Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Sotto Mare – San Francisco
Sotto Mare - San Francisco
Photo from Sotto Mare
Sotto Mare at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 151 of the guests
#660 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#6 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
738
Reviews
77.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful seafood
- Generous portions
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Crowded space
- Questionable cleanliness
The restaurant Sotto Mare is a charming seafood restaurant in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood, where you’ll discover a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll appreciate its great wine list, perfectly complementing the fresh catches.
This spot offers a cozy and casual atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a memorable meal in a historic setting.
Overview: Introducting Sotto Mare
Sotto Mare offers a vibrant seafood experience, frequently lauded for its fresh and flavorful dishes. Many diners highlight the exceptional cioppino and perfectly prepared oysters, showcasing a strong culinary focus that keeps guests coming back for more.
The generous seafood portions are often a talking point. However, be prepared for a bustling environment; the restaurant can get quite crowded, leading to notable wait times.
While the food often shines, the overall dining flow might feel a bit hectic for some, suggesting a lively rather than tranquil atmosphere.
Good
8
out of 10
738
Reviews
77.9%
Satisfaction
107
negative
56
neutral
575
positive
Sotto Mare achieves a solid 8 out of 10 for its overall performance, with customer satisfaction standing at a good 77.9%. This positive reception is built on a substantial base of 738 customer observations, comprising 575 positive remarks against 107 negative ones, indicating a generally well-regarded establishment.
The culinary offerings truly stand out, with Food scoring an excellent (8.3). Service also performs well at a good (7.8), reflecting attentive staff, while the Ambience is rated good (7.3).
Value comes in as average (6.6), suggesting that while the experience is appreciated, some find the pricing a bit steep, though often justified by portion sizes.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful seafood
- Generous portion sizes
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Crowded dining space
- Questionable cleanliness
With a strong recommendation score of 8.4, Sotto Mare is certainly worth considering for seafood enthusiasts. It delivers on its promise of fresh, hearty dishes, particularly if you’re seeking a lively and authentic dining experience.
If you’re willing to navigate potential crowds and wait times for a memorable seafood meal, this spot is a solid choice. However, those seeking a quiet, intimate setting or strict budget dining might find it less suitable.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sotto Mare
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this place really delivers! With a solid 8.3 score and 83.8% customer satisfaction, diners consistently praise the fresh seafood, generous portions, and the standout cioppino. Many of the 357 positive comments highlight the delicious flavors and overall quality.
However, a few of the 39 negative remarks point to some inconsistencies. Concerns included bland food, small shellfish portions, or certain dishes like pasta and sea bass being less impressive. Some found the cioppino or clam chowder to be under-seasoned or simply nothing special.
Food
426
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
39
negative
30
neutral
357
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality seafood
- Generous portions
- Delicious Cioppino
What people don't like
- Unfresh shellfish
- Bland, unseasoned food
Often praised
- foodWe ordered the cioppino and a dozen oysters, and both were outstanding. The cioppino was packed with fresh seafood and bursting with flavor – truly one of the best I've ever had. The oysters were fresh, perfectly chilled, and served with just the right accompaniments.
- cioppinoWe ordered the cioppino and a dozen oysters, and both were outstanding. The cioppino was packed with fresh seafood and bursting with flavor – truly one of the best I've ever had. The oysters were fresh, perfectly chilled, and served with just the right accompaniments.
- seafoodThe Lobster Ravioli is exceptional, with the sauce and the rich lobster filling perfectly complementing each other. The Tomato Soup was also top-notch, packed with high-quality seafood and plenty of crab meat. Although I don't usually enjoy Western-style risotto, I found this one to be truly delicious.
- CioppinoI could eat the Crab Louis salad and Cioppino everyday, but the next time I go I want to try some of their other options because everything looks so good. The Cioppino is easily shareable with two people, packed with seafood, and wine glass pours are healthy, so I think it's a good value!
- oystersThe cioppino was packed with fresh seafood and bursting with flavor – truly one of the best I've ever had. The oysters were fresh, perfectly chilled, and served with just the right accompaniments. The service was exceptional from start to finish; the staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcome.
