25 Fantastic Restaurants with a View in San Francisco

Restaurants with a view in San Francisco allow you to soak in the beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge, SF Bay, or other parts of the city as you dine.

My top picks include fine-dining restaurants and several more casual options. Many offer fresh seafood, vegetarian dishes, and American dishes such as burgers.

Many are located along the waterfront, including in Fisherman's Wharf, along the Embarcadero, and Mission Bay. You'll also find some in the heart of the city with views around downtown San Francisco.

I've included both full-service restaurants and some lounges with small plates and fantastic cocktails.

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1. The Ramp San Francisco

Address: 855 Terry Francois Blvd. (Mission Bay)

View: Waterfront facing the East Bay 

The outdoor patio at The Ramp is one of my favorite places to enjoy a meal with a view. It sits right on the water's edge and is one of the more casual and affordable waterfront restaurants in town.

The menu is built around traditional American dishes with the usual burgers, fries, fish & chips, and a variety of sandwiches, plus a full menu of beers to wash it all down.

This is the place to go for good food at great prices and live music on certain evenings.

>> More things to see and do in Mission Bay

2. Epic Steak

Address: 369 The Embarcadero

View: Bay Bridge and waterfront

Epic is a more upmarket restaurant than many on the list, with top chef Parke Ulrich bringing something unique and new to the traditional steakhouse menu.

This quality food passes muster every time, made all the more enjoyable thanks to stunning views of the Bay, Treasure Island, and the Bay Bridge. The heated patio is the place to grab a table for a romantic evening meal at a fantastic restaurant.

This is one of the popular waterfront restaurants you will find just south of the Ferry Building.

>> More places to see and dine along the Embarcadero

3. Scoma's in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf

Address: 1965 Al Scoma Way (Fisherman's Wharf)

View: Marina and harbor

The famous Scoma's has been serving locally caught seafood, cooked to perfection, from its superb waterside venue for many years.

With fantastic views of San Francisco Bay and the renowned 'Pier to Plate' promise - the fish arrive directly to the restaurant's pier - with everything from crab, shrimp, and scallop dishes, as well as salads and sides.

Check out the award-winning wine list, too.

More Fun Things to Do in Fisherman's Wharf

4. Fog Harbor Fish House

Address: Pier 39 (Beach Street & The Embarcadero)

View: Bay and harbor at Fisherman's Wharf

Serving a certified sustainable menu of locally caught seafood, Fog Harbor Fish House may offer the best views of all the local restaurants.

This long-established restaurant offers an exquisite menu, including Dungeness crab, clam chowder, and many more classic San Francisco seafood dishes. A must for fine food lovers.

You'll find this waterfront restaurant on the upper level of Pier 39 with amazing views of the Bay, Alcatraz, and the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge.

>> Additional things to see and do on Pier 39

5. Barrio in Ghirardelli Square

Address: 900 North Point Street (Fisherman's Wharf)

View: The bay, Alcatraz, and Sausalito to the north

This Latin-inspired restaurant offers everything from enchiladas to ceviche to local craft beer.

The view is unique because it's not right on the water, but rather sits higher up about a block away, giving sweeping views of the bay from its tequila bar. 

The diverse menu includes a mix of American and Mexican cuisines and more. The Halibut taco platter is a popular choice (and one of my favorites), as is the fabulous 16-oz pork chop, which takes some serious eating.

>> More about Ghirardelli Square

6. La Mar Cebichería Peruana

Address: Pier 1 1/2 (Embarcadero)

View: Panoramic Bay Bridge and waterfront vistas

This beautiful, upscale waterfront restaurant offers a unique experience with a Latin twist on their seafood fare.

They serve Peruvian favorites like lomo saltado, empanadas, and of course ceviche, as well as some more exotic plates like beef heart skewers, grilled octopus, and Dungeness crab paella. 

The outdoor seating is right on the water. The interior is also beautiful with a backlit bar, a giant hanging squid, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

7. Greens

Address: 2 Marina Boulevard (Marina District)

View: Harbor and Golden Gate Bridge

In 1979, the opening of Greens single-handedly changed the American approach to vegetarian and vegan food, and today it is still regarded as the best of its kind.

A menu of inventive and delicious dishes driven by renowned Head Chef Katie Reicher reflects the desire to take vegetables to another level. It's by far one of the city's finest vegetarian establishments.

