The Best Seafood Restaurants in San Francisco

With its diverse population, prime location and the cutting-edge tech economy, San Francisco stands out as one of the nation's most popular cities. The best seafood in San Francisco epitomizes the fine culinary tradition of 'Frisco. The city's proximity to the Pacific Ocean means unforgettable seafood dishes bursting with West Coast creativity. But where do the smartest, savviest diners go when looking for the best seafood in San Francisco? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. We've gathered data from in-the-know diners to discover the Bay Area's greatest seafood restaurants. From regal downtown restaurants and lively pubs to quiet neighborhood seafood spots, the best seafood in San Francisco delivers the incredible taste of the Pacific. See what seafood the city has in store for you tonight!

The OpenTable Team

9 Restaurants

Updated January 29, 2021

Restaurants:	Leo's Oyster Bar, Seven Hills, MKT Restaurant and Bar…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Oyster Bar, Italian, Californian…
Neighborhoods:	Financial District / Embarcadero, Russian Hill, Downtown / Union Square…

Leo's Oyster Bar

$$$$

Oyster Bar

Financial District / Embarcadero

4.6

684 reviews

Leo's is a Financial District favorite with a lush, upscale interior and always-bustling atmosphere. The classic vibes in the restaurant go well with it's straightforward, old-school menu of seafood favorites and craft cocktails. Start with Leo's deviled egg with a wing-fried oyster or the trio of caviar. The Leo's raw bar features oysters on the half shell with green chili cocktail sauce and mignonette, along with snow crab claws and shrimp cocktail. For an entree, try the octopus a la plancha accompanied with house-made chorizo, cranberry beans, and salsa verde.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Seven Hills

$$$$

Italian

Russian Hill

4.8

2079 reviews

This acclaimed Italian restaurant is one of the destination spots for diners in Russian Hill. With a candle-lit, rustic interior and an excellent menu of Italian-accented seafood, it's a lively, relaxing place for a meal. The market fish is a fresh-catch special, served with riso di venre, English pea, and roasted spring shallot. A long pasta menu features tagliatelle with mushroom ragu and Parmigiano and pappardelle with pork rib sugo, chive, and parmesan. Start the meal with the Seven Hills duck liver pate, made with triple delight blueberry compote and toasted crostone.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

MKT Restaurant and Bar

$$$$

Californian

Downtown / Union Square

4.8

1200 reviews

The Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco is home to the upscale MKT Restaurant and Bar, and MKT is home to some of the best seafood in San Francisco. This downtown spot is excellent for people watching and a quiet lunch or dinner. Appetizers include half-shell oysters with the spicy kick of the MKT hot sauce and a seafood platter with lobster, king crab legs, shrimp, and oysters. For main-course seafood dishes, try the halibut with potato gratin and artichokes or the branzino served with black-eyed peas and Carolina gold rice.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Live Sushi Bar

$$$$

Sushi

Potrero Hill / Dogpatch

4.6

547 reviews

Live Sushi Bar puts a premium on fresh, creative seafood, and Japanese dishes. The long and unique menu features selections like albacore tataki, seared white tuna with special sauce and onions. The scallop "mini burger" is a scallop sandwich with sake, crunchy salmon skin, and cucumber. There's also a long list of chef's special rolls. Try the Family Affair roll, which boasts maguro, avocado, and onions wrapped with soybean paper and albacore. A dish called "The Roll" is unagi and cucumber with avocado, alongside crunchy fried tempura bits and tobiko.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ristorante Milano

$$$$

Italian

Russian Hill

4.8

1872 reviews

This classic Italian-style trattoria features some of the best seafood in San Francisco. An old-world throwback spot, it's ideal for a date night or a romantic dinner in the heart of San Francisco. For seafood to start the meal off, try the local specialty called sardine gratinate. These local sardines come breaded and grilled with fennel and arugula. Pair that meal with the catch of the day main course or house-made linguine made with fresh shellfish. Milano also boasts one of the best wine selections in San Francisco.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Z & Y Restaurant

$$$$

Chinese

Chinatown

4.6

258 reviews

The scent of Z & Y's authentic Sichuan and Northern Chinese meals fills the air of this Chinatown favorite. This is one of San Francisco's most famous Chinese restaurants, and it features some of the city's finest seafood. Try the house special fresh fish filet boiled in spicy house sauce or the spicy sauce with flaming chili oil. For something a little less hot, go for the crispy garlic flavor crab, the kung pao prawns, or the grilled whole fish filet. For something other than seafood, go for Z & Y's famous Peking roast duck.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Hayes Street Grill

$$$$

Seafood

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

4.4

3705 reviews

The Hayes Street Grill is a prime place to go after visiting the nearby symphony, opera, or ballet. An ever-changing menu features a wide selection of creative seafood dishes. For an appetizer, go for the Hog Island sweet water oysters on the half shell or the smoked trout toasts with radishes. Simple grilled fish dishes include Mt. Lassen steelhead salmon, local swordfish, and San Diego opah. When in season, try the Alaskan halibut or the Oregon Bay shrimp and avocado salad.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Chili House

$$$$

Chinese

Richmond District

4.4

328 reviews

This famous Chinese restaurant is a roller-coaster ride of flavor. The spicy, exciting dishes at the Chili House make for an immersive dining experience. Try the spicy clams or stir-fried prawns served in a spicy kung pao sauce with roasted peanuts. The traditional Szechuan pickled fish clay pot dinner comes in a pickled mustard broth. If diners are looking for something other than seafood, try to get in for the quick-selling Peking duck dinners.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Waterbar

$$$$

Seafood

Financial District / Embarcadero

4.7

9781 reviews

San Francisco's Waterbar is one of the coolest dining experiences in the entire city. This acclaimed seafood restaurant features an incredible view of the Bay Bridge, along with the San Francisco skyline in the background. It's an ideal backdrop for a seafood meal. If going with a large group, try the roasted shellfish platter. This seafood favorite features lobster, tiger prawns, mussels, and clams. The Waterbar also features steamed Alaskan halibut and prosciutto-wrapped monkfish.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Best Seafood Restaurants