Where is the best seafood in San Francisco?

Based on diner recommendations, the best seafood in San Francisco is at Nopalito. We compared 16 restaurants serving seafood.

How much does seafood cost in San Francisco?

Seafood prices in San Francisco range from $12.00 to $475.00 across 16 restaurants.

Best Seafood in San Francisco

16 restaurants compared

Price range: $12.00 – $475.00

Avg recommendation: 88%

Top 5 Seafood in San Francisco (Quick Answer)

Based on diner recommendations across 16 restaurants:

Nopalito, $16.50 (NoPa)
Delfina, $18.00 (Mission District)
Hilda and Jesse, $18.00 (North Beach)
Bodega SF, $32.00 (Tenderloin)
Liholiho Yacht Club, $38.00 (Lower Nob Hill)

Scroll down for detailed comparisons, prices, and diner tips for each restaurant.

All 16 Restaurants Compared

Nopalito

NoPa·$$

Ceviche Nayarita

$16.50

Fresh fish cured in lime juice with cucumber, onion, cilantro, and avocado.

Tip: Start with this if you want something light and fresh — a good introduction to Nopalito's approach to ingredient quality.

Delfina

Mission District·$$$

Grilled Octopus

$18.00

Tender grilled octopus with olive oil, lemon, and herbs.

Tip: This is usually available and is lighter than many starters at the restaurant. A good choice if you want space for pasta.

Hilda and Jesse

North Beach·$$$

Smoked Fish with Whipped Cream Cheese and Capers

$18.00

House-cured and smoked fish served with whipped cream cheese, capers, and thin toasted bread.

Tip: This course is ideal paired with the 5-course Chef's Adventure ($85) rather than the 3-course option.

Bodega SF

Tenderloin·$$

Whole Fried Branzino

$32.00

Whole fish fried until crispy, served with seasonal vegetables.

Tip: This comes as part of the tasting menu, but you can also order à la carte. It's an impressive main course — the whole fish presentation is striking.

Liholiho Yacht Club

Lower Nob Hill·$$$

Petrale Sole with Oyster Mushroom

$38.00

Pan-seared local sole with oyster mushroom, bone broth, ginger, and sesame.

Tip: This is a lighter option if you want something refined but not heavy. Still shareable for two.

Frances

Castro·$$$

Seasonal Seafood Course

Local fish or shellfish prepared simply to highlight the catch of the day.

Tip: Ask your server what fish came in that morning. Perello often highlights the supplier and catch method on the menu.

Liholiho Yacht Club

Lower Nob Hill·$$$

Fresh Shrimp with Satsuma Cucumber Salsa

$15.00

Chilled local shrimp with bright satsuma mandarin and cucumber salsa.

Tip: Order with the fried rice and poke to get a full sense of Kapur's range across one meal.

San Tung

Inner Sunset·$$

Honey Walnut Prawn

$12.00

Crispy-fried prawns tossed with honey-roasted walnuts and a creamy dressing.

Tip: A rich, sweet dish that works best as a single order to share — the walnut cream coating is filling and distinct from other items on the menu.

Atelier Crenn

Pacific Heights·$$$$

Seasonal Fish with Sauces

Perfectly prepared local fish with house-made beurre blanc and seasonal sauce variations.

Tip: Ask your server about the fish's origin and preparation on the night you dine. The menu rotates regularly to showcase what's in season.

#10

Sociale

Presidio Heights·$$$

Wood-Fired Branzino

$38.00

Whole Mediterranean sea bass grilled over wood fire with olive oil, lemon, and seasonal vegetables.

Tip: This is a beautiful presentation dish. Share the branzino as a stunning centerpiece for two.

#1197% recommend

Thanh Long

Outer Sunset·$$$

Whole Roasted Dungeness Crab

$88.00

A whole Dungeness crab roasted until the shell cracks, finished with black pepper and crispy shallots.

Tip: Reserve this dish at least one week in advance during crab season — whole roasted crab sells out quickly, especially on weekends. Available only winter months.

#1295% recommend

Atelier Crenn

Pacific Heights·$$$$

Uni with Citrus Mousseline

Sea urchin on crispy senbei cracker with citrus foam.

Tip: The uni course arrives early and sets the tone for the meal. Eat it immediately while the senbei is still crisp.

#1388% recommend

Quince

Jackson Square·$$$$

Seasonal Seafood Course

$475.00

Market-driven fish or crustacean prepared simply to highlight its provenance.

Tip: Ask your server what just arrived at the market—the kitchen highlights the best fish or shellfish daily.

#1488% recommend

Acquerello

Nob Hill·$$$$

Seasonal Seafood or Meat Course

$225.00

Market-driven main course, typically a pristine fish or carefully sourced protein.

Tip: Ask your server about the sourcing of the main protein. Gresham's relationships with her suppliers are a point of pride.

#1580% recommend

Firefly

Noe Valley·$$$

Seafood Preparations

$24.00

Local fish or shellfish prepared with restraint to highlight the catch's quality and freshness.

Tip: Ask your server what fish came in that day. Local fishmongers deliver specific daily catches and the chef builds plates around them.

#1680% recommend

Starbelly

Castro·$$

Mussels

$16.00

Pan-seared mussels in a light wine and garlic broth, served with housemade bread.

Tip: Order mussels to start and share. They come out quickly and pair well with cocktails while waiting for pizzas.