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California Fish Market Restaurant
Master Critic Review
California Fish Market Restaurant
8.1
Italian-seafood spot in North Beach known for whole-fish grills, pastas, and straightforward presentations. The menu leans fresh and simple—let the branzino, calamari, and clam-heavy linguine do the talking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole Grilled Branzino, Calamari alla Griglia, Linguine alle Vongole
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Whole-fish service and pasta-plus-seafood under one roof.
Who should go: Seafood pasta and grilled-fish seekers
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 for walk-in tables
What to order: Branzino; grilled calamari; vongole
Insider tip: Ask for deboning on whole fish—makes sharing easier.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Columbus and Green is limited after 6pm; best to use nearby public garages like North Beach Garage on Vallejo ($8–$12 evenings).
Dress code: Smart casual; button-downs or nice tops fit right in, though jeans are fine for a relaxed dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—steady dining room buzz but still fine for conversation with your table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10 minutes; reservations rarely needed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several salads, pasta pomodoro, and sides make it easy to dine meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for modifications on pasta or grilled vegetables.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available on request, and most grilled seafood can be served without breading.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want relaxed intimacy without pretension. The low lighting, attentive service, and shareable seafood make for easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes on weeknights after 8pm or for smaller parties. On weekends, call ahead or arrive before 6:30pm for the best chance at a walk-in.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—welcoming staff and flexible pasta options suit families with older kids, but it’s better for calm family dinners than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Fresh whole-fish presentations and straightforward, unfussy seafood pastas compared to more touristy Wharf spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern plating or cutting-edge seafood tasting menus—this is traditional Italian-coastal comfort, not fine dining experimentation.