San Francisco Oyster Bars: 10Best Restaurants Reviews

Waterbar knows its a beautiful restaurant in a beautiful city – and makes the most of it. Designer Pat Kuleto spared no expense to ensure diners will walk away with a complete ocean experience, including floor to ceiling aquariums full of Pacific Marine life. Some of what’s swimming in the tanks might look tasty, too – including the calamari, “dip net” caught in nearby San Pedro. For those who want to have one, big, special meal in San Francisco to really remember, be lavish and spend a long evening by the water at this sumptuous restaurant. With this food and these views, it’s a decision that’s very hard to regret.

Founded in 1867 by George Mayes, this upscale oyster bar is a perfect fit for a fancy night out. Mayes offers a full bar and large menu, including a memorable ceviche and savory smoked pork ribs. What separates Mayes from the other oyster bars is that it’s also a late-night entertainment option. As soon as the dinner hours are over, the house lights go down and the house music starts. If you’re looking for a more lavish setting than a belly-up-to-the-oyster-bar atmosphere, Mayes is your place. And if you don’t want your after-dinner excursion to include wondering what to do with the rest of your night, Mayes has that covered, too.

Since they don’t take reservations, Woodhouse is the classic example of a pop-in oyster bar. If you’re wandering San Francisco and need that quick snack to get you up the next hill, step into Woodhouse and order up some oysters with a side of slaw. Since it’s open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, you can always depend on Woodhouse Fish company. Two convenient locations, one downtown on Market and one in the Fillmore district, both close to public transportation. If you want some quality oysters but don’t want to “put on airs” (or a tie) for one of the frillier oyster spots, head to Woodhouse Fish Company.

While Foreign Cinema’s misleading moniker may seem a better fit for a movie theater than an oyster bar, this restaurant’s real attraction is their Mediterranean-inspired menu and outstanding oysters. They do, in fact, offer film showings in the adjoining courtyard, an added perk for those savoring tasty shellfish like the Hog Island Sweet, Marin Gem, Chatham and Steamboat oysters. The dinner menu changes regularly, and brunch is served on weekends. Foreign Cinema has a lot to offer besides oysters, so it’s a good choice for groups who have varied and eclectic tastes. It’s also one of the most romantic restaurants in the city.

Distinguished from other Bay Area oyster bars by its tiny yet undeniably charming setting, Anchor Oyster Bar makes up for its intimate size with out-of-this-world eats, including a fresh, daily changing oyster selection. Diners particularly love the Anchor Special that features 12 handsome oysters on the half shell, eight juicy steamed clams and four monster-sized chilled prawns. And with the same owner since its opening in 1977, you can rest assured that this place has been consistently popular over a long stretch. And its location in the always fun Castro District is a great excuse to explore this historic and important neighborhood.

Hyde Street doesn’t hide the fact that oysters are the freshest seafood around. When it opened in 1985, the concept of raw food wasn’t as wildly popular as it is today, so you can rest assured that this place knows how to prepare and handle raw food. When the decor is nautical maps, wood plank benches and dim lanterns, it’s hard to not picture being at sea, which is the perfect atmosphere for oyster eating. Besides oysters, their hot plates are prepared in the French “En Papillote” cooking style, where the food is wrapped and cooked in parchment paper to seal in natural juices and flavors.

It’s hard to beat the eats at Bar Crudo, a beloved local establishment whose reputation for amazingly fresh seafood is well deserved. The space is small but comfortable, with bar dining downstairs and a handful of tables upstairs. Fresh Kumamoto, Miyagi and Kusshi oysters are available by the piece, and there’s also a sampler platter that features shrimp, mussels and clams. Their Happy Hour from 5-6:30 offers Oysters on the Half Shell for a dollar each, as well as Herb and Jalapeño Marinated Mussels for a dollar each. (Order by Half-dozen or dozen.) Open since 2005, it has quickly established itself as one of the best oyster bars in the city.

Locals can’t help but rave over this oyster bar’s fantastic selection. Opened in 1912, Swan Oyster Depot is a small, lovable hole-in-the-wall where seating consists of about 20 stools along a long marble bar. There’s usually a line outside at lunchtime, but it moves quickly and the food is well worth your wait.

As far as oysters, it’s hard to beat this place. You get to watch them picked right out of their brine tanks and shucked before your eyes. Frankly, the whole place smells like oysters, so it’s really the best spot for oyster lovers. Grab a few for a mid-day snack or sit for a while until you get a full meal.

1950’s style, a classic oyster bar that has become a mainstay for the movers and shakers of the Financial District. If you think slurping oysters should be in a decadent, stylish atmosphere as opposed to standing elbow-to-elbow with slurping strangers, then Leo’s is the place for you. Make no mistake, you’ll pay for that elegance because cheaper oysters can be found in many places in San Francisco. But there’s something about an expensive but tasty cocktail and some oysters on a foggy San Francisco night that just makes the Northern California experience come together. Leo’s is run by the successful “Big Night” restaurant group of Anna Weinberg and James Nicholas, along with executive Chef Jenn Puccio, so Leo’s gets even the smallest details right.

Delicious fresh seafood and a veritable “oyster experience” await you at Hog Island Oyster Bar. Here, enthusiasts savor the freshest local oysters, including Hog Island Kumamoto, Sweetwater and Atlantics, served raw, baked or as part of a stew. Other menu favorites include steamed Manila clams, daily seafood specials, organic salads and the ever-popular Hog Island grilled cheese sandwich. And with its fantastic location right in the Ferry Building alongside the beautiful Embarcadero, you’ll be eating in one of the liveliest spots in all of San Francisco. Enjoy half-priced chef’s choice oysters during happy hour from 5 pm to 7 pm, Monday through Thursday.