Best Seafood Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Benu
Three-star tasting menu with seafood-forward, Asian-influenced precision.
Essential Picks
#1
Benu
9.2
Corey Lee’s three-Michelin-star destination serves an Asian-influenced tasting menu with pristine seafood and meticulous technique. Locals book it for milestone dinners where precision, pacing, and service are part of the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster coral xiao long bao, Baby abalone with fermented flavors, Thousand-year quail egg
What Makes it Special: Three-star tasting menu with seafood-forward, Asian-influenced precision.
Notable Picks
#2
Gary Danko
8.9
Fine-dining institution marrying French technique with California produce in a polished, special-occasion room. Locals book it for milestone dinners and the tableside cheese cart.
Must-Try Dishes:
Glazed Oysters, Lobster Course, Cheese Cart Selection
What Makes it Special: Classic French-inflected tasting menus with impeccable old-school service.
#3
Robin
8.9
Contemporary omakase led by chef Adam Tortosa (since 2017) known for luxe, artful plating and seasonal Edomae technique. Locals book it for special-occasion sushi that photographs beautifully without feeling stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ensui uni with caviar, O-toro nigiri with aged soy, Konbujime local fish
What Makes it Special: Choose-your-price omakase with dramatic, highly photogenic plating.
#4
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
What Makes it Special: Live-fire steak program with weekday lunch on the waterfront.
#5
Hashiri
8.8
A polished Mint Plaza dining room serving kappo and Edomae sushi with seasonal luxury ingredients. It’s a destination for special-occasion tastings where the chef’s progression blends hot and cold compositions with artful plating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal sashimi progression, Hokkaido uni nigiri, Charcoal-seared wagyu course
What Makes it Special: Kappo-meets-Edomae tasting with seasonal luxury product in a serene room.
8.8
Tiny Noe Valley favorite (since 2012) known for pristine fish and well-executed classic and contemporary rolls alongside strong nigiri. Lines move fast, and the focus stays on clean flavors over heavy sauces.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy scallop roll, Negihama (yellowtail-scallion) roll, Rainbow roll
What Makes it Special: MICHELIN-recognized neighborhood sushi bar with meticulous fish and tight rolls.
Old-school, downtown steakhouse known for prime cuts, classic sides, and a deep wine list. Locals book it for milestone dinners where polished service and consistent execution matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in ribeye, Filet mignon, Lobster tail
What Makes it Special: Classic New York–style steakhouse dining with an acclaimed wine program.
8.7
Hawaiian-rooted New American from chef-owner Ravi Kapur with bright, layered flavors and a lively dining room. The menu balances raw seafood, smoky grilled meats, and shareable plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Poke, Steamed Beef Tongue Buns, Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Hawaiian flavors filtered through a modern California lens.
#9
Waterfall
8.7
A vibrant seafood restaurant offering fresh Latin American-inspired seafood with a modern twist. Known for its ceviche and outdoor seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ceviche, Grilled Octopus, Tuna Tacos
What Makes it Special: Latin seafood experience with a modern twist.
8.6
Tiny Castro institution (since 1977) serving spot-on seafood—oysters, chowder, cioppino—in a classic counter setting. Locals line up for simple, impeccably fresh plates and old-school hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters on the Half Shell, New England Clam Chowder, Cioppino
What Makes it Special: Castro legacy counter famed for pristine shellfish and cioppino.
#11
Bar Crudo
8.6
Neighborhood raw bar known for pristine oysters, smart crudo plates, and a steady seafood chowder that locals swear by. The compact NoPa room runs on polished, efficient service with a lively happy hour at the bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arctic Char Crudo, Seafood Chowder, Miyagi Oysters (Happy Hour)
What Makes it Special: Focused raw bar and crudo program with a loyal NoPa following.
#12
Cured Fish Bar
8.6
Evening raw bar featuring oysters, crudos, and Japanese-influenced curing with a tight menu and thoughtful beverage pairings. It’s the most seafood-focused spot in town, best for small plates and conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters on the Half Shell, Hamachi Crudo, Cured Scallop
What Makes it Special: Oyster-and-crudo bar with precise Japanese-influenced techniques.
#13
La Ciccia
8.6
Sardinian stalwart where seasonal Bay Area seafood and produce meet bottarga-kissed pastas and bold island flavors. Attentive, informed service and a deep Italy-focused wine list make it a reliable pick for intimate dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti with bottarga, Malloreddus with spicy sausage, Octopus stew
What Makes it Special: Singular Sardinian menu with meticulous sourcing and serious wine pairings.
