Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Pacific Cafe – San Francisco
Pacific Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Pacific Cafe
Pacific Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Outer Richmond
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 86 of the guests
#445 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
532
Reviews
83.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Professional service
- Quality seafood
- Free wine
Frequently criticized
- Difficult parking
- Long waits
- Food inconsistency
The restaurant Pacific Cafe invites you to discover a true San Francisco gem. Nestled in the vibrant Outer Richmond neighborhood, this seafood restaurant offers a delightful escape.
You’ll find yourself drawn to its historic charm and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal. Beyond the fresh catches, you’ll appreciate the truly great wine list, carefully curated to complement your dining experience.
It’s a place where you can relax and enjoy quality food in a welcoming setting.
Overview: Introducting Pacific Cafe
Pacific Cafe offers a generally positive dining experience, particularly noted for its fresh food and attentive service. Many appreciate the welcoming ambiance and the thoughtful gesture of free wine while waiting.
However, diners should be aware of potential challenges like difficult parking and a sometimes noisy environment. There can also be a significant wait for a table, which is worth considering before your visit.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
532
Reviews
83.8%
Satisfaction
55
negative
31
neutral
446
positive
Pacific Cafe earns a solid 8.2 overall, reflecting a generally positive experience for many diners. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 83.8%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 532 customer remarks, with 446 positive observations outweighing 55 negative ones. The restaurant particularly shines in Service (8.5), where staff professionalism and hospitality are frequently praised.
Food (8.2) and Ambience (8.2) also receive strong marks, suggesting a pleasant dining atmosphere with well-regarded dishes. While Value (6.7) is seen as acceptable, it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as other aspects.
What people like
- Attentive, professional service
- Quality seafood dishes
- Complimentary waiting wine
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Potential long waits
- Inconsistent food quality
Pacific Cafe comes with a strong recommendation score of 8.5, suggesting it’s a worthwhile visit for those seeking a classic seafood experience. If you appreciate attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere, this spot is likely to satisfy.
However, be prepared for potential challenges like finding parking and possible wait times. For diners prioritizing fresh seafood and a friendly, established setting, Pacific Cafe generally delivers, making it a solid choice despite these minor considerations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pacific Cafe
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 8.2 score and a strong 84.2% customer satisfaction, its clear many diners are leaving happy. Guests rave about the fresh seafood, especially the delicious crab cakes, and appreciate the generous portions and even the complimentary wine that often accompanies the meal.
Out of 303 remarks, a whopping 255 were positive, highlighting a consistently enjoyable dining experience. However, not every dish is a home run. While most feedback is glowing, 29 comments point to areas for improvement.
Some found the clam chowder to be disappointing or the salmon mediocre, with a few mentioning dry/tasteless halibut or dishes being on the oily side. There was also a serious concern about food poisoning' from the tartar sauce, which is definitely something to note.
Food
303
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
29
negative
19
neutral
255
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh seafood
- Delicious crab cakes
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Food poisoning risk
- Dry/tasteless dishes
- Limited vegetarian options
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was exactly what I was looking for: a low-key, laid-back, nice restaurant with fair prices and great food. The dining room was very nice and cozy, and our waiter was great and very accommodating.
- seafoodThey focus on seafood and are very knowledgeable about the source of the foods.
- crab cakescrab cakes that can compete with the best-of-the-best
- free wineThe atmosphere inside was down to earth and inviting. The service was wonderful, and they even offered free wine while waiting. The food was excellent.
- clam chowderThe scallops, halibut, calamari and clam chowder were beyond delicious
- seafood restaurantHaving lived in the city since 1975, I can confidently say this is by far my favorite seafood restaurant. The food is real and never frozen.
- calamari steakAs was dinner - calamari steak and salmon and baked shrimp.
- wineA local Uber driver introduced me to this place, and it lived up to the hype. The friendly joint started us off with a beautiful glass of wine while we waited for a table. The menu isn't extensive, offering just a few seafood options.
- menuThe menu had something for every seafood taste
- breadLove how they keep bringing out more bread
Frequently criticized
- clam chowderThe chowder was watery and the few clam bits were old and rubbery.
- crab cakesI had the crab cakes which tasted like canned crab with mayo.
- menumenu was a little limited
- Cajun spicesThe spices overpowered the delicate fish
- Dungeness Crab cakesit taste very ordinary
- baked halibutThe baked halibut was dry and tasteless
- chowderthought the chowder was a little salty for my taste
- clam bitsthe few clam bits were old and rubbery.
- crab meat textureThis dish featured fish stuffed with crab meat and was served with a pleasant sauce, though I found the sauce to be somewhat watery. While the dish itself was unique, the crab meat texture was soggy, and its oceanic flavor was not pronounced. The accompanying rice was delicious and paired well with the dish, but I felt there was room for improvement.
