Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Cioppino’s – San Francisco
Cioppino's - San Francisco
Photo from Cioppino’s
Cioppino's at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 165 of the guests
#1758 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#34 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
742
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious seafood
- Great service
- Nice ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent food
- Rude staff
The seafood restaurant Cioppino’s, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf, invites you to a memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying fresh catches.
With a great wine list to complement your meal, this spot is ideal for both a quick bite and a leisurely dinner. Whether you’re seeking late-night food or a delightful brunch, Cioppino’s offers a welcoming setting.
Overview: Introducting Cioppino's
Cioppino’s offers a dining experience where the culinary offerings often hit the mark, with many guests praising the delicious food and generous portions. The attentive and friendly staff also contribute significantly to a pleasant visit, ensuring a smooth and welcoming atmosphere from arrival to departure.
However, some experiences at Cioppino’s are marred by concerns over high prices that don’t always align with the perceived value, and occasional reports of inconsistent food quality. While the setting is generally inviting, some patrons have noted issues with noise or specific seating arrangements.
Good
6.8
out of 10
742
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
213
negative
54
neutral
475
positive
Cioppino’s garners an overall Restaurant Score of 6.8, placing it in the good category, yet customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 64%. This divergence suggests that while many aspects are well-received, there are areas leaving some patrons less than thrilled.
The positive feedback, totaling 475 opinions, significantly outweighs the 213 negative ones, indicating a generally favorable perception. Looking closer, Service shines with a strong (7.5) score, and the Food (6.9) also performs well, often described as a highlight.
The Ambience (6.8) is generally appreciated for its setting. However, Value (3.8) stands out as a clear area for improvement, with many finding the pricing to be a significant drawback.
What people like
- Delicious seafood dishes
- Attentive, friendly service
- Inviting waterfront setting
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Inconsistent food quality
- Aggressive staff behavior
If you’re seeking a dining experience where attentive service and often delicious seafood take center stage, Cioppino’s could be a worthwhile stop. The inviting atmosphere and well-prepared dishes, particularly the signature items, frequently earn high marks from visitors.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher price point, as the Value score of 3.8 suggests it might not feel like a bargain. With a Recommendation Score of 6.8, it’s a place that delivers for many, but you should manage expectations regarding cost and occasional inconsistencies.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cioppino's
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, it's a bit of a mixed bag, but leaning positive! With a solid score of 6.9 and customer satisfaction at 64.7%, many diners rave about the fresh seafood, especially the delicious Cioppino, and the generous portions. Out of 419 comments, 271 were glowing about the taste and quality, often highlighting the amazing garlic bread and flavorful crab dishes.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied, with 113 comments pointing to some issues. Some found the seafood to be overcooked or fishy, while others felt certain dishes lacked flavor or were bland. There were also concerns about small portions for the price and, notably, allergy requests not being properly handled, which is definitely something to keep in mind.
Food
419
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
113
negative
35
neutral
271
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh seafood
- Generous portions
- Delicious Cioppino
What people don't like
- Overcooked/fishy seafood
- Bland/flavorless taste
- Allergy requests ignored
Often praised
- foodThe wait staff was friendly and helpful with selections, refills, and even photography. We enjoyed a great variety of well-prepared and delicious food in a beautiful waterfront setting. Our group of 9+ people had no wait time, and the indoor dining area was comfortable.
- CioppinoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The signature dish, Cioppino, was fabulous. The wait staff was friendly and helpful with selections, refills, and even photography.
- clam chowderThe food isn't exceptionally special, but it's edible. The clam chowder was less salty than what I had at Pia before, which was a good point.
- pizzaI had a pizza which was also very flavoursome
- fish and chipssampled the fish and chips and WOW!!!
- cioppinoa cioppino that’s a rich, tomato-garlic broth brimming with clams
- pastaMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, and I enjoyed my seafood platter while my wife had pasta. However, the service, while friendly, was a bit slow.
- portionsIt's a great place to have a delicious seafood meal with the whole family. The portions are large, and everything is very tasty. When we arrived, all the tables were occupied, and there was a queue.
