Cioppino's — Restaurant in San Francisco

A friend was in town last weekend for the SF Marathon and we hadn't seen each other in years so we met up to hang out for the day. She'd never ridden a cable car before, so we took one down to Fisherman's Wharf. It's been a while (pre-pandemic) since I'd been here so we wanted to walk around first to get an idea of where we could grab lunch.

There are a lot of options around but because we didn't want to do too much walking, we settled on Cioppino's as it was one of the first places we passed by, it was packed (pretty good sign) and the menu looked extensive.

We did not have to wait to be seated which was nice- we sat inside (it was a little warm that day) but they do have plenty of outside seating available. Jesus was our server and was very pleasant and always attentive to our needs- he kept our drink glasses full.

I usually pick two items to choose from and ask the servers thoughts. I really had my mouth set on tasting some clam chowder (I LOVEEEE clam chowder), but I noticed on the menu that it had pancetta in it and I only eat seafood on occasion- no other meat. It was a bit disappointing to find out that the chowder came made with the pancetta in it and couldn't be served without. Especially since the Wharf is known for its clam chowder- so I had to go with another option.

I was torn between the fish tacos and the fish and chips. I went with the latter because well FRIED anything is my jam- and secondly, I assumed the portion sizes of the fish might be bigger than the tacos. They weren't. The plate came with (4) small sizes of fish and a plate full of fries. Don't get me wrong- the fish was nicely fried, crispy on the outside and tender & flaky on the inside. It came with tartar sauce which was house made (it was really tasty- there's a secret ingredient that I couldn't put my finger on but it gave it great flavor).

My friend ordered a basked of garlicky cheese bread which she said was really good- she also ordered a Caesar salad and added shrimp. Honestly, for the price I thought the portion size was kind of small.. I think I counted (6) little shrimp. She said that the salad was really good and of course everything was very fresh.

Overall, I don't know that I would come back- I mean let's be honest....food prices are what they are now. My expectation would have been larger portions for the price BUT I would still recommend it because the service was good, no wait and the food was...

Title: A Culinary Journey Along the Bay

An indelible trip to Italy's cuisine, right in the heart of San Francisco's waterfront - that's the magic of Cioppino's! As a food lover, I've always appreciated dining experiences that do more than tantalize the taste buds - they transport you to the very essence of the food's origin. Cioppino's Italian Restaurant did precisely that.

Upon entry, it felt like stepping into a charmingly rustic Italian taverna. The restaurant's ambiance was cozy, inviting, and embodied an authentic touch of Italy, creating a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere. The curation of Italian music in the background added a beautiful note to the overall experience.

Their menu is abundant with variety, pleasing to both traditional and adventurous palates. The star of my meal, their signature dish, Cioppino, was an exquisite medley of fresh, succulent seafood simmered in a beautifully seasoned, robust tomato broth; it was as if the San Francisco waters themselves bestowed a unique flavor into the dish. Alongside was an array of artisanal bread, perfect for mopping up the delectable broth.

Their homemade pasta dishes, specifically the Tagliatelle al Tartufo, were a testament to the simplicity of Italian cuisine elevated to gourmet levels. Freshly made, cooked to perfection, and tossed in an aromatic truffle butter sauce that was outstandingly flavorful on each twirl of the fork.

What stood out equally was their wine selection. Experts at pairing, the restaurant suggested an excellently balanced Chianti, enhancing each course I had.

Service at Cioppino's is something worth applauding too. Attentive, friendly, and swift, the staff ensures you feel like the most important person in the room from the minute you walk in until your satisfied exit.

All in all, Cioppino's offers an Italian food journey par excellence, right at San Francisco's waterfront. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this restaurant is definitely a must-visit, promising the very essence of Italian delight within each plate. Here's to an unforgettable dining experience, and here's to many...

If you find yourself wandering Fisherman’s Wharf with a rumbling stomach and the scent of garlic butter wafting through the air, just follow your nose—it’ll lead you to Cioppino’s, a place that serves seafood like it’s a love letter to San Francisco’s old Italian fishing days.

One spoonful in and you understand why the restaurant’s named after it. It’s a briny, tomato-garlic broth so rich you could probably use it as currency, cradling clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari, Dungeness crab, and fresh fish like a maritime family reunion. The seafood is sweet and fresh, the kind that actually tastes like it came from the water just outside the door.

Dungeness Crab Cakes – crisp edges, tender inside, heavy on the crab (bless them for that), with a tangy remoulade that’s basically edible applause.

Lobster Ravioli – rich, buttery, and decadent enough to make you want to confess your sins afterward.

Clam Chowder – creamy, loaded with clams, and available in a sourdough bread bowl—because this is San Francisco.

Inside, it’s all about cozy coastal charm—warm wood, nautical touches, and servers who treat you like they’ve known your family for years. Outside, if the fog’s playing nice, you can sit under the string lights, watch the bay traffic drift by, and listen to the distant chatter of sea lions.

Staff here know their seafood and their city. They’re quick with recommendations and happy to swap out sides or customize dishes without fuss. Timing between courses is spot-on—you never feel rushed, but your food doesn’t linger in limbo either.

Cioppino’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a bite-by-bite history lesson on San Francisco’s Italian fishing heritage. Whether you’re here for the namesake stew, a simple plate of oysters, or just to soak in that salty-sweet Wharf atmosphere, this is one of those spots that earns its reputation.

Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe bring stretchy pants—seafood feasts here have a way of...