0 Followers
Waterbar
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Waterbar
8.6
Seafood-centric American dining on the water with one of the city’s best oyster programs. The menu tracks local, sustainable catch with polished cocktails and a buzzy dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Daily oyster selection, Seafood tower, Miso-broiled fish
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Panoramic Bay Bridge views alongside a deep oyster list.
Who should go: Seafood lovers and out-of-town guests
When to visit: Weekday sunset for views without peak crowds
What to order: Oysters; seafood tower; seasonal whole fish
Insider tip: Check the daily oyster board—prices and farms rotate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available in the evenings (~$15); metered street parking nearby but scarce after 6pm; closest garages are across the Embarcadero near Ferry Building.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—collared shirts and dresses fit the vibe; jeans acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation possible at two-tops, but bar and peak patio hours get buzzy.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10–15 minutes, especially outdoors.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, pasta, and seasonal vegetable entrées are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable dishes; check with server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—GF bread upon request and most seafood preparations can be made gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic Bay Bridge views, oysters, and a polished setting make it ideal for an impressive first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky—walk-ins may wait up to an hour at peak; bar and patio seats are your best bet without booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—high chairs available and kids' portions possible, but atmosphere skews adult with cocktails and late-night crowds.
Best For
Better for: Unmatched oyster selection, waterfront patio, and sweeping Bay Bridge views compared to other FiDi seafood spots.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, budget-friendly dinner or strictly vegan options—other venues in the area may suit better.
Waterbar
8.4
Seafood showpiece on the waterfront known for oysters, shellfish towers, and a photogenic dining room with floor-to-ceiling aquariums. Open since 2008, it’s a daytime favorite for long, seafood-centric lunches that double as brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oyster Selection, Dungeness Crab Cocktail, Lobster Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Expansive oyster program and Bay-facing dining room.
Who should go: Seafood lovers and patio brunchers
When to visit: Arrive by noon for shorter waits
What to order: Oysters; crab cocktail; lobster roll
Insider tip: Bar seats are quicker and perfect for oyster flights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available on-site for around $15; nearby garages at Embarcadero Center are the main alternative, though street parking is limited.
Dress code: Smart casual—dressy jeans, blouses, or button-downs fit in; many guests lean slightly polished for waterfront dining.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing energy, but you can comfortably hold a conversation, especially on the patio.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during golden hour.
Weekday lunch: Often little to no wait if arriving before 12pm; after 12:30 the rush begins.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several salads, pasta, and side dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 dishes can be customized; best to ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes—oysters, seafood platters, and many mains are naturally gluten-free, with clear labeling on the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its waterfront views, oyster selection, and lively yet romantic setting make it a strong choice for a memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—bar and patio seating are often available on a walk-in basis, though prime tables with views usually require booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—high chairs are available and the seafood focus appeals more to adventurous eaters; younger children may prefer daytime visits.
Best For
Better for: Waterbar excels at combining a high-energy brunch with stunning Bay views and one of the city’s strongest oyster programs.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking a quiet, budget-friendly brunch—nearby cafés or casual brunch spots are better suited for that.
Waterbar
8.5
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Seafood-centric American dining with panoramic Bay Bridge views and one of the city’s deepest oyster programs. Efficient lunch and early-evening pacing make it workable for families celebrating near Rincon Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Raw oyster selection, Crispy petrale sole, Dungeness crab cocktail
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Bay-front seafood with a standout oyster bar and kid-pleasing views.
Who should go: Families celebrating with a view
When to visit: Early dinner for daylight bridge views
What to order: Oysters; crispy petrale sole; crab cocktail
Insider tip: Walk the Bay Bridge lights after dinner for an easy wow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at Rincon Park ($15–20); nearby metered street parking is scarce and fills quickly, especially evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and polos are fine but many guests lean slightly dressy for the waterfront setting.
Noise level: Moderate—buzz from the bar and patio, but conversation is manageable at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially around sunset.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait if reserved; walk-ins may wait 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasonal salads, vegetable small plates, and pasta options are offered.
Vegan options: Limited—usually 1–2 entrées plus customizable salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many seafood dishes and oysters are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—bridge views, oysters, and a lively but not overwhelming setting create a romantic, memorable first-date backdrop.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays for lunch or early dinner, but weekends and sunset slots almost always require booking in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids enjoy the aquarium-like oyster displays and patio views. High chairs are available, but it’s best for children 6+ given the upscale menu and pacing.
Best For
Better for: Panoramic Bay views, one of the city’s top oyster programs, and family-friendly celebration atmosphere by the waterfront.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet dining, purely land-based entrées, or a strictly budget-focused meal.
Waterbar
8.6
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Coastal American seafood with a business-friendly dining room and Bay Bridge views. Lunch runs on time with a polished raw bar and grilled fish mains that suit client meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shellfish platter, Dungeness crab cocktail, Grilled local fish
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Waterfront seafood with a refined, time-efficient lunch service.
Who should go: Client lunches needing polish and views
When to visit: 11:30–1:00 for best table selection
What to order: Oysters, crab cocktail, grilled fish of the day
Insider tip: Ask for a window two-top facing the Bay Bridge for quieter conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at Pier 24 for around $15; nearby garages at Embarcadero Center are the best option; limited metered street parking fills quickly on weekdays.
Dress code: Business casual; collared shirts, slacks, and dresses are common. Jackets not required, but lean polished for client lunches.
Noise level: Moderate—buzz from the raw bar and large dining room, but tables near the windows allow comfortable business conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation; book ahead for peak times.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated within 5–10 minutes if you arrive before 12:00; later arrivals may wait up to 20 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several composed salads and pasta/vegetable entrées available; staff can adapt some seafood mains.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items (grain salads, sides); best to call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many grilled seafood dishes are naturally gluten-free; GF bread and dessert options available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for professional or group dining—while views are romantic, the atmosphere leans more corporate than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at lunch before noon, but reservations are strongly advised for prime tables and dinner service.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—menu and atmosphere skew business-oriented; teens or older kids may enjoy seafood and views.
Best For
Better for: Best for polished client lunches or group seafood outings with scenic views—efficient pacing keeps business schedules intact.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, romantic date or a vegan-forward menu, look elsewhere.
Waterbar
8.1
A waterfront standby known for a deep oyster list and sustainably sourced fish. Bay Bridge views and a lively bar draw happy-hour crowds and weekend celebrants.
Must-Try Dishes:
Daily oyster selection, Dungeness crab selections (seasonal), Pan-roasted halibut
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Expansive oyster program with postcard Bay Bridge views.
Who should go: Oyster fans and waterfront seekers
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for oysters and lighter crowds
What to order: Oysters, halibut, seasonal crab
Insider tip: Time your reservation for sunset over the bridge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet offered for $15 after 5pm; metered street parking available but limited, especially weekends. Nearby garages at Embarcadero Center often used.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans acceptable, but many guests opt for dressier tops or jackets given the setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—happy hour bar buzz, but tables further inside or on the patio are better for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait if seated before noon; fills quickly after 12:15.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasonal salads, flatbreads, and vegetable starters are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 entrées or sides, but staff can adjust some dishes.
Gluten-free options: Yes—oysters, many seafood dishes, and dedicated gluten-free items clearly marked.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the Bay Bridge backdrop and oysters create a romantic setting, though the bar crowd can be lively. Best for a casual-chic first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—walk-ins are sometimes seated at the bar or patio, but prime view tables almost always require a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—high chairs are available and outdoor tables can suit families, but the focus is more on adults and celebratory dining.
Best For
Better for: Oyster variety and bridge views set Waterbar apart from nearby seafood spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate fine-dining experience—try Benu or Angler instead.