San Francisco has a fantastic collection of restaurants, bars, and cafes with ocean views. It’s hard not to enjoy a weekend brunch on the water or a cocktail with an ocean sunset background, and that’s why we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite waterfront restaurants around San Francisco. Read on to discover your new favorite spot.
1. La Mar
This upscale Peruvian restaurant has a beautiful patio right on the waterfront where you can enjoy fresh ceviche, grilled skewers, and incredible empanadas. Signature cocktails include a prickly pear margarita and the classic pisco sour.
📍 Pier 1 1/2, The Embarcadero
2. Hog Island Oyster Co.
This wildly popular spot at the Ferry Building is a no brainer for delicious oysters, hand-crafted cocktails, and unparalleled views. Be advised that they don’t take reservations so the wait can get pretty long on weekends – but if you’re lucky enough to snag a table, you’re in for a treat.
📍 Ferry Building 11A
3. Greens
This popular vegetable-centric restaurant has celebrated a legacy of women chefs since 1979. The dining space is an absolute work of art, with sustainably designed wooden furniture, local paintings and art, and unbeatable ocean views. They serve delicious brunch, lunch, and dinner, all of which bring luxury and serenity to your dining experience.
📍 2 Marina Blvd, Fort Mason, Building A
4. Pier 23
Pier 23 is a casual, family-owned seafood restaurant with a waterside back patio and beer garden. Their fish tacos are fantastic, as is the shrimp and octopus ceviche. And don’t skimp on their cocktail menu, which has ocean-themed drinks for a perfect bayside afternoon.
📍 Pier 23, The Embarcadero
5. Coqueta
Enjoy delicious Spanish tapas and more in a heated tent under the stars. Memorable options include wood-grilled Spanish octopus, smoked salmon with truffle honey, and Valencian paella. Pair with beer, cider, and more from around the world.
📍 Pier 5, The Embarcadero
6. Scoma’s
Here’s your spot for “pier to plate” dining, courtesy of an SF institution that’s spent 50 years at Pier 47 in Fisherman’s Wharf. It started out as a small coffee shop for local fisherman, eventually evolving into a full waterside restaurant preparing delicious meals from the day’s catch. Classic dishes include Dungeness crab cakes, “Lazy Man’s” Cioppino, and a Shellfish Saute.
📍 1965 Al Scoma Way
7. Waterbar
This stylish restaurant has delicious fresh seafood on a spacious patio next to the Bay Bridge. Try their lobster cavatelli pasta, crab and scallop fried rice, pan roasted wild striped bass, and much more. Not to mention 4 different types of oysters and a variety of clever cocktails.
📍 399 The Embarcadero
8. Fog Harbor Fish House
This Pier 39 hotspot is one of Yelp’s top-rated restaurants in SF. You won’t be disappointed with waterside dining, fresh-baked sourdough, and the freshest sustainable seafood available. Try their famous clam chowder, crab cakes, and seafood penne.
📍 Pier 39, The Embarcadero
9. Harmonic Brewing Thrive City
You have got to check out Harmonic Brewing‘s new taproom and patio, part of Thrive City at Chase Center. They’re promising some memorable afternoons at their new spot on the water, with excellent craft beer and casual food provided by Neighbor Bakehouse, Gilberth’s Latin Fusion, and other local favorites.
📍 7 Warriors Way Suite 206
10. Red’s Java House
Nom on epic sourdough burgers and hot dogs at this casual waterside hotspot. Keep an eye on their rotating daily lunch meals, especially corn beef and hash on the weekends. Whether you’re hungry for brunch, lunch, or dinner, their all-day menu never disappoints.
📍 Pier 30, The Embarcadero
11. EPIC Steak
It’s hard to beat the Bay Bridge view from EPIC Steak’s outdoor heated patio. Take a seat on the city’s famed waterfront and enjoy expertly-prepared steak dishes paired with delicious house-made cocktails, and remember to peek at the seafood menu for a light and fresh dishes to accompany the Bay views. Don’t skimp on the truffle miso butter to elevate your 14oz New York steak.
📍 369 The Embarcadero
12. Harborview
Harborview is a family-style Cantonese Chinese restaurant across the street from the Ferry Building with panoramic bay views from its sunny outdoor patio. Make sure to take a good look through its extensive dim sum selection during the lunch hour, or enjoy the crispy Peking duck for dinner as you watch the sunset.
📍4 Embarcadero Center
13. Mersea Restaurant
If you’re willing to head off the beaten path to Treasure Island, Mersea is a totally unique dining experience on the Great Lawn with beautiful city views and water in all directions. The casual shipping container restaurant maintains a constantly-changing menu with everything from loaded baked potatoes to burgers to ceviche.
📍699 Avenue of the Palms, Treasure Island
14. Beach Chalet
This historic restaurant on the western edge of Golden Gate Park offers sweeping views over the beach from its expansive dining room. If you time your visit right you can catch live music Friday-Monday, a champagne brunch on weekends, weekday happy hour from 4-6pm, or the Monday prime rib special. Top off your meal with a lovely Ocean Beach walk.
📍1000 Great Highway at Ocean Beach
15. Radhaus
This German/Californian beer hall has caught our eye for its sleek environment and awesome menu. Radhaus, which is tucked away inside the Fort Mason Center, has an unbeatable selection of flapjacks, pretzels, spaetzle, schnitzel, currywurst, burgers, pickles, and beer!
📍Building A, Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd
Featured image: @scomassf via Instagram