Restaurants: SingleThread (Healdsburg, CA) vs. Atelier Crenn (San Francisco)

Quick Verdict

Both SingleThread and Atelier Crenn offer exceptional dining experiences with a focus on high-quality ingredients and innovative cuisine. SingleThread stands out for its immersive farm-to-table experience and Japanese-Californian ambiance, while Atelier Crenn is renowned for its "poetic culinaria" and Chef Dominique Crenn's influence. The choice depends on personal preferences regarding cuisine style, ambiance, and location, keeping in mind the high price point and difficulty in securing reservations for both.

Both SingleThread and Atelier Crenn are three-Michelin-starred restaurants offering tasting menus with a focus on farm-to-table sourcing and accommodating dietary restrictions.
SingleThread offers a Japanese-Californian ambiance with a strong emphasis on their on-site farm, while Atelier Crenn provides a modern, understated setting with a focus on "poetic culinaria" by Chef Dominique Crenn.
Both restaurants are known for exceptional service, but SingleThread has limitations on accommodating certain allergies, while Atelier Crenn has had instances where allergies were overlooked.
Reservations are difficult to obtain at both restaurants, requiring advance planning.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	SingleThread (Healdsburg, CA)	Atelier Crenn (San Francisco)
Michelin Stars	Three Michelin Stars	Three Michelin stars. Dominique Crenn was the first female chef in the US to receive this honor.
Tasting Menu Price	$425 per person (excluding tax and gratuity)	$475 per person (inclusive of 20% service charge). Prices can vary. A 2% surcharge is added to support the San Francisco Health Care Mandate.
Wine Pairing Options	Regular Pairing: $300, Reserve Pairing: $500, Premium Pairing: $1500	Offers multiple wine pairing options: "A Clear Contemplation" (Non-alcoholic), Champagne Pairing, "A Study in the World of Wine", "A Sense of Time and Place". Guests can bring their own wine with a corkage fee.
Farm-to-Table Sourcing	Yes, 70% of produce from a 5-acre organic farm. Also, over 100 olive trees and 100% of floral material grown on their farm.	They source produce from Bleu Belle Farm in Sonoma. They focus on local ingredients and produce grown on their own regenerative farm in Sonoma.
Ambiance and Decor	Fusion of Japanese and Californian sensibilities, featuring wood, clean lines, soft lighting, music, large bare wood tables, a wood ceiling, gold wood tiles, and faux fireplaces. Most tables have a view of the open kitchen.	The space is modern and understated. It has wooden tables and chairs. Poems grace the walls. The walls of Atelier Crenn and Bar Crenn are adorned with paintings by the late Allain Crenn. Some find it intimate and cozy. The decor resembles a 1930s Paris wine bar.
Service Quality	Top-notch, conveying a sense of "omotenashi". Staff are warm, friendly, and attentive.	The service team is knowledgeable and dedicated to providing a hospitable experience. Staff is friendly, formal, and real.
Chef's Reputation	Chef Kyle Connaughton is highly accomplished and known for his Japanese-inspired cuisine.	Dominique Crenn is a global icon known for "poetic culinaria". She has received the James Beard Award for Best Chef.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options	Plant-based, vegetarian, and pescatarian options available.	Atelier Crenn offers vegetarian and vegan options. A vegetable-forward menu is available for guests who cannot enjoy the pescatarian menu.
Allergies/Dietary Restrictions Accommodations	Accommodates most dietary restrictions with three days' notice. Cautions diners with extreme allergies about nuts, soy/miso, allium, dairy, shellfish, seed oil, and gluten. Unable to adjust for soy/miso, allium, rice, sesame oil, sea salt, and sea plant allergies.	They can accommodate dietary restrictions. However, some diners have reported that their allergies were overlooked.
Reservation Difficulty	Reservations released online at 9 AM PST on the 1st of every month for the following month. It can be difficult to get a reservation.	Reservations are required and can be made through Tock or a concierge service. It can be very difficult to get a reservation. Reservations open on the first Tuesday of every month, two months in advance.
Location and Accessibility	Located in downtown Healdsburg, about 1 1/2 hours north of San Francisco, in a charming, walkable town.	Located in San Francisco's Marina District. They recommend Lombard Street Garage for parking. Ride-hailing services are also recommended.
Overall Customer Reviews	Considered a premier dining destination. Many feel the experience is worth the cost.	The restaurant receives praise for its innovative and refined food. It is described as a wonderful balance of grace, artistry, technical ability, and taste.

Overall Comparison

SingleThread: $425 per person, Atelier Crenn: $475 per person. Both restaurants have Three Michelin Stars and focus on farm-to-table sourcing.

Pros and Cons

SingleThread (Healdsburg, CA)

Pros:

Exceptional service
High-quality, fresh ingredients
Beautiful presentation of dishes
Unique Japanese-Californian ambiance
Farm-to-table experience

Cons:

High price point
Difficult to get a reservation
Limitations on accommodating certain allergies

Atelier Crenn (San Francisco)

Pros:

Innovative and refined food
Beautiful presentation of dishes
Knowledgeable and dedicated service
Farm-to-table sourcing with fresh, flavorful ingredients
Accommodates vegetarian and vegan diets

Cons:

High price point
Reservations are difficult to obtain
Some diners have experienced allergies being overlooked
Wine pairing can be overpriced with small pours and awkward pacing

User Experiences and Feedback

SingleThread (Healdsburg, CA)

What Users Love

Many reviewers reported that the experience met or exceeded their expectations.
The service is generally considered top-notch, with staff being warm, friendly, and attentive.
The restaurant is known for using fresh, high-quality ingredients, many sourced directly from their farm.
The dishes are often described as artistic masterpieces with stunning presentations.

Common Complaints

Some found the wine pairings to be overpriced, suggesting ordering a bottle or two of wine instead.
SingleThread can accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice, but has limitations regarding certain allergies like soy, miso, and allium.
Some felt it was overpriced.

Value Perception

Some felt the experience was worth the high price tag, considering it a special occasion.
Others felt it was overpriced.

User Recommendations

The ambiance is a fusion of Japanese and Californian aesthetics, featuring wood, clean lines, and an open kitchen. It's modern with soft lighting and music.
The service is generally considered top-notch, with staff being warm, friendly, and attentive. They aim to anticipate guests' needs.
The restaurant is known for using fresh, high-quality ingredients, many sourced directly from their farm. Dishes are designed to showcase the ingredients.
The dishes are often described as artistic masterpieces with stunning presentations.

Atelier Crenn (San Francisco)

What Users Love

The food is very fresh and rich in flavor.
Dishes showcase creativity and beautiful presentation.
Many diners' experiences met or exceeded expectations, particularly if they were familiar with Chef Crenn's background and culinary style.

Common Complaints

Some diners have experienced their allergies being overlooked.
Some reviewers felt the experience was not commensurate with the price.
Others felt the wine pairing was overpriced, with small pours and awkward pacing.

Value Perception

Some reviewers felt the experience was not commensurate with the price.
Others felt it was worth the cost for a special occasion.

User Recommendations

The restaurant receives praise for its innovative and refined food.
It is described as a wonderful balance of grace, artistry, technical ability, and taste.