Seafood is best when it’s fresh, vibrant, and accented with the natural flavors of the sea. Given its coastal location, San Francisco takes its seafood seriously. There are numerous places in the city claiming to have the freshest, tastiest fish, lobster, shrimp, crab, and scallops on the West Coast. Here are 10 seafood restaurants in San Francisco we think live up to the hype.
- Hog Island Oyster Company
Winnie L/Yelp
Richard R/Yelp This is the place to go for fresh oysters and clam chowder, all in a stunning setting. Choose from a wide variety of oysters from Hog Island’s own Tomales Bay farm. Enjoy them in the indoor-outdoor Ferry Building seating area, while taking in a view of the Bay Bridge.
- Sotto Mare Oysteria & Seafood
River W/Yelp
Tim A/Yelp This charming, nautical-themed San Francisco institution serves up big portions of Italian-style seafood & pasta. Try the bacon chowder and go for the $1.50 oyster specials on Mondays and Saturdays. Worth the wait!
- Farallon
Neekoh.fi/Flickr
Rodney H/Yelp Enjoy fresh fish, oysters, and even caviar underneath jellyfish chandeliers in the underwater world of this Union Square favorite. Chef Mark Franz serves coastal cuisine with a French influence, and the menu changes daily, meaning you’ll always get the freshest seafood.
- Pacific Catch
Derek N/Yelp
Mrs G/Yelp Pacific Catch is a cool, contemporary fish house that combines fine-dining dishes with a casual, California ambiance. Fun fact: this location was highlighted on the very first iPhone commercial, titled “Craving Calamari,” back in 2007.
- Waterbar
Manda Bear B/Yelp
Janice C/Yelp Boasting beautiful decor and views, this upscale Embarcadero bar and restaurant is a local seafood favorite for a reason. Take in a bay view while enjoying oysters, squid, and other fresh catch.
- Swan’s Oyster Depot
Swan Oyster Depot
Karen Neoh/Flickr If you’re willing to wait for some of the best seafood in Fog City, then come on down to Polk Street. Don’t expect a fancy dining experience at the tiny Swan’s Oyster Depot—you go here for their longstanding and revered seafood reputation and quality.
- Tadich Grill
Lin L/Yelp
Jamie B/Yelp Tadich Grill has been serving seafood in San Francisco since 1849. The restaurant is a little old-fashioned, with its private wooden booths and sharply dressed waiters, many of whom are long-time fixtures. Menu favorites includes the hearty cioppino and juicy grilled swordfish steak.
- Scoma’s at Fisherman’s Wharf
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Andrea R/Yelp This iconic seafood restaurant in San Francisco’s tourist center serves seafood fresh off the boats—literally. You’ll see local fishermen right at work on the pier as you enjoy the fruits of their labor.
- Pluof Seafood Restaurant
Andrew D/Yelp
Frances T/Yelp This stylish French seafood bistro is located on the animated Belden Alley in the Financial District. Plouf specializes in mussels, salads, and numerous seafood dishes. An added bonus is the European-style outdoor seating.
- Bar Crudo
Tay T/Yelp
Miika M/Yelp Located near Alamo Square, Bar Crudo is a hip modern raw bar serving fresh oysters and showcasing unique ways of presenting raw fish dishes. Don’t forgot to enjoy the extensive beer list, too!
Where’s your favorite seafood restaurant in San Francisco?
Winnie L/Yelp
Richard R/Yelp
This is the place to go for fresh oysters and clam chowder, all in a stunning setting. Choose from a wide variety of oysters from Hog Island’s own Tomales Bay farm. Enjoy them in the indoor-outdoor Ferry Building seating area, while taking in a view of the Bay Bridge.
River W/Yelp
Tim A/Yelp
This charming, nautical-themed San Francisco institution serves up big portions of Italian-style seafood & pasta. Try the bacon chowder and go for the $1.50 oyster specials on Mondays and Saturdays. Worth the wait!
Neekoh.fi/Flickr
Rodney H/Yelp
Enjoy fresh fish, oysters, and even caviar underneath jellyfish chandeliers in the underwater world of this Union Square favorite. Chef Mark Franz serves coastal cuisine with a French influence, and the menu changes daily, meaning you’ll always get the freshest seafood.
Derek N/Yelp
Mrs G/Yelp
Pacific Catch is a cool, contemporary fish house that combines fine-dining dishes with a casual, California ambiance. Fun fact: this location was highlighted on the very first iPhone commercial, titled “Craving Calamari,” back in 2007.
Manda Bear B/Yelp
Janice C/Yelp
Boasting beautiful decor and views, this upscale Embarcadero bar and restaurant is a local seafood favorite for a reason. Take in a bay view while enjoying oysters, squid, and other fresh catch.
Swan Oyster Depot
Karen Neoh/Flickr
If you’re willing to wait for some of the best seafood in Fog City, then come on down to Polk Street. Don’t expect a fancy dining experience at the tiny Swan’s Oyster Depot—you go here for their longstanding and revered seafood reputation and quality.
Lin L/Yelp
Jamie B/Yelp
Tadich Grill has been serving seafood in San Francisco since 1849. The restaurant is a little old-fashioned, with its private wooden booths and sharply dressed waiters, many of whom are long-time fixtures. Menu favorites includes the hearty cioppino and juicy grilled swordfish steak.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Andrea R/Yelp
This iconic seafood restaurant in San Francisco’s tourist center serves seafood fresh off the boats—literally. You’ll see local fishermen right at work on the pier as you enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Andrew D/Yelp
Frances T/Yelp
This stylish French seafood bistro is located on the animated Belden Alley in the Financial District. Plouf specializes in mussels, salads, and numerous seafood dishes. An added bonus is the European-style outdoor seating.
Tay T/Yelp
Miika M/Yelp
Located near Alamo Square, Bar Crudo is a hip modern raw bar serving fresh oysters and showcasing unique ways of presenting raw fish dishes. Don’t forgot to enjoy the extensive beer list, too!
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