Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Pier Market – San Francisco
Pier Market - San Francisco
Photo from Pier Market
Pier Market at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 41 – 50 €
mentioned by 176 of the guests
#1736 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#33 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
764
Reviews
67.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Seafood views
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- High noise
- Pricey slow
The Pier Market Seafood Restaurant is a premier dining destination located in the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a truly memorable experience here, highlighted by their great dessert selection.
Whether you’re seeking a casual meal or a trendy spot, this San Francisco gem offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Pier Market
Pier Market offers a dining experience where the setting often takes center stage. Guests frequently praise its `location` and the `breathtaking views` it provides, creating a lively `atmosphere` that many find enjoyable.
It’s a spot where the surroundings truly enhance the meal. However, this popular spot isn’t without its challenges.
While the `service` generally receives positive remarks for its attentiveness, some diners have noted concerns regarding `prices` and the occasional `noisy` environment, which can impact the overall experience.
Good
6.9
out of 10
764
Reviews
67.3%
Satisfaction
191
negative
59
neutral
514
positive
Pier Market earns a solid 6.9 overall score, placing it in the good range, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.3%. This suggests that while many have a positive experience, a notable portion finds areas for improvement.
With 764 total opinions, including 514 positive and 191 negative, there’s a clear picture emerging. The Food (7.1) is generally well-regarded, and the Ambience (7.6) also scores well, often highlighted for its views.
However, Service (6.6) is more average, and Value (5) is a weaker point, indicating that some guests feel the cost doesn’t always align with the experience.
What people like
- Delicious seafood
- Stunning views
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Excessive pricing
- Loud environment
- Slow service
For those prioritizing a vibrant setting and good seafood with a view, Pier Market is a reasonable choice. The Recommendation Score of 7.1 suggests it’s worth considering, especially if you’re prepared for a bustling environment and are not overly sensitive to price.
However, if you’re seeking a quiet, intimate meal or strict budget dining, you might find aspects less appealing. It’s a place that delivers on its strengths but has clear areas where expectations might need to be managed.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pier Market
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the food! Overall, its looking pretty good with a score of 7.1. Customer satisfaction is a mixed bag at 68.8%, but there are definitely some shining stars.
With 271 positive remarks out of 394 total, many rave about the fresh seafood, delicious clam chowder, and flavorful fish and chips, often highlighting the great flavor and portion size. However, not everything is perfect. About 90 opinions point to some concerns, including general quality of food issues, dishes being bland, or overcooked.
Some also found certain items, like the Caesar salads, to be disappointing, suggesting inconsistency in execution and sometimes a greasy texture.
Food
394
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
90
negative
33
neutral
271
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh seafood
- Delicious chowder
- Great flavor
What people don't like
- Poor food quality
- Bland taste
- Overcooked dishes
Often praised
- foodThe oysters were incredibly fresh and had that perfect briny sweetness you'd hope for when dining by the bay. The service was quick and friendly, and everything tasted like it came straight from the ocean. I highly recommend this restaurant for any seafood lover!
- clam chowderMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the AMAZING clam chowder and a very very good cajun seafood platter. The service and manager were incredibly kind, friendly, and attentive.
- fish and chipsfish and chips my friend ordered were tender but had a nice crunch and pillowy dough that tasted like perfection
- seafoodThe food was great, and it came with an amazing view of the bay. With tons of choices, it was hard to know which seafood would be the best, but this was a winner. A great choice!
- crab cakesWhile the price was slightly higher than expected, considering it's in the US, it was actually low. For two people, we spent $99 for two crab cakes with a spicy mayonnaise sauce, a small portion of crab soup, a teriyaki salmon with vegetables and rice, and a mixed grilled fish with potatoes.
- drinksalong with drinks. All were great
- dishesAll of my dishes were cooked to perfection
- friesUnfortunately, we only received one. To make up for the mistake, the waiter, Vanesa, kindly added some fries. The service was great, the atmosphere was good, and I love the food, especially the salmon burger.
- salmonWife had the salmon and I had the teriyaki salmon
- calamarithe calamari was clean and fried perfectly in wonderfully little sticks of heaven
Frequently criticized
- foodI recall the food being better in January 2025, outside of the tourist season. On this particular visit, the restaurant was crowded, and the food was not good. Specifically, the fish and chips were poorly prepared, being both overcooked and undercooked simultaneously.
