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The 16 Best Seafood on the Wharf in San Francisco

Located in the heart of San Francisco, the wharf is a mecca for seafood lovers seeking fresh and delicious dishes straight from the ocean. With a vibrant atmosphere and stunning waterfront views, the wharf offers a variety of dining options for locals and tourists alike.

From casual fish and chips joints to upscale seafood restaurants, there is something for every palate and budget on the wharf. Whether you're craving oysters on the half shell, clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, or a luxurious seafood platter, you'll find it all here.

Get ready to explore the 16 best seafood spots on the wharf in San Francisco and indulge in a culinary adventure like no other.

How we chose and ordered them

To put together this guide to seafood on the wharf in San Francisco, we looked at what each business really focuses on, how its customers rate it over time and what it shows about its work on its own channels. The order is ours and we review it regularly.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3All optionsMapWhat to look for

Quick overview

Our top picks

Choose a business to go straight to its entry.

#1
Fog Harbor Fish House
4.57,120 reviews
#2
Scoma's Restaurant
4.55,701 reviews
#3
The Codmother Fish & Chips
4.52,026 reviews

All options

Weigh 16 local options side by side

Fog Harbor Fish House, San Francisco#1
What it does well

  • An awesome atmosphere right at Pier 39

  • Very friendly and helpful servers

  • A wide variety of amazing dishes such as clam chowder and seafood risotto

  • Beautiful views of Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge from tables

Fog Harbor Fish House

4.57,120 reviews
39 pier, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Fog Harbor Fish House is a renowned seafood restaurant located at Pier 39 in San Francisco. The restaurant offers a variety of services including outdoor seating, dine-in, and a cozy fireplace ambiance. Customers rave about the great desserts and the exquisite seafood dishes like clam chowder, baked oysters, calamari, fish and chips, mixed grill, and seafood risotto.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

With a high rating of 4.5 stars based on 7120 reviews, Fog Harbor Fish House is a must-visit seafood destination in San Francisco for locals and tourists alike.

Scoma's Restaurant, San Francisco#2
What it does well

  • Delicious food and reasonable prices.

  • Attentive and friendly service.

  • Great value for special menu items.

  • Stellar service from bottom to top.

Scoma's Restaurant

4.55,701 reviews
1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Scoma's Restaurant is a renowned seafood restaurant located in San Francisco. They offer a variety of services such as outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. The restaurant's highlights include a cozy fireplace, great cocktails, excellent coffee, and delicious desserts.

Customers have left glowing reviews about their experiences dining at Scoma's. Some key points from their reviews include:

One customer mentioned their delightful experience with the butternut squash risotto and jumbo prawns, while another praised the truffle Parmesan fries and raw oysters. The ambiance, food quality, and exceptional service make Scoma's Restaurant a must-visit spot in San Francisco for seafood lovers.

The Codmother Fish & Chips, San Francisco#3
What it does well

  • Delicious fish fry with crispy beer batter and tender cod

  • Generous serving sizes that are well worth the money

  • Fresh, hot, and generous portions served by friendly staff

  • Perfectly fried fish and chips with excellent tartar sauce

The Codmother Fish & Chips

4.52,026 reviews
496 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

The Codmother Fish & Chips is a renowned fish & chips restaurant located in San Francisco. Known for its identifies as women-owned status, this establishment offers a variety of service options such as outdoor seating, no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. It is a popular choice for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.

Customers have raved about their experiences at The Codmother Fish & Chips, with many positive reviews highlighting key points:

With an impressive rating of 4.5 based on 2026 reviews, The Codmother Fish & Chips continues to attract locals and tourists alike with its delectable offerings and pleasant atmosphere. Don't miss out on this gem in the heart of San Francisco!

Pier Market Seafood Restaurant, San Francisco#4
What it does well

  • Nice place for relax! The sourdough clam chowder bread bowl was delicious. The ambiance and bay views were top-notch.

  • Great food to enjoy in a great atmosphere, with quick service and incredible dishes.

  • Excellent food! Lovely views of the water with beautiful sunsets. Staff who are actually trained in service.

Pier Market Seafood Restaurant

4.47,027 reviews
39 Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Pier Market Seafood Restaurant is a beloved seafood restaurant located at Pier 39 in San Francisco. With a rating of 4.4, it is known for its fast service and great desserts. Customers rave about the delectable dishes and the stunning views of the bay. Some key points from customer reviews include:

Whether you're looking for a lunch spot, a dinner location, or a place for solo dining, Pier Market Seafood Restaurant offers a memorable experience for all diners. Visit their website to make a reservation and enjoy a taste of the sea in the heart of San Francisco.

