3rd Cousin

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3rd Cousin, San Francisco: Californian Tasting Menus in Bernal Heights

3rd Cousin is a Californian restaurant at 919 Cortland Ave. in San Francisco's Bernal Heights, named Michelin Recommended in 2026. Chef and owner Greg Lutes has run the kitchen since 2015.

The kitchen

Lutes takes a globally inspired approach to California cuisine, pairing local, organic and seasonal produce with less expected ingredients. The Japanese thread is easy to spot on the menu, from yuzu and A5 Miyazaki beef to uni. The restaurant says no two dinners are the same, so the menu shifts with the season.

Dishes to know

The dish people return for is the Uni Crème Brûlée, a savory take on the dessert served as a bite on crostini with reserve caviar, trout roe and yuzu tobiko. The eight-course tasting menu also lists halibut crudo with yuzu buttermilk and daikon kimchi. Handmade porcini and black truffle agnolotti and south Texas venison with huckleberry and olive appear there too. A five-course menu and a vegan tasting are also offered.

Wine

Wine Spectator gave 3rd Cousin its Award of Excellence in 2024. Caitlin Esquivel, a Level 2 sommelier, is part of the team. Guests can choose a traditional pairing or the more extravagant YOLO pairing alongside the tasting menus.