- clam chowderThe clam chowder tasted like it was out of a can
- fish and chipsMy experience with the to-go fish and chips was extremely disappointing. I received what seemed like Gortons fish type fillet, which was cooked and then reheated.
- food qualityVERY average food. Tourist restaurant quality food.
- Caesar salad with crabvery sad and small Caesar salad with crab that tasted like it was canned
- chowderThe chowder was Flour heavy and missing the clam taste.
- crabWhile the tomato-based broth was flavorful, the dish was over-proportioned with pasta, lacking a well-balanced mix of seafood like fish, mussels, clams, shrimp, and crab. There was barely any crab! My friend found his grilled chicken breast with rice and vegetables to be "okay.
- drinksWe arrived thirsty from walking all over the pier and were not given water or offered any. Our waitress, Florencia, did not check on us once during the meal, so we didn't get any water or even a refill on our drinks. The only time we saw her was when she took our order.
- fishpretty much sure the fish was not cod
- sauceThe sauce was salty butter with some garlic which was starting to congeal
If you're craving classic seafood, especially clam chowder, this spot could be a good bet. Just be aware that while many dishes hit the mark, some experiences suggest an inconsistent food quality, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a lot to appreciate here! Many guests highlighted the friendly staff, fast service, and attentive waiters, often noting they were seated quickly or had no wait line. With 121 positive remarks out of 187 total, it seems many found the team to be professional and kind.
However, the experience isnt always smooth sailing. Some customers encountered long waiting times, disorganized systems for reservations or payments, and even unattentive staff, leading to frustration. The overall score for service sits at an average 6.6, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 64.7%, indicating there's definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
187
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
60
negative
6
neutral
121
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Disorganized systems
- Unattentive staff
Often praised
- service🦭 The restaurant itself is cozy, modern, and typically Californian – ideal for a relaxed lunch or a delicious dinner with a sea view. The service was very friendly and attentive; the staff ensures you feel comfortable right away. The selection of food and drinks is extensive, and seafood lovers in particular will get their money's worth.
- staff🦭 The restaurant itself is cozy, modern, and typically Californian – ideal for a relaxed lunch or a delicious dinner with a sea view. The service was very friendly and attentive; the staff ensures you feel comfortable right away. The selection of food and drinks is extensive, and seafood lovers in particular will get their money's worth.
- wait timetivemos a sorte de mão esperar muito tempo para sentar
- serverOur server was Rosa and she was so sweet and attentive
- RosaRosa served us today and I had a wonderful dining experience
- customer serviceThe customer service was good
- managerthe manager took good care of my friend for her bday with a nice surprise
- reservationEverything was delicious. We had made a reservation and were seated immediately and served quickly.
- waitwait was less than 10 minutes
- waitressOur waitress was lovely and helpful
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service wasn’t that great, it took a while for the waitress to get to us
- serverOur server seemed too busy to engage with us at all
- reservationreservation confirmed for 9:45 PM... The kitchen was already closed.
- staffOur server was very quite, cold and unfriendly
- waitThe wait was really long
- waiting timeWhile the food was good, scoring a 4 out of 5, the service was a significant letdown. We waited for more than 30 minutes for the waiters to come to our table, despite there being 2-3 free waiters available. This long waiting time definitely impacted the overall experience.
- ServiceService was extremely slow
- TabascoAsked for Tabasco and got ketchup after 10 minutes
- accountabilityZero accountability.
- advance warningNo one warned us in advance — no message, no email.
If youre looking for a place with potentially quick and friendly service, its worth a shot, especially if you can snag a reservation. Just be prepared for the possibility of some disorganization or longer waits, as experiences can vary.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.2%. Based on 105 positive remarks out of 136 total, guests rave about the amazing views of the bay, sea lions, and even the Golden Gate Bridge. The great location on Pier 39 and the nice atmosphere with its lively, classic Wharf vibe also get high praise.
However, not everyone finds it perfect. About 20 comments point to challenges like a high noise level making conversation difficult, especially when it gets crowded. Some also felt it was a bit touristy or experienced an unpleasant draft from open doors.
