Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Tadich Grill – San Francisco
Tadich Grill - San Francisco
Photo from Tadich Grill
Tadich Grill at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 142 of the guests
#1311 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#24 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
745
Reviews
71.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Historic Charm
- Attentive Service
- Quality Seafood
Frequently criticized
- High Noise
- Food Inconsistency
- Pricey Experience
The restaurant Tadich Grill, a renowned Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood, invites you to experience a piece of history. You’ll discover a menu brimming with fresh catches, complemented by a truly great wine list.
This historic spot offers a blend of upscale and casual dining, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a lively lunch, you’ll find an authentic San Francisco experience here.
Overview: Introducting Tadich Grill
Tadich Grill offers a distinctive dining experience, often celebrated for its enduring ambience and attentive service. Guests frequently appreciate the historic feel and the welcoming staff who contribute to a memorable visit.
However, the culinary offerings can be a point of discussion, with some finding the food inconsistent. Additionally, the lively setting, while charming to many, can sometimes lead to a noisy environment, which might not suit everyone’s preference.
Good
7.4
out of 10
745
Reviews
71.8%
Satisfaction
167
negative
43
neutral
535
positive
Tadich Grill holds an overall score of 7.4, reflecting a generally good experience, with customer satisfaction standing at 71.8%. This indicates that a solid majority of diners leave content with their visit.
The restaurant garnered 745 customer opinions, with 535 positive remarks against 167 negative ones. Looking closer, the Ambience (8.1) receives high marks, often praised for its unique character.
Food (7.5) also scores well, though some opinions suggest variability. Service (7.0) is considered good, while Value (4.6) is where the restaurant shows room for improvement, with some guests finding prices a bit steep for the experience.
What people like
- Historic, lively atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly service
- Quality seafood dishes
What people don't like
- Can be quite noisy
- Inconsistent food execution
- Value concerns for some
If you’re seeking a restaurant with a rich history, a vibrant atmosphere, and generally attentive service, Tadich Grill, with a recommendation score of 7.4, could be a worthwhile visit. It’s a place where the overall experience often outweighs individual dish critiques.
However, be prepared for a potentially lively and loud setting, and manage expectations regarding the consistency of the food and the overall value for money. It’s best suited for those who prioritize the classic dining experience over a quiet, budget-friendly meal.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Seafood Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
540
88.9%
- $$
- Bernal Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Seafood Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
604
83.9%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Seafood Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
532
83.8%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Seafood Restaurant
8.1
out of 10
out of 10
692
80.8%
- $$
- Bayview District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Seafood Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
738
77.9%
- $$
- North Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Seafood Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
1071
79%
- $$
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Tadich Grill
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 73.2%. Many diners, 284 out of 388 opinions, rave about the fresh seafood, delicious cioppino, and amazing clam chowder. Dont forget to save room for the "excellent bread pudding" – its a consistent highlight!
However, some of the 79 negative comments point to a lack of flavor or bland dishes, with a few instances of cold food or concerns about seasoning. There were also specific disappointments like canned shrimp in the cioppino for some, suggesting inconsistency in preparation.
Food
388
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
79
negative
25
neutral
284
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh seafood
- Delicious cioppino
- Excellent bread pudding
What people don't like
- Lack of flavor
- Bland dishes
- Cold food
Often praised
- foodThe atmosphere was wonderfully cozy and festive, as always during the holidays, and the service for 16 people couldn't have been better. No one wanted for anything, food and drinks were perfectly timed, and everything was DELICIOUS. I've been coming to Tadich since I was a kid, and it's never, ever failed to be wonderful.
- seafoodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the oldest in San Francisco and serves fantastic seafood and their legendary cioppino. The waiters are old school awesome, and the ambiance is equally impressive.
- cioppinoCrab cocktail, sand dabs, cioppino, petrale sole, halibut
- CioppinoCioppino which came with everything the traditional dish would come with
- FoodFood and service were excellent
- clam chowderAmazing clam chowder where you can taste the clams
- sourdough breadHowever, the food is exceptional. I especially love the fried clam strips and the New England clam chowder with fresh sourdough bread.
- drinksfor the drinks, other than that I honestly do not recommend
- Oysters RockefellerOysters Rockefeller were outstanding
- dinnerBest dinner and reception party/celebration ever!!
