Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco is a top tourist attraction on the waterfront. Formerly named Meigg's Wharf, the area has a history of generations of fishermen who docked their boats in the area. While a small fleet of fishing boats still leaves from the wharf, Fisherman's Wharf is mainly a tourist site with a Marine Mammal Center, street vendors, arcades, a World War II submarine and several restaurants. Hundreds of sea lions delight visitors with their antics near the docks.
The legendary Franciscan Crab Restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf has been around since 1957. The 20-foot windows provide panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the former prison on Alcatraz and the skyline of San Francisco. The restaurant offers fresh seafood menu items with an Italian flair. Diners will enjoy a wide range of menu selections including a variety of antipasti such as Dungeness crab cakes and crab fondue. Tureens of Shrimp Pescatore and Seafood Cioppino are popular dishes, and signature entrees include sizzling skillet-roasted mussels, shrimp and crab. A children's menu is available, and the restaurant can accommodate private parties up to 350 guests.
Franciscan Crab Restaurant
Pier 43 1/2
San Francisco, CA 94133
888-698-6782
franciscancrabrestaurant.com
Cioppino's is named for its signature dish, the flavorful cioppino seafood soup that originated in San Francisco. The family-run restaurant has been around for generations, and is open 365 days a year for lunch and dinner. Appetizers include Dungeness crab cakes, popcorn shrimp and steamed clams. A chilled seafood platter includes prawns, mussels, clams, calamari and crab legs served with pesto aioli sauce. The assortment of salads includes Dungeness Crab Louie and a seafood salad. The special Cioppino entree includes an array of seafood with tomatoes in a fennel-spiced stew. The menu also includes a selection of pasta dishes along with fish and chicken entrees. A private banquet room for events and parties offers views of the bay.
Cioppino's on the Wharf
400 Jefferson St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-775-9311
letseat.at/cioppinos
Bistro Boudin is a full-service restaurant on top of the Boudin Hotel offering spectacular views of Fisherman's Wharf and the bay. The restaurant is associated with the Boudin Bakery, which originated the sourdough bread associated with San Francisco. A popular starter is the Petite Sourdough Breadbowl of clam chowder or crab and corn bisque. Sourdough Tortilla Tacos are served with a choice of grilled cod or spicy grilled shrimp. Bistro Boudin offers a wide selection of pastas, fish and seafood, meat and poultry, and side dishes such as Blue Cheese Scalloped Potatoes. The restaurant has a dessert menu as well as a children's menu. The wine list includes notable wines from nearby Napa and Sonoma Counties.
Bistro Boudin
160 Jefferson Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
413-351-5561
bistroboudin.com
