In the inaugural edition of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list, prestigious Bay Area dining establishments have made a significant impact, showcasing their culinary prowess. Among these, SingleThread, situated in Healdsburg, California, has earned an impressive No. 8 spot. Known for its exceptional kaiseki-style tasting menu and five-bedroom boutique hotel, SingleThread takes pride in practicing the Japanese concept of omotenashi, which emphasizes a deep anticipation of guests’ needs. This ethos has earned it recognition among the world’s top 50 restaurants.
San Francisco also emerged as a major player, with six of its restaurants featured on the list. Highlights include Benu and Californios, both in the top 15, and Saison and Lazy Bear within the top 25. The founders of Lazy Bear, David Barzelay and Colleen Booth, expressed their gratitude for their inclusion, reflecting on the restaurant’s humble beginnings as an underground supper club.
Other notable mentions from San Francisco included Dominique Crenn’s Atelier Crenn at No. 46 and Quince at No. 48. In contrast, Los Angeles saw just three of its restaurants, Kato, Holbox, and Providence, make the list.
In related news, San Francisco’s True Laurel bar has been listed as No. 64 on the extended World’s 50 Best Bars list, noted for its contemporary aesthetics and science-driven, seasonal cocktails which highlight the unique local flora.
Furthermore, SingleThread and Atelier Crenn have also been acknowledged on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ extended worldwide ranking for 2025, claiming the No. 80 and No. 96 spots respectively. This recognition further cements the Bay Area’s status as a culinary hub, celebrated for its diverse and innovative gastronomy.