0 Followers
Sabella & La Torre
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sabella & La Torre
7.7
Historic Wharf seafood counter turned restaurant known for crab, chowder, and platters. Straightforward prep and quick service suit casual meals by the water.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dungeness crab cocktail, Fisherman’s platter, Clam chowder
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Legacy Wharf seafood served fast with generous portions.
Who should go: Casual seafood seekers
When to visit: Midday between tour waves
What to order: Crab cocktail; platter; chowder
Insider tip: Order at the counter and snag a window seat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby fills fast; several paid lots along Taylor and Jefferson Streets are the best bet for longer stays.
Dress code: Casual coastal attire—jeans, tees, and light jackets fit the Wharf setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during lunch and weekends; conversation is possible but expect ambient tourist chatter.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes typical; walk-up only, no reservations.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait before noon; quick counter service keeps lines moving.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—chowders, salads, and sides can work but menu leans seafood-heavy.
Vegan options: Minimal—salads without dressing or chowder sides only.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated prep area, but simple grilled seafood options can be made gluten-conscious upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your idea of a date is relaxed and seaside-casual—great for shared seafood and views, not for candlelight conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s first-come-first-served. Arrive outside peak lunch hours for best seating by the windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—ample seating, high chairs, and a family-friendly crowd; crab platters and chowder bowls appeal to most ages.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and bigger portions than nearby sit-down seafood spots—ideal for casual diners who value efficiency.
Skip if: You’re seeking fine dining or quiet waterfront ambiance; try Scoma’s or Fog Harbor instead.
Sabella & La Torre
7.8
Family-run Wharf counter and dining room known for chowder, fried seafood baskets, and straightforward crab cocktails. It’s a practical, kid-friendly stop with quick service and bay breezes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clam Chowder in Sourdough, Fried Calamari, Crab Cocktail
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Long-running Wharf seafood spot with both counter and seated service.
Who should go: Families wanting classic SF seafood without fuss
When to visit: Mid-afternoon lull between lunch and dinner
What to order: Chowder bowl; fried calamari; crab cocktail
Insider tip: Ask about validated parking across the street before you order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking available at nearby Wharf garages across the street; metered street spots fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual; most guests wear jeans or shorts—comfortable for a Wharf stroll.
Noise level: Moderate—busy at lunch but still fine for conversation indoors or outside.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes depending on weather and tourist flow.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; counter service moves fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—salads, fries, and chowder without clam base available.
Vegan options: Very limited—ask for plain salad or sides; most fried items use shared oil.
Gluten-free options: Chowder and crab cocktail can be made gluten-free; no separate fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—more of a laid-back, bustling seafood stop than an intimate setting. Better for casual outings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed. Expect a brief wait during peak lunch hours, especially for outdoor tables with bay views.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, quick counter service, and seafood baskets kids enjoy. Best for ages 4+ who can sit through a short meal.
Best For
Better for: Quick, no-fuss Wharf seafood and family dining with real history behind it.
Skip if: You’re seeking fine dining, romantic ambiance, or extensive vegan options.