oChef » The Anchovy Bar – San Francisco » The Anchovy Bar – San Francisco – Reviews

The Anchovy Bar - Reviews

1740 O’Farrell St, 94115 San Francisco
All reviews at a glance
488

Reviews

82.2%

Satisfaction

63

negative

24

neutral

401

positive

What people say about The Anchovy Bar

Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Camila U.
Review date: 10/27/2025
10
Anchovy Bar: A Must-Visit in SF!
My experience at Anchovy Bar was absolutely beautiful and delicious. You have to go and see it for yourself. I can’t wait to return to SF to have their Anchovy Toast again. Our server was also lovely. If you’re deciding between State Bird and Anchovy Bar, pick Anchovy Bar. You won’t regret it!
  • Anchovy Toast10
  • server9
  • experience10
Price per Person
  • $41–$50
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Noise Level
  • Loud
Patrick A.
Review date: 10/21/2025
7
Amazing Food, Service Marred by Maitre d'
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially regarding the food. It was truly amazing, with the anchovy being an absolute chef's kiss. Our server was also wonderful and very friendly. However, the service was significantly impacted by the maitre d', who created an anxious atmosphere from the moment we arrived. She warned us about a time limit at our table due to another reservation and repeatedly checked on us to hurry us along throughout the meal. This constant awareness of her presence detracted from the overall experience.
  • food10
  • anchovy10
  • server8
  • maitre d'2
  • time limit3
  • presence3
Price per Person
  • $61–$70
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Matt F.
Review date: 10/21/2025
9
Incredible Toast and Squid!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. We ordered the toast and squid, and both were incredible — simple but packed with flavor. The toast was perfectly crisp with just the right hit of salt and richness, and the squid was tender and beautifully balanced with acidity and spice. Everything felt thoughtful and unfussy, just really dialed in. The vibe is relaxed but elevated — the kind of place where every dish feels crafted by people who love what they do. Can’t wait to come back and try more.
  • toast10
  • squid10
  • flavor9
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Queen B.
Review date: 10/17/2025
9
Fresh Flavors and Fun Vibes
My experience at The Anchovy Bar was fantastic! The restaurant is full of fresh, bold flavors. The small plates are perfect for sharing, making it a great option for a group. The vibe is casual and fun, which made for a really relaxed night out with friends.
  • fresh flavors9
  • bold flavors9
  • small plates8
Price per Person
  • $71–$80
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Paul Z.
Review date: 09/27/2025
9
Anchovy Toast Perfection!
My experience was fantastic, especially the anchovy toast. It was so good that I could eat 10 of them! The toast featured a fresh tomato oregano spread on butter-fried sesame toast, finished with flaky salt. The food was rated a perfect 5, and the service and atmosphere were also rated a 5. The noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. We were a group of 2 people dining indoors.
  • anchovy toast10
  • food10
  • service10
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Vivian B.
Review date: 09/20/2025
9
Excellent Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding. I highly recommend trying the anchovy toast; it's perfectly balanced and not overpowering. For those who want a taste of everything, the sampler platter is also a great choice. The service was exceptional, and I would definitely recommend this spot.
  • anchovy toast9
  • sampler platter8
  • service10
Price per Person
  • $51–$60
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Stefano D.
Review date: 09/11/2025
10
Creative Fish Menu with a Unique Sundae
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a very creative fish-based menu. I highly recommend not missing the sundae with dried anchovies, which offers a unique umami meets dessert experience. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect score of 5.
  • fish based menu10
  • sundae with dried anchovies10
  • Service10
Price per Person
  • $101+
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Kris K.
Review date: 09/09/2025
10
Amazing Solo Dining Experience
As an older solo female traveler, I had an amazing experience at The Anchovy Bar. From the moment I walked in, the staff were incredibly friendly, and the menu was both fun and delicious. I was able to order all my small plates in half sizes, which allowed me to try oysters, four small plates, and dessert. The chef's recommendation of 5 to 6 half plates was perfect, leaving me delightfully filled up. I highly recommend this restaurant.
  • staff10
  • menu9
  • small plates9
Visit Type
  • Family Dinner
Group Type
  • Family
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Wait Time
  • Short (6–15 min.)
Katherine G.
Review date: 09/07/2025
10
Excellent Dinner Experience!
I brought family visiting town here and had one of the best dinner experiences! We didn't have a reservation but they welcomed us and seated us with minimal wait. Our servers were all extremely friendly and helpful, and we had the best dishes with a reasonable price. Would highly recommend!
  • servers10
  • dishes10
  • price8
Price per Person
  • $101+
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Stavros M.
Review date: 09/06/2025
9
Creative Seafood Small Plates & Rieslings
What a great restaurant! I experienced creative small dishes based on anchovies, oysters, and other seafood. Even one of their desserts includes candied anchovies (not to everyone's taste, I'm sure). The dishes are great to share, but if you're alone, they'll make half portions so you can try a larger variety. The wine list is short, but well-chosen. Their specialty is Rieslings, and they make it easy to try them by offering half-glasses as well as glasses and bottles. Service is friendly and efficient. If you're seated at the counter, you have a view of the kitchen.
  • small dishes9
  • candied anchovies6
  • dishes to share8

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