#14
Pearl 6101
8.6
Seafood-forward New American cooking—housemade pastas, crudos, and roasted fish—served in a polished, intimate room. Locals book it for thoughtful plates, strong aperitifs, and a neighborhood date-night feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Trout Dip, Seasonal Seafood Pasta, Whole Roasted Fish
What Makes it Special: Refined, seafood-leaning menu with housemade pastas and aperitif program.
#15
R&G Lounge
8.6
Cantonese seafood specialist known for salt-and-pepper Dungeness crab, live-tank selections, and banquet-friendly portions. Locals and visiting chefs alike rely on it for precise wok work and day-to-day consistency in the heart of Chinatown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salt & Pepper Dungeness Crab, Garlic-Steamed Live Lobster, XO Sauce Sautéed Scallops
What Makes it Special: Live-tank Cantonese seafood executed with precise wok technique.
#16
Sasa
8.6
Modern Japanese izakaya with a serious raw bar and composed nigiri, ideal for a polished, linger-worthy date. Seasonal fish, craft cocktails, and a sleek room make it the most refined sushi-adjacent option downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri set, Hamachi sashimi with citrus, Bluefin toro nigiri (when available)
What Makes it Special: Izakaya-style menu with elevated sushi and craft cocktails in a stylish space.
8.6
Classic Wharf institution (since 1965) serving dock-to-table seafood in a waterfront setting. Old-school hospitality and generous portions make it a reliable choice for cioppino and crab.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cioppino, Dungeness crab Louis, Clam chowder
What Makes it Special: Pier-side seafood house with its own fish receiving dock.
#18
Sotto Mare
8.6
North Beach seafood stalwart with an Italian bent known for its ‘Best Damn Crab Cioppino.’ Tight, lively room turns out pristine shellfish and simple pastas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Best Damn Crab Cioppino, Oysters on the Half Shell, Linguine alle Vongole
What Makes it Special: Iconic cioppino and sparkling-fresh seafood in a classic setting.
#19
Thanh Long
8.6
Since 1971, this An-family landmark has specialized in roasted Dungeness crab and buttery garlic noodles. It’s the Outer Sunset choice for celebratory seafood with old-school hospitality and dependable execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Dungeness crab, Garlic noodles, Tiger prawns
What Makes it Special: Iconic roasted crab and garlic noodles served for decades.
#20
Abrazo
8.5
Abrazo offers a cozy neighborhood setting with Spanish-Californian cuisine, featuring seasonal dishes and an extensive wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Octopus, Croquetas, Seafood Paella
What Makes it Special: A neighborhood gem offering innovative Spanish-Californian dishes in a relaxed setting.
8.5
Glam raw bar and cocktail lounge with retro palm-print décor and a strong seafood plateau game. Ideal for oysters, lobster rolls, and after-work drinks in a chic FiDi setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Plateau, Lobster Roll, Deviled Eggs with Trout Roe
What Makes it Special: Stylish FiDi raw bar balancing cocktails and seafood classics.
8.4
A unique blend of brewery and seafood, featuring fresh local seafood paired with house-brewed beers. Perfect for craft beer lovers and seafood enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clam Chowder, Fish & Chips, Seasonal Oysters
What Makes it Special: Seafood and craft beer pairing in a lively setting.
#23
GOZU
8.4
Marc Zimmerman’s Japanese-influenced tasting format leans into binchotan grilling with luxe seafood alongside wagyu. Counter seating showcases precise fire-driven technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hokkaido scallop over binchotan, King crab preparations, Caviar service (seasonal)
What Makes it Special: Binchotan-fired seafood with a kappo-style counter experience.
#24
Izakaya Rintaro
8.4
Handmade tofu, yakitori, and seasonal small plates from chef-owner Sylvan Mishima Brackett in a warm, wood-forward space. It’s where diners share skewers, sashimi, and sake with restaurant-world regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tsukune chicken meatball skewers, Handmade tofu with ginger, Udon with seasonal broth
What Makes it Special: Seasonal izakaya cooking with house-made staples and charcoal grill.
8.4
Long-running Richmond sushi house pairing traditional nigiri with well-executed specialty rolls. Known for fresher-than-expected fish and a quietly focused dining room that rewards regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fire Salmon Roll, Dragon Roll, Rainbow Roll
What Makes it Special: Traditional craftsmanship with a deep roll menu and steady sourcing.