It seems the vibrant energy can sometimes be a double-edged sword.
Ambience
136
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
20
negative
11
neutral
105
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing waterfront views
- Prime Pier 39 location
- Lively, classic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Can be very noisy
- Often feels crowded
- Unpleasant drafts occur
Often praised
- atmosphereWhile it's a bit on the expensive side, the service is excellent. The place is busy and has a lively atmosphere, which is also a plus.
- locationThis place truly deserves 5 stars. While there are other options nearby, I highly recommend this restaurant for its perfect location and the fact that they offer various options beyond just seafood, all of which are genuinely good. Highly recommended!
- viewIt was a very good place to eat. The food was delicious, the service was good, and the view was beautiful. It's a nice place overall.
- placeAt the end, we did feel kind of rushed because we got the check right after we were done, even though we didn't ask. But the food was good and it's a nice place! 👍🥲
- sea lionswatch the famous sea lions at Pier 39. 🦭
- vibeThe food is good, though it could be a bit pricy. The service is fast, and the restaurant has a great vibe.
- viewsthe views were breathtaking because of the golden gate bridge.
- environmentSuper fun environment
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- restaurantFun restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was noisy and chaotic
- crowdedit was crowded
- noise levelAfter ordering, the wait for the food was not long. The restaurant was very loud, making conversation difficult. The fans also created an unpleasant draft.
- bay viewHowever, the clam chowder was shockingly flavorless. The noise level made conversation impossible, and the expected bay view was not visible from our seats. I found the overall experience disappointing, feeling like an overcrowded tourist trap.
- conversationAfter ordering, the wait for the food was not long. The restaurant was very loud, making conversation difficult. The fans also created an unpleasant draft.
- crampedтесно
- decorThe stylish decor was a bit off putting by the “Denny’s”esque salt and pepper shaker
- doorWe had a great experience with great food, fast service, and great surroundings. We were seated near a door that, when opened, created a mini hurricane, but it wasn't a significant issue. There are also a lot of great shops around the area.
- draftThe restaurant was very loud, making conversation difficult. The fans also created an unpleasant draft.
- food dumping areafood dumping area was in a small hallway leading to the restroom, and it was quite open — it didn’t look very clean
If you're looking for breathtaking waterfront views and a lively, classic San Francisco atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially bustling and noisy environment, especially during peak times, which might not be ideal for a quiet, intimate chat.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
It seems some diners found the prices and entrées to be quite reasonable, especially considering the prime location. A few even appreciated the quick payment process. With 17 positive remarks out of 47 total, there's a glimmer of satisfaction, though the overall score for value sits at an average 5.
However, many customers felt the price was overpriced or expensive, often due to unexpected gratuity or additional fees. This led to a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 36.2%, with 21 negative opinions highlighting a significant concern about the overall value for money.
Value
47
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
21
negative
9
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices reasonable for location
- Quick payment process
What people don't like
- Food often overpriced
- Unexpected added fees
- Small portions for cost
Often praised
- pricesThe fish was clearly freshly fried rather than just kept warm, which I really appreciated for a quick-service spot. The taste was excellent, and the prices were reasonable. I’d definitely recommend it!
- priceI was seated overlooking the piers, where I could watch tour boats coming and going and sea otters sunning themselves on the mooring docks. The food was excellent and surprisingly not too pricey. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a perfect 5.
- appetizersMy experience at this restaurant was a solid choice for seafood right on Pier 39. Most entrées are priced around $25–$30, with appetizers in the $10–$20 range, which I found to be pretty reasonable for the location. The local Market Lager (4.
- entréesMost entrées run around $25–$30
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was a solid choice for seafood right on Pier 39. Most entrées are priced around $25–$30, with appetizers in the $10–$20 range, which I found to be pretty reasonable for the location. The local Market Lager (4.
- paymentpleased with the quick payment
Frequently criticized
- priceWhile the service was polite, the kitchen's quality control needs serious improvement. For the price and the setting, I expected a much better dining experience and unfortunately, I won’t be returning.
- pricesFor the prices they charge, you would expect to at least see your waitress more than once
- additional fee5% additional fee for each bill
- employee fee" The overall atmosphere and calamari were just okay – nothing memorable or inviting enough to warrant a return visit. Regarding pricing, while the service was decent, we were surprised by an expected gratuity of 18–22% plus an additional 5% employee fee. This felt excessive, especially given the underwhelming food.