Fisherman’s Wharf Chowder and Crab Sidewalk Stands, San Francisco#5
What it does well

  • This was such a great experience! The crab chowder was delicious at Chowder Hut! We had great service and great atmosphere and great food and drinks.

  • Nice place with a good view, very good service, meal and drinks. Recommended.

  • Great place for a quick bite on a run. Food was tasty and fresh. We just ate on a bench overlooking the pier, you can't beat that - fresh air, food, smiles. Would definitely go back.

Fisherman’s Wharf Chowder and Crab Sidewalk Stands

4.4154 reviews
200 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Fisherman’s Wharf Chowder and Crab Sidewalk Stands is a renowned seafood restaurant located in San Francisco. With a rating of 4.4, this establishment offers a variety of services to cater to its customers' needs. Some of the service options include outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in, making it convenient for everyone. One of the highlights is its fast service, ensuring that patrons are promptly served. The restaurant is popular for lunch and dinner, perfect for those seeking a delicious meal any time of day. Moreover, the atmosphere is described as casual, making it a comfortable setting for all diners.

These customer reviews reflect the quality and experience that Fisherman’s Wharf Chowder and Crab Sidewalk Stands provides to its patrons, making it a must-visit seafood restaurant in San Francisco.

Cioppino's, San Francisco#6
What it does well

  • Customers appreciate the quick and attentive service.

  • The food is delicious, especially the shrimp cocktail and Cioppino.

  • Visitors enjoy the cozy and neighborhood feel of the restaurant.

  • Overall, the experience is recommended for those who love Italian cuisine.

Cioppino's

4.35,170 reviews
400 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Cioppino's is a renowned seafood restaurant in San Francisco that offers a variety of service options such as outdoor seating, kerbside pickup, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers can enjoy a fast service, great coffee, and delicious desserts in a casual and trendy atmosphere. This restaurant is popular for both lunch and dinner, making it a great spot for solo dining or groups.

Crab House at Pier 39, San Francisco#7
What it does well

  • Amazing food with great seasoning on the crab.

  • Beautiful view of the Bay and Sea Lions.

  • Fast and efficient service with a lovely atmosphere.

  • Excellent seafood options, especially the mussels and calamari.

Crab House at Pier 39

4.33,788 reviews
203 C, Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

The Crab House at Pier 39 is a renowned seafood restaurant located in a prime spot on Pier 39 in San Francisco. Customers rave about their experience, from the delicious food to the friendly service. Here are some key points from customer reviews:

With a rating of 4.3 and over 3700 reviews, The Crab House is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts looking for a memorable dining experience by the bay.

The Stinking Rose A Garlic Fish House, San Francisco#8
What it does well

  • Customers praise the excellent food and nice big dining room, with surprisingly good prices for a touristy area.

  • Patrons enjoy the delicious clam chowder, perfectly fried fish, and delightful garlic fries.

  • Visitors appreciate the beautiful view of Alcatraz Island from the back windows and the eclectic and fun atmosphere of the restaurant.

The Stinking Rose A Garlic Fish House

4.3726 reviews
Pier 43 1/2 The Embarcadero First Floor, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

The Stinking Rose A Garlic Fish House is a renowned seafood restaurant located in San Francisco, CA. With a rating of 4.3, it has gained recognition for its exceptional service and delicious food offerings.

The Stinking Rose provides various services including outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in options. It is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, giving customers a memorable culinary experience by the bay.

Franciscan Crab Restaurant, San Francisco#9
What it does well

  • Hands down the best meal of our trip, impeccable service and delightful bay view.

  • Amazing event with mind-blowing service and delicious food.

  • Culinary delight from start to finish with expertly prepared dishes and warm ambiance.

  • Good service, great views, and tasty food, but small portions and paid parking.

Franciscan Crab Restaurant

4.24,920 reviews
Pier 43 1/2, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Franciscan Crab Restaurant is a renowned seafood restaurant located in San Francisco. They offer a variety of service options including outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers have praised the fast service and the great dessert options available at this restaurant.

Some key points from customer reviews include:

With a rating of 4.2 based on 4920 reviews, Franciscan Crab Restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Visit their website for more information and make a reservation to enjoy a memorable dining experience by the bay.

Crab Stand, San Francisco#10
What it does well

  • Clam Chowder and crab cakes were excellent

  • Food was great, as was the place!

  • Good restaurant with quick and helpful service

Crab Stand

4.227 reviews
San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Crab Stand is a beloved seafood restaurant in San Francisco known for its fast service and delicious offerings. Customers can enjoy a variety of options including cocktails, comfort food, and quick bites. The casual atmosphere is perfect for tourists and locals alike, with options for takeaway, dine-in, and a kids' menu available.

