14 San Francisco, California Tasting Menus That Won’t Break $100

A perfect meal doesn’t have to come with a sky-high price tag. In San Francisco, chefs are redefining fine dining by pairing artistry with accessibility, turning multi-course experiences into something approachable and unforgettable.

From elegant tasting rooms to neighborhood hideaways, each plate tells a story of creativity and care.

California’s bounty shines through – vibrant produce, fresh seafood, and bold flavors crafted with precision. This is dining that feels indulgent yet grounded, proof that exceptional food can inspire without breaking the budget.

1. Commonwealth

Commonwealth brings bold creativity to the table with its five-course tasting menu priced at $85. Expect dishes that surprise and delight, like fried oysters paired with coastal succulents and frozen horseradish mousse.

The inventive approach showcases seasonal ingredients in unexpected combinations. Each course balances texture and flavor, making this spot a favorite for adventurous eaters who appreciate artful presentation and thoughtful cooking without the sky-high price tag.

2. Francisca’s

At $65, Francisca’s family-style tasting menu feels like dining at a friend’s home with exceptional cooking skills. Diners choose from courses featuring Santa Barbara spot prawns with Venezuelan chimichurri and plantain lasagna.

The communal approach encourages sharing and conversation, adding warmth to the experience. Flavors lean bold and comforting, with Latin American influences shining through each dish, making it an inviting choice for groups or anyone seeking generous portions and vibrant tastes.

3. Avery

Avery’s ‘Cello Player’ menu offers 7-8 courses for $89, bringing together global influences with refined technique. Standout dishes include lemongrass-laden lobster curry and liquid tortellini en brodo with foie gras.

The menu reads like a culinary journey, with each course building on the last. Textures range from silky to crispy, and flavors balance richness with brightness, creating a dynamic dining experience that feels special yet accessible.

4. Nico

Nico’s prix fixe menus range from $62 to $82, focusing on what’s fresh at the farmers market. Smoked trout roe in a warm sabayon exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

The menu changes regularly, reflecting the best of what’s available. This approach keeps things interesting for repeat visitors while showcasing the chef’s ability to transform simple, quality ingredients into memorable dishes with clean flavors and careful preparation.

5. Robin

Starting at $79, Robin’s omakase menus break from tradition with non-traditional nigiri and creative dishes. A5 beef tartare and sesame noodles with shaved black truffles showcase the kitchen’s playful yet precise approach.

The experience blends Japanese technique with unexpected ingredients, creating something familiar yet fresh. Each bite feels carefully considered, balancing luxury ingredients with approachable flavors that appeal to both sushi purists and adventurous diners looking for something different.

6. Tiya

Tiya’s four-course vegetarian tasting menu costs $95 and celebrates Indian flavors with creativity and care. Pani puri, sach paneer pollichathu, and yogurt chaat offer a range of textures and tastes.

Vegetarian dining reaches new heights here, with dishes that feel indulgent rather than restrictive. Spices are balanced, not overwhelming, and each course tells a story about regional Indian cuisine, making this an excellent choice for plant-based eaters or anyone curious about flavorful vegetarian cooking.

7. Prubechu

Prubechu’s 11-course fiesta table at $96 brings Chamorro cuisine to life with generous portions and bold flavors. Oysters with fina’denne’ and sizzling grilled lamb highlight the menu’s diversity and depth.

The experience feels celebratory, with dishes meant for sharing and savoring. Chamorro flavors blend indigenous, Spanish, and Asian influences, creating something unique in San Francisco’s dining landscape. It’s a meal that educates as much as it satisfies, introducing diners to a rich culinary tradition.

8. The Richmond

For $79, The Richmond serves a five-course meal that balances comfort and sophistication. Beet salad with cardamom carrots and crab cake fried until deep golden brown show the kitchen’s skill with both vegetables and seafood.

The neighborhood spot offers a relaxed atmosphere where the food takes center stage. Dishes feel approachable yet refined, with flavors that satisfy without overwhelming, making it a solid choice for a special occasion that doesn’t require formality.

9. Saison’s Bar Menu

While Saison’s full tasting menu exceeds $100, the bar menu offers a taste of Michelin-starred cooking at a fraction of the cost. Small plates and creative bites showcase the same precision and quality ingredients.

Sitting at the bar provides a front-row view of the kitchen’s artistry. The atmosphere feels more casual than the dining room, yet the food maintains the same high standards, offering an accessible entry point to one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants.

10. Petit Crenn

Petit Crenn’s atelier menu hovers near the $100 mark, offering French-inspired dishes with Chef Dominique Crenn’s signature creativity. The smaller format provides a taste of her culinary vision without the commitment of a lengthy tasting menu.

The bistro atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with dishes that balance tradition and innovation. Each plate reflects careful technique and quality ingredients, making it a worthy splurge for those seeking refined French cooking in a more relaxed setting.

11. Bellota

Bellota’s Spanish-inspired tasting menu comes in around $95, featuring Iberico ham, seafood, and seasonal vegetables prepared with Mediterranean flair. The tapas-style approach allows diners to sample a wide range of flavors and textures.

The space feels lively and social, perfect for sharing dishes and conversation. Spanish wines complement the food beautifully, and each course reflects the chef’s respect for traditional Spanish cooking while incorporating California’s abundant produce and seafood.

12. Sorrel

Sorrel’s tasting menu typically stays under $100, focusing on Italian-inspired dishes with local ingredients. Handmade pasta and seasonal vegetables take center stage, prepared with simplicity that lets quality ingredients shine.

The neighborhood restaurant feels intimate and welcoming, with an open kitchen that adds energy to the space. Each course demonstrates restraint and confidence, proving that excellent food doesn’t require elaborate techniques or exotic ingredients, just care and skill.

13. Rintaro

Rintaro offers an izakaya-style experience with a tasting menu option around $85, featuring grilled yakitori, seasonal vegetables, and rice dishes. The traditional Japanese setting transports diners with its authentic atmosphere and careful attention to detail.

Each dish reflects respect for Japanese culinary traditions while using California ingredients. The charcoal grill adds smoky depth to proteins and vegetables, and the sake selection pairs beautifully with the food, creating a cohesive and memorable dining experience.

14. Cassava

Cassava’s chef’s tasting menu stays near $95, blending Japanese techniques with California sensibilities. Seasonal fish, vegetables, and creative small plates showcase the chef’s training and local ingredient sourcing.

The modern space feels clean and uncluttered, allowing the food to be the focal point. Dishes balance delicate flavors with bold accents, and the progression feels natural and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those seeking contemporary Japanese-Californian cooking at a reasonable price.