- expensiveincredibly expensive for just two meagre pieces
- gratuitywe were surprised to see an expected gratuity of 18–22%
- moneyDon’t waste your money
- overpricedvery overpriced for the quality of food
- platterFor $30 a platter, you get 7 regular sized shrimp, several tiny shrimps, coleslaw, and fries
- priceyit was a little pricey
If youre looking for a spot with a great location and dont mind potentially paying a premium, you might find some dishes reasonably priced. However, be prepared for the possibility of unexpected fees and portions that some consider small for the cost, which could leave you feeling disappointed.
How are the prices at Pier Market?
You’re looking at roughly 42 per person – reported by 176 diners. That puts it in the 41 – 50 € category. For a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 42, it’s interesting to see a good number of guests spending less, often in the 21 – 30 € range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to some premium seafood experiences.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 176 most recent reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a range of choices, so you can tailor your spend to your appetite and budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pier Market
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Tasty Food, High Prices, Crowded Atmosphere
The food was delicious, with fresh seafood and interesting preparation. The service was good. However, the prices are high.
It's convenient that the restaurant is located near the sea lions and seals, but there are many people wanting to dine here. To get a seat inside, you have to wait. You can get a seat outside immediately, but it's cooler there.
It's very crowded, cramped, and noisy. The atmosphere is not suitable for a romantic dinner.
- food10
- fresh seafood10
- Interesting preparation9
- prices3
- waiting4
- crowded3
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Solo Dining
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Charming Port View and Delicious Clam Chowder
The location was very pleasant. Dining alone, I was able to be seated near the port view, with the sea lions. The clam chowder is very good.
- location8
- port view8
- clam chowder9
Price per Person
- 21 - 30 €
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Great Food, Perfumy Drinks
My experience at PMSR on Pier 39 was a nice little spot during our day of adventures. While the cocktails were a bit too "perfumy" for our liking, we were expecting more of a rum punch taste. On the positive side, the lobster was as fresh as can be expected.
The fries were a surprise bonus, offering great outside crispness and a tender inside. The clam chowder was top-notch, and the appetizer of crispy salmon bites was well worth it – a must get! The stylish decor was slightly off-putting due to the "Denny’s"-esque salt and pepper shakers, which felt a bit bougie to notice, but it’s worth maintaining a top-level aesthetic.
- lobster8
- fries9
- clam chowder10
- cocktails3
- decor4
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Seafood Platter Experience
I ordered the garlic butter seafood platter/boil for $55. What they fail to tell you is that the seafood isn't just butter and garlic like the menu described. There is a red color and has an odd taste.
I think it's Italian seasoning. Not very good. I wish I was warned.
I was excited for my seafood until I tasted it. I was very disappointed. It was also very greasy.
- garlic butter seafood platter2
- red color2
- odd taste2
Price per Person
- 31 - 40 €
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Delicious Food, Service Needs Improvement
Everything was very delicious. I believe the staff can improve. The place is always very full, so sometimes you have to wait a bit.
- food10
- staff3
- place4
- wait4
What Pier Market offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Pier Market Seafood Restaurant?
At Pier Market Seafood Restaurant, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner, all with comfortable table service and seating. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! The atmosphere is designed to be cozy, casual, and trendy, providing a welcoming environment for your meal.
What payment methods and accessibility features are available at Pier Market Seafood Restaurant?
For your convenience, Pier Market Seafood Restaurant accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What is the overall verdict on Pier Market?
Pier Market holds a 6.9 score, indicating a generally good experience. Its Food (7.1) and Ambience (7.6) stand out, while Service (6.6) is average and Value (5) is a weaker point.
What do customers enjoy most about Pier Market?
Many guests appreciate the fresh seafood, with specific mentions of the `clam chowder`, and the `breathtaking views` of the bay. The `friendly staff` also contributes to a pleasant dining experience.
Are there any common complaints about Pier Market?
Some diners find the `prices` to be on the higher side, with additional fees. The `atmosphere` can also be `noisy` and `crowded`, and `service` can sometimes be slow.