clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

Here Are the Hottest New Restaurants in the East Bay, May 2024

Here Are the Hottest New Restaurants in San Francisco, May 2024

Where Eat and Drink Down Divisadero Street

More in San Francisco See more maps
Daily Life In San Francisco Amid The Coronavirus Outbreak Photo by Liu Guanguan/China News Service via Getty Images

14 Treasures of Fisherman’s Wharf Food and Drink Scene

These are the gems worth visiting on the water

by Eater Staff and Laura Smith Borrman Updated
View as Map
by Eater Staff and Laura Smith Borrman Updated
Photo by Liu Guanguan/China News Service via Getty Images

Fisherman’s Wharf and nearby Ghirardelli Square are true gems, destinations for both visitors from the world around and for locals who know where to find some of the city’s most iconic food and drink. Seek out both new additions to the area, including Filipino restaurant Abacá and Latin agave bar and taco house Barrio, and oldie-but-goodies like the city’s sole In-N-Out. Whether you’re braving the weekend crowds with your out-of-town aunt and uncle or just heading down to the water to soak in one of the reasons why living in the Paris of the West is the best, here are 14 treasures of the Fisherman’s Wharf food and drink scene.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Square Pie Guys

Copy Link

This Detroit-style pizza mini-chain Square Pie Guys offers indoor and patio dining plus takeout at this outpost fronting Ghirardelli Square and Aquatic Park. The pies are unique in the West Coast pizza world — cut into thick, pillowy squares; bounded by crisped cheese-laden edges; and starring a blend of traditional and unusual toppings. Pepperoni, for example, is available either with red sauce and mozzarella, or with white sauce, chile flake, green goddess dressing, and grated grana padano. Kale salads, chicken wings, and desserts complete the menu.

845 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 890-2335
(415) 890-2335
A spread of pizza, salads, and chicken wings at Square Pie Guys Albert Law

Also featured in:

Palette Tea House & Dim Sum

Copy Link

Yes, there’s excellent dim sum to be had right in the heart of Ghirardelli Square, from the team behind Koi Palace and Dragon Beaux, the legendary Ng brothers. Tourists or not, customers are almost certain to order a steamer of the multi-colored xiao long bao alongside the equally Instagrammable fried taro puffs crafted to resemble black swans. You can also rely on Palette’s pedigreed dim sum chefs to put out solid versions of all the classics including har gow, barbecue pork buns, and pan-fried radish cakes.

900 North Point St b201, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 347-8888
(415) 347-8888
A steamer of vegetarian dumplings at Palette Patricia Chang

Also featured in:

Barrio

Copy Link

With its stunning views, killer margaritas, fresh blue corn tortillas, and festive background music, Barrio brings a serious vacation vibe to Ghirardelli Square. Tacos are the focus, and the ones with fresh, grilled halibut are a natural choice. Margaritas are customizable by liquor (tequila or mezcal) and flavor (lime, pineapple, prickly pear, or watermelon) and are available in single servings or party-sized pitchers. Palomas, micheladas, and house riffs on classic cocktails are on the menu, along with alcohol-free aguas frescas.

900 North Point St Unit J 101, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 741-2000
(415) 741-2000
The patio at Barrio Ghirardelli Square Patricia Chang

Also featured in:

Buena Vista Cafe

Copy Link

The Buena Vista, which opened in 1916, has the kind of charm that only a century-old bar can provide. The bar’s famous Irish Coffee has been a thing since it was first concocted in 1952 and, allegedly, it still serves the exact same recipe of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and aged cream. Sure, it’s a tourist destination but you’ll also find plenty of locals hanging out at the bar.

2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 474-5044
(415) 474-5044

Also featured in:

Gary Danko

Copy Link

This longtime fine-dining institution near Ghirardelli Square continues to offer its famed risottos and decadent desserts. Head to the bar and order a la carte from the menu: the cheese cart, trio of creme brulee, and souffles are all best in class. Level up with caviar service, if you’re feeling ritzy.