- portionThey told me the quality and portions were excellent, and they weren't kidding! The Crab Louie was delicious and the portion was almost too much to handle (but somehow, I managed ;)). My partner’s seafood pasta in a cream sauce was also amazing.
- portion sizeWe ordered the famous “Best Damn Crab Cioppino”. The menu says it’s for two, but honestly, it could feed three easily. The flavor was amazing, the seafood super fresh, and that sauce… perfect for dipping bread until the last drop.
- FoodFood:5
- breadAll of us enjoyed our meal, the bread, the soup, the fettuccine Alfredo
- clam chowderThe lobster ravioli and the clam chowder were delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodI visited this restaurant because of its reputation, but the food was not particularly good. The seafood was not fresh, and the green mussels had an unpleasant smell.
- Best Damn Crab Cioppinoso let down as you can obviously tast that everything in the bowl came out of the freezer
- CioppinoI didn’t quite understand the Cioppino. It was very mild
- dessertthey don't serve dessert
- pastaUnfortunately, there was nothing special about the menu or the food itself. The pasta did not taste fresh, the scallops were fishy and chewy, and the salmon was extremely average. The service was mediocre, and the atmosphere was crowded and bare.
- seafoodI visited this restaurant because of its reputation, but the food was not particularly good. The seafood was not fresh, and the green mussels had an unpleasant smell. The staff's attitude was also not good.
- Bay Shrimp Cocktailordered the Bay Shrimp Cocktail
- Lobster RavioliI had such high hopes for their Best Damn Crab Cioppino, but I was so let down as you could obviously taste that everything in the bowl came out of the freezer, even had some foul-tasting mussels. The Lobster Ravioli, we couldn't even taste any lobster 😭. The Sand Dab was actually quite good and was the saver of our lunch.
- blandif not said bland and unappetizing
- cioppinocioppino, which is what they're known for, was completely under seasoned
If youre a seafood enthusiast, especially for cioppino and fresh catches, this place is a strong contender. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the overall consensus points to a delicious and satisfying meal thats worth trying.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.8 and a solid customer satisfaction rate of 72.5%. With 121 positive remarks out of 167, many guests rave about the friendly staff, efficient reservations process, and overall excellent hospitality. The team is often described as accommodating, making any wait time feel worthwhile.
On the flip side, 32 negative comments point to areas for improvement. Frequent concerns include very long wait times and a sometimes chaotic queuing system. A few guests also mentioned difficulties getting a manager's attention or experiencing generally chaotic service during busy periods.
Service
167
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
32
negative
14
neutral
121
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Efficient service
- Accommodating reservations
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Chaotic queuing
- Manager issues
Often praised
- serviceShoutout to our server Maria for making our first visit amazing! She was so sweet, patient, and attentive to us despite manning the whole lower floor of customers. The food is amazing, with the clam chowder and lobster ravioli being not to be missed, besides the obvious cioppino!
- staffEnjoying such an outstanding meal outdoors in the June sunshine was an unforgettable San Francisco experience. The staff and the food are exactly what you'd hope for in a culinary destination worthy of its North Beach address! We will return!
- ServiceI heard a lot of great things about this place, but my experience was just okay. We visited during the North Beach Festival, which might not have been the best timing, but we were seated immediately. I ordered the sea bass, my friend had the clam fettuccini, and we shared 4 west coast oysters.
- waitabsolutely worth it! ... it’s definitely worth it
- wait timethe wait time is not too long.
- reservationsyou can call and make reservations
- FabbieGreat recommendation on the white white Fabbie
- chefschefs were efficient, and effective
- serverOur server was amazing and took great care of us
- CarmenCarmen was an absolutely delightful help
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe pasta did not taste fresh, the scallops were fishy and chewy, and the salmon was extremely average. The service was mediocre, and the atmosphere was crowded and bare. We would not recommend this area or the restaurant.
- waitMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a great venue and delicious food. Be prepared, as you will most likely have to wait. They provide a buzzer/pager, so you can head to one of the bars next door and enjoy a drink while you wait.
- wait timeturned a 35 minute wait into an hour and 10 minutes
- waiting timebe prepared to wait during peak times! We waited over an hour
- chaotic servicemost chaotic service I've ever experienced
- customer serviceMonths have passed with no response. The combination of shrinking portions, high prices, and poor customer service makes me hesitant to order again.
