MICHELIN Guide California
Benu
- 22 Hawthorne St., San Francisco, 94105, United States
- 325 USD • Contemporary, Asian
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MICHELIN Guide California
Benu
- 22 Hawthorne St., San Francisco, 94105, United States
- 325 USD • Contemporary, Asian
MICHELIN Guide’s Point Of View

Benu is an oasis in the heart of the city. The mandatory stroll through the courtyard not only sets the mood, but also offers insight into the meal to come. Peruse the onggi pots with fermenting ingredients you'll later find on your plate and glimpse the kitchen hard at work. The interior is awash with earthy hues and sleek banquettes, and the serene dining room with clean lines draws the eye across its meticulous design. Service is impressively warm and relaxed.
Patience seems to define this kitchen in its relentless pursuit of excellence, whether that may be perfecting technique or waiting for just the right moment to serve an ingredient at its peak. Meals begin with a series of highly technical small bites. While these delicacies alone may rival some of the country's most ambitious tasting menus, there's more. Faux-shark's fin and xiao long bao are a delightful classic, but Chef Corey Lee continues to reimagine and redefine his nightly offerings. Dishes like barbecued quail with house-made XO sauce and an elevated take on traditional Korean beef barbecue convey a distinct personality and reflect a singular marriage between contemporary Asian influences.
- o Three MICHELIN Stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey!
- ô Very comfortable restaurant
Speciality
- Lobster Xiao Long Bao with Black Vinegar and House-Made Soy Sauce
- Barbecued Wolfe Ranch Quail with XO Sauce and Steamed Bao with Black Truffle Cream
- Sonoma Creamery Milk Pudding with Salted Caramel

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