800 North Pt, San Francisco, CA
(415) 749-2060
(415) 749-2060
Chocolate souffle
Gary Danko

Also featured in:

Cafe de Casa

Copy Link

Cafe de Casa is a Brazilian-owned cafe serving all manner of Brazilian street food: açai made with guardana; classic pastries like enroladinho, or coconut bread filled with cheese; and coxinha, breaded dough filled with shredded chicken and cream cheese. Other highlights include pour-over coffee and seriously spicy hot sauce.

2701 Leavenworth St, San Francisco, CA
Coxinha
Cafe de Casa/Facebook

In-N-Out Burger

Copy Link

The distinction of being the only In-N-Out within San Francisco city limits often means this restaurant is the sole reason for locals to go to the Wharf. It’s a constantly bustling environment, filled with hungry tourists from all over the world, and locals from all walks of life. Check out a typical afternoon at California’s favorite burger chain, and head down for a Double Double.

333 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA
(800) 786-1000
(800) 786-1000
The front door of In-N-Out Burger at Fisherman’s Wharf, including the restaurant’s yellow, triangular awning and iconic yellow, red, and white sign. Patricia Chang

Also featured in:

Scoma's Restaurant

Copy Link

Literally sitting on the dock of the bay, Scoma’s has been around since 1965, making it a gem of the Fisherman’s Wharf scene. It even used to have its own fishing boat for salmon and crabs. Despite the long tenure, it’s managed to upgrade the cocktail program and menu quite a bit. This is a top-tier choice for a sit-down fancy-ish dinner somewhere on Fisherman’s Wharf. If you’re looking to try one of the city’s legendary dishes, order the “lazy man’s cioppino.”

1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA
(415) 771-4383
(415) 771-4383
Shellfish platter at Scoma’s Scoma’s/Facebook

Also featured in:

Surisan

Copy Link

San Francisco’s Korean food scene has recently started to boom, but if you are craving pajun, jook, or bibimbap, this spot has solid versions of all of the above. Owners Steven and Jiyeon Choi — who also own Kitchen Story, Sweet Maple, and a few other Bay Area neighborhood staples — have created a very decent American-style brunch including popovers, sweet-spicy “Millionaire’s” bacon, and super-thick blueberry-stuffed French toast.

505 Beach St, San Francisco, CA
415-771-8449
415-771-8449
Spicy seafood soup at Surisan Surisan/Facebook

Also featured in:

Tanguito

Copy Link

This Argentinian food truck serves some of the area’s tastiest and most reasonably priced food. It’s best known for its flaky, Argentinian-style baked empanadas and its massive, chimichurri-topped burger — low-key one of the better burgers in the city. But you can also grab a seat in the little covered dining area and enjoy a heartier sit-down dinner — say, a grilled steak over saffron rice.

2850 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 577-4223
(415) 577-4223
Tanguito

Abacá

Copy Link

Noticed a deluge of ube-purple cocktails populating your Instagram feed in recent years? Thank modern Filipino restaurant Abacá for its part in making jaws drop with its colorful drinks including a snappy nonalcoholic calamansi daquiri. The restaurant joined the Wharf’s lineup of must-hit restaurants in late 2021 and gained loads of fans for its renditions of sisig fried rice and pork lumpia.

2700 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 486-0788
(415) 486-0788
Abacá

Also featured in:

The Codmother

Copy Link

England-born Suzanne Acevedo knows her way around a fryer. She founded this humble trailer in 2011 because she missed the fish ‘n’ chips from her homeland. Now she’s serving some of the best food on the Wharf, and some of the best fish tacos in San Francisco. Note that she doesn’t take reservations or orders by phone; online ordering is the only way to plan ahead for pickup. 

496 Beach St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 606-9349
(415) 606-9349

Also featured in:

Krispy Krunchy Chicken

Copy Link

One of the few stand-alone Krispy Krunchy locations that isn’t embedded inside a gas station convenience store, this Southern-style fried chicken chain has been a welcome addition to the Wharf. Well-seasoned, unfailingly crunchy skin — hence the name — and sweet honey biscuits are the hallmarks here.

