Hello food lovers! Are you hungry for an adventure in California? Today, we’ll explore the top-notch dining spots that will make your wallet lighter but your taste buds happier.
If you’ve saved up for a special meal, this blog post is your ultimate guide. We’ll dive into the most luxurious restaurants in the Golden State, where top chefs create dishes you’ll never forget.
Get ready to learn about the fanciest places, perfect for celebrating milestones or just treating yourself. So, loosen your belt and join us on this delicious journey through California’s most exclusive eateries.
Stay tuned to find out where you should splurge on your next unforgettable dining experience!
10 Most Expensive Restaurants in California
Here are the 10 fancy restaurants in California.
1 Atelier Crenn
Atelier Crenn is a fancy restaurant in San Francisco that serves delicious food in a cozy setting. The place can hold about 20-25 people, making it perfect for small gatherings or business meetings.
What really impressed me was the amazing service and variety of dishes from different cuisines like Italian and French. I tried their famous Wagyu Beef topped with white truffle shavings, and it was truly an unforgettable experience.
Although the prices are high, with a meal for two costing around $460, I believe the quality of the food and unique atmosphere make it worth the splurge.
For anyone who wants to enjoy a special night out with friends or family, I highly recommend giving Atelier Crenn a try. The incredible flavors, beautiful presentation, and friendly staff will leave you wanting to come back again for another memorable dining experience.
2. The French Laundry
The French Laundry is an amazing restaurant located in Napa Valley, California. This picturesque place offers exquisite meals made with fresh ingredients and intricate dishes at a price of around $320 per person.
When I visited, I was immediately captivated by the charming stone bungalow exterior, traditional styling, and lush vines. One of the best things about this restaurant is the variety of mouth-watering dishes they serve. Some favorites include egg custard with truffle, oysters with tapioca pearls, and salmon tartare cornet.
The ingredients come straight from their very own culinary garden! Even though it’s quite pricey, I truly believe dining at The French Laundry is an experience you won’t forget!
The perfect combination of delectable food and a lovely ambiance makes it an ideal spot for a special occasion or just to treat yourself.
3. Benu
Benu is a luxurious restaurant in San Francisco where you can enjoy a top-notch dining experience. Known for its exquisite seafood and a wide variety of meat dishes, this high-class eatery offers mouthwatering flavors that will leave you craving more.
When I went there, I couldn’t resist trying the delicious frog legs, monkfish liver, pork belly with kimchi, and faux shark fin soup. Though a single-person meal costs around $300, the unforgettable tastes and beautiful presentation make it worth every penny.
And don’t forget to save room for dessert! The tofu dessert at Benu is something you’ll definitely want to try before leaving. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just feel like treating yourself to some fine dining, Benu should be on your list of places to visit.
Keep in mind that reservations might be hard to come by due to their popularity, so plan ahead! Once you get the chance to dine there, you’ll understand why it’s one of California’s most talked-about restaurants.
4. Coi
Coi is an elegant restaurant located in the bustling streets of San Francisco. Known for its modern American cuisine with a touch of Parisian grace, this sophisticated eatery takes fine dining to the next level.
I was amazed by their eleven-course signature meal, which costs a hefty $250 per person. During my visit, I had the chance to try some unique and delicious dishes like poached lamb, chilled eggplant soup, grilled tofu with seaweed and butter lettuce, as well as blackberries with lemon balm.
The presentation was simply stunning! Although Coi only offers one tasting menu each night, every dish left me impressed by its flavors and creativity. Due to its high demand and limited seating availability, booking a table at Coi can be quite challenging.
However, once you secure your spot and experience the delicacies it has to offer, you’ll understand why it’s such a sought-after dining destination in California.
5. Manresa
Manresa is a fabulous restaurant situated in Los Gatos, California, offering a classy and professional dining atmosphere. During my visit there, I was impressed by the delicious seasonal menus prepared with great care and attention to detail.
