Outdoor Dining in San Francisco: 21 Great Options

You'll find outdoor dining restaurants in San Francisco in districts all around town. There are dozens of places with permanent outdoor patios and a few with temporary parklets.

My list includes everything from high-end seafood spots to casual places with sidewalk seating which might be in the form of picnic tables.

Here you will find some of the best outdoor dining options in Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, downtown, and other places I love all around San Francisco.

8 Best Options in Fisherman's Wharf

This scenic waterfront district in San Francisco offers dozens of outdoor dining options. You'll find everything from sidewalk tables to full patio seating. Many of these options are along Jefferson Street, the main pedestrian walkway in this neighborhood.

You'll also find several options along the boardwalk in Pier 39. These are just a few of my favorite picks.

>> More about visiting Fisherman's Wharf

1. The Buena Vista

Located on Jefferson Street, the Buena Vista is an excellent choice for al fresco dining in San Francisco. With plenty of outdoor seating and a variety of dishes, this is a favorite of locals and a must for visitors.

While they do a great job with classic American dishes such as Dungeness crab, and burgers, they are really known for their delicious Irish Coffee.

They offer a heated patio for evenings as well as indoor dining for those cool and windy San Francisco nights.

Prices range from $15 to $40 with the lobster and steak dishes being the priciest. 

The Buena Vista is one my go-to places to eat when I visit Fisherman's Wharf. 

Address: 2765 Hyde Street (at Beach)

2. The Codmother Fish and Chips

A popular traditional fish n' chip vendor, The Codmother is a catering truck occupying a permanent spot in Fisherman’s Wharf, highly regarded for excellent seafood at sensible prices.

With just a few picnic tables for seating, you may find it hard to get a seat at busy times, but don’t let that put you off, as the delicious food is well worth it.

Locally sourced fish and chips goes for about $17, which is an excellent value for the quality.

Address: 496 Beach Street

3. Surisan

The Korean-themed menu at Surisan, a friendly and lively restaurant popular with San Francisco locals as well as visitors, offers a wide selection of noodle dishes at sensible prices.

I highly recommend the Korean BBQ sets (at $49 for a meal for two), the fried chicken dishes, and their American burgers.

On a sunny day in SF, their spacious permanent outdoor patio is ideal for enjoying a meal outdoors.

Address: 505 Beach Street

4. San Francisco Brewing Company

Located within the courtyard of Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco Brewing Company is another great choice for outdoor dining in Fisherman's Wharf.

Sample delightful beers brewed on-site in this wonderful outdoor patio setting, and choose from a sensibly priced menu that includes local specialties such as clam chowder, a wide choice of burgers, pizzas, and classic fish and chips.

Prices range from $17 to $26 and the drinks menu is comprehensive.

Address: 3150 Polk Street

>> More things to see and do in Ghirardelli Square

>> More great breweries around SF

5. Wipeout Bar & Grill

Walking along the popular Pier 39 boardwalk, you can't miss Wipeout Bar and Grill, a classic choice for outdoor dining in San Francisco.

They offer a choice of traditional American food: burgers, steaks, surf and turf, and locally sourced seafood dishes. With a delightful outdoor space, this is a great place for casual restaurant dining.

Dishes start at around $10 with many under $20.

Address: Pier 39

>> Fun things to see and do in Pier 39

6. Scoma's

Of the outdoor dining options along the waterfront, few have been in business as long as the famous Scoma's. This is one of the more upscale options on my list.

Seafood is the order of the day here and the 'Pier to Plate Menu' is served all day, using only locally sourced ingredients where possible.

Try the Dungeness crab cakes at $23 for an appetizer. If you want burgers, there are many on the menu. Prices can be high here, but it's worth the visit to this legendary restaurant.

What I love about eating outside here is that you are right on the water. Even on a cool day, I love that it offers a great vibe. Every dish I've eaten here has been amazing.

Address: 1965 Al Scoma Way, Pier 47

7. Capurro's Restaurant

Famous as the "original seafood restaurant" in Fisherman's Wharf, Capurro's is a local favorite and has been in business since 1946. The relaxed atmosphere of the colorful patio dining area makes it a popular choice for lunch.

The restaurant serves everything from fish and chips, plenty of crab dishes, and a fish of the day that depends on the catch.