- get a tableCan take some time to get a table
- long waitwaited a long time for a table
- managerWhen we asked to speak to a manager, we were completely ignored
- queuing systemMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food, but be aware that there is a very long wait time for seating. A better queuing system might be useful as you do have people sometimes leaning over you whilst you're eating, especially if you're outside. We shared the oysters, chowder, and the cioppino.
If you're planning a visit, expect generally good service from a friendly and efficient team. Just be prepared for potentially long waits, especially during peak hours, and consider making a reservation to smooth your experience.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.3, indicating a good experience for many. Out of 115 comments, 79 were positive, praising the lively atmosphere, charm, and cozy feel. Many also loved the outdoor seating options, adding to the overall enjoyable dining experience.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.7%, suggesting some areas for improvement. 28 negative comments highlighted issues like cramped conditions, noisy environments, and tight tables. A few even mentioned a fishy smell, which can be a bit off-putting.
Ambience
115
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
28
negative
8
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively, cozy vibe
- Charming, lived-in feel
- Enjoy outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Cramped, tight tables
- Loud, noisy environment
- Fishy smell present
Often praised
- atmosphereMy partner’s seafood pasta in a cream sauce was also amazing. Sitting outside in June was just the icing on the cake. Enjoying such an outstanding meal outdoors in the June sunshine was an unforgettable San Francisco experience.
- AtmosphereWorkers are super diligent and service is amazing. Atmosphere is busy but it feels a little more cozy because of it.
- placeMagnífico! A small, cozy, and unforgettable place. 🥰🤩 I AM COMING BACK!
- ambianceThe ambiance though - super cute
- bar seatingsat at the bar and saw everything being made
- restauranta busy crowded restaurant they are still very accommodating
- seatingLots of seating inside and out
- Kid friendlyKid-friendliness:Kid friendly
- San Francisco staplethis is like a San Francisco staple I bring them to
- all group sizesSuitable for all group sizes
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe service was quick, but neither the host nor the server smiled at us once; the only one who did was the busboy. The place definitely has a vibe, but we just felt uncomfortable because everyone looked so tense. I had such high hopes for their Best Damn Crab Cioppino, but I was so let down as you could obviously taste that everything in the bowl came out of the freezer, even had some foul-tasting mussels.
- InsideInside was crowded and hot
- Street parkingStreet parking difficult
- VERY smallIt's VERY small
- bar noiseThe overall cleanliness of the place seemed questionable, as I observed staff members handling their phones while cooking. Sitting at the bar was quite noisy and chaotic, making it a bit overwhelming.
- basementsit’s dark
- cleanlinessThe overall cleanliness of the place seemed questionable
- crampedYeah, it’s cramped. Tables tight, elbows bumping, voices loud.
- cramped and busyThe place was very cramped and busy
- crowdedPlace was incredibly crowded
If youre looking for a vibrant, cozy spot with a lively buzz and dont mind a bit of closeness, this place could be a fantastic fit. But if you prefer quiet, spacious dining, or are sensitive to noise and tight quarters, you might find it a bit overwhelming. Its all about what kind of "vibe" youre after!
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a lot going for it, with a 6.6 score and a 60% customer satisfaction rate indicating a mixed but generally acceptable experience. Many guests feel they truly get what they pay for, often highlighting the reasonable wine bottle prices and the generous portion sizes. The Crab Cioppino and oysters are frequently mentioned as being well worth it, especially for pescatarians, with 18 positive remarks out of 30 total.
However, its not without its caveats. Some diners found the overall price to be on the higher side, describing the bill as steep or pricey. A few even felt certain dishes, like the cioppino, werent entirely worth the price.
There are 8 negative remarks, with difficult to find parking also popping up as a minor concern.
Value
30
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Reasonable wine prices
- Cioppino worth price
What people don't like
- High overall prices
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- priceThe seafood toppings were generous and abundant throughout the dish. While the price is on the higher side, it's reasonable, and I would definitely visit again.
- valueI could eat the Crab Louis salad and Cioppino everyday, but the next time I go I want to try some of their other options because everything looks so good. The Cioppino is easily shareable with two people, packed with seafood, and wine glass pours are healthy, so I think it's a good value!