- dressingDressing should have been served on the side
If you're seeking a place with generally fantastic seafood and generous servings, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of specific dishes like the clam chowder or halibut, and perhaps exercise caution with the tartar sauce.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
The service at this restaurant truly stands out, boasting a strong score of 8.5 and an impressive 85.6% customer satisfaction. With 107 positive remarks out of 125 total, guests consistently rave about the friendly staff and great service. Many particularly appreciate the complimentary wine and accommodating staff who make waiting a pleasant experience.
However, not every visit is flawless, with 10 negative comments noted. Some diners mentioned long wait times and long lines as a potential drawback. There was also an isolated, unfortunate incident regarding impolite behavior concerning parking, though this appears to be an infrequent occurrence.
Service
125
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
10
negative
8
neutral
107
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Complimentary wine
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Impolite behavior
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was positive overall. I enjoyed the lovely service and appreciated the free wine while waiting for our table. The food itself was good; I had the calamari steak with fries, and my companion had the swordfish steak with fries.
- staffThe only positive was the staff.
- waitwell worth the 30 minute wait
- free glass of wineshtick of a free glass of wine while you wait for a table leaves customers satisfied
- free winecan't beat free wine while you wait!
- wait staffwait staff has generally been there for decades and are professional, friendly, and efficient
- FrankHe has known my daughters and me for over 30 years. While all the other servers are also great, Frank is our favorite.
- complementary winegave us complementary wine while we were waiting
- complimentary wineserved complimentary wine in the lobby - never letting your glass run out
- hospitalitythe hospitality was great
Frequently criticized
- waitThe wait for our party of 6 was over an hour
- SFMTA ticketMore recently, the entire neighborhood was enveloped by the smell of old, over-burned oil. My most recent interaction involved the restaurant calling the SFMTA to issue me a ticket while I briefly left my car to assist my elderly father on New Year's Eve. They showed no pity and the person who called was so mean they stepped out to wish me a Happy New Year.
- long linestand in the long line
- long waitThe salmon was mediocre and the side dishes were all underseasoned or overcooked. The fried shrimp and Parmesan halibut were not bad but didn’t justify the price or the long wait. It did seem popular with a slightly more elderly crowd, but just not a fit for my family.
- mean enoughThe person who called was mean enough
- no pityThey had no pity to do it
- reservationNo reservation taken in advance
- serviceThey were so disrespectful and impolite
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and attentive staff, and dont mind a potential wait, the service here is a major draw. Just be prepared for possible queues, but expect to be well looked after once you're in.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a solid 8.2 score and delighting 82.8% of customers. With 72 positive remarks among 87 total, guests frequently praise its cozy, warm, and inviting feel, old school charm, and neighborhood feel, creating a wonderfully charming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. However, not every aspect is perfect.
A smaller number of 12 observations point to some challenges, particularly concerning the tightness of the space which can get noisy. Additionally, finding parking in the area is a recurring frustration for some visitors.
Ambience
87
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, warm, inviting
- Old school charm
- Neighborhood feel
What people don't like
- Tight, noisy space
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereMy husband and I have enjoyed dinners at Pacific Cafe since we met 43 years ago. Now it has a fresh coat of paint with the same great menu and service! Perfectly situated walking distance from the Palace of the Legion of Honor and a few minutes drive from symphony and opera, Pacific Cafe is the ultimate San Francisco dining experience.
- ambianceThe ambiance there is everything
- restaurantthe restaurant hasn't changed much since then
- experienceAs always, I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant. The food was fabulous, and the service was great.
- neighborhood restaurantThis really is a friendly neighborhood restaurant
- SF gemIt's a true SF gem
- Unicorn parking spotthere's a Unicorn parking spot that my truck will fit nicely into
- bathroomsBathrooms were clean
- beautiful placeIt’s a beautiful place
- charming atmospherethe charming atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- parkingHowever, some dishes sounded better on the menu than they tasted. Parking can be very difficult to come by.
- restaurantVery small restaurant with no reservations
- Parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- noisyThe waitstaff was great and very attentive to our needs. The atmosphere is "marine rustic, " and due to the tightness of the space, it can get a bit noisy. Our party of five visited on Father's Day, which likely contributed to the high level of business.
- old over burned oilsmell of the old over burned oil
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- tightness of the spaceThe waitstaff was great and very attentive to our needs. The atmosphere is "marine rustic, " and due to the tightness of the space, it can get a bit noisy. Our party of five visited on Father's Day, which likely contributed to the high level of business.
If you're seeking a restaurant with a genuinely warm, inviting, and charming atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially cozy, bustling environment and plan your parking strategy ahead of time.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 6.7 score and a solid 70.6% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the excellent value for money and reasonable prices, often highlighting fair pricing and even convenient parking options. Based on 12 positive comments out of 17 total observations, it seems you get a lot for your buck here.
