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oChef » Sabella & La Torre – San Francisco
Sabella & La Torre - San Francisco
Photo from Sabella & La Torre
Sabella & La Torre at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 165 of the guests
#1939 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#37 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
774
Reviews
61.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Great chowder
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Dated premises
The restaurant Sabella & La Torre is a quintessential Seafood Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood of San Francisco. Here, you’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious seafood dishes.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, this spot offers a memorable dining experience right by the bay.
Overview: Introducting Sabella & La Torre
Sabella & La Torre offers a mixed experience, where you might find yourself enjoying some truly fresh seafood and exceptional service from a dedicated staff. Many guests have highlighted the welcoming nature of the team, making for a pleasant interaction during their visit.
However, it’s worth noting that not all aspects consistently hit the mark. Some diners have found the overall food quality to be inconsistent, and concerns about the general upkeep and dated feel of the place have also surfaced, suggesting areas where the experience could be improved.
Good
6.6
out of 10
774
Reviews
61.6%
Satisfaction
235
negative
62
neutral
477
positive
Sabella & La Torre registers an overall score of 6.6, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 61.6%. This assessment comes from a substantial 774 customer opinions, comprising 477 positive remarks against 235 negative ones, painting a picture of varied experiences.
Delving into the specifics, Service stands out with a good score of (7.5), indicating a generally positive interaction with the staff. Food (6.6) and Ambience (6.7) both fall into the average range, suggesting they are neither exceptional nor particularly poor.
However, Value (3.7) is a clear area of concern, scoring poorly and indicating that many customers feel the pricing doesn’t align with the overall offering.
What people like
- Exceptional, friendly service
- Delicious clam chowder
- Fresh seafood available
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unclean, dated premises
With a recommendation score of 6.7, Sabella & La Torre presents itself as a place with some clear strengths, particularly in its service and certain seafood offerings. If you prioritize attentive staff and are keen on trying their well-regarded clam chowder, it might be worth a visit.
However, be mindful of the reported inconsistencies in food quality and the general perception of poor value. If you’re seeking a consistently high-quality dining experience across the board or are sensitive to pricing, you might find aspects of your visit disappointing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sabella & La Torre
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.6 indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction sitting at a 62% mixed rating. Many of the 424 comments praise the delicious clam chowder, fresh oysters, and generous portions, especially for seafood like salmon and prawns. You'll find plenty of positive remarks about the quality and flavor of their offerings.
However, not everyone is thrilled. Some found the food bland, with mentions of overcooked fish and questionable fish and chips. There were also concerns about food quality, including small portions and even an unfortunate instance of hair in the food.
It seems consistency might be an issue, leading to some disappointing meals.
Food
424
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
123
negative
38
neutral
263
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious clam chowder
- Fresh seafood
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland food
- Overcooked fish
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodTheir food, especially the bread, was the same for 60 years. Sabella's it's pretty much the same and the food is very good though it is expensive to eat in this more touristy area. It's much better to eat in a restaurant like Sabella's with high prices rather than a tourist trap with bad food and high prices.
- clam chowderMy experience at Sabella & LaTorre's was fantastic! I had the BEST CLAM CHOWDER IN A BREAD BOWL I've ever tasted. It was well-seasoned and didn't just taste like starch.
- seafoodit's the freshness of the seafood that you're looking for
- FoodFood:5
- fish and chipsI made the mistake of choosing to eat inside without checking the menu and didn't realize it was about $9 more. We wanted fish and chips, and they did not disappoint. They are made with Red Snapper, not overly battered, and came with steamed veggies and fries.
- calamariordered the calamari to try, it was good and fresh
- lobster rollThe service was amazing, and the food arrived quickly and was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the fish and chips, which were prepared perfectly, and the lobster roll was enormous!
- breadAlioto's is out of business. Their food, especially the bread, was the same for 60 years. Sabella's it's pretty much the same and the food is very good though it is expensive to eat in this more touristy area.
- crabthey break up the crab to make it easier to eat
- Clam Chowdera bowl of Clam Chowder and a drink. Both were good.
