10 casual tasting menus to try in San Francisco right now

Tasting menus may have shifted in and out of style over the years, but in San Francisco’s 2025 dining scene, they’re thriving. From high end fine experiences to casual “let the chef decide” menus, Bay Area restaurants are offering dinners in a creative ways to experience their kitchens without breaking the bank.

Here are ten of the best casual tasting menus you can book around the city .

Since its 2023 debut, 7 Adams has attracted loyal fans with a nightly five-course menu priced at $87. For a more indulgent option, chefs David Fisher and Serena Chow Fisher offer a seven-course experience at $127, featuring caviar, an extra fish course, and standout dishes like spaghetti all’amatriciana and chocolate semifreddo.
At 1963 Sutter Street

Chef Geoff Davis reimagines soul food classics at Burdell in Oakland. Praised nationally since its opening, the restaurant serves a $95 “family dinner” with favorites like smothered pork chops, barbecue shrimp, and seasonal entrées not found on the regular menu.
At 4640 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland

Mission favorite Ernest continues to impress with bold, globally inspired flavors. The “Let the Kitchen Cook for You” tasting is a steal at $99, often including inventive dishes such as Korean-style short rib, Middle Eastern-spiced lamb, and beef tartare with salmon roe.
At 1890 Bryant Street (enter at Florida & Mariposa)

At cozy neighborhood gem Frances, chef Ricky Chu builds on Melissa Perello’s legacy. The $95 chef’s menu highlights seasonal small plates, soups, and signature bites like bacon beignets and daikon cakes. It’s both generous and good value compared to ordering à la carte.
At 3870 17th Street

Hayes Valley hotspot Happy Crane offers modern Cantonese cuisine with a twist. The $120 “Happy as a Crane” menu features dim sum favorites, a crab rice roll, and a refined spin on Golden Coin. Peking duck is available by pre-order.
At 451 Gough Street

Celebrating Chinatown’s banquet traditions, Mister Jiu’s offers a $125 tasting centered on Liberty Farms Peking-style duck, accompanied by small plates like wok-smoked eggplant and rice noodle rolls with clams. A true showcase of chef Brandon Jew’s culinary vision.
At 28 Waverly Place

Known for its convivial, “dinner party” atmosphere, Penny Roma serves an $89 family-style menu including starters, two pastas, a main course such as pork chop with green tomato passata, and dessert. Wine pairings are available for $39.
At 3000 20th Street

Long a San Francisco favorite, Rich Table continues to wow with inventive flavor pairings. The $125 “Chef’s Picks” menu typically includes signature snacks like sardine chips and porcini doughnuts, along with seasonal pastas such as sea urchin cacio e pepe.
At 199 Gough Street

Pacific Heights gem Routier offers excellent seasonal cuisine and house-made charcuterie. Its nightly $73 prix fixe includes a starter, a hearty main like duck confit, and dessert making it one of the city’s best-value tasting menus.
At 2801 California Street at Divisadero

Chef Matt Accarrino’s SPQR delivers modern Italian excellence. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the pasta tasting menu ($62) features five courses, including creative takes like huitlacoche and ricotta lasagna, alongside classics such as risotto primavera.
At 1911 Fillmore Street

These menus of each restaurant reflect the versatility of San Francisco’s dining scene, where tasting menus can be both accessible and adventurous. Whether you’re celebrating a special night out or simply exploring new flavors, each offers a curated glimpse into the chef’s imagination with or without requiring a Michelin-sized budget.