Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » The Anchovy Bar – San Francisco
The Anchovy Bar - San Francisco
Photo from The Anchovy Bar
The Anchovy Bar at a glance
San Francisco Fillmore District
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 67 of the guests
#343 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
488
Reviews
82.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful dishes
- Attentive service
- Curated wine
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Loud atmosphere
The restaurant The Anchovy Bar, an American restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Fillmore District, invites you to discover a truly unique dining experience. You’ll find yourself drawn in by its great wine list, perfect for pairing with their exquisite small plates.
This trendy spot offers a romantic atmosphere, ideal for an intimate dinner or a sophisticated evening out. With a focus on quality, you can expect a memorable visit.
Overview: Introducting The Anchovy Bar
The Anchovy Bar offers a culinary experience where the focus on fresh, flavorful dishes truly shines, with many praising the unique preparations and the well-curated wine list. Guests often commend the attentive and welcoming staff, contributing to a generally positive dining atmosphere.
However, some diners have noted that certain dishes can be over-seasoned or have unusual flavors, and the environment can sometimes feel noisy. While the service is largely celebrated, there are occasional remarks about feeling rushed or encountering inconsistencies.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
488
Reviews
82.2%
Satisfaction
63
negative
24
neutral
401
positive
The Anchovy Bar earns a commendable overall score of 8.3, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands strong at 82.2%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial pool of 488 customer observations, with 401 positive remarks outweighing 63 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (8.6) is a clear standout, frequently described as delicious and inventive.
Ambience (8.2) and Service (8.1) also perform well, contributing to a pleasant visit. The primary area for consideration is Value (4.9), which many guests find to be a significant drawback, suggesting that pricing and portion sizes might not align with expectations.
What people like
- Flavorful, delicious dishes
- Attentive, welcoming service
- Interesting wine selection
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Can be noisy
If you prioritize exceptional flavors and attentive service in a lively setting, The Anchovy Bar is certainly worth considering. With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, it delivers on many fronts, particularly for those who appreciate a well-crafted menu and a good wine pairing.
However, be prepared for the price point, as the value proposition is a common concern among diners. If you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option or a quiet, intimate meal, you might want to explore other choices.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Anchovy Bar
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
It seems the culinary journey here is largely a delightful one, with the food earning an 8.6 score and a solid 87.1% customer satisfaction. Based on 277 positive remarks out of 318 total, guests rave about the unique cuisine, creative seafood dishes, and flavor combinations. Standouts like the anchovy toast and scallop and corn dish consistently receive high praise for their deliciousness and fresh, bold flavors.
However, not every bite is perfect, as indicated by 27 negative comments. Some diners found portion sizes to be a concern, occasionally leaving them hungry. There were also mentions of inconsistent dish flavors, with some items like the anchovies in purgatory dish being too salty or certain fish dishes being overly fishy.
A few wine pairing experiences also fell short.
Food
318
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
27
negative
14
neutral
277
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique, creative dishes
- Exceptional anchovy toast
- Fresh, bold flavors
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent dish flavors
- Subpar wine pairings
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was generally positive, with good food and good service. However, some of the dishes were either over seasoned or had weird flavors, which detracted slightly from the overall enjoyment.
- anchovy toastwe especially recommend the anchovy toast, which lives up to the hype
- dishesThe food was an absolute flavor bomb, with every dish being incredibly delicious. We shared six dishes between two people, and it was the perfect amount. The atmosphere was cozy and buzzing, contributing to a great vibe.
- anchoviesI had such a fantastic experience at the Anchovy Bar! Every bite was a treat, from the little dipping sauces served with the anchovies to the crisp, zesty puntarelle salad. The delicate bottarga paired with radish and buttered bread was such a delightful combination.
- menuI showed up solo without a reservation, and the staff were incredibly accommodating. They were able to adjust everything on the menu for one person, which made my dining experience seamless and enjoyable. The service was outstanding, and the food was great.