Frequently criticized
- clam chowderA little keratin supplement to liven up the dry rice and the poor abandoned (thrown away?) broccoli on the side of the plate. As for the clam chowder, it resembled Knorr soup more (nothing against that brand, but I usually have it on a depressing evening watching Netflix) poured into a hollowed-out bread bowl (we've had much better clam chowder at Pier 39). You can, however, have fun trying to fish out the rare clams lost at the bottom of the mixture here and there.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. I hated the food and the service. While the atmosphere was decent, I ultimately hated that too.
- crabThis felt like a complete rip-off as you could immediately taste the white fish. I am really angry that they are purposely fooling people and charging for crab.
- friesThe fries seemed like they been sitting for way too long
- calamarithe calamari were tasteless
- fishmy sister orders fish I was swear they gave her last nights leftovers
- lobsterAfter waiting for 40 minutes, the food was served. The lobster was very dry and not fresh at all; I've never eaten anything so terrible. We gave up and decided to pay.
- bread bowlgot a bread bowl and also food poisoning
- dishesno seasoning on any of our dishes
- drinkstill very little alcohol
If you're craving classic seafood like clam chowder or fresh oysters, it might be worth a try, as many find these dishes delicious and generously portioned. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as some visitors have found other items bland or of poor quality.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 73.8%. Based on 127 positive remarks, many guests rave about the staff, servers, and even specific bartenders like Donny and Irwin. Youll often find the team described as super friendly, attentive, and incredibly welcoming, making for a truly pleasant experience.
However, its not always smooth sailing, with 38 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Concerns often revolve around waiting time, hasty service, and instances of rude or pushy behavior from staff. Some felt ignored or experienced slow service, suggesting inconsistency in attentiveness.
Service
172
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
38
negative
7
neutral
127
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Attentive, quick service
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rude, pushy staff
- Inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceI had the crab pannini, which was amazing and packed with lots of crab. The service was also exceptional; Prinya was a super sweet server and provided very good service. I was very happy I stopped here and will definitely be back!
- staffI highly recommend the seafood pasta and clam chowder, of course, served in a bread bowl along with the calamari appetizer. It's a great place with great staff.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerFor main courses, I indulged in the phenomenal Lobster Ravioli and the creamy Lobster Mac & Cheese. What truly elevated the experience was the service, which was genuinely amazing and personally delivered by the owner himself. The wonderful historic atmosphere tied the whole experience together.
- serverI hate having to write a negative review because the server was very gracious and apologetic, but I have to share my experience, especially if it helps the staff improve! Three of us ordered the clam chowder.
- serversRaquel was one of the best servers I’ve had anywhere.
- MartinaMartina is the sweetest waitress. She is effortlessly welcoming and friendly
- bartendernice conversation with the bartender (John)
- hostHost was helpful made sure to seat us quickly
- waitressthe waitress was nice and tried to make a tiny bit more pleasant
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was a significant issue. The lady serving us was rude
- waitressHe sighed constantly, as if bothered by his job. The waitress was no better, carelessly placing drinks on the table and pushing them, causing plates to shift. The toilets were on par with the service.
- serverI've never encountered such poor service. The server, who didn't speak English, cleaned tables by sweeping crumbs onto the seats, making it feel like a run-down McDonald's. He sighed constantly, as if bothered by his job.
- waiting timesat for 40 minutes
- attentionNo one came to make sure I needed anything extra or ask me about the food
- attitude from employeeworst attitude from employee an old lady and old men
- being blockedIn a cosmopolitan tourist city like San Francisco, to encounter such a scamming restaurant is truly a disgrace to the city! We offered to pay $50, but the owner and three employees blocked the exit, preventing us from leaving. We needed police assistance!
- breadoffered me bread like the rest of the customers
- deception$65 per lobster. I immediately asked them why they were deceiving us! But the waiter insisted he said $16.
