What are the best fish dishes in San Francisco?

Based on diner recommendations, the best fish dish in San Francisco is at Hilda and Jesse. We compared 15 restaurants serving fish dishes.

How much do fish dishes cost in San Francisco?

Fish dish prices in San Francisco range from $16.50 to $425.00 across 15 restaurants.

Best Fish Dishes in San Francisco

15 restaurants compared

Price range: $16.50 – $425.00

Avg recommendation: 90%

Top 5 Fish Dishes in San Francisco (Quick Answer)

Based on diner recommendations across 15 restaurants:

Smoked Fish with Whipped Cream Cheese and Capers at Hilda and Jesse, $18.00 (North Beach)
Ceviche Nayarita at Nopalito, $16.50 (NoPa)
Cured and Preserved Fish Course at Kiln, $305.00 (Hayes Valley)
Seasonal Fish with Sauces at Atelier Crenn, (Pacific Heights)
Seafood Cioppino at Tadich Grill — 98% recommended, $38.00 (Financial District)

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

All 15 Fish Dishes

Smoked Fish with Whipped Cream Cheese and Capers

Hilda and Jesse

North Beach·$$$

$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.

Ceviche Nayarita

Nopalito

NoPa·$$

$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.

Cured and Preserved Fish Course

Kiln

Hayes Valley·$$$$

$305.00

Multiple cured, dried, and pickled fish preparations showcasing preservation techniques.

Tip: The progression of preservation techniques is educational — the chef teaches you by tasting why each method exists.

Seasonal Fish with Sauces

Atelier Crenn

Pacific Heights·$$$$

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.

#598% recommend

Seafood Cioppino

Tadich Grill

Financial District·$$

$38.00

San Francisco's signature stew with Dungeness crab, shrimp, oysters, clams, and fish in a tomato-wine broth with grilled bread.

Tip: The price and portion vary daily based on market cost. Ask your server about the day's pricing before ordering.

#694% recommend

Dry-Aged Black Cod

Saison

SoMa·$$$$

$368.00

Grilled over cedar wood with summer beans, broad beans, and summer peppers.

Tip: The black cod is a marvel of restraint—let the fish and smoke shine. The accompanying vegetables are grilled to order and add sweetness and char.

#792% recommend

White Seafood Stew

Benu

SoMa·$$$$

$425.00

Halibut fin with 8-year-aged doenjang, served with golden potato.

Tip: The white seafood stew exemplifies Chef Lee's restraint and precision. The aged doenjang is key—it's been fermenting longer than most wines.

#892% recommend

Broiled Petrale Sole

Tadich Grill

Financial District·$$

$32.00

Fresh Petrale sole broiled simply and served with french fries and a fresh vegetable.

Tip: The Petrale sole is perfectly cooked—ask for it with extra lemon if you prefer. The fries are a standout side, crispy and golden.

#992% recommend

Charcoal-Grilled Trout

Saison

SoMa·$$$$

$368.00

Trout with crispy skin, served alongside its roe and seasonal accompaniments.

Tip: The trout's roe is often a separate component—use it to punctuate bites of the fish. The skin is intentionally crispy.

#1091% recommend

Assorted Nigiri Selection

Robin

Hayes Valley·$$$$

12-18 pieces of fresh nigiri including seasonal fish, uni, octopus, and house specialties.

Tip: Let Tortosa lead. Ask him to tell you about each piece as it arrives—his knowledge and passion are part of the experience.

#1190% recommend

Kampachi Crudo with Avocado, Cara Cara Orange, Agresto, and Pistachio

Acquerello

Nob Hill·$$$$

$225.00

Thinly sliced raw kampachi (almaco jack) with creamy avocado mousse, cara cara orange, and pistachio dust.

Tip: The kampachi is delicate and pairs well with the avocado mousse. The pistachio dust adds a subtle nutty accent.

#1290% recommend

Paccheri all'Amalfitana

Delfina

Mission District·$$$

$32.00

Large pasta tubes with fresh fish, tomato, and lemon from the Amalfi Coast region.

Tip: Ask your server which fish is being used that night — the specific variety changes based on the catch and season.

#1388% recommend

Charcoal-Grilled Fish

Benu

SoMa·$$$$

$425.00

Seasonal fish with charcoal crust and accompanied vegetables.

Tip: The fish course changes constantly based on what's available. On a fourth visit, it was stronger than ever before, showing the team's commitment to sourcing and execution.

#1486% recommend

Grilled Fish of the Day

Waterbar

Embarcadero·$$$

$34.00

Market-driven fresh fish grilled simply with seasonal vegetables.

Tip: Ask your server what fish arrived today and what they recommend. The fish selection changes daily based on boats arriving.

#1582% recommend

Sand Dabs

Tadich Grill

Financial District·$$

$28.00

Small, delicate flatfish broiled whole and served with lemon and seasonal vegetables.

Tip: Sand dabs are a hidden gem on the menu. Order them whole and eat the delicate flesh off the bones—it's a textural experience.