At Pier 39, they specialize in seafood. Tie on your bib and fill up on clam chowder served in sourdough bowls, whole-roasted Dungeness crab, and surf and turf dishes.
This place predates PIER 39 by 50 years and offers sweeping views.
Clam Chowder
The perfect clam chowder is an art form in itself. San Francisco’s version is thick and creamy, with whole baby clams, potatoes, onions, and salt and pepper. This dish is the perfect cure for a cold San Francisco day. It is served in a delicious sourdough bread bowl. Having a deep spoon ready and a napkin on your lap is a good idea, as you’ll want to take big, slow bites.
Exploring Pier 39 best restaurants offers a delightful culinary experience amidst San Francisco’s waterfront’s vibrant ambiance and scenic views.
This seafood restaurant has been in business for more than 30 years and is one of the most popular independent eateries in the country. Locals and tourists love grilled salmon, Cioppino, Dungeness crab, and clam chowder, but there are also sandwiches, burgers, and pasta.
Located halfway down Pier 39 toward the water, this restaurant has great San Francisco Bay views out its vast windows and is close to the docks where the sea lions lounge all day. The menu includes classics like clam chowder and Cioppino, but it also offers more exotic dishes such as mesquite grilled teriyaki salmon and jambalaya pasta. A family favorite, it’s a great place to stop for lunch or dinner. The service is friendly, and the prices are reasonable. It’s also a popular spot to catch the world-famous Sea Lion Show.
Cioppino
There are 14 sit-down restaurants at Pier 39, many with gorgeous harbor views. Some of them have world-class seafood dishes like Cioppino and Dungeness crab cakes. For a snack, there are delicious ice cream and chocolate shops. You can also find a magic shop that does sleight-of-hand tricks.
The highlight area is probably Pier Market Seafood Restaurant, one of the oldest family-owned places in the entire complex. The patriarch who founded PIER 39 developed it. It is a favorite of locals for its mesquite grilled seafood and famous cioppino dish, which features a whole garlic-roasted Dungeness crab served in a hearty tomato broth.
Suppose you want a less expensive dinner option at the end of the Pier. It serves two classic soups, lobster bisque, and clam chowder. It also has a variety of fresh seafood, pasta, and steak. It has beautiful waterfront views and a signature hot chocolate lava cake.
If you are feeling adventurous, there’s a small aquarium at Pier 39 where you can see the sharks and other marine life in San Francisco Bay. A non-profit runs it, and it is a unique educational experience for the kids. It’s even included in the admission price of some Big Bus tours.
Crab Cakes
A seafood lover’s paradise, Pier 39 is filled with various restaurants. One of them has been a popular favorite since 2007. It takes full advantage of its waterfront location, offering breathtaking views of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. It also serves up delicious whole-roasted Dungeness crab served in finger-licking garlic sauce and their signature Crab Cakes.
If you want something more casual and affordable, try Pier Market. While it is less elegant than its sister restaurant, Fog Harbor, it still offers stunning views of the Bay. It also has an extensive menu featuring various seafood dishes, including clam chowder and Cioppino, sandwiches, pizza, mesquite-grilled steak, and other meaty favorites.
Locals love this restaurant’s commitment to quality, stunning views, and family-friendly atmosphere. Its prices are in the middle of the range compared to both Fog Harbor and Crab House, making it an excellent option for families with kids. And if you are lucky enough to grab a table on the outside patio, you can enjoy some fresh air and listen to the sea lions barking across the Pier. It is hard to beat that!
Lobster
The seafood restaurants in Fisherman’s Wharf are just one of the reasons to visit this tourist-centric area. You’ll also find the Aquarium of the Bay, where you can see marine life up close and learn about what goes on beneath the surface. This experience is perfect for families with kids and is a great way to spend the day without taking up too much of your Pier 39 vacation time.
One of the most famous seafood dishes on the San Francisco waterfront is clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. This classic soup is a comforting meal that is delicious or paired with a fresh salad and grilled or broiled lobster. It is also an excellent choice to pair with wine or beer since these beverages complement this hearty dish’s creamy, rich flavors.
Lobster bisque is another savory seafood favorite that showcases the luxuriously delicate flavor of this delectable crustacean. Creating this creamy classic begins by sauteing lobster shells with a blend of aromatic vegetables and butter, infusing the dish with a unique depth of flavor. A splash of white wine or brandy is often added to enhance the overall flavors of this lobster dish.
If you’re looking for something lighter than the hefty lobster dishes that many of the restaurants on the Pier have to offer, you’ll want to check out the seafood menu at Pier Market. This authentic fish house is famous among locals who enjoy the family-friendly environment, stunning views, and killer food. Try their mesquite grilled crab cakes drizzled with Cajun remoulade for a delightful appetizer, or indulge in their lobster pasta, which pairs perfectly cooked al dente linguine with succulent lobster meat, garlic, cherry tomatoes, white wine, and cream.
