Highlights
- Great dessert
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
oChef » Angler – San Francisco
Angler - San Francisco
Photo from Angler
Angler at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $91–$100
mentioned by 125 of the guests
#649 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#86 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
1017
Reviews
79.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exquisite Food
- Great Service
- Pleasant Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Auto Gratuity
- Ambiance Issues
The restaurant Angler in San Francisco’s Transbay neighborhood offers a unique dining experience. You’ll find yourself drawn to its romantic and trendy atmosphere, highlighted by a cozy fireplace.
This establishment is known for its great dessert options and an impressive wine list, ensuring a memorable visit. Whether you’re seeking healthy options or organic dishes, Angler caters to diverse palates.
Overview: Introducting Angler
Angler offers a notable dining experience where the quality of the food often stands out. Guests frequently praise the inventive dishes and fresh ingredients, contributing to many positive impressions.
However, some find the overall value to be a point of contention, with the price not always aligning with expectations. While service is generally strong, occasional inconsistencies in the atmosphere have been noted.
Good
8
out of 10
1017
Reviews
79.6%
Satisfaction
160
negative
47
neutral
810
positive
Angler holds a solid Restaurant Score of 8, reflecting a generally positive guest experience. Customer feedback further supports this, with a Customer Satisfaction of 79.6%, indicating that most diners leave content.
The Food (8.1) and Service (8.1) are particularly strong points, frequently highlighted by guests and contributing significantly to the restaurant’s appeal. The Ambience (8.6) also garners high marks, often described as a pleasant setting for a meal.
However, the Value (4.9) score suggests that the pricing structure is a common concern for many. These insights are drawn from over 1000 customer remarks, with 810 positive observations outweighing 160 negative ones.
What people like
- Exquisite food creations
- Attentive, professional service
- Pleasing dining atmosphere
What people don't like
- High price expectations
- Mandatory service charges
- Inconsistent ambiance elements
Angler presents a compelling proposition for those prioritizing quality food and attentive service in a pleasant setting. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.3, it’s clear many guests find the experience worthwhile, particularly for special occasions.
If you’re prepared for a higher price point and are seeking a refined meal, Angler is certainly worth considering. However, be mindful of the automatic service charges and manage expectations regarding overall value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Angler
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a 8.1 score and a 81.3% customer satisfaction rate. With 519 positive comments out of 638 total, many rave about the delicious seafood-forward fare and innovative wood-fired cooking. Highlights often include the delightful tasting menu and the famous soft serve sundae, making for a truly satisfying meal.
However, not every dish is a hit. Some 81 negative comments point to occasional issues like bland flavors, overcooked or undercooked items, and concerns about overall food quality. A few also found certain portion sizes to be off, or specific dishes like the black cod or potato dish disappointing.
Food
638
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
81
negative
38
neutral
519
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent seafood dishes
- Creative wood-fired cooking
- Delicious soft serve
What people don't like
- Inconsistent flavors
- Cooking inconsistencies
- Uneven portion sizes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. The beautiful restaurant itself provided a wonderful setting, complemented by delicious food and an incredible wine selection. The set lunch was particularly noteworthy, offering exceptional value for money.
- oystersMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful for a special occasion. All of the food was fresh and delicious, from the oysters to the salad to the lobster rolls. The salad with lemon vinaigrette was a perfect blend of flavors.
- scallopsI've dined here four times, and each visit has been as good as, if not better than, the last. Standout dishes include the bluefin tuna, Norwegian trout, kingfish cru (the sauce was so good I wanted to drink it), caviar, banana pancakes (trust me on this one), radicchio salad (a must-try), parkerhouse rolls, angler potato, scallops, and box crab (if available, order it immediately). Even the soft serve is the best in the city.
- tasting menuIt was an amazing experience, and I have to come back. We did the tasting menu.
- FoodFood:5
- dishesI haven't been so happy with a tasting menu in SF in a long time, and I had to leave a review. I was super impressed with every dish. The only item that felt good but not great was the million layer potatoes; it looked immaculate and tasted delicious, but it was competing with other excellent dishes with bold flavors.
- drinksThe food was excellent and offered a great variety. The staff were both friendly and knowledgeable, though we had some minor difficulty fully grasping the details of each dish—likely due to enjoying the well-crafted and tasty drinks. Overall, a great spot for an event.
