Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Guardino’s – San Francisco
Guardino's - San Francisco
Photo from Guardino’s
Guardino's at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 15 of the guests
#1555 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#31 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
114
Reviews
65.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Fresh seafood
- Wharf atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness issues
- Food inconsistency
- Limited seating
The restaurant Guardino’s invites you to experience a taste of San Francisco’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf. This casual seafood restaurant offers a delightful escape where you can savor fresh catches in a relaxed setting.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying the vibrant energy of the city. You can enjoy your meal with a refreshing beer or a handcrafted cocktail, making it an ideal spot for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Guardino's
Guardino’s offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating the friendly service and the vibrant Wharf atmosphere. Diners often find the seafood offerings, particularly the fresh Dungeness crab, quite satisfying.
However, some experiences point to inconsistencies in food quality, with mentions of hard bread and occasionally fishy tasting lobster. Cleanliness concerns, with some noting a dirty appearance, also surface.
Good
7.1
out of 10
114
Reviews
65.8%
Satisfaction
27
negative
12
neutral
75
positive
Guardino’s overall performance lands at a 7.1, indicating a generally good experience for many. However, customer satisfaction sits at 65.8%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception despite the solid overall score.
This perspective is drawn from 114 customer observations, with 75 positive remarks balancing out 27 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Service stands out with a strong (8.2), often praised for its efficiency and friendliness.
Value (7) is also seen as good, offering fair pricing. The Food (6.9) generally receives good marks, though Ambience (6.8) trails slightly, still landing in the good range but with some room for improvement.
What people like
- Friendly, efficient service
- Fresh seafood options
- Vibrant Wharf atmosphere
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Inconsistent food quality
- Limited seating options
Guardino’s presents itself as a solid choice for those seeking a lively Wharf atmosphere and friendly service. With a recommendation score of 7.2, it generally delivers a satisfying experience, especially if you’re keen on fresh seafood.
However, be mindful of potential cleanliness concerns and occasional food inconsistencies. If you prioritize a quick, casual bite with good service over a pristine dining space, Guardino’s could be a fitting stop.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Guardino's
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.9 and customer satisfaction at 60.3%. However, many diners really enjoy the fresh seafood, especially the delicious Lobster roll and comforting clam chowder bread bowl. Out of 68 total comments, 41 were positive, often highlighting generous portions and overall deliciousness, making it a solid choice for many.
On the flip side, 16 comments pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found the lobster roll disappointing, describing it as fishy tasting or having too much mayonnaise. There were also mentions of mediocre bread, with some finding it hard, and general disappointment with certain sandwiches.
Food
68
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
16
negative
11
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh seafood
- Delicious chowder
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Fishy lobster roll
- Hard, old bread
- Mediocre sandwiches
Often praised
- clam chowderknocked over with a feather with it's clam chowder
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best price on the block, coupled with great service and amazing food. The cashier was incredibly friendly and caring, which made the dining experience even better.
- Lobster rollLobster roll molto buono è abbondante
- chowderchowder was very nice
- seafoodbest seafood I've ever had
- CalamariCalamari Crispy and savory rings and tentacles
- Clam ChowderClam Chowder Super yum!
- Dungeness CrabDungeness Crab So delicious and fresh
- Dungeness crab sandwichesDungeness crab soup in a bread bowl and Dungeness crab sandwiches it was amazing!
- Dungeness crab soupDungeness crab soup in a bread bowl and Dungeness crab sandwiches it was amazing!
Frequently criticized
- breadThe bread was so hard that I almost had to make a dentist appointment
- Dungeness crabDungeness crab they put too much seasoning
- Dungeness crab sandwichessandwiches de dungeness crab y lobster y no nos supieron a nada, insÃpidos
- baby shrimp sandwichbaby shrimp sandwich looked good but was not
- crab cocktailcrab cocktail seemed a reasonable price, didn't taste that fresh
- fishy tasting lobsterfishy tasting lobster
- foodnext time not as great
- hard breadbread so hard it could be used as a weapon
- lobster rollLobster roll is gross. It's just a bunch of mayonnaise with fishy tasting lobster.