My favorite dishes here are their gnocchi with pesto and their angel hair pasta with crab.

Almost everything on their menu is under $30 except their Classic Cioppino, a San Francisco specialty, which is usually around $40.

Address: 498 Jefferson Street

8. Cioppino's

This Italian restaurant on Jefferson Street offers a variety of fresh pasta dishes, plus a wide range of seafood options. It has a delightful outdoor patio with sidewalk seating.

Pasta dishes are priced around $20, but I recommend you check out the signature dish, the Cioppino. A wonderful mix of crab, clams, mussels, and various fish, it is worth the outlay at $49. The dish originated in San Francisco and I think you will really enjoy it.

Address: 400 Jefferson Street (across from The Cannery)

>> More great places to eat in Fisherman's Wharf

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8 Best Options in Downtown San Francisco

This list of 8 outdoor dining options in downtown San Francisco includes the Ferry Building, Union Square, the Financial District, and South of Market.

While you will find dozens of additional options walking around the area, the spots I've chosen for this list are all highly rated and set back from the street a little bit for a really pleasant experience

>> More fun things to do in downtown SF

1. Gott's Roadside

Located in the iconic Ferry Building, Gott's Roadside serves fresh, tasty American food in what can only be described as a stunning setting.

We're talking gourmet takes on the classic burger, fries, and shakes. You can choose from ahi tuna burgers, crispy fish tacos, kimchi burgers, and so much more.

Prices here are very reasonable, ranging from $8 to $17 per dish. Their outdoor patio spaces are delightful, facing the Embarcadero.

Address: 1 Ferry Building

>> More about the Ferry Building

2. Barcha

With a stunning outdoor dining setup, Barcha specializes in Turkish and Persian dishes and is hugely popular with locals.

For lunch, I like their Turkish Shawarma lamb and beef sandwiches. I also love their excellent salad dishes that range from $12 to $16.

The items on their dinner menu are a bit heartier, so you will find the prices increase a bit, up to $65. I love their kebabs and steaks. And, of course... I rarely leave without having some of their baklava! 

Address: 28 Fremont Street

3. Delarosa

For classy and relaxed outdoor dining along the car-free Yerba Buena pedestrian path, there is little in downtown San Francisco to match Delarosa.

The Italian dishes are served family-style at communal tables, making for a unique dining experience.

With pasta dishes for around $20 and a choice of antipasti options between $12 and $25, this is a great place for a lunch or dinner. In addition to their tasty pasta, I also love their pizza.

Delarosa is well known for their tasty dishes, but I REALLY recommend you try their cocktails. Their Monarch is one of my favorites! 

Address: 37 Yerba Buena Lane

>> More about visiting the South of Market District

4. Waterbar

The inviting outdoor setting of Waterbar offers stunning views of the Bay Bridge, making it one of my top downtown choices.

For lunch, you can indulge in locally-sourced oysters from around $5 to seafood entrees ranging from $25 to $30 each.

Visit during the day for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, or wait until the sun goes down to experience unbeatable views of the city lights. 

The prices for dinner generally range from around $28 to $55, though their caviar and some specialty seafood dishes cost quite a bit more.

Address: 399 The Embarcadero

5. Burma Love - Downtown

Burma Love stands out not only because the cuisine is rarity, even in cosmopolitan San Francisco, but for its outdoor dining setup.

My favorite here is their choice of Burmese curries priced at around $26. When I'm in the mood for something with a kick, I order their spicy and crispy chicken.

Asian cuisine does noodles like no other, and Burma Love has a great selection at around $20 a dish. This Burmese street food is a delight to find in downtown San Francisco.

Address: 8 Mint Plaza

6. Hog Island Oyster Company

Another fantastic restaurant located in the iconic San Francisco Ferry Building, the Hog Island Oyster Company offers a charming enclosed patio along the waterfront.

It is a simply superb eatery with views of Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, and the ferries coming and going from SF.

Various oysters are available, depending on the latest catch, but you can also choose from traditional fish and chips, plus a variety of small plates, grilled oysters, and many more seafood dishes.

If you love seafood as much as I do, and also want to eat outdoors, this is one of my top recommendations! 

Address: 1 Ferry Building

7. Perbacco

Perbacco on California Street boasts a comfortable outdoor dining area in which you can enjoy a relaxed casual meal.