Sabella & La Torre, San Francisco#11
What it does well

  • Great seafood options on Fisherman's Wharf

  • Excellent service and friendly staff

  • Authentic and delicious seafood dishes with generous portions

  • A vintage vibe that adds charm to the dining experience

Sabella & La Torre

4.12,016 reviews
2809 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Sabella & La Torre is a renowned seafood restaurant located in San Francisco. They offer a variety of services such as takeaway, dine-in, and a quaint fast service for their patrons. Popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, this restaurant provides a memorable culinary experience.

Blue Mermaid, San Francisco#12
What it does well

  • The food is excellent and tasty, particularly the extraordinary chowder, crab cake, and louis salad.

  • The service is friendly and entertaining, though some customers had mixed experiences with the level of attentiveness.

  • The atmosphere is pleasant, but there were minor comfort issues with seating and table sizes.

  • Overall, customers appreciate the delightful food, top-notch service, and welcoming ambiance of Blue Mermaid.

Blue Mermaid

4.11,284 reviews
495 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Blue Mermaid is a renowned seafood restaurant located in the heart of San Francisco, United States. Known for its impressive service options such as outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in, it caters to a diverse range of customers. The restaurant is popular for its fast service, great cocktails, and an extensive wine list, making it a favorite spot for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.

Customers have left positive reviews praising the exceptional dining experience at Blue Mermaid.

With offerings such as alcohol, beer, cocktails, comfort food, and vegetarian options, along with amenities like a bar on site, toilets, and Wi-Fi, Blue Mermaid ensures a memorable dining experience for all visitors. Whether you are looking for a casual meal, a cozy gathering, or a trendy vibe, Blue Mermaid caters to all crowds, including families, groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, tourists, and those seeking a transgender safe space. With acceptable reservations and various payment options, including credit cards and NFC mobile payments, the restaurant maintains a customer-friendly approach.

Experience the charm of Blue Mermaid, where exquisite seafood blends with a vibrant atmosphere to create lasting dining memories.

The Crab Station at Fisherman Wharf, San Francisco#13
What it does well

  • Delicious seafood with some dishes needing a bit more seasoning.

  • Reasonable prices for fresh seafood and friendly staff.

  • Authentic street food vibes with good value for money.

The Crab Station at Fisherman Wharf

4.0328 reviews
2801 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

The Crab Station at Fisherman Wharf is a popular seafood restaurant located in San Francisco, CA. The establishment offers a variety of services such as outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in. It is known for its fast service and is a popular spot for lunch and dinner, as well as solo dining.

Customer reviews highlight some key points:

The Hook, San Francisco#14
What it does well

  • Great clam Chowder, served promptly with zero wait time.

  • Sublime fish and chips, crispy and well-seasoned, with friendly staff.

  • Affordable prices, good service, and delicious fish and chips, despite being a bit greasy.

  • Unrecommended due to overpriced, tasteless food with small portions.

The Hook

3.8537 reviews
Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

The Hook is a popular seafood restaurant located at Pier 39 in San Francisco. Offering a range of services such as outdoor seating, takeaway, dine-in, and more, this restaurant caters to all kinds of diners. Customers have highlighted the fast service and the restaurant being popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. The cozy and trendy atmosphere attracts both groups and tourists.

Some of the customer reviews summarize the experience at The Hook:

Nick's Lighthouse, San Francisco#15
What it does well

  • We ate outside and it was pretty good. The chowder in a bread bowl was awesome and highly recommended.

  • The service staff are friendly and enthusiastic, the store is very clean, and there are many seats available.

  • The Seafood and Crab ramen is spicy and flavorful, with fresh proteins like shrimp and squid.

  • The crab in some dishes may not always be fresh, affecting the overall quality of the meal.

Nick's Lighthouse

3.71,102 reviews
2815 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Nick's Lighthouse is a renowned seafood restaurant located in the heart of San Francisco. With a rating of 3.7 stars, it offers a variety of services and features that cater to its diverse clientele. Customers can enjoy outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. The restaurant is popular for both lunch and dinner, making it a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike.

Despite some mixed reviews, Nick's Lighthouse strives to provide a memorable dining experience for all its guests. Whether you're craving seafood classics or exploring new flavors, this restaurant is dedicated to serving up delicious meals in a cozy and historic atmosphere.

The Grotto, San Francisco#16
What it does well

  • Beautiful view and excellent food, great experience for tourists.

  • Phenomenal architecture and decor with a stunning view, though food and service were lacking for the price.

