Seafood Restaurants

Koh Samui and the Monkey

Address: 415 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA 94017
Koh Samui and the Monkey
$$
If the name itself isn't enough to lure one into the doors of Koh Samui and the Monkey, perhaps the promise of authentic Thai decor hand-picked by owner/operator Aom Foley will justify a look. Foley and her husband Chris have carefully crafted the inside to reflect the beauty of Thailand, where they first met while scuba diving in Koh Samui. Tongue-tickling selections on this menu include food inspired by Bangkok street vendors such as the fried sweet corn patties, or spicy curries prepared in unique ways, like the Pumpkin Curry Chicken in Red Curry sauce served in a pumpkin and …

Pesce

Address: 2227 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Pesce
$$
Revel in an eating scene that encourages patrons to try new tastes and strengthen bonds by sharing plates, at Pesce. This Venetian cuisine-inspired restaurant relies on the freshest ingredients and high quality fish and meat to serve the equivalent of Spanish tapas with a varied Cicchetti menu of hot and cold dishes. These miniature entrees may be petite, but their flavor is anything but timid. The cold Cicchetti selection offers such delicacies as the Alici Bruschette (white anchovies, olives, and roasted peppers), while the hot menu hoasts the Tortino (a saffron risotto cake with Dungeness crab meat).

Bistro Boudin

Address: 160 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
Bistro Boudin
$$
It may have all began with the bread, but now it’s about so much more. Bistro Boudin is located on the upper level of Boudin at the Warf, serving up heaping helpings of bay-front views with every loaf of sourdough they turn out. Bistro Boudin continues to honor its roots by featuring its famous sourdough prominently on the menu, while representing San Francisco’s rich heritage with classic seafood specialties and more contemporary takes on old recipes. To complement the menu and region, Bistro Boudin also presents guests with a wine list saturated in the area’s award-winning varietals. Whether you’re enjoying …

La Ciccia

Address: 291 30th Street, San Francisco, CA 94131
La Ciccia
$$$
Taste another side of Italy at La Ciccia, where the flavors of the island of Sardinia take center stage. Husband and wife team, Massimiliano Conti and Lorella Degan, introduce patrons to the tastes of their home land, and retain authentic cooking styles and ingredients. The Fregua cun Cozzasa e Zaffaranu is a fregula with mussels in a tomato sauce with San Gavino saffron, and the Pezza de Angioni cun Tuvara is a seared lamb tenderloin with mushrooms. Over a quarter of the Italian-centric wine list is devoted exclusively to Sardinia labels, and the earthy tones of the drink selections only …

Chiaroscuro Ristorante

Address: 550 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Chiaroscuro Ristorante
$$$
Classic Roman Italian cuisine is balanced against the modern and sleek setting of Chiaroscuro Ristorante’s dining space, and reflects an artistic appreciation for contrasting visual elements that bring life to otherwise two-dimensional spaces. Chef Alessandro Campitelli ensures that his dishes are anything but flat by combining flavorful and fresh ingredients to compose specialties like the Tagliolini All’Amatriciana, homemade pasta mixed with caramelized onions, imported guanciale tomatoes, and romano cheese, and the Abbacchio Alla Griglia, grilled Australian lamb served with a polenta soufflé topped with a baked egg and gorgonzola cheese.

E'Tutto Qua

Address: 270 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
E'Tutto Qua
$$$
While traditional, classic, Italian cuisine has been a hit with diners all over the world for centuries, the owners and chefs at È Tutto Qua strive to infuse cutting edge recipes and techniques from Rome into their menu. Located in the heart of North Beach, È Tutto Qua does an excellent job keeping up with the latest trends in Italy, but the focus is always on quality ingredients and superb service. Meats and fish arrive fresh daily, pasta is made in-house from scratch, and many ingredients aren't added to your dish until right before it heads to your table. Knowing …

Chouquet's

Address: 2500 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Chouquet's
$$
No matter that Chouquet’s was not intended to be the next big thing; it took off just the same. Chef Laurent Guillaume’s ability to meld old and new flavors into delightful light dishes; the service staff’s attentive and unpretentious care; and the stylish dining space meant to compliment, not distract from, the food, all converged to give Chouquet’s the attention it deserves. Brunch is offered on the weekends in place of the weekday lunch menu, and dinner is served nightly – the Effigham Oysters are seductive mignonette mint and shallots; and the Rigatoni with truffles, chanterelles, and foie gras is …