You will find this waterfront restaurant in Building A of the Fort Mason Center, about 5 minutes west of San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf.

Fun Food Tours

8. Beach Chalet

Address: 1000 Great Highway (between the Sunset and Richmond)

View: Pacific Ocean

The west-facing Beach Chalet overlooks Ocean Beach and offers superb coastal views. It's an SF institution that houses beautiful historic murals as well as the Golden Gate Park visitor center.

With a menu that mixes fine seafood dishes, such as the Pacific chowder and freshly caught fish and chips, with excellent steaks, chicken, and vegetarian dishes, there is something for everyone at Beach Chalet.

The restaurant's on-site brewery and live music on certain days really give this place a special touch.

You'll find it at the western edge of San Francisco Golden Gate Park.

9. Bistro Boudin at the Boudin Bakery

Address: 160 Jefferson Street (Fisherman's Wharf)

View: Pier 45 and the Red and White Fleet

Head upstairs from the grab-and-go Boudin Bakery Cafe for a full-service restaurant and bar featuring fantastic bay views.

While more elegant than the cafe downstairs, it's still one of the more casual, family-friendly, and affordable places along the water.

Choose from seafood classics such as the clam chowder or Dungeness crab, or one of the chicken, steak, or vegetarian options. They also offer a buffet menu!

>> Additional details about eating at Boudin Bakery

10. El Techo

Address: 2516 Mission Street (Mission District)

View: Mission District rooftops

The rooftop setting of El Techo gives this spot a unique vista with views of the surrounding neighborhood.

Their Latin American-inspired menu offers traditional dishes such as Cochinita Pibil (roast pork with spicy onions, beans, and tortillas) alongside a choice of chicken, fish, and vegetarian options.

The food is well-priced, and their exciting cocktails are famous in town.

>> Fun things to see and do around the Mission District

11. Waterbar

Address: 399 The Embarcadero

View: Bay Bridge

With unbeatable views of the Bay and the Bay Bridge through tall windows, Waterbar has built a deserved reputation among the best seafood restaurants in San Francisco.

The food here is as impressive as the views. The clam chowder always goes down well, plus an excellent selection of salad and fish dishes on both lunch and dinner menus. The kid's menus also cater nicely to the little ones.

Find Waterbar just south of the Ferry Building.

12. Hog Island Oyster Company

Address: 1 Ferry Building (Embarcadero)

View: Waterfront, ferries, and Bay Bridge

The Hog Island Oyster Company occupies a space in the iconic San Francisco Ferry Building, with wonderful views of the Bay Bridge.

As you might expect, oysters are the main appeal here, the menu offering no fewer than eight varieties.

Other dishes include fish and chips, a choice of shrimp dishes, and many other locally caught seafood plates. This one is well worth a visit if you are an oyster lover.

>> More about the Ferry Building

13. Perry's San Francisco

Address: 155 Steuart Street (Embarcadero)

View: Waterfront and Bay Bridge

Perry's 

A choice of traditional burgers and locally caught seafood, including crab cakes, calamari, and fish and chips, makes for a varied menu that should please everyone.

There are options for vegetarians, plus an excellent selection of soups and salads. Also available are a Pot roast and a selection of steaks.

14. Park Chalet

Address: 1000 Great Highway (the back side of the Beach Chalet)

View: Gardens in Golden Gate Park

The unusual glass ceiling at Park Chalet helps provide fabulous views of San Francisco Golden Gate Park.

Among the popular dishes here are local traditional favorites such as fish & chips and chicken dishes. Tuesday is 'Taco Tuesday' when Park Chalet goes authentic Mexican.

Maine Lobster Roll is a superb choice for shellfish lovers who will appreciate the varied flavors of the garnish accompaniments.

More Fun Things to Do in Golden Gate Park

15. ATwater Tavern

Address: 295 Terry A Francois Blvd (Mission Bay)

View: Oracle Park, Bay Bridge, and the East Bay 

For burger fans like me, the Tavern Burger - with its Angus Beef burger - is a must. Seafood lovers will enjoy the traditional fish and chips, a seafood stew, or the lobster ravioli.

Vegetarians have great choices, too, including the Impossible Burger, which is created entirely from plants!

16. Red's Java House

Address: Pier 30 (South Beach)

View: Bay Bridge and San Francisco Bay

This waterfront restaurant just south of the Bay Bridge offers traditional American selections, such as a variety of burgers and cheeseburgers.

You'll find a 'Daily Lunch Special,' including a meatball sandwich, sausage sandwich, and fish and chips, each on a different day. It's a great place to go for a family meal.

I used to work nearby and would head to Red's Java House for lunch at least once a week. It is a true San Francisco gem.

17. Mission Rock Resort

Address: 817 Terry A Francois Blvd (Mission Bay)

View: Bayfront near the Chase Center

Mission Rock Resort couples fine views of the San Francisco Bay with a traditional seafood menu as the main focus.

Eight varieties of oysters are available, and local dishes such as clam chowder, Dungeness Crab, and Wild King Salmon are specialties.

Fish and Chips are another popular dish, and there is plenty to keep vegetarians happy, including a selection of fine salads.

18. The View Lounge

Address: 780 Mission Street

View: Bay Bridge to the east and Oakland across the bay

The View Lounge is all about carefully crafted small plates and is a popular happy hour venue for business people. It is also famous for its fine selection of cocktails.

Worth a visit for happy hour or a late-night cocktail.

19. Cityscape San Francisco

Address: Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Tower 1, 46th Floor

View: Stunning panoramic view of the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay, and Alcatraz

This place is worth the visit for the simply breathtaking views alone.

With a superb selection of fine wines, cocktails, beers, and spirits, Cityscape also offers a limited menu of small plates such as an artisan cheese board, shrimp cocktail, charcuterie board, and more.

A pleasant and friendly place to go for a snack and a drink.

You will find it on the top level of the downtown hotel Hilton Union Square.

20. KAIYO Rooftop Bar

Address: 701 3rd Street (on the 12th floor of Hyatt Plaza Hotel)

View: San Francisco city skyline and Bay Bridge

If you're looking for unique flavors and cuisine, how does Japanese with Peruvian influence sound?

I urge you to make a reservation and try it, as the house Kaiyo roll, for example, is simply delightful with its combination of crab, salmon, tempura, and a selection of vegetables. There's a lot to take in here, so book in advance.

21. Top of the Mark

Address: 999 California Street (Nob Hill)

View: 360° skyline including Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz

The iconic Top of the Mark has been on the 19th floor of the InterContental Mark Hopkins Hotel for over 80 years.

Primarily a bar specializing in cocktails, fine wines, spirits, and craft beers, they do serve a series of appetizers that you may want to try.

Wild mushroom flatbread, short rib sliders, and a varied charcuterie board are just a few of my favorite choices.

>> Read reviews and book a room at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, an IHG Hotel.

>> More things to see and do in Nob Hill

22. Rooftop 25

Address: 25 Lusk Street (Mission Bay)

View: Downtown skyline

With beautiful views of the surrounding area, Rooftop 25 is a popular bar with locals and visitors. The food menu is a mix of steaks, local seafood, and salads.

The venue's ambiance is just right and brings a mix of food lovers and those simply wanting an evening in a pleasant venue.

Rooftop 25 can be booked for private parties and events and is worth stopping in if you happen to be passing by.

23. Coqueta

Address: Pier 5 (Embarcadero)

View: Bay Bridge, Yerba Buena Island, and beyond

Coqueta is another SF waterfront restaurant with a charming outdoor dining patio that looks out over the bay.

They serve tapas, or small plates. The name means “flirt” in Spanish, which is the chef’s approach to creating Spanish dishes with fresh Californian ingredients, including the local seafood. 

Some favorites are their paella, patatas bravas, gambas negras, and salmon ahumado.

24. Hillstone

Address: 1800 Montgomery Street (Telegraph Hill/Embarcadero)

View: Northeast waterfront facing Treasure Island

Hillstone Restaurant is a fine dining experience in a wonderful location with views across San Francisco Bay to the east. The restaurant does have a dress code, so check before you book.

The menu is a good mix of burgers and fish dishes, steaks and omelets, and a choice of sandwiches and salads.

Prices are not excessive for a restaurant of this quality, and the venue is pleasant and welcoming.

This fine dining restaurant is also close to Fisherman's Wharf.

25. Angler

Address: 132 The Embarcadero

View: Ferry Building, Bay Bridge, and beyond

Last but definitely not least, the only Michelin-starred option on my list. The warm, woodsy interior centers around a large hearth and honors the farmers, fishermen, and hunters who supply the fresh ingredients. 

The menu is constantly evolving, and you really can’t go wrong with any dish, cocktail, or dessert you order.

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