- potatoA potato cooked in a perfect way with a bed of herb cheese sauce a delight
- sea breamThe standout of the night was the sea bream—hands down one of the best fish dishes
- seafoodLocated on the waterfront across from the ferry building, Angler offers an unparalleled dining experience. The restaurant seamlessly blends exquisite seafood, fresh and roast vegetables, whole chicken, and delectable steak. Each dish was a masterpiece, crafted with the freshest ingredients and meticulous attention to detail.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe atmosphere was also amazing. It's a really nice restaurant with great service, but overall, I thought the food could have been better.
- food qualityThe food was just okay and did not meet our expectations
- saladsalad that ended up only being a pile of lettuce
- chickenchicken was late, dry and hideous
- codthe cod was completely bland with no seasoning or salt
- frog legsthe breading and seasoning on the frog legs was also heavy handed
- lobstermain courses of lobster and sea bream did little to improve
- oystersThe oysters were served in a way that didn’t make sense
- sea breammain courses of lobster and sea bream did little to improve
- steakruin by cutting the steak in advance
If you're looking for a culinary adventure with a strong focus on seafood and creative cooking, this place is definitely worth a try. While most experiences are fantastic, be mindful that a few dishes might not always hit the mark, so perhaps stick to their well-loved specialties.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.8%, its clear guests are often delighted. Many of the 161 positive remarks out of 207 total praise the attentive staff, knowledgeable team, and amazing service, highlighting genuine hospitality that makes you feel truly welcomed.
However, not every experience is perfect, as noted in 41 comments. Some guests encountered slow service or an unfriendly server, with occasional wait time issues. A few also wished for more clarity on menu explanations, suggesting theres still a little room for fine-tuning to ensure consistent excellence for everyone.
Service
207
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
41
negative
5
neutral
161
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Knowledgeable team
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unfriendly server
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceI highly recommend picking the “cook for you” option for a wonderful and delicious dinner. It was a treat exploring the best food and service in town. Well done to everyone involved; the wine, food, and atmosphere were absolutely worth it!
- staffTo be fair, the service was plainly exceptional. The staff was very nice, but the rest of my experience fell so flat that I was just disappointed. Although some of the items were fair attempts at “imaginative, ” I wish the chefs took the time to study modern ways to transform the boring into something truly awesome or unique.
- ServiceAll in all, a great experience and can understand why they have a Michelin Star. Service and food were great. Frog legs were amazing alongside their scallops.
- serverThe sundae was amazing and the tuna tartare was very unique. My server was amazing and one of the best servers I've had. The atmosphere was also amazing.
- hospitalityMy experience at this restaurant was the absolute best I've had. The food was impeccable, and the staff was beyond polite and very well trained in providing great hospitality. I would definitely recommend it.
- experienceAll of the food was delicious. The servers were so kind and made the experience so much fun. I will definitely be back in the future.
- wait staffThe bar and wait staff were awesome
- Jayabsolutely outstanding Jay was during tonight’s dinner
- knowledgeableFrom the moment we sat down, Christian made us feel so welcomed and taken care of. He was attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable about every dish and wine pairing, and genuinely kind. He elevated our experience with thoughtful touches and a calm, professional presence that made the night feel truly special.
- menu recommendationsEvery dish served was a showstopper. Our main server, Chloe, was absolutely wonderful, and our group enjoyed every single one of her menu recommendations. The entire staff contributed to an evening we'll never forget.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly disappointing. The service was slow, taking three hours to receive our main dishes, which didn't even arrive together. The food quality was comparable to a chain like Applebee's, and I ended up feeling sick from the steak, which was ruined by being cut in advance.
- ServiceService was also a little hectic
- waiterswaiters never came by and refilled our glasses
- attitudeshowed that through his attitude
- bar tenderignorant bar tender who seemed not to care
- clarity on menumore clarity on the “cook for you” menu
- courses timingMy experience at this restaurant was pretty bad. The courses came out as we were eating the previous, which disrupted the flow of the meal. We were served rock fish, and a good amount of the other dishes weren't very good.
- delay being fully seatedlittle delay being fully seated
- delay in coursesthere was a delay in the courses and then we got two at one time
- demeanorhis nasty demeanor simply ruined the atmosphere
Overall, the service here is a definite highlight, making for a memorable dining experience. While a few hiccups occur, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely be in excellent hands. Its certainly worth trying if top-notch hospitality is what you're after.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really shines! With an impressive score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.2%, its clear most diners are loving the vibe. Out of 122 comments, a whopping 110 rave about the atmosphere, music, decor, and unique dining experience, often highlighting the beautiful views and open kitchen action.
