Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Seal Rock Inn – San Francisco
Seal Rock Inn - San Francisco
Photo from Seal Rock Inn
Seal Rock Inn at a glance
San Francisco Vista del Mar
- 🍽️ Bistro
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 33 of the guests
#1607 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Bistro out of 3 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
257
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Seal Rock Inn is a charming bistro nestled in the scenic Vista del Mar neighborhood of San Francisco. As you step inside, you’ll immediately feel the cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
This spot is known for its inviting ambiance, making it an ideal choice whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or winding down with dinner. You’ll find it’s a welcoming retreat in the city.
Overview: Introducting Seal Rock Inn
Good
7
out of 10
257
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
59
negative
14
neutral
184
positive
What people like
What people don't like
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
Verdict: Our expert take on Seal Rock Inn
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.1 and 73% customer satisfaction, many rave about delicious omelets, melt-in-your-mouth French toast, and perfectly cooked chicken. The homemade bread and jam also get special shout-outs, based on 100 positive remarks out of 137 total.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some found portions to be tiny and certain items like the burger lacked flavor or were overcooked. The chicken in some dishes was described as dry and bland, and the banh mi received criticism for being disappointing, as noted in 29 negative comments.
Food
137
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
29
negative
8
neutral
100
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious French toast
- Homemade bread, jam
- Perfectly cooked eggs
What people don't like
- Tiny portions
- Dry, bland chicken
- Bland banh mi
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. Although the price was a bit steep for the portions, the incredibly delicious food, great location, and beautiful decor made it very worth it. The dishes were presented beautifully and tasted great, with a wide variety to choose from.
- French toastHad the French toast, it was pretty good.
- coffeeThe only decent things were the coffee, and the waffle.
- dishesAlthough the price was a bit steep for the portions, the incredibly delicious food, great location, and beautiful decor made it very worth it. The dishes were presented beautifully and tasted great, with a wide variety to choose from. The service staff seemed a bit understaffed, but our food came out fairly quickly, and the staff were kind and helpful.
- omeletteknow how to cook an omelette. This place checks the box. Cooked to perfection.
- Coq au VinWhile the place is undeniably kitschy and weird, the food was outstanding and generously priced. I particularly enjoyed the Coq au Vin, Duck Cassoulet, and the homemade bread. Although they are apparently more known for their brunch, I brought family friends here for dinner after a Hardly Strictly Bluegrass set, and it was a total hit.
- FoodFood:5
- French Onion SoupTo begin the meal, we ordered our favorite starters: French Fries for me and French Onion Soup for my husband. The fries were homemade, hot & crispy, and the French onion soup had a deep rich flavor. The service was friendly and efficient; and the atmosphere was warm and relaxed.
- breadbread—crisp on both sides, just the way it should be
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best breakfast in San Francisco ❤️. The chicken was incredibly soft, and the french toast just melted in my mouth.
Frequently criticized
- foodWhat a disappointment! The food was so poorly prepared (I had the same omelet as during the initial visit), my husband had the same Benedict with salmon). They must be using a different cook - I can’t think of any other explanation!
- portionssteep in price for the portions
- Benedict with salmonmy husband had same Benedict with salmon
- BĂ©chamelBĂ©chamel was curdled
- avocadothe avocado in particular was not good
- banana and pecansDont add the banana and peacons, its a waste of money.
- banh miI ordered the fried chicken and waffle and gave up after two bites of the chicken; it was the worst I’ve had anywhere. My partner ordered the banh mi, which was dry and bland. Neither of us finished what we ordered.
- breakfast banh mibreakfast banh mi was about as Vietnamese as I am, which is to say not at all, and was disappointingly bland.
- burgerMy burger lacked flavor and wasn't cooked to what was requested (overcooked it).
- chewsforgettable chews
If youre looking for a solid breakfast or French-inspired meal with some standout dishes, its definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some items might not live up to the overall positive reputation, especially if you're sensitive to portion sizes.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! Its a bit of a mixed bag, landing at an average score of 6.1 with 62% customer satisfaction. Many diners, 31 out of 50, praised the friendly staff and servers , often highlighting the Chef for personal touches.
Guests appreciated quick food delivery and attentive care like refilled waters , making for a pleasant visit. However, 19 other experiences weren't as smooth. Some found the service slow and disorganized , with long wait times .
There were instances of waiters being rude or inattentive, failing to check on us or fulfill simple requests. It seems consistency can be an issue here, leading to some frustrating moments.