2660 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 800-8637
(415) 800-8637
Krispy Krunchy Chicken Krispy Krunchy Chicken

Also featured in:

Fog Harbor Fish House

Copy Link

Fog Harbor is a tourist trap to be sure, but with its prime spot on Pier 39, large outdoor dining space boasting views of the bay and bridge, and over-the-top seafood feasts, it offers a fun time for everyone. Tie on a bib for sourdough bread bowls brimming with clam chowder and piled with lump Dungeness crab meat, its specialty, and go big with lobster tails, a whole Dungeness crab, or surf and turf.

39 pier, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 421-2442
(415) 421-2442
Fog Harbor Fish House/Facebook

Also featured in:

More in Maps

© 2024 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

Square Pie Guys

845 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109

This Detroit-style pizza mini-chain Square Pie Guys offers indoor and patio dining plus takeout at this outpost fronting Ghirardelli Square and Aquatic Park. The pies are unique in the West Coast pizza world — cut into thick, pillowy squares; bounded by crisped cheese-laden edges; and starring a blend of traditional and unusual toppings. Pepperoni, for example, is available either with red sauce and mozzarella, or with white sauce, chile flake, green goddess dressing, and grated grana padano. Kale salads, chicken wings, and desserts complete the menu.

845 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 890-2335
(415) 890-2335
A spread of pizza, salads, and chicken wings at Square Pie Guys Albert Law

Palette Tea House & Dim Sum

900 North Point St b201, San Francisco, CA 94109

Yes, there’s excellent dim sum to be had right in the heart of Ghirardelli Square, from the team behind Koi Palace and Dragon Beaux, the legendary Ng brothers. Tourists or not, customers are almost certain to order a steamer of the multi-colored xiao long bao alongside the equally Instagrammable fried taro puffs crafted to resemble black swans. You can also rely on Palette’s pedigreed dim sum chefs to put out solid versions of all the classics including har gow, barbecue pork buns, and pan-fried radish cakes.

900 North Point St b201, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 347-8888
(415) 347-8888
A steamer of vegetarian dumplings at Palette Patricia Chang

Barrio

900 North Point St Unit J 101, San Francisco, CA 94109

With its stunning views, killer margaritas, fresh blue corn tortillas, and festive background music, Barrio brings a serious vacation vibe to Ghirardelli Square. Tacos are the focus, and the ones with fresh, grilled halibut are a natural choice. Margaritas are customizable by liquor (tequila or mezcal) and flavor (lime, pineapple, prickly pear, or watermelon) and are available in single servings or party-sized pitchers. Palomas, micheladas, and house riffs on classic cocktails are on the menu, along with alcohol-free aguas frescas.

900 North Point St Unit J 101, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 741-2000
(415) 741-2000
The patio at Barrio Ghirardelli Square Patricia Chang

Buena Vista Cafe

2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA

The Buena Vista, which opened in 1916, has the kind of charm that only a century-old bar can provide. The bar’s famous Irish Coffee has been a thing since it was first concocted in 1952 and, allegedly, it still serves the exact same recipe of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and aged cream. Sure, it’s a tourist destination but you’ll also find plenty of locals hanging out at the bar.

2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 474-5044
(415) 474-5044

Gary Danko

800 North Pt, San Francisco, CA

This longtime fine-dining institution near Ghirardelli Square continues to offer its famed risottos and decadent desserts. Head to the bar and order a la carte from the menu: the cheese cart, trio of creme brulee, and souffles are all best in class. Level up with caviar service, if you’re feeling ritzy.

800 North Pt, San Francisco, CA
(415) 749-2060
(415) 749-2060
Chocolate souffle
Gary Danko

Cafe de Casa

2701 Leavenworth St, San Francisco, CA

Cafe de Casa is a Brazilian-owned cafe serving all manner of Brazilian street food: açai made with guardana; classic pastries like enroladinho, or coconut bread filled with cheese; and coxinha, breaded dough filled with shredded chicken and cream cheese. Other highlights include pour-over coffee and seriously spicy hot sauce.

