La Mar Cocina Peruana San Francisco — Restaurant in San Francisco

It was my husband’s birthday and he was craving seafood, so he picked La Mar. The restaurant had a lively and upscale atmosphere that made a great first impression.

Our server let us know the food is served tapas style, so we started with the Bandeja Cebichera, a sampler platter that gave us a little taste of everything. At $129, it felt fair for the variety and portions. Everything tasted fresh and clean, with that right-off-the-boat quality you don’t always get on a Sunday. 5 out of 5 for this one.

We also ordered the Cebiche Nikkei, made with ahi tuna, based on our server’s recommendation. This one had a really nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors. I actually preferred it over the ceviche that came in the sampler. Another solid 5 out of 5.

Next came the Pulpo. The octopus was tender and beautifully plated, but flavor wise it didn’t stand out. At $36, I wouldn’t order it again. 3 out of 5.

Another request from the birthday boy was the Empanada Sampler, which included one each of beef, chicken, mushroom, and corn. The filling flavors were great, but the pastry was a bit dry and too toasted for my liking. My husband even forgot we ordered it, so it clearly didn’t leave a big impression. At $34, it felt a little pricey, but our guests liked it. 4 out of 5.

We also shared the Lomo Saltado, which reminded me of Chinese-style steak cubes served on a sizzling platter. I only had one bite, but it was bold and flavorful. That said, $46 felt way too high for what it was, especially since you can get a similar dish at a Chinese restaurant for a fraction of the cost. 3 out of 5.

For dessert, we got the Choco Maracuya for the birthday moment since the birthday boy wanted something with raspberry. I’m not big on sweets, but everyone else loved the tart balance and said it wasn’t overly sugary. 5 out of 5.

The restaurant also surprised us with a Dulce de Leche cake. I actually liked this one better for its moist texture, but most of our group found it too sweet. Mixed reactions, so I’m giving it 4 out of 5.

Overall, the food had a few standout dishes and a couple of misses. The vibe was great, but I felt the service could be more transparent. Our server pushed pricier dishes and didn’t mention the complimentary dessert. We were also charged $8 for extra chips we assumed were free since they were given at the beginning of the meal.

Food: 4 out of 5 Ambience: 5 out of 5 Service: 3.5 out of 5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5...

Food and service were amazing but the hostesses have serious issues. Went in (2/3 group) at 7:15 and asked if there was space for 3. The hostess was unpleasant during our entire interaction. We were told there was a table available outside and we asked if a table inside was available. The hostess said she could put us on a waitlist for a table inside and it would take approximately 30 minutes, so we said sure since our third person was running late. We were told we could grab drinks in the bar area to the side and wait so we went inside. We then received a text notification stating we had a reservation made for three people at a table inside the restaurant for 8:15 which was not a waitlist like the hostess mentioned but we decided it was fine. We asked the bar tender for a glass of water and he rudely told us to sit down and wait. We were not given water for the next ten minutes until we asked a passing server. The third person in our party came and we waited in the bar area until 8:17, at which point the hostess said our table was ready. Another hostess led us into the restaurant, but started walking out of the back doors towards the outside dining area. At this point we stopped her and said we requested a table inside, at which point she became EXTREMELY unpleasant. She said it was the only table available and there was nothing she could do, so either we could wait for a table inside or sit outside. We said fine and sat outside and asked to speak to the manager.

At this point Alejandro the manager came out and he handled the situation very well which is the only reason this is a 4 star review. He said “my only concern is that you enjoy tonight” which was a great way of handling the situation. However while he was speaking to us the first hostess came out and looked like she wanted to speak to us which upset us that she came out with such a confrontational energy. Alejandro told her he’d speak with her later, and then proceeded to comp pisco sours for the table. Our waitress was very nice and knowledgeable about the menu, so overall would recommend this restaurant and would love to try it again. Other than the hostesses, would have been a 5 star experience. Hoping to come back and leave a different review...

There’s so much I’d love to share about La Mar, it truly left a lasting impression!

This Peruvian restaurant is located in one of the most beautiful spots in San Francisco, right on the waterfront at Pier 1. The view is absolutely stunning: ocean breeze, skyline, and sunsets you’ll remember forever.

The interior is stylish and inviting, with subtle Peruvian touches that make the place feel warm and special. It’s cozy yet upscale, a perfect vibe for a night out.

The service is top-notch! The staff is incredibly friendly, polite, and attentive without being intrusive. Everything arrived on time, and the energy was super welcoming. The sommelier was outstanding! He knows his wines and picked the perfect pairing for our seafood dishes, enhancing every flavor beautifully.

And now, about the food. Or should I say… culinary art! 💗

From the very first bite, it was clear: the chef here isn’t just a cook - he’s a fantastic maestro, a true visionary in the kitchen! Every dish that came out was a masterpiece, both visually stunning and mind-blowingly delicious. He doesn’t just prepare meals, he creates incredible experiences.

The seafood - Impeccably fresh. From buttery salmon to silky ahi tuna and delicately seasoned seasonal catch, every piece melted on the tongue like a dream! The shrimp were plump and perfectly cooked, and the crab salad layered with creamy mashed potatoes and ripe avocado - oh, it’s an unforgettable symphony of textures and flavors!

But then… came the scallops. Words can barely do them justice. Tender beyond belief, seared to perfection, bursting with rich, ocean-kissed flavor. Absolutely otherworldly!

And the sauces! Each one a revelation, crafted with precision to not just complement, but elevate the dish into something extraordinary. Sweet, savory, tangy, umami - it was a rollercoaster of flavor in every bite!

This wasn’t just dinner. It was bliss on a plate.

If you’re looking for beautiful views, amazing service, and unforgettable flavors, this is the...