San Francisco Now Has the World’s First Three-Michelin-Starred Mexican Restaurant
San Francisco has another reason to celebrate. Californios has been awarded its coveted third Michelin star, becoming one of the few restaurants in the United States to hold Michelin’s highest honor.
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Led by chef Val Cantu, the intimate restaurant has spent nearly a decade redefining modern Mexican fine dining through an inventive tasting menu that blends Mexican flavors with Northern California ingredients.
The promotion to three stars places Californios among an exceptionally small group of restaurants and highlights the rise of upscale Mexican restaurants in San Francisco, including the María Isabel near Sacramento Street.
The distinction is also a welcome reminder that San Francisco remains one of America’s premier dining destinations, with multiple Michelin-starred restaurants spanning everything from contemporary Californian cuisine to Japanese kaiseki and modern Italian.
Reservations at Californios were already among the most sought-after in San Francisco, and demand is expected to climb even higher following the announcement.
Travelers hoping to experience the restaurant should plan well in advance. If you have an overnight layover at SFO, a table at Californios could make the pause between flights as memorable as your final destination.
For visitors who won’t be securing a table, the news is still a great reminder to explore San Francisco’s vibrant food scene. From Michelin-starred dining to neighborhoods like Clement Street and the historic Ferry Building, the city offers memorable meals at nearly every price point.
📍Want to explore San Francisco’s Mexican food scene beyond Michelin stars? A guided food tour of the Mission District is one of the best introductions to the city’s Mexican cuisine, bakeries, and local favorites.
Photo by kevineats.com