Fish and Farm

Address: 339 Taylor Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Fish and Farm
$$
Fish and Farm is a chic restaurant committed to the principles of the sustainability movement. The restaurant is dedicated to pleasing your palate with all-natural and organic, local ingredients and to composing fantastic interpretations of old favorites that have a distinctive freshness to them. By dubbing their work “New American Seafood and Artisan Meats,” the owners of Fish and Farm have attracted curious food connoisseurs from all walks of life. The energy and service at this devoted eatery is as zestful as its clientele. With all this in mind, Fish and Farm remains a must for locals and visitors alike.

Zingari Ristorante

Address: 501 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Zingari Ristorante
$$
Zingari means Gypsy in Italian, and translates well into the charming and relaxing atmosphere this Northern Italian-inspired eatery offers. Nestled in the heart of the Theatre District, Zingari encourages diners to eat, drink, unwind, and enjoy. A twice-daily happy hour and live jazz five nights a week are reason enough to visit, but the heartfelt menu keeps patrons coming back. Nightly dishes include the Fritto Misto (Crispy fried calamari), the Linguine Con Vongole (with manila clams), and the Ossobuco Di Cinghiale (slow braised wild boar). All wines are offered by the glass, and the cocktail menu balances old-Faithfull’s with new …

Bar Crudo

Address: 655 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
Bar Crudo
$$$ Special Offer
In its new space on Divisadero at Grove, Bar Crudo is a bustling restaurant reminiscent of a hip loft. The focus of the sparse and well-chosen menu is raw fish infused with creative sauces and garnishes with not a grain of sushi rice in sight. There are a few well-executed cooked fish and seafood dishes as well. If you hunger for thick steaks and mounds of buttered carbohydrates, Bar Crudo is not for you. If your dreams, however, are of Butterfish accented with Meyer lemon tapenade or Arctic Char with a drop of horse radish cream, don’t let its overwhelming …

Butterfly

Address: Pier 33 -The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
Butterfly
$$$
Located on Pier 33, Butterfly hosts a view of San Francisco Bay that simply can’t be beat. With spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows, an open kitchen where Owner/Chef Robert Lam concocts his creations, and a large and airy dining room, there is no lack of visual stimulation here. The trendy, modern décor is perhaps most complimented by the vibrant art-work that adorns the walls and ceilings, all of which have been amassed from local artists. The Cal-Asian cuisine is nothing to scoff at either. The flavorful dishes reflect Chef Lam’s culinary background as well as his Vietnamese heritage.

Sutro's at the Cliff House

Address: 1090 Point Lobos, San Francisco, CA 94121
Sutro's at the Cliff House
$$$
Chef George Morrone, best known for his tour-de-force career at Aqua, is now cooking up a new form of success at Sutro’s. Located at the historic Cliff House overlooking Ocean Beach, the setting incorporates breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with venturesome surroundings where you can partake in a multitude of activities like hiking the spectacular Lands End trails, exploring the Sutro Bath vestiges or taking a stroll along the beach. The menu, which integrates seasonal farm-fresh ingredients and the finest seafood, also boasts an award-winning wine list and a rousing presentation.

Waterbar Restaurant

Address: 399 The Embarcadero South, San Francisco, CA 94105
Waterbar Restaurant
$$$
With a breathtaking view, floor-to-ceiling circular aquariums featuring an impressive array of marine life from the Pacific Ocean, an extravagant cascading raw bar, a hand-blown glass “caviar” chandelier, and a lively open kitchen, Waterbar is not merely a restaurant, it is an experience. Located on San Francisco’s scenic Embarcadero, Waterbar offers fresh, seasonal and sustainable whole fish and crustaceans served roasted, grilled, boiled or chilled. Owner and Executive Chef Mark Franz and restaurateur Pat Kuleto, both well-known for their highly successful restaurant Farallon, have created another masterpiece in design while remaining true to the natural essence of the sea.