Frequently criticized
- foodWhile the service and atmosphere were excellent, receiving a 5/5 rating, the food itself was a letdown, scoring only a 2/5. I honestly do not recommend the food per se, but as I said, the place, the service, and the drinks are great!
- dinnerThe service was great, and the drinks and chowder were pretty decent. However, the rest of the dinner was pretty lousy, especially considering the price. The veggies and sides tasted like they hadn't been seasoned since 1865.
- Rib EyeThe Rib Eye was frigid and delivered cold.
- clam chowderclam chowder tasted no better than something from a fast-food chain
- cocktailvery disappointing cocktail
- cocktailsThe crafting of cocktails are also lack luster on his behalf.
- food poisoningthe food might have partially given me food poisoning
- green beansthe potatoes and green beans are boiled, undercooked and bland
- potatoesthe potatoes and green beans are boiled, undercooked and bland
- Chef Specialchef special, e.g., scallops on a bed of spinach was a miserable presentation of fresh scallops on a Lilly Pad of tasteless yellow sauce
If youre craving classic, fresh seafood and dont mind the occasional inconsistency in seasoning, this spot is worth a visit. Just be prepared that while many dishes shine, some might fall a bit flat on flavor.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, attentive service, and great service, often describing it as impeccable service or even old school service. With 124 positive remarks among 189 total, it seems many experiences are truly welcoming and well-orchestrated.
However, the customer satisfaction, sitting at a mixed 65.6%, suggests there's a bit of a mixed bag. About 59 negative comments point to issues like rude or shockingly rude staff, disrespect, and slow or inattentive service. Some guests reported a lack of engagement or impatient interactions, indicating inconsistency.
Service
189
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
59
negative
6
neutral
124
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Impeccable, old-school service
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Lack of engagement
Often praised
- serviceWhile the service and atmosphere were excellent, receiving a 5/5 rating, the food itself was a letdown, scoring only a 2/5. I honestly do not recommend the food per se, but as I said, the place, the service, and the drinks are great!
- staffBoth the grilled dishes and pasta were incredibly tasty, perfectly seasoned and cooked. The service was also excellent, with super friendly and attentive staff. I would definitely come back!
- ServiceNYC attitude in the service
- waitersdon’t question the waiters, just listen to their sage advice
- serverrecommendation from my server who was an awesome guy
- friendly staffMy experience at this landmark establishment was wonderful, thanks to the friendly, quality staff, a naturally relaxing pub retreat atmosphere, and great food. Personally, I enjoyed the rockfish with steamed vegetables and the house salad.
- great serviceAs a group of three from across the pond, we were looked after perfectly by Paul from the moment we made him aware of ourselves after entering. Friendly chat and great service coupled with excellent food. Personally, I ate the white chowder and grilled rockfish with shrimp, and I'd recommend these to lovers of seafood.
- impeccable servicehad impeccable service
- recommendationsmade incredible recommendations on food and drinks
- reservationsIt was a fantastic dining experience. I would recommend making reservations. Everything we ordered was so tasty, and the Bourbon Bread Pudding was a great way to finish the meal.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThis isn’t a conclusion I come to lightly, but the difference in service between tables was too obvious to ignore. Our server, Tim, barely stopped by our table compared to the traditionally presenting couple seated directly across from us. From grabbing a drink at the bar with the General Manager, Stephen, to the end of our meal, the lack of engagement and apparent disinterest were impossible to miss.
- waiterI was extremely disappointed with both the food and service. The waiter hovered around our table and removed plates and silverware before we were finished with our appetizers. I ordered the Rockfish and Crab and it was legitimately one of the worst meals I’ve ever eaten, let alone paid $38 for.
- serverOur server was dismissive and clearly didn’t like a serving a same sex couple.
- waitersWaiters also have been instructed to keep things moving
- ServiceIt was literally barked at us.