8.4
Waterfront American seafood with wide bay views, oysters by the dozen, and a lively brunch that draws Mission Bay regulars. It’s the move for patio seating and seafood plates before a game or concert nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dungeness Crab Benedict, Oysters on the Half Shell, Fish & Chips
What Makes it Special: Bayfront patio with oysters, seafood plates, and strong brunch.
#27
Pacific Cafe
8.4
Old-school seafood spot (since 1974) known for warm hospitality and nightly fresh-fish specials; entrées include soup or salad. Families appreciate the straightforward plates and steady service near 34th Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Petrale sole with lemon butter, Sand dabs with fries, New England clam chowder
What Makes it Special: Decades-strong fresh-fish dinners with classic sides included.
8.4
Century-old counter with 18 stools serving pristine oysters, crab, and simple seafood classics. Come for the raw bar, quick service, and old-school San Francisco energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters on the half shell, Dungeness crab Louie, Clam chowder
What Makes it Special: Impeccably fresh raw bar served at an iconic marble counter.
#29
Umi
8.4
Owner-run Potrero Hill sushi bar (opened 2008) known for careful fish but a low-key room that works for focused business conversations. Lunch hours on weekdays add utility when you need higher-end nigiri without a scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri Omakase (chef’s selection), Sashimi Platter, Golden Dragon Roll
What Makes it Special: Weekday lunch sushi with serious fish care in a calm setting.
#30
Au Sushi
8.3
Diamond Heights shopping-center sushi with creative signatures and steady execution. Rolls skew modern—think house specials and colorful platters—with easy parking and patio seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Diamond Heights Roll, Rainbow Roll, Dragon Roll
What Makes it Special: Creative house rolls with convenient lot parking and patio option.
#31
Bearing West
8.3
Neighborhood bar-and-galley focused on San Francisco-style seafood: oysters, chowder, and sandwiches alongside strong cocktails. Locals use it for relaxed date nights and a reliable westside seafood fix near Ocean Beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oyster Po’ Boy, Clam Chowder, Cioppino
What Makes it Special: Seafood-driven menu with oysters, chowder, and classic SF cocktails.
8.3
Neo-traditional fish house (since 1979) across from the Symphony and Opera serving market-driven, simply grilled local seafood. Locals book it pre-show for clean flavors, crisp fries, and a rotating board of pristine fish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mesquite-grilled petrale sole, Dungeness crab cocktail (seasonal), Oysters with beurre blanc
What Makes it Special: San Francisco institution focused on fresh, simply prepared seafood since 1979.
#33
Hook Fish Co.
8.3
Sustainably sourced local catch served fast-casual with beach-town energy. Grilled and blackened fish tacos, bowls, and plates keep lines moving for post-surf meals and family dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blackened rockfish tacos, Grilled fish plate, Poke bowl
What Makes it Special: Local, sustainable fish spotlighted in tacos, bowls, and plates.
#34
Live Sushi Bar
8.3
Long-running Potrero Hill favorite with a deep roll list, handrolls, and friendly bar seating. Quality fish, quick pacing, and options from combos to specialty maki make it an easy repeat.
Must-Try Dishes:
DJ Roll, Romeo & Juliet Roll, Potrero Hill Hand Roll
What Makes it Special: Extensive roll selection plus legit handrolls at the counter.
8.3
Neighborhood oyster bar focused on West Coast bivalves, simple crudos, and seasonal seafood plates with a lively sidewalk setup. Locals hit it for $2 oyster deals, a compact wine list, and quick, friendly service before Marina Green walks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters on the Half Shell, Lobster Roll, New England Clam Chowder
What Makes it Special: Raw-bar focus with all-day oyster energy on Chestnut.
8.2
Bright plates and torched finishes make this Geary bistro a reliable feed for eye-catching nigiri and roll combos. Expect generous cuts, modern garnishes, and plenty of flame-kissed sear that plays well on camera.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared toro with uni, Baby otoro nigiri, Dragon roll
What Makes it Special: Torch-seared nigiri and colorful rolls tailored for the feed.
8.2
Chef-led modern Chinese with a seafood tilt—think oven-baked Chilean seabass, lobster noodles, and braised seafood bowls—in an elegant indoor-patio setup. It’s a polished Cow Hollow choice for date nights and celebratory small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oven-Baked Chilean Seabass (red miso), Stir-Fried Lobster with Pumpkin Noodles, Braised Seafood Noodles (laksa broth)
What Makes it Special: Seafood-forward Chinese plates executed with fine-dining polish.
