SAN FRANCISCO -  Michelin North America today released its highly anticipated list of starred restaurants in the 2019 MICHELIN Guide San Francisco. Seven restaurants were either promoted or joined the star selection in the 13^th edition of the Guide.

With a selection that also includes the best restaurants in each category of comfort and price, the MICHELIN Guide is recognized globally for excellence and quality. The Guide was first published in France more than 100 years ago, in the early days of auto and leisure travel. Inspectors today apply the same time-honored criteria in more than 30 countries around the world.

"The dining scene in San Francisco is booming at the moment and our inspectors were especially impressed with the choice of cuisine styles, the levels of consistency and the overall high quality of the food they found in the city," said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guides. "In particular, the teams at Atelier Crenn and SingleThread should be extremely proud, as our inspectors were very impressed by the quality of the produce used in the preparation of the dishes. This, along with their meticulous attention to detail, creativity, and dedication to delighting their customers, means they always offer diners a memorable and very enjoyable gastronomic experience. Without a doubt, they are definitely worth a special journey!"

The 2019 Guide includes two new three-star distinctions:

Atelier Crenn is one of the most closely followed restaurants this year with a consistently top-quality experience across numerous visits. The current menu displays a wonderful balance of grace, artistry, technical ability and taste.

SingleThread has risen to the top of Sonoma County's dining scene since its opening in 2016. The talented couple behind this powerhouse project has shown consistent commitment to the highest standards of ingredient quality and exceptionally refined cuisine.

In addition, the 2019 San Francisco Guide features five new one-star distinctions:

Bar Crenn is a new charming wine bar next door to Atelier Crenn with a focus on classic French cuisine. The kitchen recreates dishes from renowned French chefs alongside original creations. Quality and technique are the backbone of this beautiful dining room.

Birdsong is led by a chef that spent time at Saison and Atelier Crenn. His unique approach to total utilization of product is both admirable and creative at this new contemporary American restaurant.

Madcap offers high-quality contemporary Californian fare made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a skillful touch. Led by a fine-dining veteran of Northern California's dining scene since the 1990s, the chef has stepped out on his own with this new Marin stunner.

Nico originally opened in Laurel Heights and was removed from the Guide after it closed in 2017. After the restaurant reopened in nearby Jackson Square, inspectors found that the cooking is as good as ever.

Protégé is led by three French Laundry alumni and protégés of Thomas Keller. This Palo Alto team uses technique and a level of finesse to prepare consistently excellent meals, while the dining experience remains casual and approachable.

More than 315 restaurants appear in the MICHELIN Guide San Francisco. Diners can find recommendations for establishments with notable wine, beer, sake and cocktail lists, as well as menus on which average prices are $25 and under.

The 2019 selection includes:

• Eight restaurants with three stars
• Six restaurants with two stars
• 43 restaurants with one star
• 68 restaurants with a Bib Gourmand

The MICHELIN Guide San Francisco (ISBN # 9782067230538) will go on sale Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, at major book sellers for a suggested retail price of $18.99.

2019 MICHELIN Guide San Francisco

Starred Establishments

Three Stars: "Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey"

Two Stars: "Excellent cuisine, worth a detour"

One Star: "High quality cooking, worth a stop"

EATER-San Francisco