- staffstaff who are above their retirement age
- wait timehad to wait about 35 mins when they said it would be 5
- Asian staffThere is an Asian staff who always ignor me and my frien(Asian)
- Asian touristthey just want to serve them and not ASIAN TOURIST like as
- additional side platehe said “No this is America”
Overall, the service here can be a real highlight, offering a classic, attentive experience that many adore. However, with some reports of rudeness or inattentiveness, its a bit of a gamble. If youre willing to roll the dice for potentially great service, it's worth a visit, but be aware of possible inconsistencies.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.1 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 86.3%, its clear most diners adore the vibe. Many of the 120 positive comments highlight the classic dining and old-school San Francisco dining experience, praising its sophistication, elegance, and formality and the rich history and tradition that permeates the space.
It often feels like a bustling, yet cozy, atmosphere, making for a great evening. However, its not all quiet contemplation. A few of the 14 negative observations point out that the ambience can be quite noisy or loud inside, with some finding the noise level a bit much for conversation.
There were also mentions of restaurant smells and that it might not be the best place for children, suggesting it's more geared towards an adult crowd seeking a lively, historic setting.
Ambience
139
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
14
negative
5
neutral
120
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Classic historic charm
- Elegant old-school vibe
- Bustling, cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Can be very noisy
- Not child-friendly
- Unpleasant restaurant smells
Often praised
- atmosphereThe seafood was always fresh, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. The historic atmosphere and attentive service made it a must-visit spot for seafood lovers.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeWhile the service and atmosphere were excellent, receiving a 5/5 rating, the food itself was a letdown, scoring only a 2/5. I honestly do not recommend the food per se, but as I said, the place, the service, and the drinks are great!
- ambiancethe service and ambiance were great
- ambienceThe ambience and food are something that I relish
- barlong sprawling bar where guests can sit
- restaurantThe service was also very welcoming. It is truly delightful to witness such a great restaurant steeped in 175 years of history.
- counterThe counter is lively
- dining experienceThe dining experience here stands out
- experiencemore of an experience
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere was incredibly noisy
- noiseMost negative was the noise.
- noisyIt can be hard to get a seat because this place is so popular, and it gets noisy when crowded. However, the food is exceptional.
- environmentIt is NOT a quiet environment.
- loud insideit is a bit loud inside
- noise levelVery loud, hard to hear
- parkingThe food received a rating of 3, the service also received a 3, and the atmosphere was rated at 3. Parking was unavailable and difficult to find. The price per person was between $50–100.
- place for childrenIt's a very good place for doing business or simply a casual dinner, with no frills. It is not a place to bring children.
- restaurant smellsthe restaurant smells like old furniture and humidity
- restaurant's historyhow disrespectful of the restaurants history
If youre looking for a vibrant, historic San Francisco dining experience with classic charm, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially lively and bustling atmosphere, as it can get a bit noisy, and its probably best suited for an adult night out rather than a quiet family dinner.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners felt their experience was WORTH EVERY PENNY, praising the affordable wine selection and generally reasonable pricing. Based on 7 positive comments, a few found it very reasonable compared to other places, appreciating the no frills approach. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.6, its clear some guests found genuine worth in their visit.
However, a significant number of guests, 15 to be exact, found the value quite disappointing. Many described the experience as lousy for the price, very expensive, and over pricey, feeling it was not worth the money or the pricey tag. This sentiment is strongly reflected in the customer satisfaction, which is a poor 24.1%, suggesting that for many, the cost simply didnt align with the quality received.
Value
29
Reviews
24%
Satisfaction
15
negative
7
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Affordable wine
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Poor value
Often praised
- PricesPersonally, I ate the white chowder and grilled rockfish with shrimp, and I'd recommend these to lovers of seafood. Prices were more than reasonable for a city centre location.
- WORTH EVERY PENNYMy experience at this restaurant was WORTH EVERY PENNY. The service was literally the very best we have had in many years and the best ever in SF.
- affordable wine selectionThe Oysters Rockefeller and Bay shrimp cocktail were outstanding. I was impressed by the great affordable wine selection and the excellent fish. The wonderful bread was a perfect accompaniment, all served by a competent experienced staff.
- no frillscasual dinner nada de lujos
- priceit was very reasonable compared with some “posh” places
- pricesPrices are reasonable for this sort of place
- pricingReasonable pricing
Frequently criticized
- priceThe cocktails were subpar, and surprisingly, the mocktail for my child was the best drink we had. The food was either too expensive or not very good; it needs to either improve in quality or reduce its price. For a place that's recommended for seafood, it seems to rely on hype rather than substance.
