Fog Harbor Fish House — Restaurant in San Francisco

Fog Harbor Fish House at Pier 39 is an absolute San Francisco treasure, delivering a five-star dining experience that perfectly captures the essence of waterfront seafood dining. From the moment you step into the spacious, elegant dining room, you’re greeted with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island through expansive windows. The warm, nautical-inspired decor, complete with subtle nods to the city’s maritime history, creates an inviting atmosphere that’s ideal for everything from romantic dinners to family celebrations.

The food is nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the freshest 100% sustainable seafood, a commitment that Fog Harbor proudly pioneered at Fisherman’s Wharf. The award-winning clam chowder, served in a freshly baked sourdough bread bowl, is a must-try—creamy, rich, and brimming with tender clams, it’s the epitome of comfort food with a coastal twist. The garlic roasted whole Dungeness crab is a showstopper, perfectly cooked and bursting with sweet, succulent flavor, enhanced by a fragrant garlic butter sauce that’s impossible to resist. For those craving variety, the cioppino is a vibrant, tomato-based stew packed with shrimp, clams, mussels, and fish, delivering a taste of San Francisco’s culinary heritage in every spoonful.

The menu also shines with thoughtful touches, like the complimentary sourdough bread baked in-house every hour, served warm with whipped butter. Other highlights include the ahi tuna poke, a refreshing starter with vibrant ponzu and sesame notes, and the scallop and crab risotto, a creamy, decadent dish that balances delicate flavors with luxurious texture. Non-seafood options, like the halal NY steak from Creekstone Farms, ensure there’s something for everyone, and the gluten-free and vegetarian offerings are equally well-executed.

Service at Fog Harbor is exemplary, with a team that’s attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about creating memorable experiences. Our server, George, went above and beyond, offering spot-on wine pairing suggestions from their extensive California wine list and ensuring every detail of our meal was perfect. The staff’s warmth, combined with the family-owned charm of the Simmons family (who developed Pier 39), makes you feel like an honored guest. Even during peak hours, the service remains seamless, and the option for indoor or outdoor seating adds flexibility to enjoy the stunning views.

The atmosphere is lively yet refined, with the hum of happy diners, the occasional sea lion bark from the pier, and a sunset view that’s pure magic. The full bar’s craft cocktails, like the Fog Harbor Mule, are expertly mixed and pair beautifully with the seafood-forward menu. While prices reflect the premium location and quality (expect $50–$80 per person with drinks), the experience is worth every penny, especially with perks like one-hour free parking validation in the Pier 39 garage.

Fog Harbor Fish House is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike, earning its accolades as one of San Francisco’s top restaurants (ranked Top 5 by Yelp and Top 8 in Fisherman’s Wharf by SF Chronicle). Whether you’re savoring a bowl of chowder while watching the bay or celebrating a special occasion with a seafood feast, this restaurant delivers on every front—food, service, ambiance, and views. I’m already counting down to my next visit to...

If you're seeking an unforgettable dining experience in San Francisco that showcases stunning waterfront views, a renowned clam chowder, mouthwatering Caesar salad, and a heavenly apple pie with ice cream, look no further than Fog Harbor Fish House at Pier 39.

From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the picturesque surroundings. The beautiful waterfront views of the San Francisco Bay, with the Golden Gate Bridge majestically standing in the distance, create a captivating backdrop that truly embodies the essence of the city.

Now, let's dive into the culinary delights that await you. The award-winning clam chowder at Fog Harbor Fish House is simply exceptional. With each spoonful, you'll savor the rich and velvety texture, bursting with the flavors of perfectly cooked clams, tender potatoes, and aromatic herbs. It's no wonder this clam chowder has earned its well-deserved accolades—it's a true masterpiece that will warm your heart and soul.

For a refreshing and flavorful starter, the Caesar salad is a must-try. Crisp romaine lettuce, tossed in a tangy and creamy dressing, is beautifully complemented by the crunch of homemade croutons and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. It's a classic dish executed flawlessly, leaving you with a palate-pleasing sensation that prepares you for the culinary delights to come.