However, its not entirely perfect, as 10 comments pointed out a few minor snags. Some found the music not to their taste, or mentioned issues like an unpleasant smell from water glasses, or even the heat from the open fire being a bit much. A few also noted that traffic noise could be a distraction for outside seating.
Ambience
122
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
110
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful views
- Lively music
- Open kitchen
What people don't like
- Loud traffic noise
- Unpleasant water glasses
- Hot fire blaring
Often praised
- atmosphereMy server was amazing and one of the best servers I've had. The atmosphere was also amazing. It's a really nice restaurant with great service, but overall, I thought the food could have been better.
- AtmosphereThe salad with lemon vinaigrette was a perfect blend of flavors. The service and atmosphere were both rated a 5 out of 5.
- ambiancewas a great ambiance for catching up with my partner
- ambienceIt truly ticked all the boxes, offering a unique dining experience. The playlist was great, the ambience was perfect, and the food was absolutely amazing. The service was top-notch, with our server expertly guiding us through our meal.
- decordecoração rústica e pitoresca
- locationThe service, location, atmosphere, and food are all outstanding.
- musicMy experience at this restaurant was amazing all around. The fun music and lively crowd created a fantastic atmosphere. We were fortunate to be seated close to the kitchen, which allowed us to witness all the action.
- vibeThe vibe is that of a premium Texas steakhouse
- dining experienceI enjoyed the best and most delicious lunch deal in the city, which included a 3-course meal and a signature ice cream sundae. Located on the waterfront across from the ferry building, Angler offers an unparalleled dining experience. The restaurant seamlessly blends exquisite seafood, fresh and roast vegetables, whole chicken, and delectable steak.
- experienceloved the "experience"
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereIt just felt that the lack of flavor and creativity was hidden behind expensive ingredients. The ambiance was standard for a restaurant of this class, but coupled with the music and lack of enthusiasm from the (very nice and professional) staff, the atmosphere was boring as well. I feel that the staff is over it too.
- musicThe music is that of a diner
- ambianceThe ambiance wasn’t warm or inviting
- hot fireHot fire blaring on the right side of my face the whole time
- outside seatingI wouldn't sit outside too loud and close to the street
- placeThis place sucks
- traffic on the Embarcaderotraffic on the Embarcadero is loud
- water glassesOur water glasses had an unpleasant smell
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, great music, and stunning views, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. While a few minor details might not hit the mark for everyone, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive and highly recommended for a memorable outing.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found bright spots, especially with options like the set lunch and price fixed lunch, often described as a great deal or great value. Despite an average 4.9 score, some felt it was a splurge that was absolutely worth it, appreciating the quality for price offered, particularly for special occasions or tasting menus. However, the experience was a mixed bag with only 40% customer satisfaction, largely due to concerns about the overall price and unexpected fees.
Many were frustrated by the SF surcharge and auto 20% tip or mandatory tips, feeling the high price point was not worth the money and didn't meet their expectations for the quality or service received, especially for lunch.
Value
50
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
28
negative
2
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great lunch value
- Worth the splurge
What people don't like
- Mandatory fees/tips
- High price point
- Didn't meet expectations
Often praised
- pricethe price a little over 140 euros per person but it's not expensive compared to the quality of the products and the number of dishes
- great valuesuch a great value
- splurgewhile it was a splurge (~$240/pp w 2 cocktails each and automatic 20% gratuity)
- a la cart pricea la cart was $97 post tax and tip
- chef's menu priceChef’s menu was a little over $100pp
- dish chargetook off a few of the dishes weren't didn't like off the charge
- great dealThe price fixed lunch is a great deal
- happy hourthe happy hour was good
- high priceThe high price is worth while
- lunch menugot the lunch menu which is really great value for money
Frequently criticized
- priceHowever, the food, while good, did not meet my expectations for the price point. I've had comparable or better meals for significantly less money, making it feel not worth the money. Overall, there are many other restaurants I would recommend before Angler, and at a much lower cost.
- gratuityThe lack of warmth and professionalism at the door unfortunately overshadowed much of the dining experience. Given that the restaurant automatically charges a 20% gratuity and a 6% SF mandate, I would expect a basic level of courtesy, like a smile, even if it's not genuine.