However, not everyone agrees, with 4 negative comments suggesting some found it expensive or felt it was a waste of money, pointing to a high price tag that didnt always match the experience. While the overall sentiment is positive, these concerns about the price' are worth noting.
Value
17
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Reasonable pricing
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Price not justified
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that of a simple, no-frills seafood spot. I was impressed with the generous portions for the price, especially considering the current inflation. The quality was consistent, and I enjoyed both the great food and service.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was exactly what I was looking for: a low-key, laid-back, nice restaurant with fair prices and great food. The dining room was very nice and cozy, and our waiter was great and very accommodating.
- Parking optionsParking options:Free street parking
- PricesPrices are reasonable and commensurate with the cuisine
- PricingPricing was fair
- price per personThe atmosphere was enjoyable at a 4. We enjoyed Sourdough Bread, and the price per person was reasonable at $20–30 for dinner.
- pricingincredibly priced
- valueValue and great menu options
- value for moneyHowever, the cream sauce was very rich, leaving me stuffed and needing to take some home. The restaurant offers a great fine-dining ambiance, yet it's surprisingly good value for money. Main courses include soup and bread, and there's complimentary wine, though I can't comment on its quality as I don't drink.
- wine listLimited wine list with very affordable prices point
Frequently criticized
- expensivenow pretty expensive to eat here
- priceThe salmon was mediocre and the side dishes were all underseasoned or overcooked. The fried shrimp and Parmesan halibut were not bad but didn’t justify the price or the long wait. It did seem popular with a slightly more elderly crowd, but just not a fit for my family.
- price tagthe $100 price tag for two
- waste of time and moneyWhat a waste of time and lots of money.
If you're looking for a place where your money goes far, this restaurant is generally a good bet. Most diners feel they get excellent value, with fair prices and generous portions. Just be aware that a few experiences suggest it might feel a bit pricey for some, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Pacific Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 47 $ per person – reported by 86 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, most diners spend in the $31–$40 and $41–$50 ranges, suggesting a consistent pricing sweet spot rather than a mix of super cheap and super premium options.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 86 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. Its a solid choice if you’re looking for quality seafood without breaking the bank for a fine-dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pacific Cafe
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Yummy Food and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was yummy, with the crab cakes and parmigiano fish being particularly great. The atmosphere was nice and cozy, and the service was excellent.
👍
- crab cakes9
- parmigiano fish9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Worth the Wait for Delicious Food
Our experience at the restaurant involved a wait of over an hour for our party of 6. However, the food and service were exceptionally good and made the wait worthwhile. They offered complimentary wine and water while we waited, which was a super nice touch.
The scallops, halibut, calamari, and clam chowder were all beyond delicious.
- food10
- service10
- wine and water9
- wait3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Excellent Seafood and Friendly Atmosphere!
My boyfriend and I noticed this seafood restaurant on the side of the road while driving to Lands End park trails this evening. On our way back, we decided to stop for dinner, and I'm so glad we did! There was a small wait around 6 pm on a Saturday night, but they welcomed us warmly and offered complementary wine while we waited.
The atmosphere was friendly, and the food was excellent and so fresh. We highly recommend the spicy snapper; we'd love to have it again on our return. Everything on the menu looked appealing, and we're eager to come back and try more.
Can't wait until next time!
- seafood restaurant9
- complementary wine9
- friendly atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
SF Classic for Fried Prawns & Wine
My experience at this restaurant was a true treat for non-fussy fish and seafood lovers. It's an SF classic for fried prawns and wine while you wait. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was a perfect 5/5.
While reservations aren't required, the overall experience was a delightful dinner.
- fried prawns9
- fish and seafood8
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
10
Best Seafood and Crab Cakes!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I found it to have the best seafood around, and especially the best crab cakes! I've been enjoying this restaurant for years and always bring out-of-towners here for a meal they won’t forget.
- seafood10
- crab cakes10
- meal9
What Pacific Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Salad bar
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and unique offerings does Pacific Cafe provide?
Pacific Cafe offers a diverse menu including healthy options, a fresh salad bar, and small plates. You can enjoy dinner, dessert, and table service. They also boast a great wine list, along with coffee, beer, and other alcoholic beverages to complement your meal.
Is Pacific Cafe accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, Pacific Cafe is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your comfort. Regarding parking, you’ll find free street parking available, though it can sometimes be somewhat difficult to find a space in the Outer Richmond area.
How does Pacific Cafe score overall?
Pacific Cafe holds a good overall score of 8.2. Its strengths lie in Service (8.5), Food (8.2), and Ambience (8.2), with Value (6.7) being acceptable.
What are the standout features of Pacific Cafe's dining experience?
Diners frequently praise the quality of the seafood, the attentive service, and the welcoming ambiance. The complimentary wine offered while waiting is also a popular highlight.
Are there any common challenges when visiting Pacific Cafe?
Guests often mention difficulties with parking in the area and the possibility of a significant wait for a table, as the restaurant does not take reservations.