San Francisco (near the wharf)

[Number9]

I just signed on as a new member here and I’m hoping someone can recommend a fine dine seafood restaurant. My wife and I will have an extra night and will be lodging somewhere near the wharf. We will be there Monday the 12th and I need to make reservations ASAP. The last time I was in this area I was 12 years old and on a summer vacation with my mom, dad and sister. I still remember the clam chowder soup and sourdough bread and since we have a wedding to go to about two hours south by car I wanted to seize the opportunity to relive that memorable experience. Thanks for any recommendations. BEST to all.

 

[bazelio]

My neck of the woods. On the wharf, Alioto's is more or less a SF landmark and I think is great. The restaurant proper, not the sidewalk vendor. Though you'd be surprised how great the "street food" is. On the higher end, try Scoma's. And for spectacular views, 15 minutes or so by Uber from the wharf is the Cliff House. Very classy, historic, and great food. It is also right next to Ocean Beach which, with the weather this weekend, would be a great spot for a sunset stroll. Have fun!

 

[bazelio]

PS for clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, almost any wharf street vendor will be memorable!

 

[Number9]

Thank you so much for the recommendations. I will Google and let you know how it goes.

 

[Steve Williams]

The best on the wharf is Scoma's if you want a full restaurant other wise the little walk up stands on the street serve fabulous clam chowder but for the best dining experience on the wharf, Scoma's hands down. Same waiters there for 30 years

I love the Cliff House. Alioto's is more a tradition so definitely worth a try. But again Scoma's

 

[Number9]

Scoma’s it is. Table has been reserved. I will share my experience when I get back next week sometime. Thanks again!

 

[Steve Williams]

Did you look online at their menu.

Best recommendation is to take Uber both ways However it’s easy to miss Scomas because you have to turn down a side street to get there. They do have valet parking which I recommend otherwise there are parking lots everywhere.

Scomas is not inexpensive so if you’re going with a lot of people ...........

Have a look on the walls as you walk through it The Who’s who who have dined there. If you’re going to walk around fisherman’s wharf I suggest you park in one of the closest parking lots. There is a high rise lot across from Fishernabs Wharf or a parking lot right on the Whsrf. Everything is easily walkable. Scomas is about 2 blocks from the wharf

 

[Steve Williams]

If you’re staying for s few days and want great dining for you and your wife try Gary Danko if you can get in. Expensive

 

[bazelio]

Awesome. Scoma's won't disappoint.

 

[RogerD]

I always liked Grotto #9

 

[JackD201]

Scoma's for sure. I've eaten at Gary Danko's three or four times since Steve recommennded it. It helps that it is a quick stroll from Ghirardelli which is where I always stay. While I have many friends who live in the Bay Area, I would have to say that Steve's batting average on recommendations has been 100% so far.

 

[Steve Williams]

Only thing I missed Jack is being able to dine there with you and your family

BTW I'm planning to be in the SF Bay Area around Dec 1 and almost certainly will be dining at both

 

[JackD201]

I'm gunning for October in SoCal Steve! This time I shall not be denied!

 

[Steve Williams]

I'm gunning for October in SoCal Steve! This time I shall not be denied!

Next October. You're on Jack

Id like to take you and Marge to The Hobbit which is a very unique restaurant but has to be booked months in advance so when you know I will book

 

[JackD201]

BBook for Elevenses then! LOL I'll know the dates quite late however. Perhaps August at the earliest. Aaaahh I miss being self employed!

 

[MtnHam]

With the exception of Steve's suggestion of Gary Danko, I have to disagree. Fisherman's Wharf is for tourists. But since that's what you are, perhaps that's what you want. As a long time resident of SF(starting in 1968) I rarely go to the Wharf; SF has many superior restaurants. Here is a list of the Top 100 according to Michael Bauer, a highly respected restaurant critic:

TOP 100 RESTAURANTS 2018
Eating is more than something we do before or after an event. In many cases, it is the event. Chronicle restaurant critic Michael Bauer celebrates the best of Bay Area dining in this, his 23rd annual guide. Whether it’s a classic taqueria or four-star restaurant, each entry adds something special to the dining scene.
https://projects.sfchronicle.com/2018/top-100-restaurants/#search

 

[Steve Williams]

With the exception of Steve's suggestion of Gary Danko, I have to disagree. Fisherman's Wharf is for tourists. But since that's what you are, perhaps that's what you want. As a long time resident of SF(starting in 1968) I rarely go to the Wharf; SF has many superior restaurants. Here is a list of the Top 100 according to Michael Bauer, a highly respected restaurant critic:

TOP 100 RESTAURANTS 2018
Eating is more than something we do before or after an event. In many cases, it is the event. Chronicle restaurant critic Michael Bauer celebrates the best of Bay Area dining in this, his 23rd annual guide. Whether it’s a classic taqueria or four-star restaurant, each entry adds something special to the dining scene.
https://projects.sfchronicle.com/2018/top-100-restaurants/#search

well of course he is and that is what he requested. I would never eat on the Wharf. Scoma is 2 blocks away and is a legend as is Gary Danko.Your top 100 are exceptional. My favorite restaurant on that list isn't even in SF and that is French Laundry which is Michelin ranked and is a must

 

[JackD201]

Whole grilled fish at Kokari, YUM! Oh, heads freak out Steve. LOL

 

[Number9]

Well as it turns out I have another (unexpected) meal planned with a college friend in the area. The name is Fog City Diner on Battery St. Unlikely to be on any top 100 list but still curious if any have ever done their brunch and can comment.

 

[bazelio]

It's a SF institution and a great breakfast spot right on the Embarcadero. Not everything need be on someone's top 100 list. Go and enjoy.