Diners enjoy a meal along the San Francisco waterfront. — Enjoy a meal with a waterfront view along the Embarcadero.

San Francisco Restaurants with Amazing Views

By Dan Rosenbaum

Amazing views, fantastic meals and waterfront dining is what you’ll find at these San Francisco restaurants.

Take one of America’s most vibrant cities. Add literally thousands of restaurants. Mix thoroughly with romantic waterfront vistas, towering bridges and mysterious fog. The result is San Francisco. Here’s a guide to amazing meals at restaurants with breathtaking views of the bay, the ocean and local landmarks.

Panoramic Views

Top of the Mark

InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, 999 California St.

In 1939, hotelier and owner George D. Smith transformed the 19th floor penthouse suite of the Mark Hopkins Hotel into a glass-walled cocktail lounge. The menu includes an intoxicating selection of martinis (100, to be exact), and a three-course prix-fixe dinner with an amuse-bouche, choice of starter and entrée, and dessert. See breathtaking 360-degree views of San Francisco atop one of the highest points in the city.

Dine At Top of the Mark

The View Lounge

San Francisco Marriott Marquis, 55 Fourth St.

Guests can enjoy cocktails, light snacks and a panoramic view of the city on top of the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, including great views of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, Yerba Buena Gardens and other jewels of SoMa.

Dine At The View Lounge

Bayside Views

Bistro Boudin

160 Jefferson St.

Sourdough bread is as unique to San Francisco as its scenic landscape, so it is only fitting that Boudin's flagship location showcase incredible sights. The restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf offers “only in San Francisco” views of the wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island and more.

Dine At Boudin

Fog Harbor Fish House

PIER 39

Every table at Fog Harbor offers spectacular San Francisco Bay views. Fog Harbor is proud to be the first restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf to serve 100% sustainable seafood. You’ll be able to see fantastic views of the Bay, as well as the Pier’s many sea lions!

Dine At Fog Harbor

McCormick & Kuleto’s

Ghirardelli Square

McCormick & Kuleto’s, a traditional seafood restaurant with an extensive menu, offers a view of San Francisco Bay, including Alcatraz, Angel Island, Aquatic Park and the historical Balclutha sailing ship anchored at Hyde Street Pier. The menu also includes sirloin steak and pastas for guests who would rather turf than surf.

Dine at McCormick & Kuleto's

The Pier Market Seafood Restaurant

PIER 39

Breathtaking views of the Bay and award-winning clam chowder and mesquite grilled fresh seafood and meats contribute to The Pier Market’s popularity. This restaurant is in a prime location to enjoy post-dinner activities at PIER 39 like the 7D Experience or Aquarium of the Bay.

Dine at Pier Market

Bay Bridge Views

The Waterfront Restaurant & Cafe

Pier 7

In 1969, Al Falchi converted a former San Francisco longshoremen’s bar into The Waterfront Restaurant. A mile from Fisherman’s Wharf, it features a view of the bay and the iconic Bay Bridge, making it a favorite of local politicians and business people. You never know who might be at the next table!

Dine At The Waterfront

Perry’s on the Embarcadero

55 Steuart St.

Known for its classic American food and casual atmosphere, guests can easily feel at home at Perry’s. With brunch, lunch and dinner options, you’ll be able to see the Bay Bridge day or night!

Dine At Perry's

Pacific Ocean Views

The Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant

1000 Great Highway

The Beach Chalet faces Ocean Beach, where Golden Gate Park meets the Pacific Ocean. This spot is known for its hops and barley creations. The Seal Rock Bock, a full-bodied, dark and malty German-style beer, and the Ocean Beach Oktoberfest, a German-style amber beer, are just a few of the brews served.

Dine At The Beach Chalet

Bay Cruises

City Experiences

Pier 3

City Experiences' elegant yachts are floating restaurants, offering everything from dinner-dance and weekend champagne brunch cruises, to private custom charters on the San Francisco Bay. You’ll be able to see some of the most iconic landmarks in a whole new perspective.

Dine Aboard City Experiences

Views of San Francisco

Scoma’s of Sausalito

588 Bridgeway

Scoma’s of Sausalito is in the heart of Sausalito, making for one of the best restaurants with views of the City and the Bay. This historic landmark on the waterfront serves up fresh seafood and pasta.

Dine At Scoma's

Salito’s Crab House & Prime Rib

1200 Bridgeway

Salito’s is located just a ferry ride across the Bay and offers signature dishes such as house-made crispy kettle bread, crab chowder, and other seafood specialties. Be a guest on their large outdoor deck that overlooks the water and boats passing by!

Dine At Salito's

Dan Rosenbaum

Dan is the Vice President, Global Marketing, at San Francisco Travel. San Francisco has been his home for over a decade (that makes him a local, right?). On the weekends, you can find him with a cup of craft coffee in hand, a playlist of good vibes, a growing list of books to read, or out at the city's hottest new restaurant or bar.