- lobster sandwichessandwiches de dungeness crab y lobster y no nos supieron a nada, insÃpidos
If youre craving fresh seafood like clam chowder or a Dungeness crab sandwich, youll likely find something to enjoy here. Just be aware that some items, particularly the lobster roll and certain breads, might not hit the mark for everyone. It's worth a try for the highlights, but manage your expectations for consistency.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! This spot really shines, boasting a solid score of 8.2 and an impressive customer satisfaction rate of 86.7%, both firmly in the good category. Based on 13 positive remarks out of 15 total, guests consistently rave about the friendly staff and quick service.
Many highlighted the caring cashier and the overall super and generous approach, making for a truly pleasant experience. However, its not entirely flawless. While the overwhelming sentiment is positive, there were 2 negative comments.
One minor hiccup mentioned was the absence of salt and pepper for a takeaway order, which, while small, can be a bit of a letdown when you're expecting it. This suggests a tiny area for improvement in attention to detail for grab-and-go orders.
Service
15
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, caring staff
- Quick service
- Generous service
What people don't like
- Missing salt/pepper
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best price on the block, coupled with great service and amazing food. The cashier was incredibly friendly and caring, which made the dining experience even better.
- staffThe staff are the friendliest!!
- ServiceService:5
- cashierso friendly and caring
- customer serviceCustomer service earns a solid A—the staff keeps things moving with high energy and a no-fuss approach.
- grab and goGrab and go is so much fun
- servers name was JustinOur servers name was Justin
- waitersgentili i camerieri
Frequently criticized
- Google listingGoogle says it is
- salt and pepperno salt and pepper was provided for my take away order
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and served efficiently, this is definitely worth a try. The staff's friendliness and quick service are a major draw, making for a smooth and enjoyable visit. Just remember to double-check your takeaway order for those little extras!
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The ambience here offers a decent experience, scoring a 6.8, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 69.6%. Many guests, 16 out of 23 comments, really appreciated the old style place and Wharf atmosphere, describing it as very nice and fantastic. The Kid-friendliness and spacious dining space were also highlighted, making it a lively spot for families.
However, 7 comments did bring up some areas for improvement. Concerns were raised about cleanliness, with some finding the stand to look very dirty. A frequent complaint was the lack of a place to sit, meaning you might end up eating standing up, which isn't ideal for everyone.
Ambience
23
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Classic wharf atmosphere
- Kid-friendly seating
- Engaging old style
What people don't like
- No seating available
- Cleanliness concerns
- Eating while standing
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service and the atmosphere is amazing here.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Kid-friendlinessAbsolutely kid friendly with seating in the back
- Wharf atmosphereThe customer service was excellent, with the staff being high-energy, friendly, and efficient, adding to the overall vibrancy. Guardino’s is a must-visit for classic seafood with great flavor and an unbeatable Wharf atmosphere.
- benchesMany benches around Guardino's to sit down and enjoy this bite
- dining spaceThe dining space here is a huge help for families with Kids.
- locationBella la posizione
- machinesWe just happened to wander in while we were on the pier. It was fun to walk through and see all the machines. It was fun to watch others play them.
- old style placeLoved the old style place
- placebut nice place
Frequently criticized
- Wharf areaWharf area is not like I experienced
- atmosphereDoesn't look very inviting
- cleanlinessNot a spick and span place
- eating standing uppeccato che si mangi in piedi
- place to sitOf course, there are other similar places right nearby, but I didn't want to change. One drawback, however: no place to sit or at least lean.
- restaurantrestaurant was not open
- standThe stand looks very dirty
If youre after a vibrant, traditional Wharf atmosphere and dont mind a casual, stand-up dining experience, this spot could be a fun visit, especially with kids. However, if comfortable seating and pristine cleanliness are top priorities, you might want to manage your expectations.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7 out of 10, which is a good score! Many diners found the prices, especially for items like the lobster roll, to be very reasonable, even the best on the block. With 5 positive remarks out of 8 total comments, it seems many feel they get good bang for their buck.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 62.5%, suggesting theres still room for improvement. A couple of comments, 2 out of 8, pointed out that some items, like a particular sandwich, felt mediocre for the price, and others felt the cost didnt quite match the overall experience, hinting at cleanliness issues.