2701 Leavenworth St, San Francisco, CA
Coxinha
Cafe de Casa/Facebook

In-N-Out Burger

333 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA

The distinction of being the only In-N-Out within San Francisco city limits often means this restaurant is the sole reason for locals to go to the Wharf. It’s a constantly bustling environment, filled with hungry tourists from all over the world, and locals from all walks of life. Check out a typical afternoon at California’s favorite burger chain, and head down for a Double Double.

333 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA
(800) 786-1000
(800) 786-1000
The front door of In-N-Out Burger at Fisherman’s Wharf, including the restaurant’s yellow, triangular awning and iconic yellow, red, and white sign. Patricia Chang

Scoma's Restaurant

1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA

Literally sitting on the dock of the bay, Scoma’s has been around since 1965, making it a gem of the Fisherman’s Wharf scene. It even used to have its own fishing boat for salmon and crabs. Despite the long tenure, it’s managed to upgrade the cocktail program and menu quite a bit. This is a top-tier choice for a sit-down fancy-ish dinner somewhere on Fisherman’s Wharf. If you’re looking to try one of the city’s legendary dishes, order the “lazy man’s cioppino.”

1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA
(415) 771-4383
(415) 771-4383
Shellfish platter at Scoma’s Scoma’s/Facebook

Surisan

505 Beach St, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco’s Korean food scene has recently started to boom, but if you are craving pajun, jook, or bibimbap, this spot has solid versions of all of the above. Owners Steven and Jiyeon Choi — who also own Kitchen Story, Sweet Maple, and a few other Bay Area neighborhood staples — have created a very decent American-style brunch including popovers, sweet-spicy “Millionaire’s” bacon, and super-thick blueberry-stuffed French toast.

505 Beach St, San Francisco, CA
415-771-8449
415-771-8449
Spicy seafood soup at Surisan Surisan/Facebook

Tanguito

2850 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94133

This Argentinian food truck serves some of the area’s tastiest and most reasonably priced food. It’s best known for its flaky, Argentinian-style baked empanadas and its massive, chimichurri-topped burger — low-key one of the better burgers in the city. But you can also grab a seat in the little covered dining area and enjoy a heartier sit-down dinner — say, a grilled steak over saffron rice.

2850 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 577-4223
(415) 577-4223
Tanguito

Abacá

2700 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Noticed a deluge of ube-purple cocktails populating your Instagram feed in recent years? Thank modern Filipino restaurant Abacá for its part in making jaws drop with its colorful drinks including a snappy nonalcoholic calamansi daquiri. The restaurant joined the Wharf’s lineup of must-hit restaurants in late 2021 and gained loads of fans for its renditions of sisig fried rice and pork lumpia.

2700 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 486-0788
(415) 486-0788
Abacá

The Codmother

496 Beach St, San Francisco, CA

England-born Suzanne Acevedo knows her way around a fryer. She founded this humble trailer in 2011 because she missed the fish ‘n’ chips from her homeland. Now she’s serving some of the best food on the Wharf, and some of the best fish tacos in San Francisco. Note that she doesn’t take reservations or orders by phone; online ordering is the only way to plan ahead for pickup. 

496 Beach St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 606-9349
(415) 606-9349

Krispy Krunchy Chicken

2660 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133

One of the few stand-alone Krispy Krunchy locations that isn’t embedded inside a gas station convenience store, this Southern-style fried chicken chain has been a welcome addition to the Wharf. Well-seasoned, unfailingly crunchy skin — hence the name — and sweet honey biscuits are the hallmarks here.

2660 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 800-8637
(415) 800-8637
Krispy Krunchy Chicken Krispy Krunchy Chicken

Fog Harbor Fish House

39 pier, San Francisco, CA 94133

Fog Harbor is a tourist trap to be sure, but with its prime spot on Pier 39, large outdoor dining space boasting views of the bay and bridge, and over-the-top seafood feasts, it offers a fun time for everyone. Tie on a bib for sourdough bread bowls brimming with clam chowder and piled with lump Dungeness crab meat, its specialty, and go big with lobster tails, a whole Dungeness crab, or surf and turf.

39 pier, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 421-2442
(415) 421-2442
Fog Harbor Fish House/Facebook

Related Maps