- seafoodIt's a great place to have a delicious seafood meal with the whole family. The portions are large, and everything is very tasty.
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- foodIt's a tourist trap, and I would avoid it by any means. For comparison, In & Out across the street has way better food. We ordered Pizza and Pasta, and honestly, I think Trader Joe's frozen pizza is better.
- pastaThe pasta seemed steamed, tasted of water, not of sauce, it was mushy
- pizzaThe pizza looked like it was frozen
- seafoodAll the seafood was fishy and overcooked.
- Cioppinothe Cioppino is the thing, right!? So, I ordered it. The most expensive thing on the menu is less than desirable.
- FoodFood less than average
- calamarithe calamari was not good at all
- fishThe staffs are nice and we felt welcomed. The fish was too hot when served, I wish it was at a lower temperature, but the taste was great.
- tomato sauceThe tomato sauce irritated my stomach
- "fresh" fruit"fresh" fruit was an ancient slice of orange
If you're craving fresh seafood and generous portions, especially their signature Cioppino, this spot is worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might be inconsistent in flavor or preparation, and double-check on any allergy requests.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 75.5%, its clear that many guests had a great experience. Youll often find praise for the friendly staff, great service, and attentive waiters, with many appreciating the quick and friendly service and minimal wait times.
These positive sentiments come from a strong base of 120 positive remarks. However, not every interaction was perfect, as indicated by 36 negative remarks. Some guests encountered slow service, rude staff, or even aggressive demands for tips.
There were also instances where guests felt forgotten about or experienced issues with the speed of service, suggesting there's still a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
159
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
36
negative
3
neutral
120
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great, quick service
- Minimal wait time
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Aggressive tip demands
Often praised
- serviceI had a great experience thanks to the great location and very good food. A special thanks to Rolando for taking such good care of me. I will definitely stop by next time I'm in town.
- staffYou can enjoy the indoor dining area or, if the weather permits, sit outside under string lights and watch the bay traffic. The staff are knowledgeable about their seafood and the city, offering quick recommendations and happily customizing dishes. The pacing between courses is perfect, ensuring you never feel rushed.
- ServiceExcellent Service and Great Experience!
- waitersMy experience at the restaurant was excellent! It's a super pleasant place with excellent waiters and delicious food. They were super fast in bringing the food.
- wait timeThere was no wait time
- serverThe fries, however, were really delicious. Our server was very attentive and very friendly. Sprite cost $4.
- waitTo top it all off, the service was superb. Everyone was super nice, and there was nearly no wait for anything we needed. I was very happy with our experience and will definitely be stopping back next time I'm in the area.
- wait staffThe signature dish, Cioppino, was fabulous. The wait staff was friendly and helpful with selections, refills, and even photography. We enjoyed a great variety of well-prepared and delicious food in a beautiful waterfront setting.
- ExperienceI had a wonderful experience at this restaurant.
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
Frequently criticized
- servicea waitress just embarrassed the entire family on the table and SSHHHH so loud
- Servicea bit of misunderstanding maybe? Asked for no tomatoes on top of margherita but they removed the tomato sauce too.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the rude and disrespectful staff. They aggressively demanded tips, starting with a minimum of 18%.
- tipAls wir dies verneinten, wies sie uns darauf hin, dass wir Trinkgeld geben müssten
- waiterthe waiter was there next to him and never came to even offer the menu
- waitressThey aggressively demanded tips, starting with a minimum of 18%. We were even threatened by an Asian waitress. This was the worst experience in SF, and I will never be coming again.
- attentionMy experience at this restaurant was far from pleasant. The staff were not friendly at all and walked past me multiple times without acknowledging my presence. I would definitely avoid this place.
- average servicewith an average service
- billimmediately brought the bill to our table without asking
- credit cardThis behavior led us to not leave a tip. When we encountered an issue with our credit card, she became aggressive and angry, likely due to the lack of a tip, and then aggressively directed us to the owners to settle the payment. Thankfully, the owners were kind and assisted us in resolving the payment issue.