A varied lunch menu offers a full range of Italian cuisine, with antipasti dishes alongside pasta and shellfish dishes. Dinner is equally impressive with a choice of traditional Italian food plus dishes including pork loin and roast beef.

With dinner entrees ranging from around $20 to $48, this is a sensibly priced downtown restaurant.

It's also one of my favorite places for happy hour. They offer some great discounts on cocktails, wines, and snacks from 3 pm to 6 pm Tuesday through Friday.

Address: 230 California Street

8. The Irish Bank

The outdoor seating area at the Irish Bank is in a charming car-free alley, and the restaurant and bar occupy an old bank building.

The menu is as eclectic as it gets. You can choose from dishes such as traditional fish and chips at $20, but I recommend an Irish classic: the Irish Stew, made with prime Angus beef, at an affordable $19.

Their burgers, sausage and beans, and other dishes are also well priced. You have to check out the Irish whiskey when you visit.

Address: 10 Mark Lane

5 More Top Choices Around San Francisco

This is just a small sample of additional options for outdoor dining all around San Francisco. You will find dozens of places throughout the city, but these are some of my favorites.

All offer a large outdoor dining area with plenty of tables. They also have amazing food that I know you will love!

1. The Ramp

The Ramp is a popular choice for al fresco dining, offering a casual and welcoming atmosphere in the Mission Bay area of San Francisco (home to Oracle Park and the Chase Center).

You can watch big matches on the TV screens at this lively venue and take advantage of happy hour from Monday to Wednesday between 3 and 5 pm.

The menu ranges from traditional American to international cuisine, meaning there is something for everyone. Most items are less than $30.

Address: 855 Terry Francois Blvd

2. Cubita

Head to the Mission District to check out Cubita with its superb rooftop bar and views. Their happy hour (Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 pm) is a great way to sample the amazing cocktails the bar is famous for. 

My personal favorite from the bar is their Zunzun, but you can also buy a pitcher of their tasty Mojito for the group.

The menu is influenced by Cuban street food, with appetizers like yuca fries to share, classic Cuban sandwiches, and larger plates such as the Lechon Asado.

Address: 2516 Mission Street

>> More to see and do in the Mission

3. Foreign Cinema

The Foreign Cinema is another beloved spot in the Mission District that offers a unique dining experience.

They screen foreign and independent films against the white wall in the covered spacious patio, while you indulge in an eclectic menu that is simply delightful.

Oysters are available for around $4 to $4.50 each. I tend to steer toward their risotto, duck breast, or one of their seafood dishes. The prices for these are in the $25 to $42 range (with their steak sometimes priced up to $70). 

I find it's always a fun experience eating here and just one more thing that adds to the charm of San Francisco.

Address: 2534 Mission Street

4. Stinking Rose

The Stinking Rose offers comfortable outdoor dining along Columbus Avenue in their new location. The daily menu is largely Italian—with plentiful garlic involved.

The garlic mussels are a popular choice at around $20. I like their Cioppino at $40, while meat lovers will appreciate the garlic ribeye steak at $40.

Popular with locals who appreciate the unique atmosphere, I recommend this iconic SF eatery if you want something different.

Address: 430 Columbus Avenue

More Spots Along Columbus Avenue in North Beach

In addition to outdoor dining at the Stinking Rose, you will find more than a dozen other outdoor sidewalk dining along Columbus Avenue in North Beach.

Some other top spots here include Pat's Cafe (one of my favorite breakfast spots in the area), Piazza Pellegrini (a nice Italian spot), and Mona Lisa Restaurant (a budget-friendly Italian restaurant).

5. Park Chalet

If you find yourself out at Ocean Beach or on the western side of Golden Gate Park, enjoy dining on the grass at Park Chalet, an excellent restaurant offering a wide choice of dishes.

Their all-day menu offers starters such as their parmesan truffle fries at just $12 and classic Pacific clam chowder at $11 (or $13 if you want it in a sourdough bread bowl). They also serve a choice of burgers at around $21 and traditional fish and chips at $23.

This is one of my favorite places to enjoy a relaxed and casual outdoor dining experience in a stunning location. Also make sure to try one of their refreshing craft beers brewed on site!

Address: 1000 Great Highway

Outdoor SF Tours for Foodies

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