Cocktails and oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co.
Photo: Courtesy of Hog Island Oyster Co.
Michelin-Starred Chef Dominique Crenn’s Ultimate Guide to San Francisco
The culinary artist's adopted West Coast city continues to delight and inspire—both personally and professionally
Chef Dominique Crenn. Photo: Courtesy of Dominique Crenn
For French chef and owner of the three-Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, Dominique Crenn, the Bay Area is where she feels most at home. After a childhood spent in Brittany where she was steeped in fine cuisine and the freshest ingredients, the limitless possibilities of the United States–and the theatricality of its restaurant culture in particular–drew her to the West Coast.
After working for the legendary Jeremiah Tower at San Francisco’s beloved brasserie Stars, she moved on to The Park Hyatt where she amassed more accolades and techniques before starting her eponymous restaurant in 2011. A mere number of months later, the restaurant received its first Michelin star, followed by two more in quick succession, making Chef Crenn the first female chef in the U.S. to receive three Michelin Stars. Fast forward and Atelier Crenn–her “studio” space–continues to innovate and highlight her French roots, but always with an eye toward the freshest, Sonoma-sourced, sustainable ingredients.
While San Francisco is the chef’s adopted home–one that she shares with her wife, the actress Maria Bello and their two kids–it is clearly the city that delights and inspires her both personally and professionally. “In San Francisco there are no rules,” explains Crenn. “It’s about innovation, always. People aren’t afraid to break the rules, so they are unfettered and inspired to try new things—from food to tech to art and design.”
The Legion of Honor. Photo: Photo: Henrik Kam Courtesy of Legion of Honor
The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. Photo: Photo: Courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
What are the similarities between the Bay Area and Brittany?
The two coastlines are very similar—both untouched, with the chilly Atlantic, and untouched surroundings. There is also the same emphasis on produce and the importance of farmers.
Kusama: Yayoi Kusama, Dreaming of Earth’s Sphericity, I Would Offer My Love, 2023, installed at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Photo: Matthew Millman. Courtesy of SFMOMA
Afterimages: Echoes of the 1960s in the Fisher and SFMOMA Collections, featuring Jenny Holzer’s Truisms, 1983, and Inflammatory Essays, 1979-82. Photo: Adam Jacob. Courtesy of SFMOMA
Are there cultural places that shouldn’t be missed?
The de Young Museum is set right in beautiful Golden Gate Park, and along with the Legion of Honor, is part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. For more contemporary art, the SFMOMA is my go-to in the South of Market Street (SoMa) area. It was reimagined by Norwegian design firm, Snøhetta, and has incredible collections of paintings, sculptures and photography. And then of course there are so many art galleries…
Music is another strength here, with The Independent showcasing both emerging and established talents. The Fillmore is the iconic theater built in 1912 where you can see everyone from Aimee Mann to Joss Stone. There are many excellent outdoor venues as well; the Golden Gate Bandshell and the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater are two of the best for outdoor concerts throughout the year.
Quince, a three Michelin-star restaurant. Photo: Courtesy of Quince.
Quince serves California contemporary cuisine. Photo: Oivind Haug. Courtesy of Quince.
Quince is located in San Francisco’s historic Jackson Square neighborhood. Photo: Oivind Haug, Courtesy of Quince.
What is special about the food scene in San Francisco?
This city is special because of the immigrants and all the flavors and techniques they bring. From the Mission District which tells the story of the Latino community and where you’ll find the best tacos and rice-less burritos at La Taqueria and old school burritos with carne asada, grilled chicken or surf & turf fillings. These places are just dirty and delicious!
Oysters are a big deal and some of the best ones are found at Hog Island Oyster Co. in the historic Ferry Building Market place. The farmer’s market outside is on Tuesdays and the big one is on Saturdays—it’s fantastic, with produce, flowers and prepared foods that are delicious.
The Zuni Cafe…now that is my place. It’s timeless and could be in Paris or anywhere in Europe with its big bar and wood-fired oven. Their roast chicken and Caesar salad are excellent. I am a huge Caesar salad person. Tartine Bakery is another highlight—for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their sourdough—and all the baked goods—are excellent and the atmosphere is vibrant. For a refined, creative tasting menu served in a minimalist setting Benu is great, as is Quince—a three Michelin-star restaurant that has long been one of San Francisco’s best.
For excellent coffee and baked goods, start any day at The Mill on Divisadero. It’s a joint venture between Four Barrel Coffee & Josey Baker Bread and the croissants and cappuccino are worth a detour. And you’ve got to love a city that has two Chinatowns! One is Clement Street where you’ll find the best food—every store is amazing—and one that’s next to North Beach and feels so completely foreign.
Paintings by Gary Komarin and ceramic vessels by Karen Swami at MARCH. Photo: Claire Stoup. Courtesy of MARCH
Paintings by Gary Komarin and ceramic vessels by Karen Swami at MARCH. Photo: Claire Stoup. Courtesy of MARCH
Are there stores that you love?
MARCH is the place for beautiful implements, linens and handmade tabletop items. They have everything for the well-stocked, beautiful kitchen. Hayes Valley is a great shopping area in general, and you’ll find lots of mom-and-pop stores in the Mission. The Castro is the place for vintage clothing finds.
The Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. Photo: Photo: Bob Minkin. Courtesy of Jerry Day
The Fillmore is the iconic theatre built in 1912. Photo: Greg Chow Courtesy of LiveNation
Of course, the great outdoors is a big draw here…
People like to spend time in nature; from hiking in nearby Sausalito to exploring Mill Valley to just spending a day in Golden Gate Park, the possibilities are endless. Further afield you’ll find Half Moon Bay, and further north, I love Sonoma where I have a farm. It’s a four-acre farm where we grow things for the restaurant including vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit, and we make our own honey. I also have nine old chickens and a rooster.
Cover: Cocktails and oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co.
Photo: Courtesy of Hog Island Oyster Co.