Value
8
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Worth the cost
- Lobster roll value
What people don't like
- Mediocre for price
- Cleanliness issues
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found the prices to be decently priced. The chowder was very good, and the service was quick.
- Lobster rollcostoso ma li vale tutti
- reasonably pricedvery reasonably priced for the area.
Frequently criticized
- priceFor the price they could clean up
If youre looking for good value, especially for certain popular dishes, this place is definitely worth considering. While most find the pricing fair, be aware that a few feel some items might not quite live up to their cost. Its a solid choice, but manage expectations for every single dish.
How are the prices at Guardino's?
On average, you’ll spend around 23 per person – based on what 15 guests reported. That places this spot squarely in the $21–$30 price range. For a Seafood Restaurant, especially in San Francisco, that’s a solid mid-range offering.
Diving into the details, we see most diners are enjoying meals in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 categories, suggesting a lovely balance of options, with a few guests treating themselves to something a bit more premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 15 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Seafood Restaurant, especially in San Francisco. It offers good value for a mid-range seafood experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Guardino's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Divine Seafood and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had some of the best seafood I've ever tasted. The clam chowder in the bread bowl was absolutely divine.
I truly loved this place!
- seafood10
- clam chowder10
- bread bowl10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Excellent Sandwiches and Great Location
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the excellent sandwiches, particularly those with prawns, crab, or lobster. The location is beautiful, and the waiters were kind.
It's a perfect spot for a quick lunch.
- sandwiches9
- location8
- waiters8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Guardinos: Out of this world food and service!
My girlfriend and I visited Guardinos for the first time on Sunday, June 22nd. We were thoroughly impressed with the experience. The food was absolutely out of this world, and the service was super and generous.
The atmosphere was perfect, making for a truly enjoyable evening. Guardinos is definitely the best on the block, and we will be going back. Our server, Justin, was excellent.
If you are in the San Francisco Area, definitely try Guardinos!
- food10
- service9
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Delicious Seafood, Sadly Gone
We loved this place when they were open! The atmosphere was fantastic, with an outdoor display of fresh crabs and seafood, and a cooking area. Their small shop had a tiny seating area at the front, fitting about 6 people.
The food was exceptional. The Dungeness Crab was so delicious and fresh, cracked into pieces for easy enjoyment with drawn butter. It was worth every penny, though I didn't check the price.
The Clam Chowder was super yum, thick and creamy, served in a sourdough bread bowl or cup, and they even sold a canned version. The Calamari was crispy and savory, tasting even better at Fisherman's Wharf. The service was a bit chaotic due to how busy they were, but it was a friendly, market-style experience.
Overall, it was the best food and atmosphere on the Wharf, sadly now gone.
- atmosphere10
- Dungeness Crab10
- Clam Chowder10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Food, Service, and Price!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best price on the block, coupled with great service and amazing food. The cashier was incredibly friendly and caring, which made the dining experience even better.
Thank you for the wonderful time!
- price10
- service10
- food10
What Guardino's offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and service features does Guardino's offer?
At Guardino’s, you can enjoy various dining options including lunch and dinner with comfortable seating. For your convenience, the restaurant provides outdoor seating, dine-in service, and takeout, ensuring you can enjoy your meal however you prefer.
Is Guardino's accessible and pet-friendly in San Francisco?
Yes, Guardino’s in Fisherman’s Wharf is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. Additionally, if you’re visiting with your furry friend, dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area, making it a great spot for you and your pet.
How does Guardino's generally rate with customers?
Guardino’s holds an overall score of 7.1, with Service (8.2) being a strong point. Value (7), Food (6.9), and Ambience (6.8) also contribute positively to the experience.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Guardino's?
Many customers appreciate the friendly and efficient staff, along with the fresh seafood options like clam chowder and Dungeness crab. The Wharf atmosphere is also frequently mentioned positively.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Guardino's?
Some diners have noted cleanliness concerns and occasional inconsistencies in food quality, such as hard bread or tasteless sandwiches. Limited seating is also a point of feedback.