Service
50
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
19
negative
0
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Chef interaction
- Quick food delivery
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceAlthough they are apparently more known for their brunch, I brought family friends here for dinner after a Hardly Strictly Bluegrass set, and it was a total hit. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 4, indicating a pleasant overall dining experience.
- ServiceService was good — prompt and friendly
- chefThe chef even came out to personally check
- foodThe dishes were presented beautifully and tasted great, with a wide variety to choose from. The service staff seemed a bit understaffed, but our food came out fairly quickly, and the staff were kind and helpful.
- serversThe egg dishes are cooked to perfection, and the mimosas are made with fresh squeezed orange juice. It's always a pleasure when servers make regular visits to the table to refill your coffee.
- staffThe dishes were presented beautifully and tasted great, with a wide variety to choose from. The service staff seemed a bit understaffed, but our food came out fairly quickly, and the staff were kind and helpful.
- ChefChef came out to make sure all was food
- boyfriendMy boyfriend also feels the same way
- chef/ownerAll four of us were very pleased with our food. The service was friendly and prompt, and it was a nice touch that the chef/owner came to greet us. The view of the ocean below is truly beautiful.
- comping our coffeecomping our coffee as an apology, which I appreciated.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe prices increased so much, everything is at least $5 more expensive! The service was sooooo bad and slow! Specially for the price we were paying.
- wait time40 minutes wait time for food and my need to walk up to ask for every little thing
- waiterHowever, the service was terrible. The waiter was very rude, and I suspect he's used to tourists and figures he'll never see them again. As a local, this was very disappointing.
- bathroom codenot giving the code until AFTER WE PAID
- check on usNot once did anyone check on us or ask if everything was OK.
- disorganized serviceWe had a front-row view of the disorganized service.
- lack of sympathyDespite my unlocked Apple Pay and repeated requests, the code was only given AFTER WE PAID. The transaction was unnecessarily prolonged, showing an insane lack of sympathy and an eye for money. While I understand restaurant policy, as soon as we were willing to purchase anything, we were customers entitled to basic service, including bathroom access.
- serverHowever, I do not recommend adding the banana and pecans, as it felt like a waste of money. The cappuccino was so good, but the server was very rude. Not once did anyone check on us or ask if everything was okay.
- serversSpecially for the price we were paying. The servers seemed like nice people, but not very well trained. We asked for coffee for 3 of them and it never arrived.
- service staffService staff were a bit understaffed
If youre looking for a place where the chef might personally greet you and the food comes fast, its worth a try. Just be prepared that the service can sometimes be slow or disorganized, which might disappoint if you're expecting seamless attention.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 92.2%, it's clear guests are loving the vibe. Out of 51 total opinions, a whopping 47 rave about the stunning views, inviting atmosphere, cozy setting, and delightful French ambience, making it a truly memorable place to dine.
However, not every detail is perfect, as noted in 2 less enthusiastic remarks. Some felt the restaurant was trying to be bougie with its choices, and one specific suggestion was to remove table C7 due to it creating a bottleneck, which is something to keep in mind.
Ambience
51
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning ocean views
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Remodeled clean bathrooms
What people don't like
- Avoid table C7
Often praised
- atmosphereAlthough they are apparently more known for their brunch, I brought family friends here for dinner after a Hardly Strictly Bluegrass set, and it was a total hit. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 4, indicating a pleasant overall dining experience.
- viewThe view from the dining room is exceptional
- viewsThe service and views were great.
- ambianceThe only redeeming qualities were the coffee and the waffle. While the service was fine and the ambiance is nice, the food itself was quite bad and extremely expensive for the quality. I truly hope the restaurant improves as it develops, given its amazing location, but it's not living up to its potential right now.
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. Although the price was a bit steep for the portions, the incredibly delicious food, great location, and beautiful decor made it very worth it. The dishes were presented beautifully and tasted great, with a wide variety to choose from.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- spaceWonderfull and peacefull space
- view of the oceanMy experience at the restaurant, which has reopened after three years, was a great breakfast with a view of the ocean. It's a bonus that a famous French chef is involved.
- French ambienceFrench ambience for a morning brunch.
- French bistro feelgot something closer to a French bistro feel
Frequently criticized
- bougietrying to be bougie with their choices
- table C7remove table C7 (next to the silverware island) it creates a bottle neck
If you're looking for a place with breathtaking views and a wonderfully cozy, inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of specific table placements if you prefer a smoother flow, but overall, the ambience is a major draw.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
Lets talk value! Some diners have been pleasantly surprised, finding the prices "totally fair" for the current economy and even "surprisingly good. " They particularly appreciate that the restaurant doesn’t add any extra surcharges, making it feel "generously priced" and "very reasonable for the City.
