Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Waterbar – San Francisco
Waterbar - San Francisco
Photo from Waterbar
Waterbar at a glance
San Francisco Rincon Hill
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 151 of the guests
#1024 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#15 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
919
Reviews
75.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Bay views
- Fresh seafood
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Weak drinks
- Rude staff
The restaurant Waterbar is a premier Seafood Restaurant located in the vibrant Rincon Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover an upscale dining experience here, renowned for its exceptional seafood and a truly great wine list.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner or a trendy spot for lunch, this establishment offers a memorable culinary journey right on The Embarcadero.
Overview: Introducting Waterbar
Waterbar offers a compelling experience, often praised for its stunning views and delicious oysters. While many appreciate the attentive staff, some guests have noted concerns regarding certain drinks.
This spot generally provides a pleasant atmosphere for dining. The overall dining experience at Waterbar is frequently highlighted for its elegant setting and fresh seafood.
However, a few patrons have expressed reservations about the perceived value of some menu items, suggesting a mixed perception of pricing.
Good
7.6
out of 10
919
Reviews
75.1%
Satisfaction
199
negative
30
neutral
690
positive
Waterbar holds a solid overall score of 7.6, indicating a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 75.1%, which is considered good, reflecting that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 919 customer remarks, with 690 positive observations outweighing 199 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (8.4) truly shines, offering a memorable setting.
Food (7.7) also performs well, consistently impressing diners, and Service (7.4) is largely commendable. However, Value (4.1) presents a more average picture, suggesting that while some find the pricing fair, others feel it could be more competitive, especially outside of happy hour.
What people like
- Stunning Bay views
- Fresh seafood selection
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- High dinner prices
- Inconsistent drink quality
- Occasional rude staff
Waterbar is a strong contender for those prioritizing a beautiful setting and quality seafood. With a recommendation score of 7.7, it’s certainly worth considering for a special occasion or a delightful meal with a view.
The positive feedback on food and ambiance is quite consistent. However, be mindful of the pricing, particularly for dinner and certain beverages, as value perceptions vary.
If you’re seeking an experience where the setting and fresh offerings take center stage, Waterbar delivers, but manage expectations regarding the overall cost.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Waterbar
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at 75.8%, both indicating a good experience. Many rave about the fresh oysters, delicious food, and impressive wine selection, with 314 positive remarks out of 414 total comments. However, its not all perfect.
Some guests have noted concerns about small portion sizes, bland food, and occasional allergy issues, alongside an uneven quality in certain dishes. These points are reflected in the 83 negative observations, suggesting theres still room for improvement in consistency.
Food
414
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
83
negative
17
neutral
314
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh oysters
- Delicious seafood
- Creative cocktails
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent quality
- Allergy concerns
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I found it to be the best place to stop for a great view, great cocktails, and amazing food. It's a must in the Bay Area.
- oystersThe happy hour pricing was reasonable, ranging from $10 to $25. The oysters were amazing and fresh, tasting like they were just caught. I also enjoyed the crab cakes, which were really good little bites, and some marinated olives, a personal favorite snack.
- seafoodfood is mostly seafood which is delicious and fresh
- cocktailsThe amazing view of the Bay Bridge of San Francisco, coupled with the outside heated dining option, created a wonderful atmosphere. As a local, I found the gourmet selection of seafood and steak and incredible cocktails to be impressive. The soft shell crab appetizer was truly one of a kind, and the rib eye, served with homemade pasta and spinach, was divine.
- fish and chipsMy steak was cooked perfectly. While her fish and chips was a satisfying portion, another guest who ordered a fish entree felt their portion was small for the price.
- drinksThe oysters, drinks, milk bread..really everything is just amazing
- wineMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, especially during happy hour. I enjoyed the great oysters and wine. The outside seating offered a great view of the bay.
- FoodFood:5
- breadHot salted bread with herb butter.