- Crab CioppinoCrab Cioppino is expensive but so worth it
- PriceFor over $50 we got a massive portion
- oystersI've been a patron of this restaurant for years, and the quality has consistently remained high. The Cioppino is truly the best in the city, and the oysters are both great and fairly priced. The service is excellent, earning a perfect score.
- portiondecent portion for the price
- price for pescatariansgreat price for pescatarians
- wine bottle pricesthe wine bottle prices were quite reasonable
- worth itThe sourdough wasn’t overly tangy either, which I loved. A bit pricey, but totally worth it.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the food was just okay, the cioppino, which is what they're known for, was completely under seasoned and not worth the price. The restaurant also had a fishy smell, which was a bit off-putting.
- billThe bill was steep but expected for seafood.
- difficult to find parkingDifficult to find parking
- priceyA bit pricey
- somewhat difficult to find parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
If youre looking for generous portions and quality seafood, especially cioppino and oysters, youll likely find the value here acceptable, despite the higher price point. Just be prepared for a potentially steep bill and factor in some time to find parking.
How are the prices at Sotto Mare?
You’re looking at roughly 50 per person – reported by 151 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 is 50, the pricing isn’t strictly clustered there. We see a good number of diners spending in the $31–$40 range, and a fair few exploring more premium options above 50 $, suggesting a menu with a nice spread.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 151 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a mid-range Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value for those looking for quality seafood without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sotto Mare
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent First-Time Experience!
As a first-time customer, my experience at this restaurant was outstanding. The atmosphere and environment were very clean and welcoming. The service was on point, and the food was delicious.
I highly recommend this place!
- atmosphere10
- service10
- food10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Good Cioppino, but Not My Style
I visited this restaurant due to social media influence and ordered the oysters and the very famous cioppino. It was a good meal overall. However, I don't particularly like Italian cuisine, so I might not have appreciated it as much as others.
The atmosphere was rated a 4, and the service was also rated a 4. The noise level was loud, but still manageable for conversation.
- oysters6
- cioppino6
- atmosphere7
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Solid seafood spot, expect a wait
This is a solid seafood restaurant. On weekends, expect a wait of 20+ minutes for a table, but it's probably worth it.
- seafood restaurant8
- wait for table4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Worth the Wait for Cioppino!
My experience at this restaurant was definitely worth the wait and hype! The cioppino soup portion is huge and very flavorful, packed with seafood. I also enjoyed their delicious clam linguine.
A helpful tip: you can call to make reservations for groups of more than 3 people. I highly recommend this place because the lines are always long.
- cioppino soup10
- clam linguine9
- wait8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Unplanned Gem: Amazing Pasta and Cioppino!
What an unexpected delight! We managed to snag a last-minute reservation in SF, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience. The aglio e olio crab pasta was absolutely unreal – a true standout.
My companions also raved about their cioppino. It was a memorable meal.
- aglio e olio crab pasta10
- cioppino9
- last min reservation8
What Sotto Mare offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Sotto Mare?
Yes, reservations are accepted at Sotto Mare, and they are highly recommended for dinner, lunch, and brunch, especially given its popularity. Planning ahead ensures you secure your spot at this beloved San Francisco seafood restaurant, guaranteeing a smooth dining experience.
What accessibility and parking options are available at Sotto Mare?
Sotto Mare provides wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. For parking, you’ll find free and paid street parking, along with a paid parking lot. However, be aware that securing a spot can sometimes be difficult in this popular San Francisco neighborhood.
What is the overall verdict on Sotto Mare?
Sotto Mare earns a strong **8** out of 10, with **Food** leading at (8.3), followed by **Service** (7.8) and **Ambience** (7.3). **Value** stands at (6.6), indicating a generally good experience.
What kind of food can I expect at Sotto Mare?
Diners frequently praise the fresh **seafood**, especially the **cioppino** and **oysters**, noting generous **portion sizes**. While many find the food exceptional, a few opinions mention some dishes, like certain **pasta** or the **cioppino**, could be underseasoned.
What is the dining atmosphere like at Sotto Mare?
The atmosphere is often described as **cozy** and busy, with many enjoying outdoor seating. Be prepared for a **crowded** and potentially **noisy** environment, and expect **long wait times** during peak hours.