiful birthday card from the restaurant. Her food was innovative, flavorful, and memorable. At the end of our dinner, we received chocolates, a copy of our menu, and a personalized autograph on her book! This was the best birthday dinner ever! read more

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Another 3 star that for me just wasn't quite worth the hype. At 500 a person after tax tip you need to be blown away. Everything was good I have no complaints but I just didn't feel the wow factor unfortunately, which makes me a lil sad cause I've been eyeing this place for years. I also wonder since fine dining spots are known to change their menus seasonally if I just hit a not as impressive season. The first two courses started of really well. I really liked the popping sphere thing. But it just kind of tapered off a lil during the middle. The dessert tho omg that was excellent. Some things to note: they don't have liquor license so no cocktails just beer or wine. Also note that they are totally pescatarian which is cool and they def did some wonderful things with that. Overall, yes it was good... Of course it's gonna be good.. But was my mind blown away? Not so much. To be fair I didn't think Manresa nor French laundry really lived up to the hype either. I've also had a 3 star kaiseki in Japan and was also not blown away so maybe it's me I dunno. Either way if you're collecting fine dining, it's prob something you need to try yourself. read more

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Dominique Crenn is the first female chef in the U.S. to earn three Michelin stars, but honestly she deserves 10. This is a meal I won't forget for a long time. Each course is a perfect combination of ingredients, plating and flavor. The waitstaff was impeccable - probably the best service of my life. The restaurant is very intimate and they take care of each guest. I would definitely return here if I was back in San Francisco! read more

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