- crab cocktailThe aguachile was really flavorful with citrusy notes that paired perfectly with the sea bass. We were pleasantly surprised by the generous amount of crabmeat in the crab cocktail, and it was great not having to crack the crabs ourselves. Our servers were attentive, promptly taking our oyster orders whenever they noticed we were running low.
Frequently criticized
- foodFor the price ($19), I expected something more unique and refreshing. The view from Waterbar is undeniably beautiful, but unfortunately, it's not enough to make up for the overpriced food and subpar drinks. Given the high prices and disappointing experience, I wouldn't recommend Waterbar to others.
- mealUnfortunately, I have an allium allergy, which I detailed in my reservation notes and to my waiter. When my meal arrived with what appeared to be shallots on the mushrooms, I informed my server, who relayed the message to the head chef. The chef personally assured me the ingredient was corn husk, so I consumed the meal.
- drinksWhile the hostess was super nice and we got seated at a table with a view, that's really the only highlight of the evening. It took 20 minutes just to get our drink order in, and when they came out, they were some of the worst we've had. It wasn't packed, there were still plenty of open tables on Wednesday night, and they didn't seem understaffed.
- fish and chipsWe tried a soup, but it was bitter and just didn’t taste right – not something I’d recommend at all. The fish and chips sounded promising but were greasy and bland, lacking seasoning and having a heavy batter. The milky bread was another miss – dry, dense, and didn’t really pair well with anything.
- portion sizesAlso, the portion is very small, I mean really small.
- cocktailTasting more like a watered-down mix of orange and mango juice
- flavorThe opinion I have of this place is that you pay for the location and not for the food. The food is not that tasty and doesn’t even reach 10% flavor from other options around the city. If it were just for the food, I wouldn’t go back, but the location is what has the hype.
- optionsThe options were also very limited
- oystersWhile the restaurant boasts a stunning view of the bridge, the food and drinks fell far short of expectations. During dinner, a dozen oysters cost a whopping $60, which I found outrageous. While Happy Hour might be a better value, the dinner prices are steep.
- soupUnfortunately, everything else we ordered was kind of a letdown. We tried a soup, but it was bitter and just didn’t taste right – not something I’d recommend at all. The fish and chips sounded promising but were greasy and bland, lacking seasoning and having a heavy batter.
If you're looking for fresh seafood, especially oysters, and a great wine selection, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might have smaller portions or inconsistent quality, so choose wisely.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
Based on 233 observations, the service here generally shines, earning a solid score of 7.4. Many guests raved about the attentive and knowledgeable staff, praising their impeccable service and friendly and attentive service. With 162 positive remarks, its clear that many experienced excellent and even perfect service from the team, making their dining memorable.
However, with 62 negative comments and a customer satisfaction of 69.5%, theres a bit of a mixed bag. Some diners encountered slow service, long waiting times, or even a rude, entitled attitude from certain staff members, particularly hosts. Issues like forgotten orders and difficulty getting the cheque also popped up, suggesting inconsistencies.
Service
233
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
62
negative
9
neutral
162
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Impeccable service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude host
- Long waits
Often praised
- serviceOther members of my party enjoyed the fish and chips, sole, and ravioli dishes. The venue is perfect for a business lunch as it was quiet, scenic, and the service was on point. I chose one of the most virtuous options, which was good for lunch, though I admit I'll be ready for a heavier dinner later.
- serverThankfully, the manager was professional and knew how to communicate respectfully. Once we were seated, our server was excellent, and the food—as always—was outstanding. I’ve been to Waterbar many times and have always enjoyed the experience, but this was the first time I’ve encountered such poor treatment from a host.
- staffWhat truly sets Waterbar apart, in addition to its cuisine and ambiance, is the outstanding service. The staff is genuinely warm, attentive, and charming. From the servers to the entire team, everyone was incredibly pleasant and professional, contributing to a welcoming and memorable dining experience.
