The Best Restaurants in Fisherman’s Wharf and Beyond
San Francisco has long been celebrated as one of America's premier culinary destinations, where innovative chefs and a wide range of cultural influences create an ever-evolving food scene. From the lively energy of Hotel Caza’s home in Fisherman's Wharf to the eclectic neighborhoods beyond, the city continues to welcome exciting dining establishments that push culinary boundaries while honoring the Bay Area's commitment to fresh, sustainable ingredients.
Any devoted foodie planning a gastronomic tour should take a closer look at the San Francisco restaurant landscape, and build their itinerary around checking out what’s on the menu at these renowned (and upcoming!) Bay Area eateries.
Waterfront Wonders in the Wharf
The iconic Fisherman's Wharf district is home to several noteworthy stops that both honor and reinvent the area's dining traditions. Among them:
Everett & Jones BBQ: Just steps from the waterfront, this longtime Oakland staple is set to open its first San Francisco location in 2025, bringing its legendary barbecue to eager crowds. Four generations of family legacy come through in their smoky brisket and secret-recipe “Q” sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy. Their signature beef links, made fresh in-house daily, exemplify how they're thoughtfully adapting classic recipes for contemporary diners. Get here early, as Everett & Jones is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about restaurants in Fisherman’s Wharf.
300 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Gary Danko: Gary Danko redefines fine dining excellence with its refreshed menu and newly renovated dining room overlooking the bay. While maintaining its reputation for impeccable service, this Michelin-starred establishment has introduced more approachable prix-fixe options that showcase the restaurant's legendary seafood preparations. Their glazed oysters with caviar and tarragon cream remain transcendent, while new additions like the slow-cooked Arctic char with fennel pollen demonstrate Chef Danko's commitment to culinary evolution.
800 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Surisan: Surisan brilliantly bridges Korean culinary traditions with California breakfast culture in its bright, contemporary space near the waterfront. Their Korean-inspired brunch dishes, particularly the short rib benedict with gochujang hollandaise and kimchi fried rice topped with perfectly cooked eggs, have transformed the morning dining scene in Fisherman's Wharf. By evening, the restaurant transitions to offer modern Korean interpretations of fresh seafood, including a remarkable ginger-soy marinated black cod that rivals the most celebrated dishes in the city.
505 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighborhood Gems Worth Exploring
Venturing beyond Fisherman's Wharf reveals neighborhood restaurants that are certain to reward the culinary explorer.
Smish Smash: This premium burger joint at the Saluhall Market Food Hall has elevated the humble hamburger to artisanal heights. Their "smashed" patties achieve the perfect crispy-edged Maillard-reaction crust while remaining juicy inside, and the always-fresh toppings are the perfect complement. This classic approach to burgers and sides also includes both curly and shoestring fries cooked in classic beef tallow.
945 Market St. San Francisco, CA 94103
Café Sebastian: James Beard honoree Bradley Kilgore’s newest eatery offers a refined dining experience with its Mediterranean-inspired menu that emphasizes locally-sourced seafood. Their Short Rib Gratine is enhanced with Comte cheese and caramelized onions, while the menu of fresh juices goes far beyond the standard squeeze.
545 Sansome Street, San Francisco, California 94111
Cassava: Longtime area favorite Cassava has reopened in a new location in Jackson Square, continuing their tradition of Japanese-influenced California cuisine in a more spacious setting. Their tasting menu changes frequently based on seasonal availability, but their signature onigirazu demonstrates Chef Kris Toliao's masterful technique and restraint.
633 Battery Street, San Francisco, California 94111
Gigi's Wine Lounge: Gigi’s represents a vibrant celebration of modern fusion cuisine from Top Chef’s Tu David Phu, albeit with distinctly Californian sensibilities. Their handmade dishes (particularly the Spicy Mapo Noodles with tofu and fava bean natto), exemplify their commitment to highlighting local ingredients through the lens of pan-Asian tradition.
299 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, California 94117
Turtle Tower: This long-running and much-beloved spot was out of commission for most of the last year. But 2025 sees them reopening a sleek new location, and bringing their legendary Northern Vietnamese cuisine to even more San Franciscans. Their crystal-clear Chicken Phở Ga demonstrates that simplicity often yields the most profound flavors.
220 California Street, San Francisco, California 94111
Fine Dining Innovations
San Francisco's reputation for cutting-edge fine dining continues with several noteworthy openings.
Shoji: Brought to you by Sushi Hashiri’s Shota Son, Shoji offers a fresh and intimate take on traditional Japanese, with thoughtful cross-cultural elements (thanks to an assist from Intu-on Kornnawong, previously of Jo’s Modern Thai). Although the plates are still a work in progress, with muscle like this behind the menu? You’d be advised to grab one of their early reservations before word gets out.
140 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California 94105
Verjus: Perhaps the comeback story of the year, Verjus (closed during the pandemic) has risen from the ashes stronger than ever. This European-feel space combines a wine bar, restaurant and event space, thanks to the newly-built DJ booth. Their natural wine selection (with bottles also available to go) complements a menu of refined French small plates, creating an all-day destination for the city's most discerning oenophiles.
550 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Izzy's Steakhouse: The Marina District’s favorite carnivores’ haven has undergone a comprehensive renovation after 40 years of service. Chef Daniel Lucero (previously of Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro) has refreshed their classic San Francisco steakhouse experience while maintaining the warm, convivial atmosphere that made them a local favorite. Izzy’s “The Gomez” 20 oz. prime rib remains the showstopper, but there’s not a bad move on the entire menu.
3345 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Casual Standouts
San Francisco proves that casual dining can still be exceptional, thanks to several new fast, fresh spots that have quickly become local favorites.
Outta Site Pizza: This laid-back neighborhood slice shop puts a distinctly west coast spin on the classic pie. Although you’ll always find timeless classics among their bubbly, blustery Neapolitan-style menu creations, proprietor Eric Ehler is somewhat known for his experimental nature — often crafting eyebrow-raising ideas (like a recent Curry Butter Chicken variant) that perfectly capture the diversity of the city's culinary spirit.
643 Clay Street, San Francisco, California 94111
Morella: Speaking of innovation, Morella exists as a writ-large Venn diagram serving the fusion overlap between Italian and Argentinian cuisine. Fire-grilled specialties like Picanha and Argentinean Sausages are a can’t-miss, but you also shouldn’t pass up the pastas — which include inventive Lamb Bolognese and Dungeness Crab Ravioli varieties.
2001 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, California 94123
Taco Primo: Spun off as a sister concept to The Snug next door, Taco Primo elevates street food to an art form. Of course, tacos are the star here. But they share menu space with bowls, salads, quesadillas and more. In a distinctly California twist, every menu item that’s traditionally as meaty as it gets can also be made vegetarian by swapping in jackfruit — so there’s truly a plate for every palate here. Don’t skip the Horchata Milkshake on your way out, it's a local favorite.
2301 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, California 94115
Hotel Caza is Your Culinary Tour Home Base
After a day of exceptional dining experiences across the city, Hotel Caza offers the perfect retreat in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf. Our central location puts you within walking distance of waterfront favorites and just a short ride from the city's other rich culinary neighborhoods. When you're not out exploring San Francisco's incredible restaurant scene, our comfortable accommodations provide the ideal place to rest and digest before your next gastronomic adventure.
Ready to embark on a food-focused San Francisco getaway? Check out Hotel Caza's special travel offers to find the perfect deal for your culinary explorations!
