Where New Nordic philosophy meets Northern California's seasonal bounty, Sons & Daughters San Francisco transforms intimate dining into culinary artistry through Chef Harrison Cheney's meticulous eight-course tasting menu. This Nob Hill jewel box, cloaked in reflective mirrors for ultimate privacy, represents San Francisco fine dining at its most refined and purposeful.

Founded in 2010 by Teague Moriarty and Matt McNamara, Sons & Daughters has evolved from Northern California New American roots into a New Nordic powerhouse under Executive Chef Harrison Cheney's leadership since 2023. Cheney, who earned his stripes at Stockholm's Michelin-starred Gastrologik and London's The Ledbury, brought his fermentation expertise and Nordic sensibilities to California's farm-to-table ethos. This transformation earned the restaurant its second Michelin star in 2024, while Cheney received the Michelin Guide's Young Chef Award for California in 2023. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the plate—implementing fair wages, benefits, and a 20% service charge that supports staff well-being.

The cuisine celebrates Northern California's agricultural wealth through classical Nordic techniques of fermentation, smoking, and preservation. Cheney's $295 tasting menu showcases signature preparations like rutabaga transformed into delicate noodles with smoked pork fat sauce, grilled black cod with fermented asparagus foam, and house-cured scallop with smoked pork belly and turnip cream. Each dish demonstrates the kitchen's mastery of acidity and umami, utilizing local seaweeds, house-cultured butter, and meticulously preserved vegetables. The menu adapts seasonally, with 48-hour notice accommodating pescatarian and vegetarian preferences, though complex dietary restrictions prove challenging given the intricate fermentation processes.

The intimate 28-seat dining room, split across two levels connected by stairs, creates an exclusive atmosphere enhanced by the open kitchen's theatrical presence. The mirrored exterior provides complete privacy while natural light filters through, creating an almost cocoon-like environment for the 2.5-hour culinary journey. Service strikes the perfect balance of Nordic minimalism and California warmth, with the team expertly guiding guests through each course's provenance and technique. Wine pairings feature thoughtfully selected European and California bottles, while non-alcoholic pairings offer sophisticated house-made alternatives.

Reservations at this best fine dining in San Francisco destination require advance planning through Tock, with the restaurant's limited capacity ensuring an exclusive experience. As Sons & Daughters prepares for its 2025 relocation to the Mission District, this remains the definitive moment to experience Cheney's Nordic precision in its original intimate setting.