- waiterI meant to write this review sooner, I'm sorry about that. Stephan was our waiter and he is amazing! He was attentive, kind, fun to talk to, and we ordered a bottle of wine and he portioned that so well throughout the meal.
- ServiceService was excellent and very helpful
- recommendationsThe prices were great, and the staff was even better. I regret not getting our waiter's name because he was awesome and provided great recommendations. We will definitely be returning.
- wait staffHowever, the service was a significant letdown, rated at a 1. While the hostesses were friendly and professional, and some wait staff were wonderful, my waiter was rather absent. A particularly disappointing moment occurred when I discreetly showed him a piece of glass found in the Pink Moon oysters.
- excellent serviceThe combination of excellent service
- impeccable servicewith its impeccable service
- teamthe whole team made us feel so special
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe outside seating offered a great view of the bay. While the service was a little slow, the staff were clearly very busy, which is understandable. Overall, it was a good experience with excellent food and atmosphere.
- serverMy experience at the bar was horrible. Christian was possibly the worst server I’ve ever experienced. He was extremely rude for no reason.
- waiting timeDespite having a reservation and checking in with the host, we were left waiting in the foyer while a walk-in party of the same size, who arrived after us, was seated first. This was not acceptable—reservations should be honored and prioritized.
- reservationDespite having a reservation and checking in with the host, we were left waiting in the foyer while a walk-in party of the same size, who arrived after us, was seated first. This was not acceptable—reservations should be honored and prioritized.
- ChristianExtremely rude for no reason
- ServiceService:1
- bar seatingThe woman we first encountered came across as dismissive and even discriminatory in her behavior. She didn’t greet us properly, refused to give us a menu, and wouldn’t allow us to sit at the bar—despite there being open seats—while we waited for our table. The situation was so uncomfortable that we had to speak with the manager just to be seated, even though a table was clearly available.
- bartenderAs a local, I will do anything to avoid this place. One of the bartenders has been totally rude, twice. The atmosphere is unwelcoming, and I've tried to support them, but it's just not worth my time.
- behaviorMy recent experience at Waterbar began with a terrible first impression due to an incredibly rude and unwelcoming host. The woman we first encountered came across as dismissive and even discriminatory in her behavior. She didn’t greet us properly, refused to give us a menu, and wouldn’t allow us to sit at the bar—despite there being open seats—while we waited for our table.
- check inno one check in with us
So, should you go? While the service often hits high notes with attentive and knowledgeable staff, be aware that some experiences have been marred by slow or inconsistent service, especially with hosts. If you value excellent service and are willing to risk a minor hiccup, it's worth a try, but manage expectations for potential wait times.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.4 and an impressive 88.4% customer satisfaction. Based on 205 positive observations out of 232 total, guests consistently rave about the stunning views, particularly of the Bay Bridge, creating a relaxing atmosphere and a beautiful restaurant setting. Its clearly a place designed to impress with its prime location and unique atmosphere.
However, its not without its quirks. With 27 negative comments, some visitors found the space could be loud or noisy, occasionally leading to a ruined vibe. A few also mentioned issues with cold drafts from doors or concerns about the fish tanks, suggesting certain areas might need a bit of attention to maintain comfort for all.
Ambience
232
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
27
negative
0
neutral
205
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning bridge views
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Beautiful decor
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Unsettling fish tanks
- Drafty seating
Often praised
- atmosphereWith consistently excellent reviews on Yelp and Google, my expectations were high, and they were thoroughly exceeded. The restaurant boasts an elegant and refined atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for a wide variety of occasions, from intimate dinners to special celebrations. The space is visually stunning, with beautiful waterfront views and thoughtful design that elevate the entire experience.
- viewI booked our table two weeks in advance, and upon arrival, we were greeted with a small, cute card signed by the staff, which was a fantastic touch. The restaurant clearly pays great attention to details, arranging our table to offer the most beautiful view. It provided a hundred million views and unforgettable impressions.
