The Fisherman's Wharf on The Embarcadero is often dismissed as a touristy attraction with overrated restaurants. While this may be true for some, it's definitely not a blanket rule for all the eateries present here. Your visit will surely be incomplete without sampling something from the wide assortment of seafood available here.
If you only have time for one restaurant, The Franciscan should be it. It gives off the feel of a luxury cruise ship with views of the bay and Alcatraz. The chefs dish up interesting combinations like the seafood brochettes with ginger-cilantro sauce or sautéed halibut with a sweet pea and sherry sauce. Also highly recommended are the crab cakes and the pasta with rock shrimp, eggplant and spicy marinara is a good bet as well. A great place for brunch is Delancy Street Restaurant. Enjoy delicious crepes, pancakes and a variety of egg preparations on the open air patio that looks right over the San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge. An interesting fact about this restaurant its community service aspect – it employs recovering addicts and criminals.
Another favourite is Boudin Sourdough Bakery and Café (pic above). Ideal for a quick lunch of clam chowder and a sandwich or for shopping for sourdough breads, the bakery also sells cookbooks, wines and condiments. If you have some time, take the tour of the museum and bakery where, much to the amusement of indulgent onlookers, the bakers toss up sea animals from sourdough. Should you find yourself in the mood for some Mexican fare, stop by La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill on Pier 39 and don't let its non-assuming ambience deter you. Call for a Baja Fish Taco or an Original Gourmet Burrito or Nachos and head to their outdoor seating overlooking the water. And make sure to grab some of the delicious salsas from the elaborate salsa bar.
Another winner for Mexican food is Andale's in the vibrant Marina district. Complete with full bar, a mesquite grill, wood burning fireplace, outside seating and weekend brunch, it is easy on the pocket as well. The vegetarian burrito made with black beans, guacamole, cheese, salsa ranchera and delicious cilantro rice is a charmer. As the salsas tease your palate, the freshness of the ingredients and the warm and colourful ambience of the restaurant will leave you wanting more.
It's finally time for the chocolate lovers to rejoice! Your visit to the Wharf will be incomplete without the Ghirardelli Chocolaterie and Café . Highly recommended are the 60 per cent Cacao Dark Chocolate with Caramel Filling and Citrus Sunset. The adjoining desert café whips up some not-to-be-missed delights as well.
Craving some sushi? Chaya Brasserie, known for fabulous French-Japanese Cuisine, excellent sushi, stunning design, while offering sweeping views of the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge. A perfect way to end your day would be to sip a cocktail, sitting on one of the picnic style tables on the outdoor patio of Americano Restaurant and Bar.
Pics: cmsalter.com, stayinsf.com
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