- 20% feeAlso important to note they add 20% fee regardless of party size
- Michelin starFeels like they paid for a Michelin star
- SF surchargebeware 6% SF surcharge
- auto 20% tipauto 20% tip
- billCheck came out to 51 dollars for the two drinks
- billingthey tax the service charge and the “SF mandate”
- expectationsmy expectations were just a bit higher all around
- feeanother 6 dollar fee for something else
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially higher bill, especially with added surcharges and mandatory tips. While some find the splurge worthwhile for the quality, others feel it doesnt quite hit the mark for the price. Go in with clear expectations, particularly regarding the final cost.
How are the prices at Angler?
On average, you’ll spend around 96$ per person – based on 125 guests. That places this restaurant in the $91–$100 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, thats definitely on the higher-end.
Whats really interesting is that while the average is 96$, a large number of diners actually spend well over 100$. This suggests a premium experience where many guests are happy to splurge.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 125 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the pricing distribution where most guests are spending over 100$, we feel the pricing is fair for a higher-end restaurant experience in San Francisco. It seems guests are getting good value for their money at this price point.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Angler
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Mixed Bag: Great Frog Legs, Pricey Wagyu
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of delightful and disappointing. The service was amazing, and the atmosphere was perfect, both receiving a 5-star rating. I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious hot fried frog legs and the perfect Parker rolls with seaweed butter, contributing to a strong food score.
However, the wagyu beef at $100 was definitely not worth the price, and I would opt for something else if I were to return. Overall, it's still worth a visit.
- service10
- atmosphere10
- fried frog legs9
- wagyu beef3
- price3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Mandatory Tips and Bad Food
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I was hit with 26% MANDATORY tips on top of the already high cost for food that tasted like gas station sandwiches. Honestly, this place sucks.
I would strongly advise going somewhere else.
- mandatory tips1
- food1
- place1
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Unique Choices, Service Lacking
This is a high-quality restaurant with unique choices. I spent some lovely time here last week. However, there is some room for improvement.
Regarding the “cook for you” menu, more clarity is needed. Although I understand it is a chef’s choice that changes, it would be better and more on par with the Michelin rating if the server could explain the menu, even briefly mentioning what to expect. I feel there is a little lack of understanding on the service side.
It took 2. 5 hours to go through 6 courses, which included a lot of wait time with nothing on the table. We sat down for 30 minutes and were only served with 2 raw oysters each.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend the “cook for you” menu as there seems to be an overall incoherence and inconsistency. Perhaps a la carte would be a better experience. The service was not very good, except for the last server who helped us.
- unique choices9
- cook for you menu3
- clarity on menu3
- server explain menu3
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Food and Service for an Event
I recently attended a business event at Angler and had a very positive experience. The food was excellent and offered a great variety. The staff were both friendly and knowledgeable, though we had some minor difficulty fully grasping the details of each dish—likely due to enjoying the well-crafted and tasty drinks.
Overall, a great spot for an event.
- food9
- variety8
- staff9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Dinner Experience
My experience at this restaurant was pretty bad. The courses came out as we were eating the previous, which disrupted the flow of the meal. We were served rock fish, and a good amount of the other dishes weren't very good.
The manager was nice and came by to take off a few of the dishes we didn't like from the charge using an a la carte calculation. Ironically, the total came out pretty close to the tasting menu cost anyway.
- manager8
- dish charge7
- total cost5
- courses timing2
- rock fish3
- other dishes3
What Angler offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Braille menu
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and reservation policies does Angler offer?
Angler provides lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service and seating. You can enjoy catering services too. Reservations are accepted and recommended for both lunch and dinner, ensuring you secure your spot for an exceptional experience.
What kind of atmosphere and special offerings can you expect at Angler?
Angler offers a romantic and trendy atmosphere, complete with a cozy fireplace. You’ll find a great wine list, healthy options, organic dishes, and vegetarian choices, alongside small plates, cocktails, and coffee.
How does Angler rate overall?
Angler scores well with a Restaurant Score of 8, driven by strong performance in Ambience (8.6), Food (8.1), and Service (8.1). However, Value (4.9) is a notable area for consideration.
Is Angler considered good value for money?
While some find the price justified for the quality, many opinions indicate that the Value (4.9) at Angler is a concern, with mentions of high prices and automatic service charges.
What can I expect from the service at Angler?
Angler generally offers attentive and knowledgeable Service (8.1), with many guests praising the staff’s hospitality and menu recommendations, though some experiences note occasional delays or attitude issues.