The Waterfront Restaurant and Cafe

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Address:
Pier 7 on the Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94111

Neighborhood:
Financial District / Embarcadero

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Cuisine:
Californian

Price: $31 to $50

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The Waterfront Restaurant and Cafe Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://www.waterfrontsf.com
Email: waterfrontsanfrancisco@yahoo.com
Phone: (415) 391-2696
Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday - Sunday:
11:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Dinner: Monday - Sunday: 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Californian, Seafood
Dress Code: Business Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Farm to Table, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access
Catering: Full Prix Fix dining menus available, custom-made for your event. Let us help you with all the planning for your special or corporate event. We have Private Rooms available with a Private Bar, a separate kitchen from our Main Dining, Private Restrooms, Expansive views of the Bay, including the Bay Bridge Lights, all accessible via stairs or our private elevator.
Private Party Facilities: Please contact restaurant for details.
Private Party Contact: Cheryl (888) 330-5948
Special Events & Promotions: Happy Hour: Monday-Friday, 3pm-6pm.

Getting there

Cross Street: Broadway
Public Transit: F- Line stops in front every 15 minutes, daily until midnight.
10 minutes walking distance from Bart.
Parking: Valet
Parking Details: $14

A word from The Waterfront Restaurant and Cafe

An experience in excellent Seafood cuisine with a gorgeous view of the Bay.