- viewsThe location is very good, offering views of the bay bridge from the window, and the aquarium in the restaurant was a nice touch. We also had a reservation for dinner and were moved to dining tables with breathtaking views. For dinner, we tried the Seared tuna, beef, and lamb.
- locationI gave it five stars, to say the least! The drinks were pricey, but that's expected for a place with one of the best locations in the world. The service and atmosphere also received five stars.
- ambiancethe overall ambiance, with the view and delicious food, more than made up for it
- patioMy experience at this restaurant was a beautiful dinner out on the patio. The sun was shining bright, which was welcome, though some visitors might find it to be too much.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was fantastic
- ambiencethe food, ambience, and service were all outstanding
- Bay Bridge viewsloved the Bay Bridge views
- barthey have a lovely bar that you could sit in
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereOne of the bartenders has been totally rude, twice. The atmosphere is unwelcoming, and I've tried to support them, but it's just not worth my time.
- parkingThe service and atmosphere were also excellent, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating. However, parking is a struggle, so it's best to Uber to this restaurant.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- acousticsthe acoustics inside was so loud
- ambienceambience is marginal
- coldwe find it too cold
- crowded side roomseated us in the crowded side room
- decorcharacter of decor is bland and unremarkable
- doorsdoors outside were kept open throughout the evening and we were very cold
- experiencequiet, romantic experience should change their expectations
If you're looking for a place with breathtaking views and a generally fantastic atmosphere for a special occasion, this restaurant is definitely worth considering. Just be mindful that it can get a bit lively, and some seating areas might be less comfortable than others.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found bright spots, noting that prices were quite reasonable for San Francisco standards, especially praising the Happy Hour deal and specific items like oysters for their good pricing. There were even mentions of low prices for the quality received, making some experiences quite satisfying. However, the overall picture for value is a bit of a mixed bag, with a 4.1 score indicating its average, and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 22.5%.
Out of 40 total comments, a significant 27 pointed to issues like unexpected health mandate surcharges, generally expensive items, and a lack of value for money, particularly with drinks and the wine list'.
Value
40
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
27
negative
4
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable Happy Hour
- Good oyster prices
What people don't like
- Unexpected surcharges
- High overall prices
- Poor value
Often praised
- priceFor San Francisco standards, the price was quite reasonable
- pricesI had zero complaints about the entire experience. Great food, great service, and the prices were right where they should be. Exactly what I hoped this experience would be.
- Happy Hour deallove the Happy Hour deal
- billThe food was tasty, but for some reason, the soup was COLD. I must admit, after bringing it to their attention, they cheerfully adjusted the bill. I will return to re-up the oysters and try some other seafood!
- happy hour pricinghappy which pricing was reasonable
- price on the oystersthe price on the oysters made this a bargain
Frequently criticized
- priceThe Mango N5 cocktail was a huge disappointment, tasting more like a watered-down mix of orange and mango juice, lacking creativity and flavor. For the price ($19), I expected something more unique and refreshing. The view from Waterbar is undeniably beautiful, but unfortunately, it's not enough to make up for the overpriced food and subpar drinks.
- billMy experience at this restaurant was marred by a dishonest server. The server did not inform me that the tip was included in the bill and instead suggested I select a tip on the credit card payment terminal. This led to me paying a 40% tip for the dinner.
- moneyNever ever waste your money on this place.
- tipDespite the already higher-end prices, a 6% health mandate surcharge was added to the bill. To make matters worse, customers are then asked to leave a tip of *at least* 20%. This tip is calculated not only in addition to the surcharge but also based on the subtotal *plus* the surcharge.
- 40% tipI end up paying 40% tip for the dinner
- Yamazaki 12to my surprise it was $80 for a pour of Yamazaki 12…RIDICULOUS!