- DinnerDinner was very expensive
- charging this muchI asked for a simple sauce for my steak and was handed a tub of horseradish instead. The staff was shockingly rude and definitely not what you’d expect from a place charging this much.
- entreesentree’s are a tad pricey
- establishmentpricey establishment, I had hoped for something much better
- moneyNot worth the money you will spend here
- pricesOverall, there's nothing memorable anymore. The prices are also out of this world. I slowly recalled how my friend and some colleagues were treated here.
- pricey taglet alone the pricey tag!
When it comes to value, its a real mixed bag. Some found the pricing reasonable and their experience truly valuable, but many felt the cost was simply too high for what was offered. If youre sensitive to price, you might find it disappointing, as it often didn't meet expectations.
How are the prices at Tadich Grill?
You’re looking at roughly 65 per person – reported by 142 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the full picture, prices are quite spread out. While many guests spend in the 31 – 50 $ range, there’s also a significant number opting for more premium experiences, with many spending 71 $ or more. So, you can find options across a decent spectrum here!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 142 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco. Given the city and the cuisine, 65 per person offers a good balance, especially with the variety of price points available for different experiences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tadich Grill
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Old School Charm and Exquisite Flavors
My experience at this restaurant was like stepping back in time, with its exquisite old school charm. The service was second to none, and Brian S. Truly made the night extra special.
I highly recommend trying the Sidecar, which was the best I've ever had, as touted in the cocktail menu. The Oysters were awesome, the clam chowder was amazing, thick, and flavorful. The Sole stuffed with crab and shrimp a la Newburg and the Seafood Sautéed were simply divine.
As the oldest restaurant in California, it's a must-visit. Make sure to get reservations.
- old school charm9
- service10
- Brian S.10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Exceptional Service and Marvelous Sole
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The service was outstanding, characterized by attentiveness without being overbearing or obsequious. I found the grilled petrale sole to be marvelous.
The atmosphere was very energetic yet civilized, allowing for easy conversation with tablemates. Furthermore, the prices were reasonable for the caliber of the establishment.
- service10
- grilled petrale sole10
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Terrific Dungeness Crab Cake Experience
We stopped here for a lunch while visiting San Francisco, wanting to try some dungeness crab. As someone who grew up on the East Coast and has had my share of crab cakes, I found the one I had here to be terrific. While it was pricey, I appreciated the generous amount of crab.
This restaurant offers a great atmosphere for a more of a date night experience and to sample some authentic San Francisco fare. I would recommend!
- dungeness crab cake10
- amount of crab9
- pricey6
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Cool Vibes, Great Seafood
My experience at the tadich grill was really cool. The restaurant has a long sprawling bar where guests can sit and eat or grab a drink, which spans most of the first floor. The food was on the expensive side, but given its history and location, it felt appropriate.
I had a mixed seafood plate recommended by the bartender, and it was really good.
- vibez8
- bar8
- food6
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Charming SF Gem for Solo Dining
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's an old-school gem located in the heart of San Francisco. I enjoyed a delicious shrimp cocktail and a classic martini.
The atmosphere was incredibly welcoming, making it a comfortable experience for a solo-dining female to eat alone at the bar. I can't wait to revisit!
- shrimp cocktail9
- martini8
- welcoming10
What Tadich Grill offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- 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
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Tadich Grill?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially for lunch and dinner. You can plan ahead to secure your table and enjoy the historic ambiance and delicious seafood offerings at this popular San Francisco spot.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Tadich Grill, and is it accessible?
You’ll find a blend of casual, upscale, and historic charm at Tadich Grill, making it a cozy and romantic choice. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
What is the overall rating for Tadich Grill?
Tadich Grill has an overall score of **7.4**, with **Ambience** (8.1) and **Food** (7.5) being its strongest aspects, followed by **Service** (7.0) and **Value** (4.6).
Is Tadich Grill a good place for a quiet meal?
Many customers note that the **atmosphere** can be quite **noisy**, especially when crowded, making it less ideal for a quiet dining experience.
What kind of food can I expect at Tadich Grill?
Tadich Grill is known for its seafood, with positive mentions for items like **cioppino** and **clam chowder**, though some opinions suggest the overall food quality can be inconsistent.