Will be in San Francisco several days and I was interested in dining at a casual place serving good seafood. Will be staying at Union Square. Already have reservations at Moose's, Garden Court and Scala's. Any suggestions for a good place for seafood, that is casual and not too expensive. I loved grilled fish.

Good seafood somehow seems the most overpriced food in the restaurant business (but buying at the local markets, I see why these days). There are many great SF seafood places, but most are pretty expensive. Of course, there are many casual ones along Fisherman's Wharf, some relatively inexpensive. And Hayes Street Grill is wonderful, fairly casual, and pretty reasonable, but near Van Ness and the opera. At Union Square one place that comes to mind is Kuleto's. Although primarily Italian, I have had wonderful grilled fish there. And I think it is a very reasonably priced place. Casual? Well, a little chic, but certainly not formal.

Head to the Wharf and go to Scoma's.

Aloohaaa,
Pier 23 located at....Pier 23. Very casual and if the weather is nice, sit out back and get a nice Bay view.

McCormick's and Kuletos at Ghirardelli Sq.
Beautiful view of the Bay, too.
Looks like calgirlSue and I may be the only one's who still like Scoma's?

Cafe Pescadero still open?
PJs Oyster Bar.

I heard Washington Square Bar and Grill is reopened and is doing well.
I need an BV Irish Coffee right now just talking about SF!
32 more days,
Kal

Thanks everyone. I keep hearing about McCormick's and Kuleto's. I read that they are owned by the same person.
Thanks Patrick for suggesting "Dame Edna" on an earlier post. We have tickets for that.

I agree with Patrick. Hayes Street Grill is a good place to go for fish.
It's on Hayes Street(obviously) near the opera house.

And..the Tadich Grill(downtown in the Financial District).

Sabrina: Of those mentioned (some very good ones), I would go to Tadich Grill, especially for grilled fish. John's Grill, also in the Financial District, would be another. Both are old San Francisco (Tadich's is an institution). You could even walk to these from Union Square if you chose.
Certainly, you could not go wrong with Hayes Street grill. Scoma's is "good", not great. Attractions are large servings and on the Wharf. Have a great time.

Sabrina,
I really enjoy Yabbies Coastal Kitchen (Yabbies for short). http://www.yabbiesrestaurant.com/

Nice, little neighborhood spot with a comfortable (albeit urban) atmosphere.

Scomas for seafood without a doubt - whenever we are in town we visit. It is casual to more dressy - your choice. Located right on the docks - you can't get any fresher and service is but the best. Enjoy.

My apologies, CalGirlSusan and Ghauser, but I have to post in strong disagreement to your recommendation of Scoma's. I usually only post when I have something to contribute, and I am reluctant to disagree with something as subjective as a restaurant recommendation - however... in this case I feel compelled. Scoma's, while offering wonderful views, is not known for its fresh seafood. It is instead known for very overpriced, moderate to bad food with equally luke-warm service. You can do much better for much less.

What a meaningless post you have just provided, svosmek. Sabrina is asking about a good, not expensive, and casual place for seafood. Two of us have given an opinion. I don't mind that you disagree, but by not giving an alternative you seem to be saying you don't know of a single place that fits the bill any better. If you do, then why didn't you list it? The problem here is to find a recommendation, not just to run down other people's recommendations without offering any help.

Good point, Calsusan. I don't think I've ever eaten at Scoma's, but it is often recommended. I'd be open to suggestions also as to great casual seafood restaurants that are "much better for less". What are some of those specifically?

I found Pier 23s website. Pretty cool sounds. http://www.pier23cafe.com/

I thought the idea of this board was to voice ones opinion even if it's different from others.

Huh,CF? I think that's what it is too, that's why this thread is people expressing opinions, some which disagree with each other. What is your point? Am I missing something here, or has a post or two been deleted? So far the minimal "disagreement" has been handled perfectly friendly and politely.

FYI--According to SF Chronicle these are some of the top seafood restaurants arranged by
Neighborhood and Price Range

Aqua-- Downtown $75+
Farallon --UnionSquare $75+
Great Eastern-- Chinatown $15-$25
Hayes Street Grill-- Hayes Valley $25-$50
The Old Clam House-- Bayshore $10-$15
P.J.'s Oyster Bed-- Sunset District $25-$50
Plouf --Downtown $25-$50
Red Herring --SOMA/Embarcadero $50-$75
Swan Oyster Depot-- Polk/Russian Hill $15-$25
Yabbie's-- Polk/Russian Hill $25-$50

Left off previous post: If you want to have seafood at the Wharf (because that feels appropriate)-- I would also recommend McCormick & Kuleto's. A number of out of town guests have really like it. BTW a very SF/Monterey Bay seafood to have is sand dabs--these same out of town guests all say they have never seen them back east.

CalGirl,
Just to be clear, I had already given my opinion (see two posts above my Scoma comment), and was reposting to add my complete opinion, which was to disagree with the recommendation of Scoma's. As I attempted to indicate, it is rare for me to disagree with a subjective opinion and I certainly did not mean to offend. I stand by my Yabbies recommendation and my Scoma's critique.

I would add to this that almost all restaurants in San Francisco will have a nice seafood selection. Here are some more favorites:

Rose Pistola
Zuni Cafe
Merenda
Plouf
Piperade (was Pastis)
Globe
Fringale

Happy eating, Sabrina!

I agree that Scomas is not wonderful. It is frankly a tourist trap; overpriced, average food and very rude waitstaff.

I used to love Kuletto and McKormicks but after the last two visits I have decided not to return. The food in the past has been quite good with unique options and nice presentation. The views are fantastic. But the last couple of times service was very poor, it's quite pricy and the food was disappointing.

If the weather is good, I like to eat outside at Synbads, adjacent to the Ferry building. I have never eaten inside so I can't comment but the calamari, chowder, and wine drenced clams were wonderful on the deck with a bottle of wine. Very casual.