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ZipPicks Awards
Best Business Lunch Steakhouse in San Francisco
Best Date Night Steakhouse in San Francisco
Best Steakhouse in San Francisco
Best Seafood in San Francisco
Master Critic Review
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.
Hours
Monday5pm - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Wednesday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Saturday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm