If you pass by San Francisco and can only have one meal

You haven’t truly experienced San Francisco if you haven’t tried Cioppino. This iconic seafood stew was invented by Italian immigrants in San Francisco, blending local seafood into Italian cuisine. After enjoying a delicious Cioppino at Betty Lou’s, I decided to try the highly recommended Sotto Mare. I have to admit, it was truly amazing. 🖤 The small, cozy restaurant is adorned with countless photos, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a time tunnel in North Beach. Although it’s crowded, I personally love the atmosphere—it feels like you’re stepping into a story, with every passerby adding to the ambiance. 🖤 The Cioppino is incredibly generous, served in a large bucket. The broth is fresh but not salty, packed with Dungeness crab, mussels, clams, scallops, octopus, and shrimp. After a few bowls of this steaming-hot stew, you’ll feel instantly warmed and comforted. However, the pasta served with it is ziti, which lacks chewiness and feels a bit like fast food. 🖤 While both versions have their own merits, I personally prefer Betty Lou’s. The pasta is more delicious, and the octopus and large shrimp in the stew are more abundant. 🖤 As for appetizers, a dozen West Coast oysters are a must. The fresh Miyagi oysters are really tasty. 🖤 The Benitas Baccalà is a magical combination of tomato and salted fish. Spread on bread, it’s absolutely delicious. The tomato base mixed with finely chopped salted fish is something I’ve never tried before! 🖤 The only downside was that the hostess said the wait would be 20 minutes, but it ended up being almost an hour. I was so hungry and frustrated. Sotto Mare means “Under the Sea.” If you’re in San Francisco and can only have one meal, please make it Cioppino! #BayAreaFood #BayAreaEats #SanFrancisco #ILoveSeafood #SanFranciscoTravel #Cioppino #NorthBeach #SanFranciscoFood #CaliforniaTravel