- Pier Market has been a Pier 39 favorite for decades
- Dishes from clam chowder to Dungeness crab are sure to please
- To indulge in the below five favorites and more, book a table or join the waitlist
Whether you’re a local or just visiting San Francisco, spending time at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 is fun. With so much to do and see, you’re bound to get hungry as you explore everything. If you’re wondering what to eat at Pier 39, your best bet for a great meal is to stop by Pier Market.
With over 40 years of serving up sustainable seafood, this family-owned restaurant has earned a reputation for high-quality dishes with outstanding flavors. While their mesquite-grilled seafood is a standout, there are many can’t-miss dishes to explore on their menu. Here are five recommendations that bring diners back for the food at Pier 39’s Pier Market again and again.
1. New England Clam Chowder
When people talk about what to eat at Pier 39, clam chowder is sure to lead the conversation. No visit to Pier Market is complete without sampling their award-winning rendition of this creamy classic. Loaded with tender clams, smoky bacon, onions, and potatoes, this soup is blended into a rich, velvety broth that’s simply irresistible.
One of the things that makes this food a staple at Pier 39 is its presentation. Although you can opt for a cup, order your chowder in a sourdough bread bowl for a true San Francisco treat. The contrast of the warm, creamy soup with the slightly tangy, chewy bread makes for an unforgettable combination.
2. Cioppino
Cioppino is another Bay Area classic, born from the city’s Italian-American fishing community and revered for its rich, hearty flavors. Packed with fresh clams, mussels, fish, shrimp, and crab and simmered in a savory tomato broth, this seafood specialty is one of the top food choices at Pier 39 for good reason.
At Pier Market, the cioppino is served over pasta to ensure every last bit of the delicious broth is soaked up and enjoyed. If you want an authentic taste of San Francisco, this dish is a must.
3. Shellfish Platter
When dining at a top seafood spot like Pier Market, it can be tough to decide what to order. If that sounds like your dilemma, the Shellfish Platter is the way to go! This generous assortment of crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, corn, potatoes, and sausage is roasted in a lemon Cajun garlic butter that’s sure to please anyone looking for the best food at Pier 39.
Available in a single or double portion, Pier Market’s Shellfish Platter is perfect for sharing. This dish earns its place on our list of what to eat at Pier 39 because it offers up the best of the ocean’s delectable flavors.
4. Garlic Roasted Whole Dungeness Crab
Of all the delicious foods found at Pier 39, Pier Market’s Dungeness Crab just might be the most intriguing. Featuring a whole crab roasted with a fragrant blend of garlic, herbs, and spices, the rich flavors of this preparation enhance the crab’s natural sweetness.
Served alongside your choice of rice or garlic-buttered potatoes, this dish demands a hearty appetite. It’s also a hands-on experience—cracking the shell and pulling out each tender morsel of meat is all part of the fun! Even if it gets a bit messy, this is one of the most satisfying meals you can have in San Francisco.
5. Pier Market Mixed Grill
No list of fantastic Pier Market menu items would be complete without the well-rounded Mixed Grill. Prepared on the restaurant’s mesquite grill, this plate of fresh salmon, Pacific cod, and a shrimp skewer offers the best of multiple culinary worlds.
The mesquite grilling of each component imparts a smoky, slightly charred flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory seafood. It’s the perfect way to sample several of the most popular foods at Pier 39 in Pier Market’s signature grilling style.
Visit Pier Market To Savor These Favorites and More!
Now that you’ve gotten an idea about what to eat at Pier 39, it’s time to make your plans to dine at Pier Market. Whether you’re warming up with a bowl of clam chowder, indulging in the rich flavors of cioppino, or cracking into a whole Dungeness crab, each of these fabulous foods at Pier 39 reflects Pier Market’s commitment to quality and flavor.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Pier Market offers online reservations and there are also waitlist tables saved for walk-in diners. So even if you didn’t plan ahead, you’re always welcome. Stop by Pier Market for an excellent meal today!