9 Best Restaurants in San Francisco, California

A thriving oyster farm north of San Francisco in Tomales Bay serves up its harvest at this raw bar and restaurant in the Ferry Building, where devotees come for impeccably fresh oysters on the half shell. Other mollusk-centered options include first-rate clam chowder, grilled oysters, and steamed Manila clams; the kitchen also makes one of the city's best grilled cheese sandwiches.

Of the "big three" historic San Francisco restaurant classics (along with John's Grill and Tadich Grill) that date back to the 1800s, it's the intrepid Sam's Grill that serves the most consistently enjoyable food of the trio. The menu might not be exciting in a modern way—and it shouldn't be—but what arrives at the table is fresh and always enjoyable, focusing on superb mesquite-grilled fish and top-tier produce that probably weren't emphasized as much when it opened in 1867. The timeless atmosphere with a section of private booths with curtains and plenty of ice cold martinis being consumed is a trip to the past. At lunch time, Sam's often feels like the power center of San Francisco (the former mayor Willie Brown eats at a particular table here at least once a week).

Ask locals where to eat at Fisherman's Wharf and you'll usually get a blank look, but the real answer is this San Francisco classic that is undoubtedly the leader among its peers (or piers?). The Pier 47 spot was a coffee shop when brothers Al and Jay Scoma bought it in 1965 (the homey coffeehouse vibe still lingers around the retro-renovated space with worn walls covered with historic photos of the local sports teams), and the restaurant continues to be a great stop for excellent fresh fish and seafood preparations.

Half fish market and half diner, this small, slim, family-run seafood operation, open since 1912, has no tables, just a narrow marble counter with about 18 stools. Some locals come in to buy perfectly fresh salmon, halibut, crabs, and other seafood to take home; everyone else hops onto one of the rickety stools to enjoy a dozen oysters, other shellfish, or a bowl of clam chowder—the only hot food served. All of the seafood is served up with a side of big personality from the jovial folks behind the counter, who make you feel like a regular.  Come before 11 am or after 2 pm to avoid a long wait, and bring a full wallet: old-school Swan takes cash only.

You'll snag a table if you arrive at this longtime (since 1979) standby just as music lovers are folding their napkins and heading off for a show at the nearby Opera House or SFJAZZ Center. Fresh, sustainable, often local seafood lures the faithful here, as well as peak seasonal produce from the nearby region. Much of the fish—yellowtail, salmon, swordfish—is grilled and served with a choice of sauces, from beurre blanc to lemon-and-caper butter. Brass coat hooks, white tablecloths, a long bar, and a mix of banquettes and tables define the traditional San Francisco look.

Fresh seafood and waterfront views are some of the many reasons to swing by this fun restaurant in the shadow of the Chase Center (which, confusingly, is not within the Mission Rock development at the other end of the Mission Bay neighborhood). Everything here is casual but is also a big step above typical pub grub, from local rockfish in the ceviche and fish-and-chips to Dungeness crab on the deviled eggs. Some tables go for a proper multicourse meal, while others enjoy all of the tempting small plates tapas-style. Even if it isn't a sunny day, patio heaters and awnings keep diners (mostly) warm.

Locations and owners have changed more than once since this old-timer started as a coffee stand in 1849, but the crowds keep coming. Snag one of the private booths or sit at the timeless bar and sample seafood—always the name of the game here—such as Dungeness crab Louie or local sand dabs (a type of flounder).

Come for seafood with a view: sky-high aquariums dominate the dining room, and the bay is just beyond, but the food should be an equally notable attraction. Every fin and shell of the sea, from the oak-grilled octopus to the black cod caught in the ocean right outside of San Francisco, is sustainably sourced. Speaking of that view, no restaurant has a more prime vantage point of the Bay Bridge than this one, though the full dining-with-a-view experience is more enjoyable on the patio or in the spacious front dining room than in the rather dim rear dining area.  For a special occasion steakhouse with a view, head to Waterbar's next-door sibling, EPIC Steak.