- wine listA very interesting and reasonable wine list to accompany the food
- food qualitytaste all the love and hard work that must go into each impeccable filet
- oystersSome of the best oysters I have had
- seafood towerI had the anchovy edamame toast and seafood tower
- wine selectionThe wine selection is extensive
Frequently criticized
- oystersnot lending itself to a great pairing with the oysters
- Cantabrian anchoviesThe biggest letdown was the Cantabrian anchovies
- Clam pastaClam pasta was also lacking nuanced flavors
- Geoduck with potato saladGeoduck with potato salad... were missing depth and complexity
- anchovies in purgatoryThe service (other than my complaint above) was generally good. The anchovies in purgatory was very salty. So we asked for some bread to help neutralize the salt.
- anchovies in purgatory dishAnchovies in purgatory dish didn't really click
- anchovy barFor a place called Anchovy Bar, we were hoping for something a bit more… memorable
- anchovy ice creamanchovy was the only thing I was expecting and not as good as I thought
- bottleMy experience at this restaurant was an unimpressive and scant meal, dressed up to look worth it. The wine pairing was an absolute fail, especially since it was slated to be "a great bottle as all of our wines are". It was the most ridiculous $300.
- fishthe fish was somewhat fishy and oily
If you're an adventurous eater keen on unique seafood and bold flavors, this restaurant is definitely worth a try, especially for their celebrated anchovy toast. Just be prepared for potentially smaller portions and know that while most dishes shine, a few might have inconsistent flavors.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
Overall, the service at this spot truly stands out, earning a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.2%. With 71 positive remarks out of 92 total, guests frequently praised the staff for being knowledgeable, attentive without being intrusive, and offering excellent wine pairing suggestions. Many highlighted servers like Jesse for their extra kindness and thoughtful recommendations, making for a delightful experience.
However, not every interaction was perfect, with 17 negative comments noted. Some patrons felt a distinct time limit or experienced rushed service, particularly from the maitre d' or certain servers. There were instances where staff attitude was perceived as pushy or unwelcoming, especially when the restaurant became busy, leading to a less enjoyable atmosphere for a few.
Service
92
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
17
negative
4
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, knowledgeable staff
- Excellent wine pairings
- Thoughtful gestures
What people don't like
- Felt rushed
- Pushy servers
- Maitre d' issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was generally positive, with good food and good service. However, some of the dishes were either over seasoned or had weird flavors, which detracted slightly from the overall enjoyment.
- staffBut the real star for me was the Dungeness crab in Purgatory — the yuba noodles gave it such a lovely texture and blended perfectly with the rich flavors. The wine pairings were spot on, and the staff was so welcoming and attentive. Overall, it was a meal worth remembering!
- ServiceTheir specialty is Rieslings, and they make it easy to try them by offering half-glasses as well as glasses and bottles. Service is friendly and efficient. If you're seated at the counter, you have a view of the kitchen.
- serverI can’t wait to return to SF to have their Anchovy Toast again. Our server was also lovely. If you’re deciding between State Bird and Anchovy Bar, pick Anchovy Bar.
- managerHe offered excellent wine pairing suggestions that really enhanced each dish. I also want to thank the manager—despite a packed house, he took the time to help me call a taxi when my phone wasn’t working. That extra kindness truly stood out.
- StaffStaff were very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly
- attentive without being intrusiveGiven that this was after 8: 30 PM, I wouldn’t expect the same flexibility during peak dinner hours. Sofia took care of us, and she was absolutely wonderful—knowledgeable, attentive without being intrusive, and clearly passionate about the menu. Our seafood sampler took a bit longer than expected, but they made up for it by expediting some of the earlier courses.
- dishes came outAll of them were awesome. We especially loved how the dishes came out one by one, timed to perfection, which allowed us to eat slowly and connect. Thank you for a great meal!
- entire staffThe entire staff, from cooks to servers, seem to love the food and restaurant
- excellent wine pairing suggestionsoffered excellent wine pairing suggestions
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe place is a bit small, so I recommend making reservations! I knocked down the service by one star because when we were ordering, we wanted to get the Raw Bar but only for two people. The server said that we had to order the tower for four since we had four people.
