Eight of the best French restaurants in California, according to Michelin

KEIKO À NOB HILL

1250 Jones St., San Francisco, 94109

Rating: One Michelin star

What the Michelin inspectors said…

Elegant, discreet and romantic, Keiko à Nob Hill blends unique culinary style with traditional appeal. Cushioned banquettes wrap the square dining room, outfitted with subdued lighting, fabric-covered walls and heavy brown trim, resulting in a space that is lovely (if of a certain age).

It is always best to be prompt: the formal service team is gracious but handles each night’s single seating with precision, serving all guests at once. Such punctuality is crucial as this kitchen takes its work and its mission rather earnestly.

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Chef Keiko Takahashi’s nightly tasting menu is a progression of French culinary technique with subtle hints of Japanese flavours. Her success is undeniable from the first taste of spiny lobster presented in a martini glass with lobster-tomato water foam and a chilled layer of fruity bell pepper mousse. Moist, fragrant and remarkably delicious Cornish hen then arrives tucked with razor-thin shavings of black truffle beneath its skin, complemented with parmesan foam, Ibérico ham-cream sauce and asparagus. A simple parfait is an extraordinary finale that includes coffee pâte de fruit, marron glacé and bits of crunchy meringue atop whipped cream with grilled pears.

We want to try…

Japanese snow crab dobin mushi (tasting menu is $165 pp).

For more information click here.