Where Michelin-starred precision meets Korean soul, San Ho Won San Francisco elevates barbecue to an art form through the masterful collaboration of acclaimed chefs Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang. This Mission District destination transforms traditional Korean cooking into a refined culinary experience that has redefined San Francisco fine dining.

The partnership between three-Michelin-starred Benu's Corey Lee—the first Korean chef to achieve this distinction—and former Benu head chef Jeong-In Hwang represents a homecoming to their Korean heritage. Opening in 2021 after years of meticulous planning, San Ho Won fills a crucial void in San Francisco's Korean dining landscape with the same exacting standards that earned Lee two James Beard Awards. Their vision: no shortcuts, premium ingredients, and fine dining rigor applied to beloved home-style Korean cuisine.

The cuisine centers on live-fire charcoal barbecue using binchotan charcoal, creating signature dishes like House Double Cut Galbi with house-made marinade and glazed pork ribs that showcase extraordinary depth and purity of flavor. Beyond barbecue, the menu features galbi mandu (griddled beef dumplings), savory egg soufflé served in stone bowls, and the innovative kimchi jjigae pozole—a brilliant fusion of Korean stew and Mexican pozole. Every element, from the aged kimchi to the ssamjang, is crafted in-house using traditional fermentation techniques and locally sourced ingredients.

Designed by Studio Alan Tse, the 90-seat space strikes a perfect balance between casual warmth and sophisticated minimalism. Natural wood tables, industrial lighting, and an open kitchen create an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere where diners witness the charcoal grilling artistry firsthand. The curated wine program features selections from Burgundy, Loire Valley, and California, thoughtfully chosen to complement Korean flavors, while soju-based cocktails add authentic touches to the beverage experience.

Service reflects the chefs' fine dining pedigree—knowledgeable, attentive, and welcoming—guiding guests through proper Korean barbecue etiquette while maintaining the conviviality essential to Korean dining culture. The restaurant's Michelin recognition confirms its status among the best restaurants San Francisco offers.

Reservations through Resy are highly coveted, with limited walk-in availability at the bar. For the ultimate experience in Michelin star restaurants San Francisco, book well in advance to secure your table at this landmark destination where Korean tradition meets culinary innovation.