San Francisco’s food lovers are bidding farewell to a dining landmark. One Market, the elegant restaurant nestled in the city’s Financial District, is set to close permanently on June 11. Once holding a Michelin Star, this upscale eatery was a favourite for presidents, mayors, and locals. Co-owner Michael Dellar, now 80, is stepping into retirement after failing to find a new owner. With its closing, the city says goodbye to not just a restaurant, but a place full of rich memories.
A Long History of Fine Dining
One Market opened in 1993 and quickly became a hot spot for fine dining. It stood proudly on the corner of Market and Steuart streets and offered 170 seats, a top-of-the-line kitchen built for catering, and an impressive wine cellar. It cost $1.8 million to build, which would be around $4 million today. The place wasn’t just about food—it was about the experience.
The restaurant’s charm attracted big names like President Bill Clinton, President Joe Biden, and mayors such as London Breed and Daniel Lurie. It wasn’t just popular; it was prestigious.
Gaining a Michelin Star and Citywide Fame
Between 2008 and 2012, One Market earned a Michelin Star—one of the top honours in the food world. Its opening night even impressed food critics. Jim Wood of the Examiner called his meal “one of the best I ever ate in San Francisco,” especially praising the spicy shellfish risotto and shrimp cakes.
One Market became known for hosting important events, too. One of its highlights was serving the NFL during Super Bowl 50 in 2016. Over the years, it served an estimated 3 million meals.
COVID-19 Hit Hard
Everything changed in 2020. When the pandemic started, San Francisco’s Financial District emptied overnight. Like many others, One Market had to shut down temporarily. Dellar and his team pivoted and launched a pop-up concept serving pastrami sandwiches. It was even the first place in the Bay Area to offer Boichik Bagels before they expanded nationwide.
However, the shift to remote and hybrid working left the area quieter than before. Even as things improved in 2022, One Market could only operate on weekdays. “Some neighbourhoods prospered during the pandemic,” Dellar said. “The Financial District had a harder time.”
A Sale That Never Happened
Dellar hoped to find someone to carry on the restaurant’s legacy. “We tried to find the right suitor,” he told SFGATE. Though there were offers, nothing worked out. With no buyer and time moving on, Dellar decided to close the doors for good.
Memories That Will Last Forever
As the news spread, people took to social media to share stories. Some remembered it as the spot for their first big job lunch. Others shared memories of celebrations or quiet weekday meals. One person wrote, “My first job in SF was near One Market—it was where your boss took you to lunch if they liked you.”
One Market isn’t just another restaurant closing—it’s the end of an era in San Francisco dining. Known for its class, quality, and celebrity guests, it served the city proudly for over 30 years. While the building may soon be empty, the memories it created will stay alive in the hearts of many San Franciscans.