Catch of the Day: The Haute 5 Seafood Restaurants in San Francisco

The glittering waters that ebb and flow under our feet in the San Francisco Bay Area conceal a bountiful treasure trove of maritime goodies for our gastronomic gluttony. Delicious delicacies like scallops, shrimp, and oysters are abundant, and thanks to this metropolis’ glorious proximity to the ocean, we can get just about anything (Ahi Tuna, I’m talking to you) shipped or flown right in, seared, and plated at one of these Haute 5 Seafood Restaurants before you can say, “Aquaman.”

Waterbar

A seat at Waterbar is like a seat in a stealth and sexy submarine, with two beautifully appointed bars (one spirited, one raw) and a menu stocked with seafood splendor. Pat Kuleto has created a masterpiece in Waterbar. The waterfront location, not to mention the floor-to-ceiling aquariums, instantly makes you feel like you are somewhere special. An array of freshly-caught menu items prepared in a myriad of mouthwatering ways, in combination with standards like red wine braised calamari with crispy sweetbreads and seared Alaskan cod with sweet pea tendrils, lemongrass, and foie gras, make for a dining experience not soon to be forgotten. Fanatics never miss happy hour (3-6 p.m.) for $1 oysters from the raw bar: Spendthrift splendor in the seaweed.

Waterbar is located at 399 The Embarcadero S., (415) 284-9922.

Farallon

Another maritime meal not to be missed comes to us from Waterbar’s same haute-man-about-town (with two restaurants on this list!), Pat Kuleto and chef Mark Franz. Open since 1997, Farallon is the quintessential seafood sanctuary. Resplendent décor complete with jellyfish inspired chandeliers and nautically-themed rooms, a glistening raw bar, and sophisticated coastal cuisine are sure to entice. Dungeness crab cakes with piquillo aioli, red onion, and herb oil or seared Hawaiian Ono with Florida rock shrimp, baby bok choy, and black bean sauce are tantalizing and tasty palate pleasers. Don’t forget to order The Mariner. This cocktail creation made with an unlikely marriage of sherry and peppercorn-infused vodka is shaken and stirred exclusively to pair with your raw oyster order.

Farallon is located at 40 Post St., (415) 956-6969.

Anchor & Hope

From the creatively culinary minds that brought us Salt House and Town Hall comes Anchor & Hope, the new seafood slinging kid on the block. A New England-inspired menu with sassy San Francisco flare ensures seriously good eats. Nothing beats the warm sea urchin appetizer with Dungeness crab and lemon beurre blanc paired with the “Angels on Horseback” (oysters wrapped in the mother of all meat–bacon!) followed with the lobster roll and Old Bay spiced kettle chips entrée. Talk about a titillating trio.

Anchor & Hope is located at 83 Minna St., (415) 501-9100.

Aqua

With two stars in the Michelin Guide, Aqua is a dazzling experience. Focusing on classic French cuisine with contemporary notes, Aqua creates a unique juxtaposition that delights the diner. A lobster soufflé with uni and Dungeness crab is both hearty and light, while Moroccan spiced Ahi tuna tartare with lemon confit is refreshing and unique. A seven-course tasting menu with wine pairings is also available for those who desire the very best chosen by the very best.

Aqua is located at 252 California St., (415) 956-9662.

Tadich Grill

Let’s go back to a simpler time. A time before the iPhone. A time before conference calls. A time before garlic remoulade. Tadich Grill takes us there. A true San Francisco institution, this simple seafood grill has been open since 1849. Pioneering Gold Rushers took to the Tadich like fish to a nice wine and butter sauce and they have been going strong and tasty ever since. Local “Don’t You Dare Miss This” meals include pan-fried sand dabs and the hearty cioppino stew filled with scallops, shrimp, and fish. No bells, no whistles, no attitudes–Tadich Grill is simply classic San Francisco, and a classic never goes out of style.

Tadich Grill is located at 240 California St., (415) 391-1849.