- dragged inhow we were dragged in
Overall, you can expect a largely positive service experience, with many guests praising the friendly and attentive staff. While there are occasional reports of long waits or less-than-stellar interactions, the good outweighs the bad. So, if youre looking for a place where the service often shines, its definitely worth a try.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to the ambience, this place generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 6.7. However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 63.6%, suggesting theres room for improvement despite many positive experiences. Based on 75 positive comments out of 118, guests often rave about the welcoming casual environment, vintage vibe, and historic atmosphere, with outdoor seating frequently mentioned as a highlight.
On the flip side, 33 negative remarks indicate some areas that could use a refresh. Patrons occasionally described the decor as dated with old furniture and a design that needs updating. Issues like dirty conditions, cramped seating, and a noisy' dining room also surfaced, hinting that while the charm is there, comfort and cleanliness sometimes fall short.
Ambience
118
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
33
negative
10
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming, vintage vibe
- Historic atmosphere
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Dated decor
- Cleanliness concerns
- Cramped, noisy
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was truly authentic. We visited twice, and both times the house was full, creating an incredible atmosphere. The service was great, and while there was a wait, the food was worth it and tasted great.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- barsitting at the bar was best decision ever
- vibethe vibe is as good as everything here
- American diner atmospheretipico ambiente da tavola calda americana piacevole
- best placesone of the best places to eat
- busyYes it's busy, but that's a great thing here
- charactersmet some great characters
- cleanlinessThe place was clean
- cold November windMy experience at the restaurant was a perfect escape from the cold November wind. I enjoyed a nice warm bowl of clam chowder.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere decent but hated it
- placeI will never return; it's a 100% tourist trap! The place is dirty, very dated, and the prices are on the higher end.
- Fabulouso cleanerstrong smell of Fabulouso cleaner drifting out of the restrooms
- bathroomsThe bathrooms was not clean at all they were dirty and has alot of trash everywhere
- benchesThe price is completely outrageous for so little! The benches were wobbly and very cramped, and the tables couldn't be adjusted. But the worst part was that the floors had grease running out of the sockets, and the checkout area was completely filthy.
- booth tablesThe booth tables can barely hold 4 comfortably
- checkout areaThe benches were wobbly and very cramped, and the tables couldn't be adjusted. But the worst part was that the floors had grease running out of the sockets, and the checkout area was completely filthy. And this was definitely not from the previous day; the four of us immediately agreed that we would never go back here!
- cleanlinessfalta más limpieza en baño
- designdesign needs to be updated
- dining roomdining room felt a bit cramped
If youre seeking a spot with a unique, historic charm and dont mind a slightly lived-in feel, you'll likely enjoy the atmosphere. However, if modern comforts and pristine conditions are your top priority, you might find some aspects a little disappointing.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners found some silver linings. Out of 60 total opinions, 12 positive remarks noted that certain prices were fair, offering value for money, or were reasonably priced for specific items like crab or drinks. Some even felt the price/alcohol ratio was decent, making their experience worthwhile despite other costs.
However, the overall sentiment paints a different picture, with a poor score of 3.7 and a low 20% customer satisfaction. A significant 41 negative opinions highlight that many felt the prices were expensive, pricey, or a complete rip-off. Concerns frequently arose about advertised prices not matching the bill and hidden charges for dining in, leading to a feeling of being overcharged.
Value
60
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
41
negative
7
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Value for money
- Reasonable price
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Hidden charges
- Rip-off experience
Often praised
- priceThe price is fair
- pricesthe prices are not expensive
- crabI had a crab slightly over 2 lbs that cost $40
- drinksThe drinks are a bit expensive but they definitely make it worth it
- price reasonablePrice reasonable as well
- price/alcohol ratioBetter price/alcohol ratio than overpriced pints
- reasonable pricea reasonable price
- reasonably pricedvery reasonably priced
- value for moneyThe food and value for money were excellent
Frequently criticized
- priceI've had better clam chowder from a can. While the server was nice, the overall experience was nowhere near worth the price. The atmosphere was also not great, scoring a 2.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was an okay stop in the SF waterfront area. It's an extremely touristy area, and the prices reflect that. I got the chowder in a bread bowl, and it was a decent amount of food for the price, although that was mostly due to the excessive amount of bread.