If youre looking for a place where friendly and attentive service is often the norm, youll likely have a great time here. Just be aware that a few experiences mention slow or inconsistent service, so keep that in mind if you're in a rush.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a score of 6.8, suggesting a pleasant experience for many. Guests frequently praise the great location and cozy atmosphere, often highlighting the outdoor seating and waterfront setting as major draws. With 76 positive remarks, its clear many find the environment inviting and a "perfect spot" to relax.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 65.5%, indicating some areas for improvement. A notable 29 negative comments frequently mention "noise" issues, from loud music to acoustics, and "parking" can be quite a challenge. Some also noted "cold air" or feeling its a bit of a tourist trap, which can detract from the overall vibe.
Ambience
116
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
29
negative
11
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great location
- Cozy atmosphere
- Offers outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Loud noise issues
- Parking is difficult
- Cold drafts occur
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Cioppino’s in San Francisco was defined by its authentic seafood and a distinct maritime flair. The fresh, excellently prepared seafood made the visit a successful experience, complemented by an inviting atmosphere.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of good food and a nice place, but unfortunately marred by extremely poor service. The waitress was constantly rushing us to leave, even though there was still over half an hour until closing.
- Atmospherethe atmosphere was very welcoming
- locationThe food was lovely, and the staff were lovely and friendly. The restaurant itself is gorgeous looking and in a very good location.
- restaurantCute restaurant in a great location.
- ambianceambiance was very good as well.
- eating outsideHighly recommend eating outside if you're entertained by foot traffic
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- outdoor seatingThe restaurant is very large and has outdoor seating
- Fisherman's Wharf areain zona Fishermens Wharf
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereWe chose to sit outside, but unfortunately, our experience was impacted by a car club next door with loud music and even louder cars. While I appreciate classic cars and their modifications, the noise level detracted from the atmosphere. For future visits, especially if there's a car show nearby, I would definitely opt to sit inside to better enjoy the dining experience.
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- acousticsMochten ze iets willen doen aan de akoestiek dan zou men betere reviews krijgen.
- beside the kitchenThey placed us beside the kitchen
- birthday partythere was a birthday party with 10 people... It echoes a lot!
- car clubloud music and even louder cars
- cold airEvery time the door opened it went cold in
- coolerJust needed it a little cooler
- experienceWORST EXPERIENCE IN SF
- family friendly placeNot a family friendly place.
If youre looking for a place with a great location and a generally pleasant vibe, especially if you can snag an outdoor seat, its definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential noise and parking challenges, which might impact your experience if you're seeking a quiet, hassle-free evening.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems this spot has some serious work to do. With a score of just 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a low 16.7%, its clear that many diners feel the price doesnt quite match up. However, a few folks did find some positives, mentioning discount opportunities, reasonable prices, and feeling it was a good value or worth the experience for what they received, based on 8 positive remarks.
On the flip side, the overwhelming sentiment points to a less-than-stellar experience, with 35 negative comments. Many found it pricy and expensive, often describing it as a tourist trap with misleading charges. It seems the cost often outweighed the quality, leaving many feeling disappointed with their bill and the overall cost.
Value
48
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
35
negative
5
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value found
- Reasonable prices
- Worth the experience
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Tourist trap
- Misleading charges
Often praised
- pricesat appropriate prices
- discountWe got a discount!
- experienceThe Cioppino was a highlight, described as super flavorful and generously filled with plenty of fresh seafood, including fish, calamari, clams, mussels, and Dungeness crab legs. While the experience was pricey, I felt it was worth the experience.
- great priceThe shrimp were the best ever, truly bouncing! It was a great price for the quality and experience.
- priceThe price was more than fair for what you get.
- valuea good value
Frequently criticized
- priceOverall, it was good, but there was too much garlic in the carbonara pasta, which masked the taste of everything else (making it a bit expensive for the quality of the dish). Otherwise, the service was impeccable, and the atmosphere in the room is pleasant, although a bit noisy (next to the kitchens).
- $200 billA $200 bill of disappointment.
- 10% discountThe 10% discount... is not deducted from the bill.
