A REVIEW of San Francisco's MOST ICONIC Restaurant (3 Michelin Star)

Alex, I visited Benu in 2015, not long after they received their 3rd star. I was also taken aback by how simplistic the decor was, unlike any other Michelin-starred restaurants I had previously visited. I just reviewed my photos from my trip and noticed some items similar to those from your dinner: the thousand-year-old egg and foie gras dumplings. Interestingly, my meal also featured a faux "Shark Fin Soup" made with crab meat. You didn't mention the price of your meal, so I looked it up. Currently, they're offering 9 courses for $390. When I visited, it was quite different - we enjoyed 17 courses for $228. Since my visit, we've undoubtedly seen the effects at Benu of both inflation and 'shrinkflation' combined! Your production values and in-depth, genuine reviews are truly refreshing.

Watching this while I eat $3 frozen aldi butter chicken

The photo in the thumbnail is actually a signature dish from Sven Elverfeld, restaurant aqua 3 Michelin stars in Wolfsburg, Germany and is not from this Restaurant in San Francisco

that interior was truly drab, honestly would've been disappointed. everything sounded really good though

The most important question that never gets asked is, are the toilets also three star worthy?

Alex is so accurate with his commentary. Went to Benu before covid and Alex couldn't have been more spot on. Food was well executed, service is what you expect from a 3 star resaurant and overall a good experience but the lack of interior design drops down a notch from the overall experience.

A great tour at the start! tanks for showing us the culture of the surrounding area!

Beautiful, intriguing looking food. I'm very glad you are doing The French Laundry next (I guess it was inevitable for the series) as it's the only one of these places I have eaten at. I hope it lives up to your expectations as it exceeded mine.

I always love watching these videos the moment they come out. I get the feeling that Alex would be amazing to dine with, too. Thank you for making these videos and offering the inspiration they bring.

1000% agree about the dining room. Me and my dinner date first thought was , " This feels like an upscale McDonald's in Monaco". The food, wine and service was top notch, but a bit taken back by the dining room. Can't wait for your video on French Laundry though, dined there twice and left absolutely hammered (drunk). They are very generous with the pours and "extra" courses 😅

Shout to Alex's suit and tie in this one. Damn!

Yes I knew you were going to The French Laundry, cant wait!!!

Great content, thanks for the entertainment you provide.

You channel is fantastic!

Great review as usual, really looking forward to the tfl review

As a cook I did a stage early after opening. Cory was a screaming demon leaving some staff in tears. If that is what it takes for success, you can have it- as I told him to take a hike and walked.

Thank you for the great and accurate review of Benu. In my opinion it has the best food of all the Michelin three-star restaurants in California, hands down. Like you, I found the interior unremarkable. But if amazing food is your goal, I would put Benu against anywhere in the world.

The saying goes “the show must go ON”

Nice one Alexander! I agree on the bland interior, but when you're being taken away by the food this much - that should become irrelevant. Looking forward to your next one!

Benu is one of the few restaurants that you've featured that I have also been to. It was in 2012 and the decor was largely the same and I agree rather sterile. Service was outstanding and thorough without being overbearing which is always welcome. While the dinner was fantastic, I came away impressed but not entirely "blown away" if that makes any sense. Though I will admit it's just as likely that it was just an off night and not a true reflection of the chefs at their best, so if I get a chance I will not hesitate to go back (not likely though since I'm done with california).