Best Seafood at San Francisco Wharf: Elevating Your Culinary Experience

If you're a seafood lover, San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf is the perfect place to indulge in some of the freshest seafood in the world. The wharf is home to a variety of seafood restaurants, markets, and vendors that offer a wide range of seafood dishes, from classic clam chowder to Dungeness crab and lobster.

Some of the top seafood restaurants in San Francisco Wharf include Fog Harbor Fish House, Pier Market Seafood Restaurant, and Scoma's Restaurant, which are known for their fresh seafood dishes and stunning waterfront views. These restaurants offer a variety of seafood dishes, including crab, shrimp, oysters, and fish, prepared in a variety of ways, from grilled to fried.

In addition to the restaurants, San Francisco Wharf is also home to seafood markets and fresh fish vendors, where you can buy fresh seafood to cook at home. There are also seafood festivals and seasonal events, such as the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival and the Fisherman's Wharf Clam Chowder Cook-Off, where you can sample some of the best seafood dishes in the city.

Key Takeaways

• San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf is a seafood lover's paradise, offering a variety of seafood restaurants, markets, and vendors.
• Some of the top seafood restaurants in San Francisco Wharf include Fog Harbor Fish House, Pier Market Seafood Restaurant, and Scoma's Restaurant.
• San Francisco Wharf is also home to seafood festivals and seasonal events, such as the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival and the Fisherman's Wharf Clam Chowder Cook-Off.

Top Seafood Restaurants at San Francisco Wharf

San Francisco Wharf is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the city. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings. Here are some of the top seafood restaurants at San Francisco Wharf.

Signature Dishes and Specialities

• Alioto's - This family-owned restaurant has been serving seafood since 1925. Their signature dish is the Cioppino, a tomato-based seafood stew that is a must-try for any seafood lover.
• Fog Harbor Fish House - This restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Their signature dish is the Dungeness Crab and Artichoke Dip, a creamy and delicious appetizer that is perfect for sharing.
• Scoma's - This classic seafood restaurant has been a San Francisco institution since 1965. Their signature dish is the Scoma's Crab Louie, a salad made with Dungeness crab, avocado, and hard-boiled eggs.

Ambience and Views

• The Franciscan Crab Restaurant - This restaurant has been serving seafood since 1957 and offers stunning views of the bay. The restaurant's decor is nautical-themed, with crab traps and fishing nets hanging from the ceiling.
• The Crab House at Pier 39 - This restaurant is located on Pier 39 and offers beautiful views of the bay and Alcatraz Island. The restaurant's decor is rustic and features a large crab sculpture at the entrance.
• The Chart House - This restaurant is located on the top floor of a historic building and offers panoramic views of the bay. The restaurant's decor is elegant and features large windows that allow guests to take in the stunning views while enjoying their meal.

Whether you're looking for signature dishes or stunning views, these seafood restaurants at San Francisco Wharf are sure to impress. So why not grab a table and enjoy some delicious seafood today?

Seafood Markets and Fresh Fish Vendors

If you're looking to cook your own seafood feast, head to one of San Francisco's many seafood markets or fresh fish vendors. Here, you'll find the freshest catch of the day, from local fish to exotic varieties.

Local Catch and Exotic Varieties

At the Seafood Center (2455 Taraval St), you can find a wide variety of fresh seafood, including local Dungeness crab, salmon, and halibut. They also have an excellent selection of exotic fish, such as red snapper and black cod.

Another great option is Sun Fat Seafood Company (2681 Mission St), which offers a range of fresh fish and shellfish, including local favourites like sand dabs and petrale sole, as well as more exotic options like live sea urchin and geoduck.

If you're in the mood for live shellfish, head to Vince's Shellfish Company (1919 Bayshore Blvd) for fresh oysters, clams, and mussels. They also offer a variety of fresh fish, including local rock cod and lingcod.

Whether you're a seafood connoisseur or a novice cook, San Francisco's seafood markets and fresh fish vendors have something for everyone. Head to one of these local spots and discover the freshest catch of the day.

