The Grotto

We have been coming here off and on for several decades. We loved their Chef Combo Loui Salad, New England Clam Chowder and their Crusty Sour Dough Bread. Normall the place is full and you are greeted by a hostess. This trip we went up stairs and had to ask a server where to sit. He cleaned an empty table by the window for us in an almost empty restaurant. The Chef Combo Loui which had shrimp, crab and lobster...is no longer Combo. It was just shrimp. We asked about the change and the waiter said it is different ownership and that the Chef Combo Loui is no longer offered. When I just checked on their menu on-line...it says it is offered?! The bread was not typical SF Sourdough either. The food was decent but not what it used to be and the service has gone way down hill.

When I arrived I realized I did not need to make a reservation- it was EMPTY! I was taken a back because the views and overall space was beautiful!! I was nervous about the food due to the lack of people , but the entree was not too bad. The bread and butter were bad, but the entree not too bad. I think they do need to get more people in, I would go back, but it would not be my first choice.

Valentines Day

Celebrated Valentines Day at The Grotto. Excellent experience.

The restaurant was very clean and fancy. When I went there was a pianist playing live which set the mood. Also the food was very delicious

Valentines dinner. The view is wonderful, eating lobster while looking at the Golden Gate Bridge with my love on Valentine’s Day. The place wasn’t packed and we had a great seat. Our waiter was attentive and personable. And the food was good well, maybe nothing exceptional but our steak came the way we ordered it and the lobster was not over cooked. Overall, would go back

The Grotto has been around forever, but recently updated to not feel old while still very San Francisco. Is it touristy? Sure, to a degree. But to be honest, I have brought many first time visitors here and they are always very happy with the location, view, and food.

The food was just mediocre. Nothing special. Overpriced for what it was. Better seafood other places in Fisherman’s Wharf. Service was great.

The service and drinks were excellent, but the food was far from good.

Vet attentive waitstaff but the food was marginal at best and we were disappointed for sure. Not a good value for the money. All four of us dining said we would never come back. Lesson learned.

This place impresses me every time. The very open and spacious seating that is modern updated in addition to the excellent waitstaff and very good food, how could you want more? I’ve been here several times and it’s good every time and I’m proud to bring people here who have never done it before.

The fresh crab was delicious. We started with baby popcorn scallops, then on to the fresh cracked crab in garlic butter and New York steak with warm sour dough rolls....Yum! We planned our trip to be there on a Tuesday night so we could hear Terry Disley play. He is a consummate professional and true artist on the piano. His music creates a perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner or friendly gathering. We usually catch Terry at the Miramar Beach Restaurant in Half Moon Bay, but decided to catch his show at the Grotto. It was well worth a trip to the city.

It was my birthday and we received special treatment. It was wonderful! We will be back!

The restaurant was oddly empty. Kind of sad actually. This used to be the epitome of fancy dining in the past. Highly trained waiters and bus boys , coat check etc. Now waiters reach over you, serve you from across the table, bring entrees when you are still eating your salad. Just another mediocre restaurant with a fabulous location.

Have the Cioppino!!! Servers were kind and knowledgeable. The ambiance was fantastic. The view at sunset was unforgettable. We will be back!

Table for 14, goods food, prompt service, great view

After going to the Grotto 9 for nearly 20yrs this was first time since new owner and remodel - and was very impressed on the new touch ups that both kept the original feel of Grotto 9 and also stepped it up to a bonus level of fine dining that only a true icon of SF wharf can reach landmark status!

This is the first time that we had visited The Grotto since the renovation was completed. We were very pleased! The interior of the building had been repainted, hardwood floors had been added, and the carpet was new, along with the furniture. All of the same great window views were still available. The food was excellent, and the staff was both friendly and punctual. We will definitely be going back!

However, they don’t take reservations through Opentable anymore.

The food was pretty good but the service was a bit lacking. Also portions were a bit small for the price. I could tell our server was swamped and didn’t really have much back up support. After the food arrived we didn’t get checked on much. Drinks went dry and never got refilled before the check came. Probably won’t be back.

the only bad thing is that they only have one round of the most famous beer in San Francisco , really?

My mom celebrated her 84th birthday & the staff was fabulous!!!!

Our last evening was topped off by a very enjoyable seafood dinner, on 2nd level, watching the sun set over the golden gate bridge.! Thank you to all the servers, waitresses and bartenders for your excellent service! We also enjoyed the versatile piano player!

amazing. very good service and foid!!

Nothing like the websight looks. Somewhat old, run down and not very clean. Food was good and service was good.

Great crab Louis. Great views of wharf and bay.

It was a late reservation. Near closing time. Restaurant was quite empty. Food and staff were still great. We were hoping for a better view across the Bay, as we were seated at a great window table. However, it was quite overcast or foggy. We didn’t get to see much into a distance. This has been my favourite stops in SAN FRANCISCO and will likely continue whenever I’m in town. Love it here.

The weekend seafood brunch was really limited for choices. Ate the doughnuts, instead.

From the moment we walked in we could tell it was going to be a great experience. We were greeted with smiles. The hostess was lovely & super patient with our large party. The manager Jordan & our waitress Nicole & the woman bussing our table were very attentive & so accommodating. We were celebrating a birthday & they made it very special. The clam chowder was a party in my mouth so delicious!!! The fish was out of this world hands down to the chef. I will definitely be back with my family & recommend it to all my friends oh & I can’t forget the live entertainment it was a perfect evening. Thank you!

I came here for my birthday lunch and the food was great the service was great. My family had a great time I would come back here next time I’m in SF.

The restaurant is located in an old establishment in Fisherman’s wharf of San Francisco. The food is excellent especially seafood linguine. I like the pasta sauce a lot. I would go back there just for that.

Amazing views, but the freshness of the seafood was disappointing considering the access available in San Francisco.

Service was attentive and friendly.

Great views and delicious food. This is a great place for a large group or a romantic date.

Nice location with a wonderful view but not the freshest food. We had chowder, crab cakes, fish and chips, and petrale sole. Crab cakes tasted like they were just cooked up from frozen patties; sole, and fish and chips were pretty average. Server was super nice and attentive, but that doesn’t make up for the food. Find a different spot if you want to be wowed by the food.

The location is great. Food is good. Worth the price.

Amazing view. Not so amazing food. Cioppino was flavorless. I wish I had better things to say, but every dish at our table was bland. The specials were lobster from Maine and pork from who knows where. We were do disappointed that there were no local specials.

It was an excellent place to have a wonderful meal, coming off of the bustling Fishermans Warf and given the option of eating upstairs or on the side of the street, we chose upstairs. It changed from a noisy atmosphere of people running around to a very relaxed quiet place sitting above the pier used by fishermans to house their boats. It gave a more authentic feel. The waiter was distinguished, he knew the menu, answered our questions, and was ample on checking our table.

The food was delightful, excellent serving sizes and prepared with care. We loved this place and would highly recommend to anyone visiting the Warf.

Old established San Francisco restaurant in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf with great views and excellent seafood.

We made a reservation on Jul 4. We got in quickly and were seated at a window seat overlooking the Bay. Food and service were excellent.

4th of July. Service was amazing. Food was great. View was stunning. Will visit again!