Ask a sampling of vacationers what they’re trying to eat whereas they’re in San Francisco, and eight of ten are most likely going to say “seafood.” You possibly can attempt to inform them that it is a world-class metropolis crammed with numerous cuisines, with an array of Japanese, Italian, Chinese language, Mexican, Moroccan, German and French eating places all of fantastic caliber, and plenty of of them will nonetheless find yourself at Fisherman’s Wharf scanning menus.
With that in thoughts, and for the seafood lovers who stay right here within the Bay Space however do not at all times know the right place to go for a wonderfully cooked halibut filet or a delightfully buttery Dungeness crab pasta, SFist brings you our vetted and definitive checklist of SF’s best seafood institutions.
Reading: Best seafood restaurant san francisco
Alamo Sq. Seafood GrillThis unassuming, 21-year-old neighborhood spot exudes the air of a tucked-away French bistro — and that is largely due to its proprietor Andre Larzul, previously a maitre d’ on the very French Baker Avenue Bistro within the Marina. The menu, largely unchanged in 20 years, is anchored by a choose-your-own-adventure fish entree during which diners can choose from a half dozen kinds of fish, 4 cooking strategies (grilled, sauteed, poached, or blackened), and 5 sauces (beurre blanc, inexperienced peppercorn, provencale, beurre maitre d’resort, and Bearnaise). Worth is what retains Alamo Sq. neighbors coming again to this place, with a each day prix fixe that is a mind-blowing $17.50. Head there on Mondays or Tuesdays for half-off wine offers, and on Wednesdays there’s $0 corkage in the event you order two programs. 803 Fillmore Avenue at Grove
Anchor Oyster BarThere are solely a few eating places I’d shed a tear for in the event that they ever closed, and that is certainly one of them. Anchor Oyster Bar has been a mainstay within the Castro, simply up the hill from 18th Avenue, since 1977, making it older than Zuni Cafe and proving that they are doing one thing proper. With simply round 25 seats, Anchor packs in diners each evening, all of whom are keen to attend outdoors within the chilly till their title known as off the white board. And so they come, yr after yr, for the town’s greatest cioppino, an at all times scrumptious crab Caesar salad, and nightly altering fish specials which are at all times merely ready and completely cooked.579 Castro Avenue close to nineteenth
AnglerSimply probably the most trendy new SF restaurant of the final yr, Angler is the predictably scrumptious offspring of Saison co-owners Mark Shiny and chef Joshua Skenes. And now that Skenes is not within the kitchen at Saison, followers can nonetheless discover his love for live-fire cooking and his skills for teasing out flavors and showcasing recent seafood in full impact right here. The menu options some baller choices like a $165 caviar service, however a number of the easiest dishes are one of the best, together with a grilled head of radicchio doused in a “X.O.” sauce comprised of radicchio, and an entire Petrale sole served with smoked butter. Additionally, there are top-notch cocktails, a classic spirits menu, and one of many longest and deepest wine lists within the metropolis.132 Embarcadero
AyalaFormer Bar Crudo government chef Melissa Perfit opened this Union Sq. spot in late 2018, and it is about as seafood-focused as they arrive. On the menu is a basic Louie salad with crab and shrimp, a dish of nori spaghettini with Dungeness crab, a Thai-spiced complete crimson snapper served with lobster pho broth, and a $54 chilled seafood platter that includes assorted shellfish. Union Sq. is not such a foodinista vacation spot, however this place is a shining mild amid a throng of vacationer traps. 398 Geary Avenue at Mason
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FarallonIt could really feel a bit of 90s kitsch on this 22-year-old, seafood-centric fine-dining haven (designed by native legend Pat Kuleto, full with jellyfish chandeliers), however the restaurant nonetheless seems constantly good meals for its principally touristy clientele. Followers come again right here for the grand fruits de mer towers ($240), grilled Hawaiian swordfish, and completely cooked scallops. And so they know how you can combine a drink and there is loads to select from for the seafood-averse/allergic too.450 Put up Avenue
Hook Fish Co.On the reverse finish of the vibe spectrum from Angler or Farallon is that this humble and tiny fish market/restaurant within the Outer Sundown. The inside’s wooden paneling captures the beach-y model of the neighborhood, and the temporary menu consists of fish and chips, ceviche and chips, and a fish burrito. There are additionally, clearly, fish tacos, and diners can seize recent fish to go from the market case on their approach out.4542 Irving Avenue at forty seventh Avenue
Leo’s Oyster BarThis swanky, Boca Raton-styled FiDi restaurant from the Marlowe/Park Tavern crew screams “expense account lunch,” what with its $100 seafood towers, caviar service, and Champagne checklist. Nevertheless it’s additionally only a stable alternative for a romantic date evening dinner, with a fantastic lobster roll and a few wonderful paella. Additionally, that Champagne checklist.568 Sacramento Avenue between Montgomery and Sansome
