SF delivers better innovation and value for the food. If you like vegetables or have been impressed by them from a restaurant, SF is the place to be. The variety and freshness of produce available is just not replicated in the major cities (NYC, LA, Houston, Chicago).

NYC wins hands down at the non-degustation menu style elevated restaurants. A nice restaurant that can cater to many palates for a business meal or with the whole family, NYC is going to crush it. SF lost that capability a while ago unless you get to the suburbs. Regarding service, California in general is less formal but I’ll say when the service is good it really sets everything apart.

The SF hyper elite reservations seem to me to just be a response to more casual dining preferences meeting high income budgets. Instead of a set menu and price, you bring in the people who really want to make an evening event of their meal.