- ParkingParking is limited, and requires payment for parking per hour
- PricyPricy and noisy place
- billthe bill came, it was $83 before tip
- costOverall, the food didn’t live up to the price tag. Between the small portions, mediocre taste, and the cost, I wouldn’t go back again.
- crab deshelledpaid to have the crab deshelled, but the crab was tiny pieces in the dish, not worth it.
- excessively expensivewhen it's excessively expensive
- expensiveit is very expensive
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your best bet, as many found it quite expensive for what you get. However, if you catch a discount or are prepared to splurge for a specific experience, some found it worthwhile. Just be ready for potentially high prices and check your bill carefully!
How are the prices at Cioppino's?
You’re looking at roughly 45 per person – reported by 165 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 45$, our data shows a good spread of prices. Many guests find options in the 21-40$ range, but there are also quite a few premium experiences available for those who want to indulge.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 165 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and others ready for a more upscale experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cioppino's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Last Meal Before Heading Home
My last-minute stop for a final meal before heading back to Minnesota was very good! We enjoyed the fish tacos, crab cakes, and lasagna. Everything was really good.
The service was good, and the ambiance was very good as well. It was a very enjoyable experience.
- fish tacos8
- crab cakes8
- lasagna8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Flavorsome Lasagna and Wonderful Experience
My experience at this restaurant was truly excellent. I enjoyed a really flavoursome and filling lasagna, and the food quality was outstanding. Beyond the food, it was a really good experience overall.
The staff were incredibly friendly and personable, and their good humor added to the positive atmosphere. This was possibly the best meal I had during my San Francisco trip and a wonderful way to end my visit before heading to the airport.
- lasagna10
- food10
- experience9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Penne Bolognese Disappointment
My experience involved having the Penne Bolognese for three people. Unfortunately, the dish was not good due to an excessive amount of tomato. We were also seated beside the kitchen, which was not ideal.
I would never return.
- Penne Bolognese2
- too much tomato2
- beside the kitchen2
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Underwhelmed by Cioppino's Value
I had dinner at Cioppino’s and left feeling pretty underwhelmed, especially for the price. We ordered the Fisherman’s Platter, which came with about 4–5 shrimp, some fried calamari, and two pieces of fish. Unfortunately, the calamari was not good at all, and the fish was just average at best.
The coleslaw was fine but nothing memorable. My main dish was the grilled salmon, which was decent but honestly nothing special. For a place located in Fisherman’s Wharf, I expected fresher flavors and better execution.
Overall, the food didn’t live up to the price tag. Between the small portions, mediocre taste, and the cost, I wouldn’t go back again.
- fish5
- coleslaw6
- grilled salmon5
- Fisherman's Platter3
- calamari2
- food3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Good Cioppino, but could be better
My experience at the restaurant was good, but not great. The Cioppino was a large portion, but I felt like it should have been more loaded. The service was rated a 4, and the atmosphere a 3.
I visited for lunch and experienced no wait time.
- Cioppino6
- service7
- atmosphere5
What Cioppino's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What accessibility and parking options are available at Cioppino's?
Cioppino’s offers wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms for your convenience. When it comes to parking, you’ll find paid parking lot options, as well as both free and paid street parking nearby.
Does Cioppino's offer delivery, outdoor seating, and amenities like Wi-Fi?
Yes, Cioppino’s provides no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in services, along with outdoor seating. You’ll also find amenities like free Wi-Fi and a bar onsite, ensuring a comfortable and convenient visit.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Cioppino's?
Cioppino’s receives a good overall Restaurant Score of 6.8, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 64%. While many aspects are positive, particularly Service (7.5), Food (6.9), and Ambience (6.8), the Value (3.8) is often a point of concern for guests.
Is Cioppino's considered good value for money?
Based on customer opinions, Cioppino’s struggles in terms of value, scoring 3.8. Many guests found the experience to be pricey or expensive, with some feeling the cost did not align with the quality or portion sizes received.
How is the service at Cioppino's?
The service at Cioppino’s generally receives high praise, with a score of 7.5. Many customers highlight the staff as friendly, attentive, and helpful, contributing to an excellent dining experience with quick service.