Seafood Festivals and Seasonal Events

You're in for a treat if you're planning a visit to San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf during one of the many seafood festivals and seasonal events held throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. Annual Crab Fest

The Annual Crab Fest, held every February, is a must-attend event for seafood lovers. You'll enjoy live music, food vendors, and a crab cracking contest. This event is perfect for families, friends, and couples looking for a fun and exciting day out.

2. Fleet Week

Fleet Week, held every October, is a celebration of the United States Navy and Coast Guard. It's a great opportunity to sample some of the best seafood San Francisco has to offer. You can enjoy fresh seafood from local vendors while watching the Blue Angels perform aerial acrobatics over San Francisco Bay.

3. Fisherman's Wharf Crab Feed

The Fisherman's Wharf Crab Feed, held every January, is a popular event that sells out quickly. You'll enjoy a delicious meal of fresh Dungeness crab, salad, bread, and wine. The event is held at the historic Alioto-Lazio Fish Company, which has been in operation since 1925.

4. Fourth of July Fireworks

The Fourth of July Fireworks display over San Francisco Bay is a spectacular event that draws thousands of visitors to Fisherman's Wharf. You can enjoy fresh seafood from local vendors while watching the fireworks light up the night sky.

5. Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival

The Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival, held every September, is a celebration of all things chocolate. You'll enjoy chocolate-themed food and drinks, live music, and activities for the whole family. While not strictly a seafood festival, you can still find some delicious seafood options to enjoy alongside your chocolate treats.

Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a fun day out, the seafood festivals and seasonal events at Fisherman's Wharf are not to be missed. Make sure to mark your calendar and plan your visit accordingly.

Culinary Tours and Tasting Experiences

If you're looking for a unique way to experience the best seafood in San Francisco's Wharf, then a culinary tour or tasting experience is a must-try. These tours offer an exciting way to explore the city's culinary scene while also learning about the history and culture of the area.

One popular option is the San Francisco Food Tour, which takes you on a walking tour of the city's top foodie destinations. On this tour, you'll get to sample a variety of seafood dishes, including clam chowder, Dungeness crab, and shrimp cocktail. You'll also learn about the history of the area and the role that seafood has played in San Francisco's culinary culture.

If you're interested in wine, then the Wine Country Small-Group Tour is a great option. This tour takes you on a scenic drive through the Sonoma and Napa Valleys, where you'll get to taste a range of wines and learn about the winemaking process. The tour also includes a stop at a local seafood restaurant, where you can sample some of the freshest seafood in the area.

For a more hands-on experience, consider taking a cooking class at San Francisco Cooking School. Here, you'll learn how to prepare a variety of seafood dishes, including seared scallops, grilled octopus, and lobster bisque. The classes are taught by professional chefs and are suitable for all skill levels.

No matter which culinary tour or tasting experience you choose, you're sure to have an exciting and memorable time exploring the best seafood in San Francisco's Wharf.

Frequently Asked Questions

What iconic seafood dishes should you try while visiting San Francisco's famous wharf?

San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf is famous for its seafood dishes. Some of the most popular dishes include Dungeness crab, clam chowder, and cioppino. You can also try oysters on the half-shell, shrimp cocktail, or fish and chips. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try some of the local delicacies like abalone or sea urchin. Don't forget to pair your seafood with a glass of local wine or beer for the ultimate San Francisco dining experience.

Are there any hidden gems where locals love to dine for seafood at Fisherman's Wharf?

While there are plenty of popular seafood restaurants at Fisherman's Wharf, there are also some hidden gems that locals love to dine at. One such place is Alioto's, a family-owned restaurant that has been serving seafood since 1925. Another is Fishermen's Grotto, which has been around since 1935. For a more casual experience, head to the Crab Station, where you can enjoy fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.

Between PIER 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, which location offers the best seafood dining experience?

Both PIER 39 and Fisherman's Wharf offer a variety of seafood dining options. PIER 39 is known for its seafood stalls, where you can grab a quick bite to eat while taking in the views of the bay. Fisherman's Wharf, on the other hand, has a wider variety of restaurants, from casual seafood joints to fine dining establishments. Ultimately, the best seafood dining experience will depend on your personal preferences.