- Rich, creamy clam chowder in a sourdough bowl is legendary
- Sweet Dungeness crab and cioppino are other don’t-miss dishes
- Savor all of the best food San Francisco is known for at Pier Market
With its rich legacy as a commercial fishing mecca, the history of San Francisco is entwined with its cuisine. Couple that with the diversity of the immigrants and Indigenous cultures that call the area home, and you’ve got a recipe for an outstanding foodie scene.
But how do you know what the most famous eats are in SF? And where should you try them? If you’re ready to “dive in” to what type of food San Francisco is known for and discover how Pier Market makes the most of these specialties, let’s go!
Clam Chowder
Why beat around the bush? Clam chowder is the most iconic dish in a city full of fantastic flavors. You may have tried other versions, but locals will tell you—until you’ve had the rich, creamy clam chowder served here, you haven’t had the best.
Having come west with New Englanders pursuing the Gold Rush, clam chowder probably tops the list of what food San Francisco is known for because of how it’s served. While you can certainly order a cup, getting the full experience means slurping your soup from a fresh sourdough bowl.
The combination of rich, meaty clams, onion, potatoes, and cream is taken to the next level when savored alongside tangy sourdough. Better still? Indulging in one of the tastiest iterations around—Pier Market’s clam chowder. After all, if you’re keen to know what type of food San Francisco is known for, you might as well start with the best!
Dungeness Crab
Looking for another top answer to the question “What food is San Francisco known for?” It’s got to be Dungeness crab. Although local fishermen first considered this bycatch a pest—those pesky pincers caused serious damage to fishing nets!—it wasn’t long before the sweet, tender richness caught their attention. Soon, they were setting up cauldrons and serving this buttery delicacy from paper cups right at the docks.
Today, popular seafood restaurants like Pier Market are cooking up dishes a bit more involved, but just as delicious. Favorite versions include their outstanding crab cakes, served with a zesty Cajun rémoulade. Diners can enjoy them as an appetizer or a main course.
But to get a spot on the list of what food San Francisco is known for, you’ve got to deliver on the “wow factor,” not just the flavor. That’s where Pier Market’s Garlic Roasted Whole Dungeness Crab comes in. It’s a savory showstopper of a dish.
Cioppino
Although this list of what food San Francisco is known for could stretch a lot longer with more must-try dishes, let’s keep it simple. With commercial fishing being a major factor in the rise of the Bay Area, those who led the way in this industry had a big influence over how the city’s cuisine evolved. This is definitely true of the Italian-American settlers who came west to work the Pacific waters.
Cioppino is one of the many authentic delicacies that grew from their influence, and you’ll find it on menus across the city—from seaside shacks to the best business dining spots. Pier Market offers it not just to pay homage to the classics, but also because it’s a great way to show off the bounty of the coast.
Featuring sustainably sourced fish, mussels, clams, shrimp, and crab—all in a delectable tomato broth—Pier Market´s cioppino is every bit as hearty and satisfying as it sounds. Best of all, they balance out the dish with perfectly cooked pasta to help soak up each drop of this delicious seafood stew.
Sample the Best at Pier Market
Now that you’ve got answers to the question “What type of food is San Francisco known for?”, it’s time to start trying out these specialties. Book a table at Pier Market, and discover the best the city has to offer. Whether you try the clam chowder, crab, cioppino, or any of our other outstanding dishes, you’ll experience the taste of San Francisco in every bite.