  • Friendly servers but slow food preparation for some dishes, good but expensive food, great ambiance.

  • Mediocre food quality in some dishes, high prices, and off-putting smell from seafood, better options nearby.

The Grotto

3.7640 reviews
2847 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

The Grotto is a charming seafood restaurant located in San Francisco, CA. The establishment offers a variety of services like outdoor seating and dine-in, making it a versatile option for customers. The restaurant is known for its fast service and warm fireplace, creating a cozy atmosphere for patrons to enjoy.

Customer reviews highlight different aspects of their experience at The Grotto:

These diverse reviews showcase the unique experiences customers have at The Grotto, praising its ambiance and scenic views while also noting aspects that could be improved.

Quick summary

A quick comparison of the options

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Fog Harbor Fish House 4.57,120
#2Scoma's Restaurant 4.55,701
#3The Codmother Fish & Chips 4.52,026
#4Pier Market Seafood Restaurant 4.47,027
#5Fisherman’s Wharf Chowder and Crab Sidewalk Stands 4.4154
#6Cioppino's 4.35,170
#7Crab House at Pier 39 4.33,788
#8The Stinking Rose A Garlic Fish House 4.3726
#9Franciscan Crab Restaurant 4.24,920
#10Crab Stand 4.227
#11Sabella & La Torre 4.12,016
#12Blue Mermaid 4.11,284
#13The Crab Station at Fisherman Wharf 4.0328
#14The Hook 3.8537
#15Nick's Lighthouse 3.71,102
#16The Grotto 3.7640

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On the map

Map of Seafood on the Wharf in San Francisco

San Francisco's wharf is renowned for its bountiful selection of seafood offerings, boasting an array of fresh catches from the surrounding waters. From succulent crab to plump oysters and everything in between, visitors can indulge in the flavors of the sea while taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant waterfront destination.

How to pick Seafood on the Wharf in San Francisco

  1. Fresh seafood sourced daily from local fishermen.
  2. Outdoor dining with panoramic views of the bay.
  3. Happy hour specials on oysters, crab, and more.
  4. Live entertainment and a lively atmosphere.

Common questions

What types of seafood can I expect to find on the wharf?

When visiting the wharf in San Francisco, you can expect to find a wide variety of fresh seafood options. These include Dungeness crab, clam chowder, oysters, shrimp, lobster, and more. Each restaurant or vendor may offer different specialties, so be sure to explore all the options before making a decision. Additionally, many establishments on the wharf offer classic seafood dishes such as fish and chips, cioppino, and seafood pasta. You'll also find seafood markets where you can purchase fresh catch to take home or enjoy later. Overall, seafood lovers will have plenty of choices to satisfy their cravings while visiting the iconic San Francisco wharf.

Are there any must-try seafood restaurants on the wharf?

There are several renowned seafood restaurants on the wharf in San Francisco that are considered must-try establishments for seafood enthusiasts. Alioto's, Fog Harbor Fish House, and Scoma's Restaurant are just a few examples of well-known seafood eateries offering delicious dishes and stunning waterfront views. These restaurants often feature fresh seafood sourced locally and prepared with expert craftsmanship. Whether you're in the mood for a fancy seafood dinner or a casual seafood lunch, you'll find a diverse selection of dining options to choose from on the wharf. Be sure to make reservations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure a table at one of these popular seafood restaurants.

How can I ensure that the seafood I'm getting is fresh and sustainable?

When dining at seafood establishments on the wharf in San Francisco, it's important to inquire about the freshness and sustainability of the seafood being served. Look for restaurants that prioritize sourcing their seafood from reputable suppliers and adhere to sustainable fishing practices. Ask your server or the staff about the origin of the seafood, how it was caught or harvested, and whether the restaurant supports sustainable seafood initiatives. You can also look for certifications such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) to ensure that the seafood meets certain environmental standards. By being proactive and asking the right questions, you can enjoy your seafood meal with the peace of mind that it was ethically sourced and environmentally friendly.

What are some other attractions to explore near the seafood wharf in San Francisco?

While visiting the seafood wharf in San Francisco, there are plenty of other attractions and activities to explore in the surrounding area. Take a leisurely stroll along Fisherman's Wharf and enjoy street performers, souvenir shops, and stunning views of the bay. You can also visit nearby attractions such as Alcatraz Island, Pier 39 with its famous sea lions, and the Ghirardelli Square for delicious chocolate treats. Don't forget to take a scenic boat cruise or hop on a cable car to experience more of what San Francisco has to offer. Whether you're interested in history, shopping, or simply enjoying the beautiful waterfront views, there's something for everyone near the seafood wharf in San Francisco.

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