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerScenic View

Diner Reviews

"We took several friends who were here escaping the bitter cold of Wisconsin. We chose the Waterfront for their good balance of well-prepared seafood, moderate noise levels and the gorgeous view of the bridge across the bay. The bill was not shocking and probably appropriate for that area of the city. We had a very nice time all-around."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"The food was excellent and one a clear night, it provides a fantastic view of the Bay bridge with the LED lights glowing. Only downside was the service wasn't great."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"$350 dinner for four and we sat on patio furniture on a bare concrete floor. View of the Bay Bridge is great, though we were looking through plastic roll-up windows. Fish is grilled on Mesquite, which changes the flavor too much for my taste. Service was very good and selection of CA Chardonnays is great. Overall, the place feels a bit dated and needs a refresh."
Dined on 2/27/2014
"I brought my sons here as a treat to celebrate becoming US citizens. We were given a nice table in the window and the food was good. However we asked the waiter to recommend a cab in the $45 range and were charged for a $65 wine. I believe it was a different year to the one we thought we were ordering off the menu. I queried this when we received the bill but was simply told we had a more expensive wine. I did not want to make a fuss and spoil my sons' special day. However I think it was underhand of the waiter not to have told us upfront that it would be $20 more than we were expecting. I may return to this restaurant because I love seafood but wanted to warn others to check they get the wine they ordered."
Dined on 2/26/2014
"The only thing I can say that would improve the experience is to have less salad dressing in the salad or better still serve it on the side. Vale parking is expensive but boy is it nice to be able to park so close!"
Dined on 2/26/2014
"Picked restaurant based on it having an available table. The good was great. Staff was friendly and attentive without hovering. View from patio overlooking bay was really nice. I wok visit again"
Dined on 2/25/2014
"It was my wife's birthday and everything went off without a hitch. Food was great and the service was excellent."
Dined on 2/18/2014
"Started with the tuna tartare, which was "ok". Then the Caesar salad-really disappointing, limp romaine with very little tasteless dressing on it. My sea bass was a little dry and the bed of roasted veggies it was on did not complement the flavor of the fish at all-a bad choice on my part, I guess. But it looked like the best of the entrees being offered!"
Dined on 2/22/2014
"Restaurant has a beautiful view of the Bay Bridge and is very nice on the inside. Unfortunately the food is over priced and the service was unacceptable. We had a beautiful view by the window but couldn't take full advantage of it because they had a reception on the balcony with the serving tables adjacent to our table which blocked most of the view. The food was tasty but they brought our entree at the same time with our appetizers. By the time we finished out appetizers our meal was cold. I would have asked for them to warm them but our waiter never checked on us until we were nearly done.. When I told the waiter about how our food arrived he blamed it on the kitchen and never attempted to make amends for the mistake. Poor experience"
Dined on 2/21/2014
"We brought some visitors from out of town to the Waterfront Cafe so they could see the bay bridge while we dined. The table we were seated at was located next to a structural support beam that forced one side of the table to be uncomfortably seated for the entire dinner. The food was not worth the prices that they charge. There are much better restaurants in the city that serve better quality food for a lot less. The salad that accompanied the main dishes was covered in dressing - way too much of it. I would not recommend this restaurant and will not be going back."
Dined on 2/21/2014
"This was our first time at the restaurant and picked it to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The view was majestic and the dining area was conducive for conversation. The food was outstanding and we chose to stay with fresh seafood and vegetables. The fish was prepared perfectly and we had the best brussel sprouts ever. We will be coming back!"
Dined on 2/21/2014
"Valentine's night was lovely. The restaurant was full, but great service. Unfortunately I ventured into order the Filet on the Prixe FIXE (guess I forgot I was at a seafood restaurant!) and the steak was tough. But the lobster my husband ordered was fantastic. Showing off their seafood dishes is of course their specialty. We love this restaurant and I won't veer away from that again. Romantic, roses, VIEWS to die for!~ Great service on such a busy night! Kudos' to WATERFRONT and thanks again!"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"We were seated immediately. The wait staff was very attentive. Our order was taken in a timely manner. The food was outstanding. We got to enjoy the food, conversation and the view of the bay all at the same. Hats off to the Chef and staff."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"Dinner experience was fantastic. Wasn't to sure about the patio like location in the rear of the restaurant since it had tarp like atmosphere, but the service and food was excellent!"
Dined on 2/15/2014
"The service made up for the poor food. Lots of shell fragments in the oysters, no flavor to the sole, and the filet while perfectly medium rare, was very grainy. Our server and her manager were GREAT."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Went for Valentine's Day dinner. There was a 3 course $75 prix fixe menu. Showed up on time for my reservation and was seated almost immediately. The views from the dining room are simply amazing. Great view of the Bay Bridge lights. Service was attentive without being annoying or overbearing. I inhaled the Lobster! So good! I'll be back for sure when I need a nice showy restaurant for parents or something."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"I've been enjoying the Waterfront for 30 years. I can always count on great food and great service. The prices are a little high, but it is in a wonderful location."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"You can always have a great dining experience here, even if you don't get to sit next to a wndow. It's my favorite Friday HH chill spot with a view"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Very disappointed, service was not good at all. I had to ask for bread several times, as well as butter several times afterwards. Water was rarely refilled. The tables were so close together that the bussers kept running into us. Food was subpar even though it was a prixe fixed menu at $75 per person. The worst was the lobster bisque which tasted more like gravy than soup. I will say the view was great, which was the only redeemable quality."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Beautiful view and our waiter was fantastic. But, bussers and servers seemed to need some more organization and education. It was challenging at best. They put bread on the plates we were using for our appetizers without asking if we wanted bread. We should have been given appetizer plates. They quickly got us what we asked for, but should not have had to ask for so many things we needed to. The food was okay. Sad for the best on the water full view location other than the GG and StFYCs."
Dined on 2/8/2014
"This is a very attractive restaurant with very good food and a wonderful view of the Bay and the Bay Bridge. We were a large, noisy "reunion" group and had wonderful service. It is a short walk from the Ferry Building."
