The Best Seafood in San Francisco
From an 1849 Gold Rush institution to a Michelin-starred wood-fire kitchen and the 1912 counter that hasn't changed its formula in a century — where to eat seafood in SF.
San Francisco's seafood tradition runs oldest to newest — Tadich Grill, opened in 1849 as the Cold Day Restaurant during the Gold Rush, is California's oldest continuously operating restaurant and still serves cioppino in its third Financial District location. The picks below range from that 19th-century institution to a Michelin-starred wood-fire room, each one scored and verified by Dim Hour.
A note on range: this list spans the classic San Francisco seafood house (Tadich Grill, Swan Oyster Depot — both James Beard America's Classics winners) to modern rooms built around a wood hearth (Angler, Michelin-starred) and raw-bar-focused spots (Bar Maritime, Sotto Mare). Reservations matter at Angler and Waterbar; the rest run walk-in with a wait at peak hours.
Angler
Joshua Skenes' Embarcadero seafood room, a Michelin-starred wood-fire kitchen built around an open hearth and a wall of taxidermy, with a view of the Bay Bridge. Wood-fired radicchio in beef fat, whole fish, and dry-aged steak. Book on Resy.
Swan Oyster Depot
An 18-seat counter on Polk Street since 1912, a James Beard America's Classics winner (2000) that hasn't changed its formula in over a century. No website, no reservations, cash only, with a line forming at 7:45am. Dungeness crab in season, raw oysters, and Crab Louie.
Tadich Grill
California's oldest continuously operating restaurant, opened in 1849 as the Cold Day Restaurant during the Gold Rush and now in its third Financial District location; a James Beard America's Classics winner (1998). The cioppino, Hangtown Fry, and mesquite-grilled petrale sole anchor the menu. Walk-in.
Bar Maritime
A seafood-focused bar on Stockton Street near Union Square, built around oysters and a raw-bar program alongside seasonal, comfort-leaning seafood plates. A convenient oyster-and-a-drink stop in the shopping district.
Sotto Mare
A North Beach seafood room built around its self-described "Best Damn Crab Cioppino in the World," with hour-long waits in season. Tin-ceiling room, no reservations — fritto misto and Dungeness crab round out the order. Walk-in.
Waterbar
A glass-walled Embarcadero pavilion with a Bay Bridge view, running a raw bar and dry-aged fish alongside a happy hour that draws the after-work Financial District crowd for dollar oysters. Book on OpenTable.
What is the best seafood restaurant in San Francisco?
What is the oldest restaurant in San Francisco?
Where can I get James Beard America's Classics seafood in San Francisco?
Is Angler in San Francisco Michelin-starred?
Which of these need a reservation?
How many restaurants does Dim Hour cover in San Francisco?
Dim Hour scores every restaurant on food, service, ambiance, and value, and verifies every listing. This guide is updated as the catalog changes. Explore all San Francisco restaurants →