Pearl 6101Whereas not strictly a seafood restaurant, this cozy, fashionable neighborhood spot within the Outer Richmond from co-chefs Joyce ConwayandMel Lopez has a definite deal with crudos, seafood pastas, and roasted fish. In bestowing “Rising Star” honors on the pair earlier this yr, Chronicle meals editor Paolo Lucchesi wrote that Pearl 6101 has joined the “storied tradition of transcendent neighborhood restaurants,” evaluating it to Frances and Outerlands. Do not miss the superb salt cod brandade fritters, terrific cocktails, or the family-style complete roasted Mt. Lassen trout.6101 California Avenue at twenty third Avenue
Petit CrennWith a each day tasting menu priced at $105 (together with gratuity), Dominique Crenn’s four-year-old Hayes Valley ode to her Brittany homeland is among the spendier locations on this checklist. However that target the northwest coast of France means scrumptious seafood dishes paired with exhausting cider, and the inviting little restaurant is an ideal spot for dates and events of every kind. There’s usually an entire roasted fish on the menu, served family-style, but additionally search for inventive preparations of octopus, oysters, and extra. 609 Hayes Avenue
PPQ Dungeness IslandThis Outer Richmond Vienamese staple serves Dungeness crab year-round, however the one time you may discover them serving recent, really native crab is when Dungeness season kicks off within the late fall. There are set menu choices for teams, however in any other case you may select from six completely different roasted crab preparations: Peppercorn, Roasted, Drunken, Curry, and Spicy. The home-special garlic noodles are a should to go along with any crab order, as is the deep-fried soft-shell crab appetizer. 2332 Clement Avenue at twenty fifth Avenue
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R&G LoungeThe one Chinatown restaurant on this checklist, R&G Lounge is known for his or her deep-fried salt and pepper crab, however they’re additionally recognized for a scrumptious baked black cod, Maine lobster, and an array of oyster and prawn dishes as properly. It’s, undoubtedly, a must-visit place for Chinese language meals followers who additionally love seafood.631 Kearny Avenue
Scoma’sIt could be referred to as Fisherman’s Wharf, however the one restaurant on this closely touristed a part of city that we will advocate in good conscience is Scoma’s. Culinary adventurousness will not be discovered right here, however you will discover loads of basic Italian allure, with dishes like linguine with clams, Dungeness crab Thermidor, and the restaurant’s tackle Oysters Rockefeller, referred to as Oysters alla Scoma. That is additionally one of many largest revenue-generating eating places on the town, thanks partly to its location, but additionally constantly good opinions. 1965 Al Scoma Method
Sotto MareThis North Seashore stalwart resides in an area that is been an Italian restaurant for one thing like 80 years, initially referred to as Isle of Capri. At the moment beneath the possession of North Seashore natives Wealthy and Laura Azzolino, the inside partitions are coated with memorabilia and images, and the place is overflowing with informal, Outdated SF allure — plastic bibs and all. Do not miss the butter-sauced sand dabs, the seafood risotto, or their model of crab cioppino, which is served with penne on the backside of the bowl to assist make use of the thick, spicy tomato broth.552 Inexperienced Avenue
Swan Oyster DepotNo roundup of seafood spots in SF can be full with out Swan, which is well probably the most food-TV-celebrated eating places within the metropolis — thanks partly to the late Anthony Bourdain, who completely liked this place. Throughout Dungeness season, you go right here to bask in unadulterated steamed crab legs, out of their shell, served as a “chrysanthemum” on a plate (pictured above) with a facet of Louie sauce for dipping. In any other case, followers come again for afternoon indulgences of prawns, oysters, and smoked salmon, washed down with chilly beer (be aware they’re solely open for breakfast and lunch and shut at 5:30 p.m.).1517 Polk Avenue close to California
WaterbarWaterbar is the waterfront sister restaurant of Farallon, and likewise was designed with a level of aptitude by native restaurateur and restaurant designer Pat Kuleto. With unparalleled views of the Bay Bridge and Bay Lights, and a grand semi-circular bar, Waterbar screams “special occasion” and can also be an ideal place to get handled by dad and mom in from out of city — it is pricy, although, so hopefully your dad and mom are ready for that. Chef Parke Ulrich gives an array of chilled shellfish — like Farallon there is a large tiered platter for $240, but additionally smaller platter choices — and the entrees embody oak-grilled Tombo tuna, and oak-roasted swordfish.399 Embarcadero
Woodhouse Fish Co.The informal Woodhouse Fish Co. comes alive with Dungeness crab season every year, however this place might be counted on year-round for nice seafood pastas, lobster rolls, fish and chips, and Baja-style fish tacos. There are two places — one at Market and Church close to the Castro and the opposite on higher Fillmore — and each additionally provide a stable model of the SF basic cioppino as properly. 2073 Market Avenue and 1914 Fillmore Avenue
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