The cost for a meal here is around $290 per person, with optional wine pairings priced at $230. One thing that sets Manresa apart is how it bounced back after experiencing a damaging fire in 2014. Today, the restaurant continues to serve exquisite dishes like salted butter ice cream, Sturgeon Caviar, and Kishi Oysters with butter – all of which are worth trying.
Ideal for hosting professional gatherings or indulging in an elegant night out, Manresa provides unforgettable flavors made from only the freshest ingredients. Be sure to make your reservation well in advance due to its popularity among diners seeking top-tier quality and service.
6. Capo
Capo is an inviting Italian restaurant located in Santa Monica, California. Known for its warm, rustic atmosphere and cozy fireplace, this dining spot offers a wonderful experience for food lovers.
When I visited Capo, I was delighted by the delicious Italian dishes such as Chocolate souffle, New Zealand King Salmon, Linguini Beluga, and Beluga caviar.
While some of the menu items can be quite pricey at around $240 per person, they also offer more affordable options starting as low as $20. This makes it possible to enjoy a memorable meal without breaking the bank.
If you’re passionate about Italian cuisine and looking for a fantastic dining experience with friends or family, Capo should definitely be on your list of places to try. The combination of amazing food and charming ambiance will make you feel right at home.
7. Providence
Providence is a top-rated restaurant in Los Angeles perfect for seafood lovers with a discerning palate. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew I was in for an exciting culinary adventure. The menu features dishes made from fresh ingredients and natural flavors without overpowering spices.
With meal prices ranging from $160 to $320 per person, it’s no secret that dining at Providence comes at a cost. However, the rave reviews from pleased guests prove that it’s worth every penny. Some must-try items include wagyu beef, caviar uni, and fresh sashimi with chiles.
Providence offers not only incredible food but also outstanding service and attention to detail. It makes for an excellent choice when seeking a special dinner experience or celebrating an important occasion.
So if you’re ready to immerse yourself in a world of exquisite seafood flavors accompanied by exceptional service, don’t hesitate to visit Providence! Just remember to make your reservation early as this popular eatery tends to book up quickly.
8. The Restaurant At Meadowood
The Restaurant at Meadowood is a luxurious dining destination nestled in the beautiful Napa Valley, California. With its glamorous fine-dining ambiance fit for royalty, this venue offers a 10-course tasting menu for $270 and an elaborate 20-course tasting menu for $500.
I was truly impressed with how the staff goes above and beyond to ensure guests have the most comfortable experience. You can even dress casually in jeans while enjoying signature dishes like chermoula-rubbed duck and marbled rabbit.
Though dining here could easily set you back more than $1500 for a meal for two, including wine pairings and sales taxes, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. The attention to detail, fantastic flavors, and relaxing atmosphere make it worth the splurge.
9. Urasawa
Urasawa, tucked away in the heart of Los Angeles, is a highly exclusive restaurant that caters to just ten guests per night. As one of the most renowned Japanese restaurants in the U.S., it boasts two Michelin stars and attracts food enthusiasts from all over the country.
With dinner costing around $400 per person, Urasawa is certainly one of the most expensive eateries worldwide. That being said, I can attest that master chef Hiroyuki Urasawa’s exceptional sushi skills make every bite worth it! Delicacies like live shrimp, Kobe beef, and foie gras had me coming back for more.
Since only a limited number of guests are accommodated each night at this prestigious venue, securing a reservation can be quite challenging. However, once you manage to book your spot and immerse yourself in this unique culinary experience, you’ll quickly understand why Urasawa has earned its stellar reputation.
10. Saison
Saison is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant and one of San Francisco’s most expensive dining destinations. With meals priced at $390 per person, this elite establishment offers unparalleled seafood dishes served in innovative and unique ways.
What makes Saison so special is its intimate atmosphere, with only eight tables available and the food prepared right before your eyes. Though reservations can be tough to secure, the mouthwatering flavors make every bite well worth the effort.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to savor dishes from their 22-course tasting menu. Some standout items included Fort Bragg Sea urchin on a slab of sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and golden trout roe, among others. Each dish was presented beautifully and tasted absolutely divine!