- billseeing the bill I felt like I was robbed without a gun
- Menu pricesMenu prices were a bit expensive
- PriceThe Price is completely outrageous for so little!!!
- advertised pricewould have been $17 as advertised
- charge more to eat insideI loved my experience here, HOWEVER, be aware that they DO charge more to eat inside. I made the mistake of choosing to eat inside without checking the menu and didn't realize it was about $9 more.
- chargedThey charged us $26 per plate
- expensiveIt was expensive
- expensive for pasta and chickenlittle expensive for pasta and chicken in my opinion
If you're considering this spot, be prepared to scrutinize the menu carefully, as the value proposition is a mixed bag. While a few found specific items reasonably priced, the overwhelming feedback points to high costs and potential disappointment regarding the overall value, especially with unexpected charges.
How are the prices at Sabella & La Torre?
You’re looking at roughly 39 per person – reported by 165 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 39, we see a nice mix of options. Many guests find great value in the $21–$30 range, but there are also plenty of choices for those looking to splurge a bit more, even up to $101+.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 165 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good range, so whether youre looking for a solid mid-range meal or something a bit more special, you’ll likely find it here.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sabella & La Torre
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Fish and Chips, Friendly Bartender!
My first stop in San Francisco was a success! I enjoyed the great fish and chips and an excellent local pilsner on tap. The bartender was super friendly.
I have no regrets about coming here!
- fish and chips9
- local pilsner9
- bartender10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Bartending and Owner from Germany!
Greetings from Germany! We had a great experience at this restaurant. The bartending was great, and the owner was fantastic.
We appreciate you! Sorry for your loss. Cheers from Germany!
- bartending9
- owner10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Historic Gem with Amazing Service
My experience at this historic gem in Fisherman's Wharf was absolutely exceptional. The entire meal was outstanding, starting with our Espresso Martinis and the tasty Clam Chowder. For main courses, I indulged in the phenomenal Lobster Ravioli and the creamy Lobster Mac & Cheese.
What truly elevated the experience was the service, which was genuinely amazing and personally delivered by the owner himself. The wonderful historic atmosphere tied the whole experience together. I highly recommend visiting this landmark!
- Espresso Martinis9
- Clam Chowder8
- Lobster Ravioli10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food, Service, and Kindness!
My first visit to this restaurant was in the late 70s with my bestie, and we were warmly greeted by the original owner. The food, service, and his kindness were truly amazing. We enjoyed our meal so much that he wouldn't let us pay that evening.
My family and I have been coming to SF many times over the past 50+ years and have always chosen to eat here. We have never been disappointed!
- food10
- service10
- kindness10
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Service, Ignored by Staff
My experience at the restaurant was terrible. Upon arrival, the restaurant was empty, and I received no welcome or bread, unlike other customers. I ordered food worth $90 and waited 40 minutes.
During this time, no one checked on me to see if I needed anything or inquired about the food, despite attending to other tables. This felt disrespectful, and I believe politeness is more important than the food itself. I will not be returning.
- food3
- welcome1
- bread1
- waiting time2
What Sabella & La Torre offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Sabella & La Torre?
At Sabella & La Torre, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a full meal. They offer a variety of dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner, with table service available. You’ll find a full bar onsite with hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails.
Does Sabella & La Torre accommodate special needs and families?
Yes, Sabella & La Torre is highly accommodating. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. Families will appreciate that it’s good for kids, with high chairs readily available to make dining with little ones easy and enjoyable.
How does Sabella & La Torre generally rate?
Sabella & La Torre holds an overall score of 6.6, indicating an average experience. While Service (7.5) is a strong point, Food (6.6) and Ambience (6.7) are average, and Value (3.7) is a notable concern.
What do customers particularly enjoy at Sabella & La Torre?
Many customers appreciate the friendly and attentive service, with specific praise for staff members. The clam chowder and fresh seafood are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects of the dining experience.
What are the main drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Diners often express concerns about the restaurant’s value, finding prices high for the experience. Some also note issues with inconsistent food quality and the general cleanliness or dated feel of the ambience.