- bottles of wine$1200+ bottles of wine are pretentious and ridiculous
- dinner pricesDuring dinner, a dozen oysters cost a whopping $60, which I found outrageous. While Happy Hour might be a better value, the dinner prices are steep. The Mango N5 cocktail was a huge disappointment, tasting more like a watered-down mix of orange and mango juice, lacking creativity and flavor.
- drinksDrinks are pricey
- expensiveMy experience at this restaurant was very disappointing and very expensive. The food was uneven; some things like their sauces were really delicious, but then other parts were just so-so.
If youre looking for a deal, Happy Hour might be your best bet, as regular dinner prices and drinks often feel steep. Be prepared for potential surcharges and scrutinize your bill to ensure youre getting the value you expect.
How are the prices at Waterbar?
You’re looking at roughly 73 $ per person – reported by 151 diners. That puts it in the $71–$80 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, the price distribution shows a good number of guests opt for a more premium experience, with many spending well over 90 $ per person. So, there’s a nice mix of options, from a solid meal to something a bit more indulgent!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 151 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. There’s flexibility for different budgets, allowing guests to choose their own adventure, from a delicious mid-range meal to a more lavish seafood feast.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Waterbar
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Anniversary Dinner with a View
My first visit to this restaurant was for an anniversary celebration, and it was a truly memorable experience. The food was delicious, the restaurant itself was beautiful, and the view was stunning. The service was great; the waiter was always attentive and asking if we needed anything.
I booked our table two weeks in advance, and upon arrival, we were greeted with a small, cute card signed by the staff, which was a fantastic touch. The restaurant clearly pays great attention to details, arranging our table to offer the most beautiful view. It provided a hundred million views and unforgettable impressions.
Thank you so much! 🥰❤️
- food10
- restaurant10
- view10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Excellent Food & Service, But Loud
I had a pretty good time at this restaurant. The food and service were excellent, and I felt very comfortable. However, it was quite loud, which kind of ruined the vibe.
This wasn't the restaurant's fault, but it's something to be aware of.
- food10
- service10
- comfort8
- loud3
- vibe3
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Beautiful View, Disappointing Food & Service
My experience was honestly disappointing. While the restaurant boasts a gorgeous Bay Bridge view, my crab cakes were cold and the service took forever. It felt like they rely on the scenery more than the food.
- Bay Bridge view9
- crab cakes2
- service2
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Great Service, Fantastic Atmosphere, Tasty Food
My experience at this restaurant was very enjoyable. The service was GREAT, and the atmosphere was fantastic, truly a San Francisco experience! The food was tasty, but for some reason, the soup was COLD.
I must admit, after bringing it to their attention, they cheerfully adjusted the bill. I will return to re-up the oysters and try some other seafood!
- service10
- atmosphere10
- food8
- soup3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Food and View for Celebrations
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the good food and the great view. It's a nice place for a dinner with friends or a celebration.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- good food9
- great view10
- nice place8
What Waterbar offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Waterbar Restaurant?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, brunch, and lunch, to ensure you secure your preferred seating at this popular San Francisco seafood destination.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Waterbar Restaurant?
Waterbar offers an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere with a trendy vibe. You can enjoy a wide range of offerings including healthy options, happy hour drinks and food, cocktails, and a great selection of wine and beer.
How does Waterbar generally perform across key dining aspects?
Waterbar achieves a good overall score of 7.6. It excels in Ambience (8.4) and Food (7.7), with Service also performing well (7.4). However, Value (4.1) is an area where opinions are more divided.
Is Waterbar considered good value for money?
While some guests find the Happy Hour deal and oyster prices reasonable, particularly for San Francisco, others perceive dinner prices and certain drinks as expensive, leading to a mixed view on overall value.
What is the service experience like at Waterbar?
Many patrons praise the staff for being attentive and warm, with some highlighting excellent individual servers. However, there are instances of guests encountering rude hosts or bartenders, and some report slow service or issues with reservation seating.