" These positive remarks come from 6 of the 19 opinions we looked at. On the flip side, the overall sentiment for value is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.9 (which is average) and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 31.6%. Many guests now feel the prices "aren’t reasonable anymore, " noting theyve increased so much and are extremely expensive or overpriced for the experience, as highlighted by 9 negative opinions.
Value
19
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair, reasonable prices
- No extra surcharges
- Generously priced food
What people don't like
- Prices increased significantly
- Too expensive now
- Overpriced for value
Often praised
- pricestotally fair prices for current economy
- PricesPrices are very reasonable for the City.
- extra surchargesthey don’t any of the extra surcharges
- generously pricedMy experience at this restaurant was surprisingly delightful. While the place is undeniably kitschy and weird, the food was outstanding and generously priced. I particularly enjoyed the Coq au Vin, Duck Cassoulet, and the homemade bread.
Frequently criticized
- priceWe were sitting on the corner, so it seemed like we were forgotten. I guess the worst part for us is the crazy high price now. Almost not worth anymore, sad because we have great memories from here.
- pricesWe finally went there today, and left a bit disappointed. The prices increased so much, everything is at least $5 more expensive! The service was sooooo bad and slow!
- expensiveWasn't that expensive
- eye for moneyonly an eye for money
- overpricedoverpriced (over 20$ for each item.)
If youre looking for a bargain, this spot might not hit the mark anymore, as many feel the prices have climbed significantly. However, if you catch them on a good day, some still find the value surprisingly fair without hidden fees. Its a bit of a gamble on whether youll feel its worth the spend.
How are the prices at Seal Rock Inn?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 33 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Bistro, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 32, most guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range, with a few choosing more premium options that push the average up.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 33 most recent reviews.
How this Bistro’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Bistro in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good mid-range option, especially since many guests find great value in the $21–$30 bracket.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Seal Rock Inn
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Best Breakfast in San Francisco!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best breakfast in San Francisco ❤️. The chicken was incredibly soft, and the french toast just melted in my mouth.
I also tried the burger, which was super big. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- breakfast10
- chicken10
- french toast10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious Entrees and Great Service
My experience at Seal Rock Restaurant was fantastic! Every entrée that came out was delicious. I will recommend everyone to eat there for breakfast and lunch.
The customer service was great, and the food was truly delicious. They have a large vegetarian selection and I highly recommend it for vegetarians. The atmosphere was pleasant, rated 5/5, and the service was also rated 5/5.
The food itself received a perfect 5/5. It was a quiet atmosphere, making it easy to talk.
- entrées10
- customer service10
- food10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Kitschy Charm, Outstanding Food!
My experience at this restaurant was surprisingly delightful. While the place is undeniably kitschy and weird, the food was outstanding and generously priced. I particularly enjoyed the Coq au Vin, Duck Cassoulet, and the homemade bread.
Although they are apparently more known for their brunch, I brought family friends here for dinner after a Hardly Strictly Bluegrass set, and it was a total hit. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 4, indicating a pleasant overall dining experience.
- kitschy and weird6
- food10
- Coq au Vin9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Great Food, Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was very good and the prices were reasonable. You can't beat the view.
However, the service was terrible. The waiter was very rude, and I suspect he's used to tourists and figures he'll never see them again. As a local, this was very disappointing.
- food8
- prices7
- view9
- service2
- waiter2
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Food, Service, and Value!
My experience at this restaurant was surprisingly positive, especially considering the prices for the quality and amount of food served. I appreciated that they didn't add any of the extra surcharges common elsewhere. I stayed at the attached hotel and dined here for both dinner and breakfast, enjoying both occasions.
The service was good – prompt and friendly, with water glasses always refilled. The chef even made an appearance to personally check on our meal. I would definitely come back again!
- prices9
- quality and amount of food9
- extra surcharges9
What Seal Rock Inn offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Seal Rock Inn Restaurant?
At Seal Rock Inn Restaurant, you can enjoy a full range of dining experiences. They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, all with comfortable seating and table service. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Does Seal Rock Inn Restaurant accommodate dietary preferences and offer parking?
Yes, Seal Rock Inn Restaurant provides excellent options for various dietary needs, including both vegan and vegetarian dishes. For your convenience, you’ll also find free street parking, with usually plenty of spots available.