For a city surrounded by water on three sides, one would think there would be an abundance of quality waterfront restaurants with a view in San Francisco. There are a few gems along the Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf offers some quality meals among eateries slogging out quick meals for tourists and restaurants make the most out limited real estate along the Pacific coast, but the options are not overwhelming. Here are a few of our favorites.

Waterfront Restaurant
PIER 7
Offering seafood and American classics, Waterfront Restaurant is located on the Embarcadero, just a bit further down from the hustle and bustle of the Ferry Building. Whether diners sit indoors or dine on the restaurant’s patio, it will offer plenty of views of The Embarcadero and the bay bridge. The interior is sleekly designed, with floor-to-ceiling aquariums filled with Pacific Ocean marine life. There are illuminated fish tanks along the walls of the restaurant as well. (KM)

Chaya Brasserie
132 THE EMBARCADERO
Chaya Brasserie specializes in “La Nouvelle Cuisine Franco-Japanese” cuisine—in layman’s terms modern French cooking techniques with a Japanese influence. Diners can look forward to seafood (Pan Roasted King Salmon), steak (Angus Filet Mignon), sushi and more, from a well-appointed dining room with views of the sparkling lights of the Bay Bridge, Angle Island and the San Francisco Bay below.

Beach Chalet
1000 GREAT HIGHWAY
Beach Chalet isn’t exactly on the waterfront but it’s pretty close. The restaurant at the foot of Golden Gate Park sits across the Great Highway from Ocean Beach. It’s second-floor dining room offers a great view of the beach scene below, perfect for sunsets or watching surfs and kite boarders in the breakers just off shore. The menu offers a variety of seafood, pork, fowl and vegetarian dishes and several tasty beers are available from the brewery on-site downstairs.

Scoma’s Fisherman’s Wharf
PIER 47
Fisherman’s Wharf is filled with restaurants that could be considered “tourist traps.” But Scoma’s is the real deal as the family-owned business has some of the freshest seafood in the city. It is also one of the only restaurants in San Francisco to own a licensed fish preparation station, allowing public viewing of the seafood as it is prepared daily. Located at Pier 47, it offers spectacular views of the waterfront and Golden Gate Bridge. (KM)

Mission Rock Resort
817 TERRY A FRANCOIS BLVD.
Covering more than 10,000 square feet and provides seating for 160 guests, both indoors and outdoors, Mission Rock Resort & Oyster Bar features a locally driven menu with sustainable seafood, meat and produce from local farms—and plenty of fresh oysters. With a full bar and fantastic bay-front views from two stories, it’s a great stop for happy hour with $1 oysters from 3pm-7pm on weekdays and within walking distance to AT&T Park.

Greens Restaurant
FORT MASON, BLDG A
Located in a converted warehouse at Fort Mason, Chef Annie Somerville offers diners a unique vegetarian menu. The restaurant has been on the cutting edge of vegetarian cuisine in the United States, bringing it to the masses who are also looking for a fine dining experience. Along with the fantastic food is a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands.

La Mar Cebicheria Peruana
La Mar is one of the few Peruvian restaurants, offering arguably the best cerviche in the city, empanades and other specialties. The cocktail offers several variations of the national drink Pisco and Peruvian beer is also available by the bottle

Sutro’s Restaurant (at the Cliff House)
1090 POINT LOBOS AVE.
Taking up most of the Cliff House, Sutro’s Restaurant is perched on a cliff just north of Ocean Beach with stunning floor-to-ceiling views. The art-deco exterior is classic San Francisco and references Sutro Baths, which sits up the road in ruins. The menu changes seasonally with fresh seafood and organic produce.

Waterbar
399 THE EMBARCADERO
With an emphasis on seafood, Waterbar sits on the Embarcadero in stylish space that sits like a beacon along a popular jogging and biking path. Patio dining is popular on warmer San Francisco nights with heat lamps available to battle the evening chill. Five types of oysters, Dungeness crab, shrimp and lobster are offered from it’s seafood bar.