Atelier Crenn, the flagship restaurant of renowned chef Dominique Crenn, is a sparkling culinary gem in San Francisco. As one of the most celebrated restaurants in the world, it showcases the chef’s extraordinary creative talent and visionary approach to modern French cuisine. This restaurant is an immersive experience where each dish is crafted with precision and creativity. Stepping into Atelier Crenn is an invitation to connect with the poetic soul of the chef.

The heart of Atelier Crenn

'Atelier' means studio in French and entering Atelier Crenn feels like stepping into an artist’s studio in Paris. The restaurant's interior reflects Crenn's aesthetic, with a minimalist yet welcoming design. The walls are hung with abstract art and personal photographs that offer a glimpse into Crenn's inspirations. The lighting is soft and elegant and the seating is thoughtfully arranged to create an intimate atmosphere, allowing guests to fully engage with the culinary journey. The ambience is one of serene elegance, inviting diners to slow down and savor the experience in an environment that feels exclusive and welcoming.

Crenn, born in France and raised in Brittany by an arts-loving family, began her culinary journey at a young age. While she often attended fine-dining restaurants as a child, her cooking skills were acquired at home. She initially pursued studies in international business, but abandoned them to follow her dream of becoming a chef, and after initial experiences in kitchens in Paris, she decided to move to the US. Her first job there was under Jeremiah Tower at Stars in San Francisco. Crenn's cooking is deeply personal, often inspired by her memories and experiences, and she views her dishes as works of art. Her commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients reflects her respect for nature and the environment, and her commitment to a fairer, more equal, world.

Atelier Crenn has won many accolades since opening, cementing its place among the globe’s elite dining establishments. The restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in 2011, just one year after opening, and quickly followed up with a second in 2012 and a third in 2018. This made Crenn the first female chef in the US to head-up a three-Michelin-star restaurant, an historic achievement. In addition to the Michelin stars, Atelier Crenn has received numerous other accolades. It has consistently ranked on prestigious lists such as The World's 50 Best Restaurants, for its innovative cuisine and unparalleled dining experience. Chef Crenn has been honored with various accolades, including a James Beard Award for Best Chef: West.

Atelier Crenn is more than a restaurant; it is a vehicle for Crenn's artistic vision, culinary genius, and social activism. The numerous awards and accolades the restaurant has received are a testament to the excellence of the Atelier team and Crenn's status as an artist-innovator in fine dining. Through Atelier Crenn, the chef invites guests into her world, offering a unique and unforgettable journey that transcends the boundaries of what a restaurant can be.

The Chef

Crenn was introduced to fine dining at a young age by her adoptive parents. Her mother was an accomplished cook who introduced her to international cuisines, while her father would bring the young Crenn to dine with him at Michelin star restaurants. While cooking was her passion, she was initially reluctant to pursue a career in the kitchen due to the male-dominated industry in France at the time. Instead, she studied economics and later a master’s in international business, before following her heart and moving to the US to pursue her dream of becoming a chef.

Crenn made history when she became the first female chef in the US to head up a three-star restaurant when Michelin awarded its highest honor to Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, where she cooks French-influenced, poetic cuisine. She also has Petit Crenn, and a wine bar, Bar Crenn, in the city.

Crenn is one of the most awarded chefs in the world, recognized in 2021 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants with the Icon Award, for her activism giving voice to the under represented. She was included in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world list in 2024. The James Beard Foundation awarded her the title of Best Chef: West in 2018.

Crenn's fame has gone stratospheric in recent years, thanks to her trailblazing activism and her culinary creativity, but also due to appearances on shows like Chef's Table and Iron Chef.

Restaurants

Crenn's restaurants are all about culinary artistry, each offering a unique and immersive dining experience. Atelier Crenn, her flagship restaurant in San Francisco, is renowned for its 'poetic cuisine', where every dish is inspired by a Crenn poem. The restaurant’s ambience is intimate and elegant, reflecting a blend of artistry and haute cuisine that has seen the restaurant win and retain three Michelin stars.

Adjacent to Atelier Crenn is Bar Crenn, a wine bar channeling the spirit of French salons. It offers a curated selection of fine wines paired with small plates, echoing the classic Parisian wine bar experience. The decor is vintage and cozy, while the focus is on sustainability and biodynamic wines.

Petit Crenn, another San Francisco restaurant, pays homage to the chef's Breton roots. This casual, bistro-style eatery offers a seafood-centric menu inspired by the flavors of Brittany. The setting is warm and inviting, with communal tables and an open kitchen that fosters a sense of community.

Each restaurant under Crenn's guidance celebrates her commitment to culinary excellence and sustainability. When you eat at one of Crenn's restaurants you become aware that she is, above all, a heavyweight artist.

Recipes and dishes

Crenn’s dishes transcend traditional culinary boundaries, creating a symphony of flavors and visual poetry on the plate.

One of her signature dishes is the Kir Breton, a tribute to her Breton roots, which features an apple cider gelée, topped with a dollop of crème de cassis-infused apple sorbet, capturing the essence of a classic French aperitif with modern finesse.

Another famous dish is her Walk in the Forest, which showcases a variety of mushrooms presented in a way that evokes the natural beauty and mystery of a forest floor. This dish often includes elements such as truffle purée, wild herbs, and a rich mushroom broth.

Crenn’s Sea Urchin and Licorice shows her ability to balance bold flavors. The briny sweetness of fresh sea urchin is paired with the unexpected note of licorice, complemented by yuzu and dashi, with complex, layered, and harmonious flavors.

Carrot Jerky showcases the chef’s expert treatment of vegetables. Thin slices of carrot are marinated and dehydrated, to become a chewy, umami-packed jerky that challenges expectations.

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