- San Francisco’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf is full of flavorful food options
- From seafood classics to sweet and savory snacks, there’s something to delight anyone’s taste buds
- Popular dining spots like Pier 39’s Pier Market serve up Bay Area favorites just steps from the Fisherman’s Wharf fun
With its ocean-fresh seafood and melting pot cuisine, San Francisco is a favorite foodie destination for good reason. And while dishes throughout the city are dynamite, if you’ve come to Fisherman’s Wharf for food, then you’ll need to know about this legendary locale’s must-tries. Here are some top tips for what to eat at Fisherman’s Wharf, along with where to enjoy the best bites.
Seafood Favorites
Although there are many options to choose from, the most famous Fisherman’s Wharf food centers around the ocean’s bounty. Virtually anything from the sea can be sampled at this historic site. But if you had to narrow down your best options for what to eat at Fisherman’s Wharf, these two dishes would be a good start.
Clam Chowder
Few dishes are as closely associated with San Francisco as clam chowder. Served with a few slices of sourdough—or, better yet, in a bowl made from the chewy, tangy bread—this rich, creamy soup is a must-try dish.
To sample the best iteration of this classic food on Fisherman’s Wharf, look no further than Pier Market on Pier 39. They follow an award-winning recipe and offer the soup on its own or paired with a mixed green or Caesar salad. The chowder’s satisfying blend of clams, onions, bacon, and cream is an authentic San Francisco treat.
Dungeness Crab
Another Fisherman’s Wharf food favorite from the sea is Dungeness crab. This seasonal delight wows with its sweet, buttery flavor and tender succulence.
Top dining spots like Pier Market make the most of this delicacy by putting it center stage. Here, you’ll find Dungeness crab served whole, shining the spotlight on this savory specialty in one of two preparations. Order yours steamed and served with drawn butter, or kick it up a notch by choosing the garlic-roasted option. Either way, Dungeness crab is an excellent selection when deciding what to eat at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Quick Bites
Of course, Fisherman’s Wharf food faves aren’t just about sit-down meals. There are plenty of places to grab quick, delicious bites. Here are a few recommendations:
Biscoff Coffee Corner: At this cozy cafe on Pier 39, you get a crisp caramel-y Biscoff cookie with every coffee beverage!
Wipeout Bar & Grill’s Hot Dog Cart: Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and oceanfront noshing just seem to go hand-in-hand. Grab a Footlong Dog from this convenient Pier 39 spot.
Pier Market To-Go: Many menu favorites are available from the to-go window at the front of the restaurant.
Other great snackable Fisherman’s Wharf foods include Trish’s Mini Donuts (served up hot and fresh on Pier 39 for over 30 years!), handmade fudge from The Fudgery, and fresh, healthy treats from Vlaho’s Fruit Orchard.
California Classics
It’s impossible to talk about what to eat at Fisherman’s Wharf without considering a couple of classics. These two born-in-the-Bay-Area icons are well worth a visit.
Lappert’s Ice Cream
With a dream grown out of his small ice cream shop in Sausalito, Walter Lappert created one of the West’s most beloved sweet treats. Standout flavors include Banana Cream Pie, Lemon Creamcicle, and Horchata Cajeta—rice cinnamon ice cream with a Mexican-style caramel swirl!
Boudin Bakery
Savoring a bowl of the aforementioned Pier Market clam chowder or want to bring home a loaf of SF’s most famous bread? It’s got to be Boudin! Established in 1849, Boudin is proud to be The Original San Francisco Sourdough. You can pick up a loaf and enjoy a meal at their spot on Pier 39, or watch their bakers busy at work at their flagship Boudin at the Wharf.
Sample the Best Fisherman’s Wharf Foods Today
Now that your taste buds have been tempted by this discovery of what to eat at Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s time to head down to the waterfront! Have fun exploring, and then stop by any of the wharf’s great eateries to refuel.
Whether you grab a quick snack or book a table at a seafood hotspot like Pier Market, you’re in for a tasty treat. We look forward to welcoming you—and your appetite—to this legendary locale.