Restaurants in Fisherman's Wharf (San Francisco)

The Eagle Cafe

Originally located in a less conspicuous spot across the street, this authentic seaman's pub now sits among the tourist mayhem of Pier 39's mall. Luckily, The Eagle Cafe has retained its character, not to mention its delicious, affordable seafood. Come in on a weekend night to sit amongst the sailors, fishermen, and dockworkers drinking and watching the fog roll in. Live folk music on weekend nights will add further salt to your pint.

Dante's Seafood Grill

Located on the second floor of the Pier, this restaurant offers a scenic view of the San Francisco Bay including the Alcatraz. Diners can enjoy a California wine bar with more than 120 local wine selections, a fireplace lounge and live piano music. Fresh fish and seafood are served daily, including Pistachio Halibut and Lobster, and Mushroom-Stuffed Ravioli. The restaurant also offers a range of lunch and dinner specials.

McCormick and Kuleto

In spite of its chain-restaurant status, McCormick and Kuleto is a sprawling, brightly lit seafood house and is one of the most popular restaurants in Ghirardelli Square. Tourists and locals happily feast on an enormous selection of fresh seafood at reasonable prices. An unusual menu item is the Oyster Bisque in heavy cream sauce, which is a dairy-lover's dream come true, but the more health-conscious folk enjoy grilled fish platters or shellfish choices. Although the atmosphere is very upscale, this is one of the few seafood restaurants of its kind where kids are more than welcome.

Franciscan Restaurant

One of the few places on the waterfront to serve brunch, this restaurant specializes in seafood. Brunch service offers such gourmet items as an omelette made with rock shrimp, jack cheese and spinach. Lunch and dinner entrees include Grilled King Salmon, and dried and aged New York Steak. The airy and casual restaurant offers a view of Pier 43 and the wharf. Reservations are recommended for dinner and during the summer months of June through August.

Fishermen's Grotto

This Wharf legend the Fishermen's Grotto has been serving classic fresh fish dishes to San Francisco tourists since 1935. Its attractions include unforgettable bay views, an old-fashioned Venetian style dining room, and a friendly atmosphere. The menu focuses on Italian dishes such as Spaghetti and Ravioli and fresh seafood dishes such as Pacific Red Snapper, Fish and Chips, Crab and Scallops. Try the New England Clam Chowder in a bread bowl, it is a local favorite enjoyed by many.

Grandeho's Kamekyo II

A small, charming Japanese restaurant located just steps from Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoy the authentic feel and friendly atmosphere at a table or at Grandeho's Kamekyo II; the sushi bar where talented chefs are hard at work creating culinary works of art. The low lit, relaxing, and warm dining room is filled equally by tourists and locals. Authentic Japanese specialties include the entire gamut of appetizers, from spinach in sesame sauce to edamame to tekka don. Sushi specialties are the highlight here.Indulge in sashimi or try a roll. The shrimp tempura rainbow roll is absolutely gorgeous and big enough to feed eight. Hot dishes are well prepared and can be very satiating on cold winter days. Choices include teriyakis, tempuras, broiled salmon, grilled tuna, and huge bowls of steaming udon. Truly a special treat after a tour of the famous Wharf, enjoy some fine seafood without all the crowds.

Gary Danko

The recipient of the coveted James Beard cooking award, chef Gary Danko practices his genius at his eponymous, 65-seat Gary Danko restaurant. Luxurious appetizers, flavorful entrees, and decadent desserts are the true crowd pleasers. Try the Lobster Salad with Fennel, Citrus, Avocado and Mustard Tarragon Dressing or an entree of Seared Maine Scallops with Black Truffle, Leek and Potato Puree. Indulge in the special Flambeed Pineapple with Macadamia Nuts and Cocounut Sherbet, prepared table side and with gusto. An outstanding wine list featuring hundreds of California and French bottles is available.

Cafe Pescatore

Cafe Pescatore is an Italian cafe and a great place to lunch at Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoy the fresh seafood dishes for which San Francisco is famous. This is a casual cafe with large windows providing a picturesque view of the Wharf foot traffic. The decor sticks with a nautical theme with carved wooden ships hanging from the ceiling. An open kitchen showcases a wood-burning pizza oven. On the menu is wood-oven baked pizza, pasta, fish, meat and poultry off the grill. Try the Steamed Mussels, Grilled Herbed pressed Swordfish or Pan-Roasted Salmon. The family-friendly restaurant also offers a children's menu.

Tarantino's Italian Restaurant

In the 1930s the building that houses this restaurant was a meeting hall for local fishermen. In 1946 the restaurant opened as a sidewalk cafe serving sandwiches and salads. Today, an outdoor cafe still serves lighter fare, while upstairs the restaurant offers a more elegant dining experience, complete with a full view of the Bay and live piano music. The house specialties are the pasta dishes, such as Penne Rustica, which is penne pasta with scallops, swordfish, prawns and mussels in a garlic cream sauce. The restaurant also serves a variety of vegetarian entrees. The service is friendly and quick.

Pompeii's Grotto

Diners can listen to the light jazz music that plays overhead as they enjoy fish, pasta and seafood in this open-air dining room. The menu advertises Dungeness Crab Cakes as one of the most popular items. Another favorite is the Pasta Vincenzo, which is a flavorful blend of whitefish, shrimp, scallops and mussels served over fettuccini in a white cream sauce. The restaurant also offers daily lunch and kids' specials. The service is outstanding and dinner reservations are recommended.

Lou's Pier 47

People come from all over to get their booze and hear their blues at this two-story club that books some of the best musicians working today. It gets packed, especially upstairs where shows are staged. Excellent Cajun seafood adds spice to the evening. There is a lovely view of the Bay, but only if you are lucky enough to snag as window table. Wherever you sit, though, you will get some great vibes and great music.

La Pasta

After a long day at Fishermans Wharf, try this Italian delight located in Ghirardelli Square. While the food is beyond sufficient, that is not the memory you will take home. The panoramic view of the City and the Bay is what makes this place popular with tourists and locals alike. The menu is dominated by Italian and seafood dishes as well as grilled specialties. Try the fresh seafood cannelloni, the grilled salmon or the angel hair and mussels. For dessert treat yourself to the Italian gelato. The service is great.