Dined on 2/6/2014
"I was disappointment with the food. I ordered scallops and they were tasteless......I've had better. For the price, it was a real let down and I was looking forward to a delicious meal given that the restaurant is on the waterfront and known for seafood."
Dined on 2/4/2014
"Great place to watch the Bay Bridge Light Show. Good food, attentive service. Portions are good ~ not too big or too skimpy. Non-seafood selections available. Only downside: linens had an odor that made using the napkin unpleasant."
Dined on 1/31/2014
"From our table located in a high traffic area -- > to the perfunctory and slow service --> to the sad steam table quality food ... we were sorely disappointed. Our meal started out with lukewarm clam chowder and went downhill from there. A 45 minute wait between soup and entrée. Pork loin dry and tasteless, bitter spinach and a pathetic little square of a potato-like substance. Left with a feeling of wasted time and money. If it weren't for the exceptionally nice and efficient bus staff I would have considered the meal a complete disaster."
Dined on 1/31/2014
"We were celebrating a birthday for one of the guests. It was a lovely way to celebrate. Good food, good service and lovely day to view the Bay."
Dined on 1/27/2014
"Everything about our experience at the Waterfront was the best, from the effortless reservation process, to our stellar table on their enclosed deck with a breathtaking view of the light show on the Bay Bridge, to the flawless and wonderfully tasty meals. The grilled salmon was the best, as were the grilled scallops, and we especially enjoyed the delicate bur flavorful dressing on the greens that accompanied the seafood. Our Australian guest was totally impressed. Thank you, Waterfront!"
Dined on 1/25/2014
"Excellent dining spot, on the wharf with a very attentive staff. The food presentation was wonderful. the wine paired with the food really completed the dining experience. I will return"
Dined on 1/22/2014
"We were entertaining out-of-towners. They wanted to buy the meal so we didn't want to go to a terribly expensive place. We'd eaten at the Waterfront recently and liked the food. We were not disappointed this time, either. Our friends loved the food, and you can't beat the view. The waiter was fantastically good, helpful without seeming overbearing, friendly in a very genuine way."
Dined on 1/23/2014
"The views of the Bay, and the Bay Bridge, would make it worth dining on hotdogs here. But instead the food is fit for foodies. Great chowder, pork loin, veggies and apple crumble. The outdoor seating is the best as long as the weather is decent. (Glass walls take care of wind, so all you need is dryness and a degree of warmth)."
Dined on 1/22/2014
"Host had an attitude problem when I mentioned that we were here for the Dine About Town. He turned 180 degree from being nice to ignoring us completely. He gave the menus to the waiter and told the waiter to send us to our table without another glance at us. To make maters worst, I got an Open Table notice telling me that I didn't cancel my reservation. Obviously the guy didn't bother to even check us in. If the restaurant doesn't like people to come for Dine About Town because they wouldn't make as much money, then do not offer this. We were sent to the outside patio which was nice but there was only 1 waiter and 1 assistant. Our meal was so slow that we didn't get out until 1 hour and fifty minutes later (for 2 set meals)."
Dined on 1/16/2014
"I married my partner of 15 years and wanted to have a great dinner for 12; The Waterfront was the perfect choice, giving us a table with a spectacular view with service and food to match....would do it all over again in a heartbeat!"
Dined on 1/17/2014
"Sitting in the outdoor area on a beautiful sunny January day, my husband and I had a very relaxing lunch experience. Never feeling rushed by our server, we sat and enjoyed the view and took our time making our lunch choice. Wonderful spot to people watch as they stroll along the Embarcadero. Once we ordered our food was delivered promptly - the clam chowder was oh so very tasty and served hot. I hated having to share some with my husband who had ordered a salad that looked delightful. We ordered from the Prefix menu, I had the trout and my husband the pork tenderloin. The trout was simply delicious: so delicate in texture and just melted away in my mouth. My husband said the pork tenderloin had been prepared perfectly. Wonderful!!"
Dined on 1/16/2014
"My friends and husband prefer quiet dining with a nice view. The Waterfront offered that and much more--the service and the food were excellent. We would go back."
Dined on 1/11/2014
"We celebrated our wedding anniversary at The Waterfront. The mixed grill and swordfish were very good. The view was outstanding. The salads were exceptional, and the service was attentive. We did not care for the Brussels sprouts: they seemed overdone and a bit charred, and they are a favorite vegetable for both of us. The view of the bay and Bay Bridge is outstanding, especially with the Bridge's light show."
Dined on 1/10/2014
"We were as party of 5 scheduled for a late lunch. One of the group arrived 45 minutes late and we wanted to wait for her. The wait staff was most accommodating. When our lunch extended into the shift transition to set up for dinner, the waitress was unfailingly polite and didn't rush us to settle the bill. I had a lovely seafood Cobb salad but can't comment on the other's food as we were strangers getting to know each other and the food became incidental to the conversation. I had been to this restaurant before and it did not disappoint this time."
Dined on 1/6/2014
"We went to this restaurant for a birthday celebration and to see the Bay Bridge Lights. We had an excellent window table with a great view. We all (4) ordered Martini's and though we each had something different, they were all good. We had the crab cakes and prawns for appetizers and the prawns were so good, my friend ordered the same dish for her supper. They were out of the Sand Dabs so I had the Boat Scallops, which were very good. It's just a well located restaurant that we were able to take BART and walk a short ways from the Embarcadero."
Dined on 1/4/2014
"We were not told that it was a 4 course dinner for $145 per person until we arrived. At that moment on New years eve we weren't able to get reservations any where else. At the time of booking the reservations as well as the follow up phone call from the restaurant, I was never told that it was a fixed menu. I was left with no choice. I feel as though this was completely unfair for my date and myself, and really left a sour taste in my mouth about how the Waterfront handled their advertisement for New Years. I would have never booked my reservations if I would have been limited to my dinner menu. I paid $400 to eat a steak, a cut of choice I don't like but was the only option, and my date had a "piece" of sea bass."
Dined on 12/31/2013
"My husband thought the clam chowder was the best he ever had. My daughter loved her filet. My chicken was inedible. The service was okay. I was very cold in our spot upstairs."
Dined on 12/29/2013
"A good restaurant with a great Bay view. Food (salmon) was very good, service was good, but slow; perhaps due to the holidays."
Dined on 12/31/2013
"The food was fantastic and plentiful, the staff was extremely accommodating and friendly. The perfect spot for a New Years Eve celebration. Great views and very accessible. Definitely a spot for any celebration. I will recommend and I will return."
Dined on 12/31/2013

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The Waterfront Restaurant and Cafe Details

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