Rarity only adds value, which makes the yummy dishes from the weekly pop-up appearances of this fantastic restaurant even more valuable. The San Francisco Lox sandwich is the featured attraction on this simple menu, but it's alone worth a trip to the Ferry Building. Afterwards, enjoy the enticing shops inside the iconic Ferry Building, or take a stroll along the Embarcadero and enjoy the bay. If you want superior seafood but don't have the time - or fancy outfits - for some of the higher end seafood restaurants in San Francisco, see if your schedule will allow a trip to Cap'N Mike's.
Recommended for Seafood because: Cap'N Mike's Holy Smoke is the kind of restaurant tip that a local whispers to only the coolest kind of tourist.
Tom's expert tip: If you need brunch at the Ferry Building on a Thursday or Saturday, Cap'n Mike's is your place.
Thahn Long is a trek, but it's Colossal Royal Tiger Prawns and famous Roast Crab are worth the long ride on the N-Judah train to the foggy Sunset. You'll be blocks from Ocean Beach as you enjoy some of the finest Vietnamese food the city has to offer. Founder Helene An continues to develop dishes here and at her other seafood restaurants throughout California - one of her most recent obsessions is the "tiato" herb, a member of the mint family that is crushed into most of the dishes. For a zesty take on seafood that you won't find anywhere else, head to Than Long.
Recommended for Seafood because: Than Long is off the beaten path but well worth the trip for those who really love crab.
Tom's expert tip: Be sure to book reservations well in advance - despite its location and expansion a few years ago, Thahn Long is packed almost every night.
Seafood is the standard, prepared a variety of ways (mesquite-grilled, baked in a casserole) and always impeccable in quality. Among its mainstays are lobster Thermidor, oyster stew, clam chowder, Dungeness crab, calamari steak, and petrale sole. Meat dishes are available, and desserts include baked apples and cheesecake. The menu is simple, stylish and always perfectly prepared to your taste. Great local color and servers. If it's a foggy San Francisco night, and you and your date feel like Bogey and Bacal, grab a table at Tadic Grill and let the magic of a San Francisco night cast a spell on you.
Recommended for Seafood because: Tadic might be a bit pricier than other seafood restaurants, but it can't be beat for classic San Francisco atmosphere and style.
Tom's expert tip: Old-school classics are the rule here, and for more than 150 years, the place has thrived on simplicity, a great menu, and time-tested hospitality.
An undersea fantasy world reigns at Farallon, one of undulating curves, glimmering details, and sea-creature accents. It's home to perhaps San Francisco's most famous seafood restaurant, led by chef Mark Franz and specializing in "coastal cuisine." Fresh shellfish starts the meal, followed by grilled Pacific ono, sauteed skate wing, Maine lobster, and prosciutto-wrapped branzino. The popular "seafood pyramid" piles together shrimp, scallops, lobster, julienned leeks, and salmon caviar. Poultry, beef, and veal are also available, along with a decadent dessert list and artisanal cheeses. Menu changes daily. Located right off of Union Square, with great access to the best shopping and sightseeing activities in the city.
Recommended for Seafood because: Farallon is one of the more expensive restaurants in San Francisco, but the seafood is fantastic.
Tom's expert tip: Impeccable seafood hits its stride amid a sea-themed wonderland.
For generations, this small eatery has been delighting seafood lovers from all over the city. Distinguished by a marble counter and pull-up stools, the place puts all its attention on fresh shellfish, especially just-shucked oysters. You can also try clams on the half-shell, cracked crab, lobster, and shrimp, along with a few soups and salads. The place doesn't stand out from the street, so keep your eyes peeled. And if you're around during the lunchtime rush, you'll most likely have to wait. If you're in the mood for a throwback kind of seafood restaurant, where simple style counts, then head to Swan Oyster Depot.
Recommended for Seafood because: Swan Oyster Depot has a cult following because the seafood is so consistently fresh nd good.
Tom's expert tip: Simple counter eatery gets raves for ocean-fresh shellfish.
Location location, location works for this simple but popular seafood restaurant. If you're looking for fancy atmosphere, The Codmother is not your place, since you might have to fight off hungry seagulls while sitting at their modest patio tables. But if you want perfectly grilled, fried or baked fish, you can't do much better than this charming restaurant. As the name suggests, this place is known for its cod, which the traditional fish for fish and chips. It's their signature and most popular dish, so go with that if you're not sure what to have. If you want to stray from the traditional British menu, try their fried Oreos with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Recommended for Seafood because: The Godmother serves excellent seafood in a more relaxed atmosphere than most seafood restaurants.
Tom's expert tip: One of the busiest restaurants on Fisherman's Wharf - and for good reason.
The name says it all: this place is serious about serving fresh, local fish. Sausalito is almost always sunny, so you can take advantage of Fish's ample outdoor seating, too. What separates Fish from other seafood restaurants is this: where many seafood restaurants offer locally caught seafood "when available," Fish only serves locally caught seafood. If they can't catch it from the Pacific or Bay that there restaurant sits on, it doesn't touch your plate. The place is packed, but be sure to ask the knowledgable servers whatever questions you have on the many fish dishes this restaurant offers. They know their fish!
Recommended for Seafood because: Fish is well worth a visit for seafood lovers who find themselves in Sausalito.
Tom's expert tip: Be sure to check out the nearby Bay Model Visitor Center.
What began in 1965 as a small coffee shop has evolved into an oft-frequented, family-run restaurant. It's also the only place amid Fisherman's Wharf's touristy eateries that locals recommend for quality of food and generous portions. Celebrity photos grant silent, smiling endorsements, and broad windows showcase wharf and Bay vistas. The lengthy menu tempts with Italian-accented seafood, including pastas, grilled fish, shellfish and a fabulous cioppino alla pescatore with Dungeness crab. If a ride across the Bay and a snootful of fresh, salty air will get your appetite ready for seafood, then grab a spot on the ferry and grab a table at their Sausalito location.
Recommended for Seafood because: Scoma keeps getting more popular but the quality of the seafood and staff service never seems to suffer.
Tom's expert tip: If you're up for a beautiful Ferry ride, Scoma's in Sausalito is worth the trip, too.
Distinguished from other Bay Area oyster bars by its tiny yet undeniably charming setting, Anchor Oyster Bar makes up for its intimate size with out-of-this world eats, including a fresh, daily changing oyster selection. Diners particularly love the Anchor Special that features 12 handsome oysters on the half shell, eight juicy steamed clams and four monster-sized chilled prawns. And with the same owner since its opening in 1977, you can rest assured that this place has been consistently popular over a long stretch. And it location in the always fun Castro District is a great excuse to explore this historic and important neighborhood.
Recommended for Seafood because: Anchor has been a mainstay on the San francisco seafood scene since 1977.
Tom's expert tip: Their clam chowder and buttery garlic bread are local favorites.
Established in 1925, Alioto's has been a reliable seafood restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf for years. Visitors to Fisherman's Wharf can be easily overwhelmed by the number of restaurants and activities in this tourist of mecca of San Francisco. And although there are several seafood options at Fisherman's Wharf, not all are equal. Alioto's really stand out from the rest. Family-run, very friendly and attentive service, and wonderful bay views, Alioto's has not allowed its popularity to got to its head. Fish, like sea bass, sand dabs, sole, swordfish, tuna, scallops, salmon and Dungeness crab, are caught daily and served up with an Italian charm.
Recommended for Seafood because: Alioto's has been a favorite of locals and tourists alike since 1925.
Tom's expert tip: Start off your meal right with a Bay Shrimp Cocktail.