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Angler
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Angler
8.8
Live-fire, Michelin-starred cooking turns premium beef cuts into smoky centerpieces in a waterfront room that still moves efficiently at midday. Weekday lunch service makes it viable for executive deals without sacrificing polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hearth-grilled ribeye, Dry-aged steak cut of the day, Crispy potato with sauce
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Live-fire steak program with weekday lunch on the waterfront.
Who should go: Executive lunches needing culinary gravitas
When to visit: Tue–Fri 12–1 pm for best pacing
What to order: Ribeye from the hearth; dry-aged cut; crispy potato
Insider tip: Ask for seats facing the hearth for a quieter, impressive view.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at nearby hotels and garages along the Embarcadero; street parking is limited and competitive during business hours.
Dress code: Business attire or smart casual; jackets and dresses common for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate; open-hearth ambiance adds a hum but tables are spaced enough for professional conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; typically booked weeks ahead.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait with reservation; walk-ins possible but limited.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — seasonal vegetable preparations and composed sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of vegetable dishes can be adapted, but not a focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes — steaks and many sides are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the live-fire cooking and waterfront setting create an impressive, memorable backdrop, though it leans more formal than casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at lunch on weekdays, especially earlier in the week; for dinners and prime tables, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the refined atmosphere and menu are better suited to adults; older teens may enjoy it, but it’s not geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: Angler stands out for its Michelin-level live-fire technique and dramatic dining room that doubles as a stage for business or celebration.
Skip if: Skip if you need a casual, budget-friendly lunch or a kid-friendly environment — other Embarcadero spots may be better fits.
Angler
8.9
Live-fire, Michelin-starred dining where hearth-grilled steaks share the stage with pristine seafood. A moody, view-lined room makes it a splurge-worthy date night built around smoke, embers, and precision.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hearth-grilled ribeye, Dry-aged steak cut of the day, Radicchio with XO dressing
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Live-fire cooking that turns top beef cuts into smoky showpieces.
Who should go: Steak lovers chasing Michelin-level technique
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8 pm; book ahead
What to order: Ribeye from the hearth; dry-aged cut; potato preparation
Insider tip: Sit facing the open hearth to watch the grilling show.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at the Embarcadero building; limited metered street parking nearby after 6 pm, fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—blazers, dresses, or polished jeans with button-downs; most guests lean dressy.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—buzz from the open hearth and dining room, but still possible to converse across a two-top.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation; prime slots book weeks in advance.
Weekday lunch: Rarely a wait; midday service is smoother.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward plates and sides like ember-roasted carrots and hearth potatoes.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 seasonal vegetable dishes, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many items naturally gluten-free; staff can guide and adjust preparations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, harbor views, and Michelin polish make it a memorable backdrop for a first impression, though the splurge pricing leans more toward serious dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky—there’s a small bar area for walk-ins, but peak dinner slots are almost always reserved ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—menu and atmosphere cater to adults, and there are no kid’s portions or amenities. Best for couples or groups without children.
Best For
Better for: Angler excels at live-fire technique, high-end steak, and dramatic seafood sides in a polished, view-driven setting.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet, budget-friendly steakhouse experience—noise, pricing, and formality won’t suit casual family meals.
Angler
8.7
Wood-fire restaurant from Joshua Skenes where the hearth drives everything, including a formidable ribeye. Moody room, meticulous sourcing, and Michelin-level execution make steaks here feel elemental.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ribeye over embers (for two), Beef tartare, Hearth potatoes
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Live-fire cookery that coaxes deep flavor from premium beef.
Who should go: Steak lovers chasing wood-fire nuance
When to visit: Early evening to snag hearth-adjacent seats
What to order: Ribeye for two, beef tartare, soft-serve sundae
Insider tip: Request the view side; the Bay lights elevate the experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available for around $15; nearby garages on Howard & Spear; street parking is limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale; jackets or dresses fit in but nice jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate — hearth crackle and background music present, but conversation with your table is comfortable.
Weekend wait: Reservations essential; without one expect 60–90 min wait at best.
Weekday lunch: Not typically open for lunch; early dinner seating is easier midweek.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several fire-cooked vegetable plates and sides are substantial.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 vegetable-focused items can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff notes cross-contact awareness.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the moody lighting, Bay views, and impressive hearth cooking create a dramatic setting perfect for a romantic first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally at the bar or very early evening, but prime tables are reserved days in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — it’s designed for adults; no kids’ menu and ambience skews sophisticated. Better for older teens than young children.
Best For
Better for: Better for high-end date nights or special occasions where live-fire cooking and Michelin-level execution matter.
Skip if: Skip if you want a casual steakhouse experience, large group value dining, or straightforward cuts without the fine-dining context.
Angler
8.7
Saison’s live-fire offshoot focuses on seafood cooked over embers with exacting sourcing. The Embarcadero dining room and raw bar make it a power pick for high-end lunches and date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Embered oysters, Spot prawns on the coals, Whole grilled rockfish
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Live-fire seafood and raw bar with a waterfront setting.
Who should go: Seafood lovers and power lunch diners
When to visit: Book early for prime Bay Bridge views
What to order: Embered oysters, spot prawns, whole fish
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu whole-fish sizes for the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is offered evenings (~$15). Limited metered street parking on the Embarcadero; nearby garages fill quickly during events.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—button-downs, dresses, or polished attire recommended. Jeans acceptable if paired with dress shoes/jacket.
Noise level: Moderate buzz, especially at dinner; quiet enough for conversation but lively around the raw bar.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; prime seats require advance booking.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 5–10 minutes; bar seating often open.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but thoughtful vegetable sides and salads available; not a full menu focus.
Vegan options: Very limited—1–2 sides can be adapted; best to call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes are naturally gluten-free (seafood, raw bar, grilled items); staff is trained on cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The waterfront setting, live-fire cooking, and polished service make it romantic without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at lunch or off-peak times; dinner strongly recommended to reserve, though bar seats can be available last minute.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—focused menu, upscale ambiance, and limited kid-specific options. Teens or older kids may enjoy the raw bar.
Best For
Better for: Best for seafood purists and those wanting live-fire flavor in a luxury yet modern setting. Stronger wine list and raw bar than most competitors.
Skip if: Skip if you want a casual, budget-friendly seafood boil or large group-friendly portions; better suited for dates, client meals, or refined experiences.