#38
Cafe Calamari
8.2
Mediterranean-leaning seafood and pasta with a focus on crisp, tender calamari and simply grilled fish. Locals use it for relaxed downtown dinners with straightforward flavors and solid portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Calamari, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Seafood Pasta
What Makes it Special: Seafood-forward Mediterranean plates with notably well-executed calamari.
#39
Cook's Seafood
8.2
Counter-service seafood restaurant attached to a full fish market, known for crisp halibut or cod fish & chips, clam chowder, and grilled platters. Locals use it for quick seafood meals and fresh catch to-go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Halibut Fish & Chips, New England Clam Chowder (bread bowl optional), Prawns & Chips
What Makes it Special: Seafood restaurant plus on-site fish market for ultra-fresh supply.
8.2
Lively Vietnamese spot known for maximalist seafood dishes—from the over-the-top “Phozilla” to crab-fried rice—backed by a full bar. It’s a buzzy Inner Sunset destination for shareable plates and cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
“Phozilla” lobster pho, Dungeness crab fried rice, Grilled whole fish (market)
What Makes it Special: Spectacle-forward Vietnamese seafood and cocktails in a high-energy room.
Modern SoMa sushi bar known for generous nigiri and composed maki that plate cleanly for the feed. Warm wood tones and a sleek counter make it easy to capture crisp overhead shots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s choice nigiri set, Salmon belly nigiri, Chirashi deluxe
What Makes it Special: Clean, modern plating with photo-friendly counter seating.
#42
Milos Meze
8.2
Greek meze spot focused on shareable plates—think grilled octopus, souvlaki, and dips—served in a lively Marina setting. Limited patio seating extends the convivial, taverna feel outdoors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus, Lamb souvlaki, Saganaki with lemon
What Makes it Special: Shareable Greek meze and seafood with a convivial patio energy.
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Vietnamese-style crab feasts—roasted Dungeness with garlic butter and peppercorn—paired with garlic noodles and shareable sides. It’s the Richmond go-to for celebratory seafood dinners with the whole table involved.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Dungeness Crab, Garlic Noodles, Imperial Rolls
What Makes it Special: Signature Vietnamese-style crab with crowd-pleasing garlic noodles.
#44
Seafood Station
8.2
A no-frills Cajun/Creole seafood spot offering hearty dishes like crawfish boils and gumbo. Ideal for casual dining with a lively atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crawfish Boil, Seafood Gumbo, Shrimp Po' Boy
What Makes it Special: Lively spot for hearty seafood and Southern classics.
#45
Sushi Bistro
8.2
Neighborhood date-night standby pairing fresh nigiri with creative rolls in a cozy, low-lit space. Friendly service and a compact sake list keep it relaxed but special.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s nigiri combo, Butterfish ‘blaster’ roll, Spicy scallop hand roll
What Makes it Special: Balanced menu—solid nigiri plus fun, shareable specialty rolls.
8.2
Chinatown sibling to Z & Y spotlighting Beijing-style roast duck alongside banquet-ready seafood. Expect crisp-skinned duck, spicy fish dishes, and efficient service in a lively, modern room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peking Duck, Sichuan Poached Fish Fillet, Salt-and-Pepper Dungeness Crab
What Makes it Special: Crisp-skin duck meets bold, banquet-style seafood plates.
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
What Makes it Special: Whole-fish service and pasta-plus-seafood under one roof.
#48
El Dorado
8.1
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Girls Night Out Approved
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Latin-leaning Peruvian kitchen in SoMa with a strong seafood program—think bright, citrusy ceviches and scallops broiled with parmesan. Cocktail-forward and near Moscone, it pulls both business lunchers and evening groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ceviche Clásico (mahi-mahi, leche de tigre), Conchitas a la Parmesana (Peruvian scallops), Jalea Mixta (crispy mixed seafood)
What Makes it Special: Peruvian-style seafood led by citrusy, balanced ceviches.
#49
Moshi Moshi
8.1
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Dogpatch stalwart (since 1987) serving sushi, soba/udon, and bento-friendly lunch sets with efficient service. A practical pick for client-friendly lunches with sake and Japanese whisky options without the downtown fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi Lunch Set, Chicken Karaage, Tempura Udon
What Makes it Special: Legacy Dogpatch Japanese spot with full bar and speedy lunch service.
Since 1987, this lively basement spot has poured late-night energy into polished sushi and cocktails. Expect upbeat music, strong sake options, and dependable nigiri after theater hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi Jalapeño, Spicy Tuna Roll, Chef’s Nigiri Selection
What Makes it Special: Iconic late-night sushi bar with steady nigiri and cocktails.