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San Francisco Seafood Restaurants You Should Check Out

Do you love quality seafood? Then, why not treat yourself to San Francisco’s best Dungeness crab and oysters after spending the day at Golden Gate Park or the San Francisco Zoo?

seafood platter at san francisco seafood restaurant

You can find plenty of succulent options throughout The City by the Bay. Don’t know where to find the best places to enjoy the city’s finest dishes with your friends?

Then, check out my list of the best seafood restaurants in San Francisco to simplify your search during your stay in the city.


Anchor Oyster Bar

579 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: 415-431-3990
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The first option that I recommend on this list of the best seafood restaurants in San Francisco is Anchor Oyster Bar, located in The Castro neighborhood.

This casual, nautical-themed eatery offers families plenty of tasty shellfish dishes bursting with flavor. They offer outdoor seating.

I enjoyed their crab cake and cracked Dungeness crab with a small bowl of Boston clam chowder. They also offer Caesar Salad topped with shrimp, prawns, or crabmeat if you prefer something greener.


Scoma’s Restaurant

1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-771-4383
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Scoma’s Restaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants in San Francisco near Fisherman’s Wharf for casual diners.

To ensure quality flavors on their menu, they source the ingredients for their pier-to-plate dishes from local fishermen. Their private Gannon Room offers a scenic view of Fisherman’s Wharf.

After starting with their Oysters Alla Scoma or Dungeness Crab Cocktail, try their Petrale Doré, Wild Black Cod, or Pasta Puttanesca. They taste great with their house cocktails and wine on tap.


Sotto Mare

552 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-398-3181
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Nestled within the North Beach neighborhood, Sotto Mare offers the best Italian-style seafood near Washington Square.

This laid-back, family-operated restaurant is a great place to relax after a day of traversing the city or a long work week.

I recommend trying their Lobster Ravioli, Grilled Sand Dabs, Fettuccine with Bay Scallops, or Crab Cioppino with white wine or iced tea.

Each dish comes with a side of seasonal vegetables. If you’re extra hungry, consider starting with their East or West Coast Oyster Shooter.


Waterbar Restaurant

399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415-284-9922
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Waterbar Restaurant is an upscale seafood eatery near Rincon Park. It has a stylish atmosphere, an outdoor patio, and a panoramic waterfront view of San Francisco’s skyline and the Oakland Bay Bridge.

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During my last trip to San Francisco, I started with their Carrot Soup and ordered their Oven-Roasted Swordfish with a Botanical Buzz cocktail and a side of fries.

Try their Pineapple Upside-Down Cake or Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake if you’re interested in dessert.


Woodhouse Fish Co.

Multiple locations
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You can find Woodhouse Fish Co. near the Japantown and Duboce Triangle neighborhoods. This stylish, nautical-themed restaurant serves New-England style seafood for anyone passing through the area.

I love starting with their New England Clam Chowder served in a bread bowl. Then, I usually order their Lobster Roll Sandwich, Squid Ink Linguine, Dungeness Crab Cake, or Baja-style Fish Tacos with a side of garlic bread or onion rings. Don’t forget to try their dark chocolate mousse for dessert.


Hog Island Oyster Co.

Ferry Building, One, #11, San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 415-391-7117
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Located inside Ferry Building, Hog Island Oyster Co. is your best option for enjoying sustainable oysters, mussels, and shellfish sourced from Tomales Bay.

It has a stylish, contemporary ambiance and a great waterfront view of the bay. Their menu offers several rotating daily specials.

My favorite dishes are their Rustic Seafood Stew, Oyster Po’Boy Sandwich, Beer-Battered Shrimp & Chips, and Clam Chowder. Don’t forget to enjoy these dishes with house-made pickled vegetables or fried oysters as a side dish.


Swan Oyster Depot

1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-673-1101
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Less than half a mile east of Lafayette Park stands Swan Oyster Depot, a bustling yet casual seafood spot south of the Polk Gulch neighborhood.

Their raw bar offers plenty of specialties if you’re interested in a quick bite. In my opinion, their best dishes are Shrimp Salad, Smoked Trout, Maine Lobster, and Smoked Salmon.

Try their Sicilian-style Sashimi or Prawn Louie Salad if you’re stopping by for lunch. Don’t forget to browse their extensive wine list.


