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

More Details ›

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

"Excellent food choices...with something a little different than the standard seafood fare. This was my second visit to this restaurant while visiting San Francisco and I will definitely go again the next time I am in town!"
Dined on 4/11/2014
"Definitely a go back to place. Perfect service. Creative food prep and presentation."
Dined on 4/11/2014
"The Waterfrony restaraunt was incredible. Beautiful views of the bay bridge and an amazing wait staff. My boyfriend and I were dressed "casually" (he was in nice jeans and a button up and I wore JCrew) but it was better service than most 'fancy' restaurants. I would recommend the lavender mojito and the seafood linguini!!"
Dined on 4/11/2014
"Very desapointed on the service, from the bus boy dripping water all over our menus and bread plates, on all 6 guests and walking away, I had to ask him for new menus and dryed plate! to the waiter who got the drink orders wrong, could not remember the wine we order, had to ask twice for bread, and than the time after our main course to desert menu was so long, that we all skipped the desert. I take it that the "tueasday nite" staff is not the best! Food however was very good! Whish we could have given the tips to the kitchen rather than the dinning room staff."
Dined on 4/8/2014
"We had a delicious dinner with good service on Monday, April 7 with friends from London. They were returning from a cruise to Hawaii. Thank you a special time with friends. Karen and George Orr"
Dined on 4/7/2014
"Had a spectacular time at the Waterfront for my birthday, with a total group of 12. I had been there before for another birthday, but we got a much better view. The upstairs peek at the Bay Bridge is hard to beat. The wine suggestions were on point, and I loved the artichokes and fish of the day (which I cannot recall). Everyone had a great time, and the atmosphere was classic but relaxed. Can't wait to plan my next party there!"
Dined on 4/5/2014
"It isn't the fanciest dining establishment in SF. It doesn't have cutting edge food nor the reputation for being a hot spot. Which is exactly why I love it. Its got a fantastic view being right on the Bay. Its got a solid seafood menu, including a selection of oysters and they stick to simple preparations so there is nothing to screw up. The service is attentive without being overbearing. The wine selection is geographically varied even if it wouldn't impress a serious oenophile. The atmosphere is lively but you can hold a conversation across the table. A great evening out where the evening's experience was far greater than the sum of the individual parts. Oh, and you won't break the bank! I'll come back again and more than once."
Dined on 4/5/2014
"Waterfront us a great location with views if the Bay. It's not touristy like the Wharf at times. Seafood is exquisite."
Dined on 3/17/2014
"We decided to give this a try when we couldn't get in to nearby Coquetta (which we love). The setting is this restaurant's calling card, but we read good reviews of the food as well, so took a chance. Clear from the onset our server had a major attitude. Not sure exactly where she thought she worked (not like this is the hotspot de jour with a crowd waiting out the door). When we ordered cocktails I asked for a specific gin- one with an unmistakable profile. What arrived was watered down dreck. When we clarified the request she said that she "watched the bartender poor it herself." Right. As for food, the mixed seafood grill was stellar - Serrano aioli was genius. The crab salad with beets was the bomb. Too bad the service stunk."
Dined on 3/30/2014
"the waitstaff accommodated lots of changes in the reservations for lunch. expected the fish and chips to be better since its a restaurant on the water."
Dined on 3/19/2014
"We had a party of six for brunch and they seated us at a round table on the patio which worked out great. We could all talk to each other easily and the view out onto the bay is so pretty. We started out with Bloody Mary's which was fun and relaxing. A couple of our group had the fish and chips which they said were very good and one had the Ahi tuna which was also very good. I had the Crab Louie which was good but lacked some of the usual ingredients like hard-boiled eggs. It was lettuce, crab, a few baby tomatoes and olives - think this item could be improved. The lobster sandwich was also a good choice. Overall everything was good and the ambiance is wonderful. Our server was very nice and did a great job. Valet parking too!"
Dined on 3/22/2014
"Good menu, good service and ambiance and an incredible view of the Bay Bridge at night."
Dined on 3/20/2014
"The staff at the Waterfront are outstading! If you show up without a reservation, you may have to wait, but they will do their utmost to accommdate your party. We love being able to look out at the water while having an excellent meal with friends."
Dined on 3/21/2014
"The spectacular views would be enough to come back for but the food is spectacular and the service is excellent making this a most enjoyable lunch experience! I admit, we keep coming back and for good reason. My Sand Dabs were cooked to perfection , served boned and with a delicate lemon butter white wine and caper sauce. My wife has a difficult time ordering anything but the "Lobster Roll" served on a brioche roll, her favorite dish on the lunch menu! The wine list offers excellent choices of highly rated wines at "reasonable" prices by San Francisco standards!"
Dined on 3/20/2014
"Tourists beware. Great location, but poor quality food and service on my one visit there."
Dined on 5/27/2013
"The food was good, very nicely prepared, I got exactly what I asked for. The waitstaff was pleasant and accommodating to special dietary needs. I would recommend this place for a work lunch, dinner, or to people looking for a nice place to dine along the Embarcadero with nice views."
Dined on 3/13/2014
"Food was very good - service was great. Unhurried, friendly and professional. Can't wait to go again for dinner."
Dined on 3/11/2014
"Mezzanine seating offers a great view of the Bay Bridge light show. Food was good although somewhat pricey. Service was spotty."
Dined on 3/9/2014
"Everything was great until we ordered dessert. The waiter was suddenly very busy and flat out ignored us. The manager brought our dessert and coffee. We had to ask for the bill; it took a while to get it to us."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"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

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Easter Brunch & Dinner Reservations
Sunday, April 20, 2014›
THE WATERFRONT |Easter Brunch 10am - 3pm |Dinner 4pm - 10pm |Wonderful food, Incredible view|Join us in Easter day
Happy Hour!
Monday-Friday 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM›
Join us for .99$ oysters, bar bites, and a selection of local wine & cocktails for Happy Hour on our patio and lounge, take in the Bay Bridge lights, or people watch on the Embarcadero!. Excludes Tax and Tip. Thank you for joining us!. Special valid Feb 1, 2014 - May 1, 2014 on Mondays - Fridays from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Offer valid February 1, 2014 - May 1, 2014

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The Waterfront Restaurant and Cafe Details

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