And speaking of delights, the apple pie with ice cream is the perfect ending to your meal. Picture a warm, flaky crust enveloping sweet and tender apple slices, enhanced by a hint of cinnamon and a touch of buttery goodness. Pair it with a scoop of creamy, velvety ice cream, and you have a match made in dessert heaven. Each bite is an indulgence that will have you savoring every last morsel.

In addition to the delectable cuisine, the attentive wait staff at Fog Harbor Fish House truly elevate the dining experience. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and go above and beyond to ensure that your visit is nothing short of exceptional. From guiding you through the menu to suggesting the perfect wine pairing, their attention to detail and genuine care make you feel like a valued guest.

To top it all off, the location of Fog Harbor Fish House at Pier 39 provides unparalleled views of the iconic San Francisco waterfront. As you enjoy your meal, you'll be treated to breathtaking scenes of the bay, with sailboats gliding by and the playful antics of the resident sea lions at the nearby docks. It's a feast for the eyes that adds an extra layer of magic to your dining experience.

In conclusion, Fog Harbor Fish House at Pier 39 is a true gem in San Francisco, offering a memorable dining experience. With its breathtaking waterfront views, award-winning clam chowder, tantalizing Caesar salad, and irresistible apple pie with ice cream, this restaurant embodies the spirit of the city. Combine that with the attentive wait staff who ensure your every need is met, and you have a recipe for a five-star dining experience that will leave you...

My husband and I ate here yesterday and were so thrilled with the food, ambiance, service and the overall experience. We came for lunch on a Sunday - it was pleasantly bustling and busy. First off, the location is so perfect - right at the entrance to Fisherman's Wharf. You can't miss it. We found street parking just a short stroll away or there is a huge parking structure right opposite that's best for longer stays.

It's lovely to stroll around the area before or after your visit - we of course had to pay a visit to the sealions who are a joy to watch (they are right behind where the restaurant is located), and took in a magic show and some other fun touristy things to do and see along the wharf.

Our server was Juju and she was super attentive without being intrusive, and truly went above and beyond to make our lunch as enjoyable as possible. Truly such a sweet and kind human! It's clear from interacting with her and watching her in action that she loves what she does and gets genuine satisfaction from ensuring everyone she serves is well taken care of (rare these days, even in more upscale places).

Fog Harbor looks so inviting from the outside, and retains the quaint feeling inside too. We were seated overlooking the gorgeous view - we had a corner table and could see Alcatraz and the harbor on one side, and had a perfect view of the Ferris wheel and bigger boats coming in out of the other window.

The food! Started with the clam chowder with crab served in a bread bowl. Husband is from New England and he said the clam chowder was incredibly good and authentic. He actually makes his own at home, and thought Fog Harbor's was just as good, if not better.

He ordered the 10oz New York steak - he's a tough critic and usually doesn't like the steak from restaurants (thinks he can cook better at home) but he actually loved this steak. The jus was pretty savory (a bit too much for me) but he said the jus was one of the best parts of the meal for him.

I had the lobster tails and they were sooo good. I don't usually order such fancy dishes, so I'm no lobster aficionado (lobster roll is usually more my lane), and I appreciate how they cook the lobster meat out of the tails, so it was easy to eat and not messy at all. Deliciously and delicately seasoned, really letting the lobster and garlic shine through (I'm a fan of less highly seasoned foods).

The green beans, peppers and mashed potatoes were so good - the potatoes we both had were super creamy. There was a good amount of food for the price, and we were both super satisfied with the portion size.

Then we had a Biscoff cheesecake to go, and it was just divine. SUPER creamy with crunch from the cookies. It was one of the best desserts I've had in a long time, and was the perfect not-too-rich finish to the meal that we were able to enjoy at home with a nice cup of tea!

Whether you're a tourist or playing tourist in your own city like we were, I would highly...