Benu

Benu offers very creative use of Asian ingredients and flavors. The menu is heavily influenced by Korean cuisine with some Chinese flairs. Food, wines, and service are simply amazing. This is the only 3-Michelin-star in SF that provides free valet parking. The staff were some of the warmest and most welcome that I have met.

I’m glad I went once. For a $500 dinner- I personally wouldn’t go twice. Dishes were very good but if you’re someone accustomed to Asian food, not as much of it was new or innovative as I’d have hoped. Service is impeccable. I felt that I’d made a better choice at 8 Tables for ~half the price. Full meal pictured.

In the heart of San Francisco, benu melds East Asia ingredients with innovation of Western fine dining. We experienced an amazing night here to celebrate one year of memorable time we spent with each other. 🥂

Other than staples like the thousand-year-old quail Egg, lobster xiaolongbao, and barbecued quail. highlights of the night also include the caviar potato, short grain rice with raw spot prawn, and sauteed river eel.

An immature pro tip is to always pick option one on their menu when you are offered choices. 🫣

Price point is undeniably steep and unless you don’t care about it at all, do not go to Benu if you just enjoy eating. Of course Benu offers astonishing flavors, but it’s more for a tasting experience with the ability to appreciate all the nuances that have been put into every dish.

Benu is non-categorizable, it’s self-defined. It’s fineness to the top, and an ode to the beauty and complexity of Asian gastronomy.

Absolutely Divine! Each ‘bite’ is it’s own expression of flavor and talent. They have a lot to be proud of. I tried things I would have never tried on my own. Albeit now, I doubt others will live up to the new expectations!

I will say, having read the other reviews here, they should try a few newer things, as it seems they’ve been doing the same set for 5+ years, making repeat visits bland in terms of originality.

Made a trip to San Francisco mainly to visit Benu and I had very high expectations given its distinction. Beautiful entrance through a nice garden and elegant restaurant. Aesthetics on point, decor is simple and modern. Cuisine was contemporary Korean with many Asian influences. You start with surprise small delicacies and then you pick the next three courses from the menu, one raw seafood course, one cooked fish and last, a meat course. I find that unusual for a three Michelin starred restaurant and kinda break the surprise thrill journey. Food and flavors were very good but I can’t say they were truly exceptional or that I was impressed in comparison.
I didn’t feel they pushed the boundaries of gastronomy. Courses weren’t really creative or innovative. Plating and presentation were ok but nothing artistic, eye catching or what you expect from a top 100 world’s best. Service and staff were the best part, welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable. Pairing was delightful and complimented courses very well. Desserts were just ok and simple, nothing outstanding. Overall, we had a good experience but underwhelmed for a destination venue.