Atelier Crenn

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!

I feel lucky and privileged to have dined at Atelier Crenn, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in San Francisco led by Dominique Crenn. The experience was nothing short of magical--an artistic, experimental journey where every detail was meticulously crafted.From the very beginning, the night felt special. Instead of a traditional menu, we were presented with a poem written by Dominique Crenn herself, which subtly revealed the 14-course progression. Each dish had an intricate balance of flavor, presentation, and storytelling. While I naturally enjoyed some plates more than others--expected in such a highly inventive menu--every course was compelling in its own way. The attention to service, plating, and taste was unparalleled, making the meal a true experience rather than just dinner. Even details like the check-in process and the restrooms were thoughtfully designed to enhance the evening.I saw some one-star reviews complaining about price/value--seriously, do your homework. This isn't Wendy's. Atelier Crenn is about artistry, technique, and pushing culinary boundaries. If you're looking for a bargain, this isn't the place for you.That said, there was one noticeable miss in an otherwise flawless experience. I ordered the wine pairing, while my wife did not. The sommelier was knowledgeable, but oddly enough, she spoke to and made eye contact with my wife while explaining the wines--describing the notes, the vineyard, and the pairings. Then, once the explanation was over, she would turn to me and pour the wine. It was weird at first, but by the fourth or fifth glass, it became frustrating. Normally, this wouldn't bother me at a regular restaurant, but this felt like a surprising oversight when a place is awarded a third Michelin star for impeccable, unparalleled service.Overall, Atelier Crenn is a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, and I'm truly grateful I had the chance to go. I love food experiences, and this was unusual, immersive, and truly special.

Deserving of michelin 3 stars! On par with the Michelin restaruants in France and certainly the best 3 Michelin star restaurant I've tried in the Bay Area. Actually, probably better than Per Se or Eleven Madison Park in NY. I've actually been dissapointed in the Michelin restaruants in the bay area, with the exception of just a couple. But this one certainly did not dissapoint.

We do not have enough good things to say about Atelier Crenn. This is an artful experience and if you are like me it might evoke an emotional response. We decided to get the wine pairing AND the non-alcohol pairing for the FULL experience. We start the meal off with a poem that paints a picture of the courses ahead. I think to myself this is an ode to California- full of seasonal goodies and coastal memories. Every dish was expertly and artfully crafted from the aromas and textures down to the serving vessels themselves. I experienced subtle chills with almost every dish! This along with the pairings and the casual nature of the place really made the whole three hour affair go by quickly (I almost didn't want it to end). I give Crenn and staff a standing ovation. I recommend Artelier Crenn to anyone willing to broaden their gastronomic horizons- it is an amazing experience for anyone interested in trying some of the best food in the world.

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.

Absolutely an amazing experience. I would go back in a heartbeat. Me and my boyfriend came in to check in for our reservation at 5:30 and were met with an issue. It had turned out somehow our reservation got lost in the system. They were very apologetic and told us that they could get us in but not until around 7:30/8:00. In the meantime we were walked over to Bar Crenn next-door by the hospitality manager. She set us up with some drinks and explained a few options for what we could do. We decided to take the later reservation and just enjoy some drinks in the bar while we wait. They were so nice and sent us a plate of their "greatest hits". Everything on that plate was to die for. We order a few more drinks and the scallop carpaccio. So yummy! Then around 7:30 they let us know that the table was ready. We went over and got seated. Immediately greeted with two glasses of cuvée. Again they were so apologetic of the misunderstanding and even let us know at the end of dinner that everything we had at Bar Crenn was taken care of! They absolutely did not have to do that and we really appreciated that they did. We enjoyed all of the food that came out through the night and we even got to talk a little bit with Dominique herself! Overall a lovely way for us to spend our anniversary. The atmosphere was amazing, the service was spectacular and the food did not disappoint what so ever. I would love to come back sometime and try out one of Dominique's other seasonal menus!

The food was amazing but I wish there was slightly more of it. The service was great and it was lovely to meet the chef. The desserts were some of my favorite dishes. I do really wish the portions were just slightly larger. Almost got a taco next door as I left. If it wasn't for the bread course I would have left hungry.

Shall we say intimate ambiance? I did not expect less than10 tables! LOLGreat sequence of dishes with bright flavors and umami. Creative dishes with imagination executed beautifully! Crab consome had great balance. Umami on the dry aged tuna was superb! Dessert was citrusy and delectable. Birthday cupcake that you could eat the entire thing including wrapper was ingenious, airy and delicious. Story telling was funny and touching. Can't wait to try more dishes next time.

Expected a lot more from a three star Michelin star restaurant. Service was ok , no attention was paid to the guests. Went to celebrate my sister's birthday, we had been looking forward to it , one server looked hung over and words he was saying made no sense . Went came home with very different menus than what we were served ( we had vegetarian menus) . Food itself was good , presentation was great. The desert menu can be a lot better . Overall it was a one and done experience, not a want to come back again one .

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!