Once a bustling commercial fishing port, San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is now one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and home to some of the top culinary destinations in the Bay Area. Whether meeting up with friends or planning a memorable date night, the best restaurants in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf include everything from cozy, seafood-forward Italian spots to MICHELIN-Starred fine dining destinations.
Discover a chowder-filled sourdough bread bowl at a historic bistro, or indulge in top-notch Italian dishes at a waterfont favorite. Dine on innovative American dishes with a French twist at a MICHELIN-Starred icon, or enjoy freshly caught seafood at a classic Fishermans Wharf spot.
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Discover 6 restaurants in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf for your next meal
For fine dining at an award-winning San Francisco legend — visit Gary Danko (Fisherman’s Wharf)
A list of the best restaurants in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf would be incomplete without Gary Danko. This NorCal icon has reinvented classic American dishes using French culinary techniques and local produce—think horseradish-crusted salmon drizzled in punchy mustard sauce or lobster risotto with seasonal tubers. Try the tasting menu, browse the cheese cart, or order caviar service in the elegant space dressed with lavish floral arrangements.
For Italian American comfort food at one of the best restaurants in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf — reserve a table at Cioppino’s (Fisherman’s Wharf)
For over five generations, Cioppino’s has occupied its historic location near Fisherman’s Wharf, serving Bay-caught seafood and pasta, including the restaurant’s signature cioppino. This fragrant seafood soup is a San Francisco staple, originally prepared by humble Italian anglers. As warm as the steaming cioppino, the service is top-notch, and many of the servers have worked here for 20 years. Checkered tablecloths, significant portions, and the buzz of conversation make you feel right at home.
For amazing seafood at the best crab restaurant in San Francisco — try Franciscan Crab Restaurant (Fisherman’s Wharf)
Franciscan Crab Restaurant is a Fisherman’s Wharf staple. Get top-notch seafood along with peak Bay views from the 1950s-era dining room, complete with red leather booths and black and white photos of Hollywood stars. The whole Dungeness crab roasted in garlic sauce is the restaurant’s signature dish, but other standouts include the clam chowder in a French baguette-like bowl.
For surf-and-turf in an elegant setting — have a meal at McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant (Fisherman’s Wharf)
Founded in 1974, McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant is a go-to for expertly grilled steaks, seasonal seafood, and raw bar offerings. From the light and airy dining room, take in views of the Bay from floor-to-ceiling windows as you savor raw oysters and dishes like spiced whole Dungeness crab and 22-ounce prime cowboy ribeye. Don’t miss the lively happy hour.
For creamy clam chowder in the city’s best sourdough bread bowl — book a table at Bistro Boudin (Fisherman’s Wharf)
For one of the best sourdough bread bowls in San Francisco, head to Bistro Boudin. Located on the second floor of Boudin’s famous bakery, the bistro’s sourdough legacy dates back to 1849. This American-inspired bistro is simple yet elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows, dark walnut accents, and Bay views. Ask the dedicated servers about the NorCal wines and the seasonal seafood offerings.
For generous portions at one of the best seafood restaurants in San Francisco — grab a table at Scoma’s (North Beach)
Located in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, Scoma’s is a family-run restaurant dating back to 1965. With seafood delivered daily to Scoma’s pier, your American- or Italian-inspired meal can’t get any fresher. Pair your seasonal fresh catch with a glass from the Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list in the wood-paneled, waterfront dining room.
With an extensive fishing history and a deep connection to California’s fertile agricultural regions, it’s no wonder San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is home to some of the city’s best restaurants. Crack open expertly roasted Dungeness crab and share heaping portions of seafood pasta. Dig into innovative dishes at a MICHELIN-Starred SF legend, or enjoy Bay views at an elegant surf-and-turf spot.
Whether showing out-of-town relatives the sites or simply looking for your next favorite meal, the restaurants in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf do justice to the area’s long culinary history.
