Fishermen's Grotto

I really liked this place. It's touristy and casual, but the fish is incredibly fresh, the service is top notch, and there are nice views of the water from just about every table. It's a warm and friendly place that feels like it's been around forever - they won me over when the handed me a chowder sample when I walked in the door.

I am a native San Franciscan and have a true appreciation for the rich history of the city. I grew up hearing about the Fishermen's Grotto, as it is one of the top attractions on the Wharf. I think I went as a kid but hadn't been in years. On Friday, I attended a holiday party at the Fishermen's Grotto and had the BEST time! We started in the bar area and had cocktails and crab cakes (delicious!) There was plenty of space to accommodate our large group of 50. We then had dinner at the far window facing the Golden Gate Bridge and Fishing Harbor. The views are spectacular! Imagine eating a hot bowl of clam chowder while taking in these phenomenal sites (bring your camera!). The owner of the restaurant stopped by, introduced himself and told us a bit about the history of the restaurant and his family. It is rare that the owner of a restaurant will take the time to do this. The waiters were very efficient and made sure that we all had our salmon and steak dishes on time. The fo... Read more

Being a local, I've learned that the Wharf can be quite charming weekdays from October through May. I go to Fishermen's Grotto quite often each year during that time (Note** San Francisco Dungeness Crab season occurs during many of those months). The Grotto is my favorite restaurant on the Wharf, and yes, I've been to all the old joints. Their prices are the best in the area. The owners are the most down to earth of the restaurants in the area.. The food is simple, but high in quality. The ambiance (esp. music) is charming. The view is great. The decor is nostalgiac. The service is warm, friendly and quick. I love this place.

I loved eating at the Grotto, I thought it was a momentous meal. When I walked into the restuarant, the service was priceless and I was pleased that the chef was able to cook my fish a certain way which was not stated on the menu. The meal was delicious, and my pasta side dish was divine in it's cream sauce. I felt as if the meal was filling and the right size, along with the fresh sourdough bread provided on arrival. My friend had the Lobster Thermador, which was giant but just looked to die for, my friend really enjoyed it. I highly recommend it due to the fabulous, outstanding service, convenient location, panoramic view of the Wharf, good food and atmosphere.

Stop by the wharf's first restaurant. Italian and seafood dishes on the bay with views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you don't know seafood, don't eat at Fishermen's Grotto #9. It's a restaurant for people who know the difference between frozen fish sticks and fresh fish caught daily. It's for people who know that the priceless view cannot be matched by red lobster (though their prices are cheaper). You must be able to appreciate the finer things to enjoy Fishermen's Grotto. Though folks who have obviously never been to a city (ie: LA, SF, NY) will argue that the Grotto is expensive, you will find that it is actually quite reasonable. I had 4 oz. salmon in L.A. at a dive with no view for $29 once. The Grotto's is local, around 10 oz., and costs far less. Try the crab louie and boston chowder. Grotto is the oldest on the wharf (70) and my family has made it a tradition for generations. Go around sunset. Georgeous ocean/bridge view.

Ive dined at the grotto for 30 years (!). Its annoying how cowards use these review processes to complain. Why didnt they complain when they ate? Most places recommend something else, or dont make you pay for it. The Fried Prawns arent made with fries/garlic. I dont know where the previous reviewer REALLY ate. Sure, for many of the types of tourists, who come to the wharf because its cheap, the grotto wont work. These tourists want fake seafood. The Grotto has fresh seafood from rich waters of the world. If youre used to having fast food seafood, dont eat here! Your tastes arent used to real seafood and you wont like it. If you were bred on REAL seafood, can recognize a delicacy, and can understand the necessary prices (these arent frozen fish stix) then youll LOVE Fishermens Grotto. Food, Service, VIEW, and Tradition (70 years!) are unbeatable.