- serverour server made us feel unwelcomed and rushed us the whole time
- attentiononce it started to fill up, it was harder to get their attention
- bar availabilityno availability at the bar til 7:30
- bar reservationSaid I shd have made a rez for the bar
- maitre d'the maitre ‘d who was anxious the moment we arrived
- presencevery aware of her presence during the whole meal
- rushed serviceshe just made the experience less enjoyable
- staff attitudeNo apology no nothing. Def the snarky complacency
- time limitwarned our friends about the time limit at our table
If you're seeking a dining experience with generally attentive and knowledgeable staff, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be sure to make a reservation, and be aware that service might feel a bit rushed during peak hours.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
Alright, lets talk ambience! This spot really shines, boasting a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 81%. Based on 47 positive remarks out of 58 total, guests consistently rave about the fantastic vibe and atmosphere.
Many found it to be a great date spot with a cozy, buzzing vibe, and some even highlighted the unique personalized heat lamps that kept them warm and comfortable. However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 7 negative comments pointed out that the music is a bit loud for the space, making it noisy inside and sometimes difficult to chat.
Some felt more couldve been done to dampen the sound, ' suggesting that while the vibe is generally good, the noise level can sometimes detract from the experience.
Ambience
58
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, chic vibe
- Great date spot
- Personalized heat lamps
What people don't like
- Too noisy inside
- Loud music
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was impeccable (5/5), and the food was outstanding (5/5). The atmosphere was also quite pleasant, rated at 4/5.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeThe vibe is relaxed but elevated
- bar seatingWe managed to get bar seating later in the evening
- casual vibethe vibe is casual and fun
- date spotGreat date spot
- environmentthe staff and environment are so fun
- experienceabsolutely beautiful and delicious experience
- fun vibethe vibe is casual and fun
- individualized heating systemsthese individualized heating systems before but they work way more effectively
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe food was absolutely worth it, and the service was both quick and friendly. Parking was a struggle, and the area felt very sketchy with people littering on the short walk. However, the overall dining experience was totally worth it!
- areaThe area is very sketchy
- atmosphereBit too noisy inside
- musicthe music is a bit loud for the small space
- noisy insideIt was quite noisy inside
- soundMore could've been done to dampen the sound
If youre looking for a place with a great vibe and a chic atmosphere, especially for a date or a relaxed night out, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get a bit noisy, so if youre sensitive to sound, it might be a slight drawback.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience rewarding, noting that while it might be fairly pricey, it was often well worth it for the quality. Positive comments, like getting many things at a very reasonable price and finding dishes modestly priced, highlight that some felt they got their moneys worth. With 6 positive opinions out of 20 total, theres appreciation for the price and reasonable price points.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, reflected in a 30% customer satisfaction, which is quite poor, despite an average score of 4.9. Many found it a bit on the expensive side, with prices quite high for little serves and small wine pours. With 12 negative opinions, portions/ price was a deal breaker, and the value at this price / portion was often hard to justify.
Value
20
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality justifies price
- Reasonable for quality
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- priceWe didn't have a reservation but they welcomed us and seated us with minimal wait. Our servers were all extremely friendly and helpful, and we had the best dishes with a reasonable price. Would highly recommend!
- pricedThe food was undeniably delicious, but the quantity of what arrived at the table was disappointing. The oysters were an exception, being both fresh and modestly priced. However, for everything else, it felt like we were being "raked over the coals.
- reasonable priceThey offer the unique option to order half-size portions of all entrees, allowing me to try a variety of interesting dishes. Everything I tried was great, and I felt I got to sample many things at a very reasonable price for the quality.
Frequently criticized
- valuethe value at this price / portion is really difficult to justify
- $300.00ridiculous $300.00 I've ever paid
- Pinot Noironly Pinot Noir on the wine list is $20/glass
- elevated restaurantnot ideal experience for this kind of elevated restaurant
- expensive sideA bit on the expensive side
- hours are limitedbeware hours are limited
- portions/ priceportions/ price are a legit deal breaker
- pricepay $100
- pricesprices are quite high for little serves
- pricyand pricy
If youre seeking a gastronomic experience and dont mind a higher price tag for quality, you might find some value here. However, be prepared for potentially small portions and high prices, as many customers felt the overall value was difficult to justify. Its a place where the worth it' factor is highly subjective.
