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Best Seafood Restaurants in San Francisco – Top 5 Must-Try Spots
January 30, 2025
Best Seafood Restaurants in San Francisco – Top 5 Must-Try Spots
San Francisco is a seafood lover’s paradise, offering some of the freshest and most delicious seafood on the West Coast. Whether you're craving Dungeness crab, oysters, clam chowder, or grilled halibut, the city’s incredible seafood scene has something for everyone.
From historic waterfront eateries to upscale seafood restaurants, we’ve rounded up the best seafood restaurants in San Francisco that you must try on your next visit.
🔗 Looking for premium seafood to enjoy at home? Check out Global Seafoods for high-quality fresh fish and shellfish!
1. Fisherman’s Wharf – A Seafood Lover’s Landmark
📍 Location: San Francisco Waterfront
⭐ Best For: Classic seafood experience, fresh Dungeness crab, and clam chowder
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most iconic locations, home to dozens of seafood restaurants, fresh seafood markets, and waterfront dining spots. If you're visiting for the first time, this is a must-visit destination for fresh seafood and a vibrant atmosphere.
Best Restaurants in Fisherman’s Wharf:
✔️ Scoma’s – A historic, family-run seafood spot known for its Dungeness crab and seafood pasta.
✔️ The Franciscan Crab Restaurant – Famous for garlic-roasted Dungeness crab and cioppino.
✔️ Alioto’s – One of the Wharf’s oldest seafood restaurants, offering a variety of fresh fish dishes and Italian seafood specialties.
💡 Must-Try Dish: Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl – A true San Francisco classic!
🔗 Want to cook seafood at home? Explore Dungeness Crab Options .
2. Farallon – Upscale Seafood Dining with Stunning Decor
📍 Location: Union Square, San Francisco
⭐ Best For: Fine dining, fresh oysters, and seafood pasta
If you're looking for a luxurious seafood dining experience, Farallon is the place to go. The restaurant’s decor is inspired by the ocean, featuring jellyfish chandeliers, mosaic floors, and an underwater ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ Lobster Bisque – Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
✔️ Pan-Roasted Halibut – Served with seasonal vegetables and a light butter sauce.
✔️ Seafood Tower – A stunning display of fresh oysters, shrimp, lobster, and crab.
💡 Pro Tip: Make a reservation in advance—Farallon is a popular spot for date nights and special occasions.
🔗 Looking for fresh fish? Check out Halibut Selections .
3. Anchor Oyster Bar – A Cozy Seafood Favorite Since 1977
📍 Location: Castro District, San Francisco
⭐ Best For: Fresh oysters, Dungeness crab, and a laid-back seafood experience
Anchor Oyster Bar is a small, cozy seafood joint that has been serving fresh seafood for over 40 years. Known for its friendly service and delicious oysters, this spot is perfect for a casual seafood meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ Oysters on the Half Shell – Some of the freshest oysters in the city!
✔️ Garlic Butter Dungeness Crab – A customer favorite.
✔️ Anchor Steam Beer & Seafood Combo – Enjoy local beer with a platter of fresh seafood.
💡 Pro Tip: This restaurant is small and fills up quickly—arrive early or be prepared for a short wait.
🔗 Love oysters? Order fresh Oysters & Shellfish for home delivery!
4. Hog Island Oyster Co. – A Seafood Paradise with Waterfront Views
📍 Location: Ferry Building, San Francisco
⭐ Best For: Fresh oysters, seafood platters, and amazing bay views
If you’re an oyster lover, you can’t miss Hog Island Oyster Co. Located inside the Ferry Building, this spot offers some of the freshest oysters in the Bay Area, along with a stunning waterfront dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ Raw Oyster Sampler – A selection of Hog Island’s finest oysters.
✔️ Grilled Oysters with Garlic Butter – Rich, smoky, and full of flavor.
✔️ Dungeness Crab Roll – A delicious West Coast twist on the classic lobster roll.
💡 Pro Tip: Try visiting on weekdays—Hog Island gets very busy on weekends!
🔗 Want to enjoy oysters at home? Try Fresh Shellfish & Seafood .
5. Swan Oyster Depot – A Legendary Seafood Counter
📍 Location: Nob Hill, San Francisco
⭐ Best For: Classic seafood experience, fresh oysters, and sashimi-style seafood
Swan Oyster Depot is a tiny, old-school seafood counter that has been serving fresh seafood for over 100 years. If you’re looking for a true San Francisco seafood experience, this is a must-visit spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ Fresh Oysters & Clams – Served on the half shell.
✔️ Crab Louie Salad – Fresh Dungeness crab with classic Louie dressing.
✔️ Seafood Cioppino – A hearty tomato-based seafood stew.
💡 Pro Tip: Expect a wait! Swan Oyster Depot is small but worth the experience.
FAQs About Seafood Restaurants in San Francisco
1. What is the best seafood dish in San Francisco?
✔️ Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl is a San Francisco staple, found at many seafood restaurants around the city.
2. What seafood is San Francisco famous for?
✔️ Dungeness Crab, oysters, and cioppino (a seafood stew) are some of the most famous seafood dishes in the city.
3. Are these seafood restaurants expensive?
✔️ Prices vary:
- Fisherman’s Wharf & Swan Oyster Depot – More casual and affordable.
- Farallon & Ocean Prime – Upscale dining with premium pricing.
4. Do these seafood restaurants offer vegetarian options?
✔️ Yes! Many restaurants offer vegetarian sides, salads, and seafood-free dishes.
5. What is the best time to visit these seafood restaurants?
✔️ Lunch & early dinner (before 6 PM) are best, as many popular spots can have long wait times, especially on weekends.
Conclusion: San Francisco’s Seafood Scene is Unmatched
Whether you're craving fresh oysters, buttery Dungeness crab, or a seafood stew, San Francisco offers some of the best seafood restaurants in the country. From historic spots to upscale dining experiences, there’s something for every seafood lover.
Best Seafood Restaurants in San Francisco Recap:
🌊 Iconic Landmark: Fisherman’s Wharf
🍽 Fine Dining: Farallon
🦪 Fresh Oysters: Anchor Oyster Bar, Hog Island Oyster Co.
🍲 Classic Seafood Counters: Swan Oyster Depot
👉 Which seafood restaurant in San Francisco is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!