San Francisco is one of the most famous cities in America and is known for its seafood joints. Famously known as “City at the Bay,” San Francisco celebrates seafood like no other. In all the restaurants, you will find a large number of seafood dishes in every restaurant.
With the benefit of close proximity to the bay, you will come across the freshest seafood dishes which you will never find in any other city. In the famous restaurants in San Francisco, you will not only enjoy a great meal but also experience a beautiful seaside sunset view while savouring the gourmet delights.
The straight-off-the-boat seafood delights will make you feel the freshest ocean flavours. Renowned restaurants like Scoma’s and Copra make every trip in San Francisco memorable with their delightful offerings. When in the city, do not miss to taste the original San Francisco flavours in these popular restaurants.
5 Famous Restaurants In San Francisco You Can’t Miss
1) Scoma's Restaurant
Scoma's has been serving the freshest seafood in San Francisco since 1965. Here you can experience waterfront dining like never before. The vast selection of dishes will never fail to satisfy you every time you visit. Their menu features local favourites like oysters, Dungeness crab, and clam chowder. The classic seafood stew and crab cakes are also specialities that you should try. You also get spicy chicken and pasta dishes along with seafood. You can also savour the best wines and cocktails in their famous bar menu.
Location: 1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Timings: Mon-Thu: 4–9 pm; Fri-Sat: 11:30 am–9:30 pm; Sun: 11 am–9 pm
Must Try: Oysters, Dungeness Crab, and Clam Chowder
Price for 2: $80 approx.
Image Credit; Sons & Daughters
2) Sons & Daughters
Situated near Union Square, Sons & Daughters exudes cosy sophistication with its open kitchen concept and intimate setting. Under Executive Chef Harrison Cheney, the restaurant offers a fusion of New Nordic cuisine with Northern California's seasonal bounty. Guests indulge in a curated tasting menu, where fermented flavours from Michelin-starred Gastrologik meet locally sourced ingredients. With only 10 tables, the ambience is exclusive yet inviting, complemented by knowledgeable staff and impeccable wine pairings. Caviar D'aquitane Perlita, Multigrain Sourdough Bread, Grilled Scallop, Fermented Blueberry With Elderflower Sorbet, And Rhubarb With Pineapple Weed Ice Cream are a must-try.
Location: Between Mason &, 708 Bush Street, Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
Timings: Sun-Mon: Closed; Tue-Thu: 5:30–8:30 pm; Fri-Sat: 5–8:30 pm
Must Try: Caviar D'aquitane Perlita, Multigrain Sourdough Bread, Grilled Scallop, Fermented Blueberry Rhubarb
Price for 2: $200 approx.
3) Copra
Renowned Chef Srijith Gopinathan, celebrated for his tenure at Campton Place, unveils his latest culinary masterpiece, Copra. Inspired by his Kerala roots, this Bay Area gem serves a sensory journey through South Indian flavours. Drawing from childhood memories, Copra's menu showcases street eats and family recipes, sourced locally for an authentic experience. The expansive 30-foot bar complements the cuisine with craft cocktails and a curated wine selection. Seasonal chutneys with lentil crisps and savoury delicacies like black cod pollichathu wrapped in banana leaves are the signature dishes. Also try the recommended dishes like Rasam, Black Cod, Crab Curry, Truffle, and Watalappan.
Location: 1700 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
Timings: Mon: Closed; Tue-Fri: 5–10 pm; Sat-Sun: 11:30 am–2 pm, 5–10 pm
Must Try: Rasam, Black Cod, Crab Curry, Truffle, and Watalappan
Price for 2: $150 approx.
4) The Stinking Rose
If you want to taste some true garlicky dishes and desserts, The Stinking Rose will give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Centred around the allure of garlic, The Stinking Rose is a unique Italian eatery where even desserts have garlic in them. Located in North Beach, this antique restaurant differs due to its fun appeal and contemporary California-Italian cuisine. On the menu, you will find dishes like Gilroy's Famous Garlic Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce, Garlic Soaking in a Hot Tub, and 40 Clove Garlic Chicken.
Location: 430 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 12–8 pm
Must Try: Gilroy's Famous Garlic Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce, Garlic Soaking in a Hot Tub, and 40 Clove Garlic Chicken
Price for 2: $100 approx.
Image Credit: The Stinking Rose
5) Abacá
ABACÁ, a vibrant Filipino-Californian eatery, invites diners on a culinary journey blending tradition with innovation. Co-owned by Chef Francis Ang and Director of Operations Dian Ang, it celebrates Filipino culture through flavourful dishes. Using Northern California's finest ingredients, ABACÁ crafts contemporary interpretations of old family recipes. The airy space at Fisherman's Wharf exudes warmth, adorned with sunflower yellow accents and woven baskets. From seafood pancit to longganisa skewers, each dish receives a modern Californian twist. Don't miss weekend brunch, featuring pandan mochi waffles and ensaymada French toast showcasing pastry mastery.
Location: 2700 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Timings: Mon-Fri: 7–10 am, 5–9 pm; Sat-Sun: 8 am–1 pm, 5–9 pm
Must Try: Seafood Pancit, Longganisa Pork Sausage, Chewy Pandan Mochi Waffle, Savory Ensaymada French Toast
Price for 2: $100 approx.
6) Aphotic
Aphotic, a seafood-centric gem, earned its Michelin star just four months after opening in March 2023, also receiving a Green Star for sustainability. Chef Peter Hemsley's $165 ten-course pescatarian tasting menu showcases locally sourced seafood paired with seasonal California ingredients. Moody ambience sets the scene for a culinary journey where technique and presentation meet exceptional flavour. Indulge in delights like warm milk bread with Dungeness crab curry hollandaise or oyster ice cream. Craft cocktails, including their signature aphotic martini, complement the experience. For a more casual option, savour equally stunning offerings at the bar.
Location: 816 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
Timings: Tue-Sat: 5:30–9 pm; Sun-Mon: Closed
Must Try: Dungeness crab curry, Tsar Nicoulai caviar, Oyster ice cream
Price for 2: $200 approx.
Image Credit: Aphotic
7) Zuni Cafe
Zuni Café has been an iconic restaurant in San Francisco for over 40 years. This restaurant is popular for its bustling ambience and seasonal wood-fired cuisine. Inside the bi-level bistro, the natural light floods through massive windows which lightens up the environment. Iconic dishes like the Zuni Caesar salad, piled high with whole romaine leaves and Parmigiano-Reggiano have earned a high regard from customers. The star of the show is the renowned Zuni “chicken for two,” dry-brined and roasted to perfection in the brick oven. Pair it with house-cured anchovies, thinly sliced celery, and coquillo olives for a culinary experience that transcends time.
Location: 1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Timings: Mon: Closed; Tue-Thu: 5–9:30 pm; Fri-Sun: 11 am–4 pm, 5–9:30 pm
Must Try: Zuni Caesar Salad, Zuni “Chicken For Two”, House-Cured Anchovies
Price for 2: $200 approx.
In these famous and unique concept restaurants, you will find immense satisfaction for your tastebuds and also enjoy the lively entertainment. Without visiting these famous places, your trip to this city can never be considered complete.