How are the prices at The Anchovy Bar?
On average, youll spend around 87$ per person here, based on what 67 guests reported. That places this American Restaurant in the $81–$90 price range. For San Francisco, thats comfortably in the higher-end of mid-range for its type.
While the average sits at 87$, it’s interesting to see a good number of diners spending even more, with a significant cluster of prices above 101$, indicating a mix of options from solid mid-range to more premium experiences.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 67 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the vibrant dining scene in San Francisco and the range of prices available, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for an American Restaurant, especially with options catering to both mid-range and more premium tastes. It offers good value for what you’re likely to get.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Anchovy Bar
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Anchovy Bar: A Must-Visit in SF!
My experience at Anchovy Bar was absolutely beautiful and delicious. You have to go and see it for yourself. I can’t wait to return to SF to have their Anchovy Toast again.
Our server was also lovely. If you’re deciding between State Bird and Anchovy Bar, pick Anchovy Bar. You won’t regret it!
- Anchovy Toast10
- server9
- experience10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Amazing Food, Service Marred by Maitre d'
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially regarding the food. It was truly amazing, with the anchovy being an absolute chef's kiss. Our server was also wonderful and very friendly.
However, the service was significantly impacted by the maitre d', who created an anxious atmosphere from the moment we arrived. She warned us about a time limit at our table due to another reservation and repeatedly checked on us to hurry us along throughout the meal. This constant awareness of her presence detracted from the overall experience.
- food10
- anchovy10
- server8
- maitre d'2
- time limit3
- presence3
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Incredible Toast and Squid!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. We ordered the toast and squid, and both were incredible — simple but packed with flavor. The toast was perfectly crisp with just the right hit of salt and richness, and the squid was tender and beautifully balanced with acidity and spice.
Everything felt thoughtful and unfussy, just really dialed in. The vibe is relaxed but elevated — the kind of place where every dish feels crafted by people who love what they do. Can’t wait to come back and try more.
- toast10
- squid10
- flavor9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fresh Flavors and Fun Vibes
My experience at The Anchovy Bar was fantastic! The restaurant is full of fresh, bold flavors. The small plates are perfect for sharing, making it a great option for a group.
The vibe is casual and fun, which made for a really relaxed night out with friends.
- fresh flavors9
- bold flavors9
- small plates8
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Anchovy Toast Perfection!
My experience was fantastic, especially the anchovy toast. It was so good that I could eat 10 of them! The toast featured a fresh tomato oregano spread on butter-fried sesame toast, finished with flaky salt.
The food was rated a perfect 5, and the service and atmosphere were also rated a 5. The noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. We were a group of 2 people dining indoors.
- anchovy toast10
- food10
- service10
What The Anchovy Bar offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at The Anchovy Bar?
At The Anchovy Bar, you can enjoy a delightful dinner with comfortable seating and full table service. The atmosphere is both romantic and trendy, making it an ideal spot for an evening out. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, as it’s also available to complete your meal.
Does The Anchovy Bar accommodate reservations and offer outdoor seating?
Yes, The Anchovy Bar accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot. For those who enjoy dining al fresco, outdoor seating is available. You can also choose to dine-in and experience the restaurant’s unique ambiance.
How does The Anchovy Bar rate overall?
The Anchovy Bar achieves a solid 8.3 overall, driven by strong performance in Food (8.6), Ambience (8.2), and Service (8.1). However, Value (4.9) is a notable area for improvement.
What do guests particularly enjoy about the food at The Anchovy Bar?
Guests frequently praise the flavorful and delicious dishes, often highlighting the unique anchovy preparations and the quality of seafood like oysters. The interesting wine list also complements the menu well.
Are there any common concerns about dining at The Anchovy Bar?
The most frequent concern revolves around the value, with many finding the portions small for the price. Some also mention the atmosphere can be quite noisy, especially during peak times.