Epic Roasthouse

Address: 369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
Epic Roasthouse
$$$
Visually stunning with its sweeping bay views, a dramatic fireplace, custom-built wood fired grill, and striking columns, Epic Roasthouse is a testimonial to Pat Kuleto’s successful career as a designer. Located in the Embarcadero, this gourmet steakhouse makes its home directly next to the Bay Bridge, providing a view and ambiance like no other. Chef Jan Birnbaum graces the menu with house-cured meats, steaks, chops, and seafood, all prepared with the finest quality ingredients at your specifications. For those merely looking to enjoy the fantastic décor and location, enjoy a tantalizing cocktail or savory bar bite at the bustling bar.

La Mar

Address: Pier 1.5 Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
La Mar
$$$
La Mar cebicheria peruana gains its inspiration from the thousands of cebicherias that can be discovered throughout Peru. This restaurant, located at Pier 1.5 on The Embarcadero, manages to preserve the proud traditions of Peru while still sharing the nation’s cuisine with San Francisco. Authenticity is of the utmost importance to Chef Gaston Acurio. This immensely popular chef encourages his guests to discover and enjoy the many pleasures of Peruvian fare. La Mar offers 7 different cebiches, tiraditos, causas, empanadas peruanas y fritos, anticuchos and several Peruvian classic entrees. This 11,000 square foot restaurant also specializes in the spirit pisco …

Anchor and Hope

Address: 83 Minna Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Anchor and Hope
$$
Anchor and Hope isn't directly on the water, but its nautical atmosphere full of dock ropes, fishnets, and tribal fish wall paintings will make patrons feel like they are right on the wharf. Located in a renovated General Motors warehouse, this restaurant teems with sea life, both on the walls and in the kitchen. Watch the chefs work their magic from behind the counter just a few feet away from one of the many dining rows. Offering a range of both fish and regular meat, you can devour the freshest food that comes right out of San Francisco itself.

Yield Wine Bar

Address: 2490 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Yield Wine Bar
$$ New
Infused with the flavors and colors of the seasons, San Francisco’s Yield Wine Bar invites guests to come in and try something new. They believe in providing high quality dishes and wines that won’t break the bank. Yield’s cuisine is a contemporary American and Thai fusion. The menu is full of unique combinations and flavors sure to entice any palate and Yield’s knowledgeable staff is more than happy to recommend dishes and wine pairings. The ambiance is tranquil and romantic with a hint of excitement and complete with a chic decor. Yield is a great place to swing by for …

Scoma's Restaurant

Address: Pier 47, Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133
Scoma's Restaurant
$$$
Scoma’s Restaurant is a San Francisco institution and a Fisherman’s Wharf landmark. Serving up a bountiful menu of seafood since 1965, this family-owned and operated restaurant has come a long way from its days as a six-stool coffee shop. Now, visitors savor a boatload selection of fresh fare like their Clams on a Half Shell, Lobster Ravioli, and French Fried Scallops. And if you’re in the mood for meat, they can satisfy that craving with one of their naturally raised beef cuts. Come for lunch or dinner, and satisfy that craving for great seafood today.

Benu

Address: 22 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Benu
$$$$
A relaxing blend of neutral colors adorns the interior of Benu, a classy restaurant located in the SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco. An extensive wine list is hand selected, and provides an ideal complement to the different menus available. Although both menus are subject to change with the availability of fresh ingredients, the Tasting Menu features unique dishes such as Thousand-Year-Old Quail Egg and “Shark’s Fin” Soup. The A La Carte dinner menu offers diners the option of building their own meal, with entrée categories such as Fish and Shellfish and Pasta and Rice. Carnivores and vegetarians alike can find …

Marlowe

Address: 330 Townsend Street, Suite 101, San Francisco, CA 94107
Marlowe
$$$
Morlowe is a market driven neighborhood bistro, offering favorite entrees with a unique and flavorful twist. Head Chef Jennifer Puccio creates a mix of snacks, appetizers, and main dishes with the kinds of ingredients she loves to eat like Anson Mills Polenta and Seared Hawaiian Tombo Tuna. Marlowe also has a strong assemble of wines that spotlight lesser-known wineries and regions. The lineup is a selection of 10 reds and 10 whites by the glass and over 60 bottles to pick. Morlowe offers guest great bistro entrees that could be paired with one of their unique wines in a amazing …