Angler

132 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415-872-9442
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Angler is another one of the best waterfront seafood restaurants in San Francisco that you don’t want to miss out on because of its scenic view, extensive wine cellar, and upscale atmosphere.

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Chef Joshua Skenes prepares this restaurant’s sustainable dishes on a wood-burning hearth to ensure bold, slow-cooked flavors.

During my last few visits to San Francisco, I enjoyed their Grilled Hand-Dived Scallops, Dry-Aged American Wagyu Strip, and Wild Swordfish Steak. I also recommend their Grilled Monterey Bay Abalone.


Fog Harbor Fish House

39 pier, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-969-2010
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If you’re looking for quality seafood near Fisherman’s Wharf, book your next reservation at Fog Harbor Fish House.

This waterfront restaurant has a lovely view of the Golden Gate Bridge and a sustainable menu prepared by Executive Chef Adolfo Soto.

I prefer their Seared Scallop & Crab Risotto, Garlic-Roasted Whole Dungeness Crab, or Salmon BLT with a Perfect Blood Orange Margarita. They host a happy hour at their bar every weekday from 3 PM to 5 PM.


Hook Fish Co

4542 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: 415-569-4984
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After spending your day at Ocean Beach, one of the best seafood restaurants in San Francisco you should consider visiting is Hook Fish Co.

It has a casual, laid-back vibe that’s ideal for beachgoers to find something fresh and quick to indulge in.

They serve Fish & Chips, Blackened Fish Sandwiches, Grilled Fish Tacos, and Smoked Trout Salad that taste great with red or white wine. Don’t forget to ask their server about their daily oyster specials.


La Mar Cebicheria Peruana

PIER 1 1/2 The Embarcadero N, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415-397-8880
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Don’t know where to find quality Peruvian seafood near San Francisco Bay? Then, consider stopping by La Mar Cebicheria Peruana with your friends.

Its green and blue decor give the space a stylish touch. In addition, they have outdoor seating near the pier.

Their Beef Empanadas, Churrasco de Pescado, Tiradito Nikkei, and Arroz Norteño offer bold flavors if you’re looking for zesty seafood options. Be sure to enhance your meal with their Pisco Sour cocktail.


Alamo Square Seafood Grill

803 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: 415-440-2828
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Alamo Square Seafood Grill is an excellent dining option if you prefer a tranquil setting when dining alone or with others.

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Its dim lighting makes the space more intimate as you sample their white, red, or sparkling wine options at the bar.

Alamo Square Seafood Grill’s culinary team prepares their seafood dishes to order and lets you choose their sauces.

I recommend ordering their Poached Rainbow Trout, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Blackened Mahi-Mahi, or Lump Crab Cake.


La Ciccia

291 30th St, San Francisco, CA 94131
Phone: 415-550-8114
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Located near the edge of the Noe Valley neighborhood, La Ciccia is an excellent seafood destination offering authentic Sardinian fare.

It has a laid-back, rustic yet intimate ambiance ideal for date nights. They also have over 170 Italian wine options.

They serve the best Pasta Cruzza cun Arrizonis, Gamberoisi Arrustiusu, and Cicciones de Patata cun Cordobinu in the neighborhood.

However, their menu is subject to change, depending on ingredient availability. Don’t miss out on their Chocolate Panna Cotta for dessert.


Pacific Catch

Multiple locations
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With locations in the Marina and Inner Sunset neighborhoods, Pacific Catch stands as one of the city’s finest seafood restaurants with a relaxed, informal vibe.

This eatery incorporates Pacific Rim flavors and sustainable ingredients into its dishes. They have a heated outdoor patio if you prefer open-air dining. Additionally, they offer off-site catering with customizable menus.

If you’re interested in trying something different, order their Spicy Yellowtail Ceviche, Viet Hot Fish Burger, or Serrano Ahi Poke. They also offer a gluten-free menu.


PPQ Dungeness Island – San Francisco

2332 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415-386-8266
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Last but not least on this list of the best seafood restaurants in San Francisco is PPQ Dungeness Island – San Francisco.

This spacious, contemporary eatery offers fresh, made-to-order Dungeness crab dishes for all to enjoy. They also serve amazing Vietnamese cuisine.

Consider ordering their Curry Dungeness Crab, Steamed Sea Bass, Tiger Prawns, or Shrimp Fried Rice.

Don’t forget to ask your server about their best wine or sake pairings for each dish. After that, finish with their Macapuno Ice Cream.


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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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