Great Seafood Restaurants in California: San Francisco, San Mateo and San Bruno Guide
California and seafood belong together.
With hundreds of miles of coastline, productive fishing communities, multicultural neighborhoods and some of the country’s most creative chefs, California offers seafood experiences for almost every preference. Diners can enjoy oysters beside the San Francisco Bay, cioppino at Fisherman’s Wharf, Cajun seafood boils in San Mateo and San Bruno, lobster near the airport, Cantonese seafood banquets, coastal fish tacos and sophisticated seafood tasting menus.
The variety is what makes exploring Seafood Restaurants in California so exciting.
One evening can include a hands-on Cajun seafood boil covered in garlic, butter and bold seasoning. Another meal can feature freshly shucked oysters, locally inspired fish, Dungeness crab or a comforting bowl of clam chowder. California’s diverse communities have transformed seafood into a culinary landscape influenced by Cajun, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, New England and modern coastal cooking.
This guide concentrates on three important Bay Area destinations: San Francisco, San Mateo and San Bruno. It also includes several restaurants worth knowing about in Monterey, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach and San Diego.
Whether you are a Bay Area resident, a visitor flying through San Francisco International Airport or a traveler building a California seafood itinerary, these restaurants offer different ways to appreciate the flavors of the Pacific Coast.
Why California Is an Incredible Seafood Destination
California’s long relationship with the Pacific Ocean has influenced generations of restaurants, fishermen, markets and coastal communities.
San Francisco became famous for Dungeness crab, oysters, sourdough bread and cioppino. Monterey developed around a historic fishing and canning industry.
Southern California combines Pacific seafood with Mexican, Japanese and contemporary California cooking.
However, California seafood is not limited to restaurants directly beside the ocean.
Communities such as San Mateo and San Bruno have developed their own exciting dining scenes. These Peninsula cities offer Cajun seafood, Asian-inspired dishes, coastal cuisine, fresh shellfish and family-style experiences within convenient reach of San Francisco.
California’s cultural diversity is another reason the seafood scene feels so distinctive.
Cajun seafood boils encourage guests to crack, peel, dip and share. Cantonese restaurants present seafood at the center of large family meals. Japanese restaurants emphasize careful preparation and seasonality. Mexican seafood restaurants bring citrus, chiles and coastal traditions to ceviches, tacos and grilled fish.
The result is not one definition of California seafood. It is an entire collection of traditions connected by fresh ingredients, creativity and a shared appreciation for the ocean.
Great Seafood Restaurants in San Francisco
San Francisco is one of America’s most recognizable seafood cities.
Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, the Ferry Building and neighborhood oyster bars provide dramatically different dining experiences. Visitors can choose between historic institutions, waterfront restaurants, bustling oyster counters and intimate neighborhood destinations.
The following San Francisco seafood restaurants offer a useful introduction to the city’s variety.
1. Scoma’s Restaurant: A Fisherman’s Wharf Tradition
Scoma’s Restaurant has served seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf since 1965.
Its location on Al Scoma Way places diners directly in one of San Francisco’s most historic fishing areas. The restaurant describes its approach as “pier to plate,” reflecting its longstanding connection with fishermen and the working waterfront.
Scoma’s is particularly associated with classic San Francisco seafood traditions. Its menu includes seafood preparations featuring Dungeness crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari and market fish.
One of the most recognizable San Francisco dishes is cioppino, a seafood stew connected to the Italian fishing communities that shaped the city’s culinary identity. Scoma’s offers its own version featuring an assortment of seafood in tomato broth.
This is an appealing choice for diners searching for a classic seafood restaurant near Fisherman’s Wharf with history, waterfront character and familiar San Francisco flavors.
Location: 1965 Al Scoma Way, Pier 47, San Francisco, CA 94133
2. Waterbar: Seafood With Bay Bridge Views
Waterbar sits along San Francisco’s Embarcadero with panoramic views of the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island and the surrounding waterfront.
The restaurant focuses on sustainably sourced fish and shellfish, seasonal ingredients and an extensive oyster selection. The dining room and waterfront setting make it especially appealing for celebrations, business dinners, date nights and visitors who want seafood accompanied by an iconic San Francisco view.
Waterbar represents the polished side of the city’s seafood culture.
Where some seafood restaurants emphasize casual counter dining or traditional wharf-style cooking, Waterbar creates a more refined experience. Seasonal menus mean the available fish, shellfish and preparations can change, giving returning guests something new to explore.
Location: 399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
3. Hog Island Oyster Co.: Oysters at the Ferry Building
Hog Island Oyster Co. operates inside San Francisco’s historic Ferry Building.
The restaurant is closely connected to its Tomales Bay oyster farm and is particularly known for fresh oysters. Its Ferry Building location also features a seasonal seafood menu influenced by ingredients available through the surrounding marketplace.
Hog Island is a strong option for travelers exploring the Embarcadero, Ferry Building Marketplace or downtown San Francisco. Guests can make oysters the center of the meal or explore additional seafood dishes from the current menu.
The setting offers a combination of marketplace energy, Bay views and direct connections to Northern California oyster culture.
Location: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111
4. Fog Harbor Fish House: Seafood at PIER 39
Fog Harbor Fish House is located at PIER 39, one of San Francisco’s most visited waterfront destinations.
Its menu focuses on sustainable seafood and recognizable local favorites, including Dungeness crab, clam chowder, fresh fish and cioppino. The restaurant’s large windows and waterfront position create memorable views of San Francisco Bay.
Fog Harbor can work especially well for visitors spending the day exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, PIER 39, the sea lions and nearby San Francisco attractions.
Its cioppino combines crab, fish, shrimp, scallops, clams and mussels in a seafood tomato broth, making it a substantial introduction to one of the city’s signature dishes.
Location: PIER 39, San Francisco, CA 94133
5. Anchor Oyster Bar: A Neighborhood Seafood Destination
Anchor Oyster Bar is a longtime neighborhood seafood restaurant located in San Francisco’s Castro District.
The intimate restaurant is known for oysters, shellfish, fresh fish, chowder and cioppino. Instead of the large waterfront atmosphere found at Fisherman’s Wharf, Anchor Oyster Bar offers a smaller, neighborhood-focused seafood experience.
Its size contributes to the restaurant’s character, but seating can be limited. Diners planning to visit should review the current schedule and consider arriving with flexibility.
Anchor Oyster Bar demonstrates that great San Francisco seafood is not limited to the waterfront. Some of the city’s most memorable restaurants are located within residential neighborhoods and supported by generations of local diners.
Location: 579 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
Seafood Restaurants in San Mateo
San Mateo offers a growing collection of restaurants influenced by the Bay Area’s diverse population.
Downtown San Mateo is especially active, with restaurants representing Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Mediterranean, Latin American and modern California cuisines. Seafood lovers can find Cajun boils, all-you-can-eat experiences, Pacific-inspired dishes and family-style dining without traveling into San Francisco.
Two especially relevant destinations are Cajun Bowl San Mateo and Pacific Catch San Mateo.
6. Cajun Bowl San Mateo: All-You-Can-Eat Seafood and Cajun Flavor
Cajun Bowl San Mateo offers one of the Peninsula’s most interactive seafood experiences.
Located in downtown San Mateo, the restaurant specializes in Cajun-inspired seafood boils that can be customized with different seafood, sauces and spice levels. Guests can create a combination based on the flavors and seafood they enjoy.
The San Mateo restaurant is also home to Cajun Bowl’s exclusive dine-in all-you-can-eat seafood experience.
People searching for All You Can Eat Seafood San Mateo or an AYCE Seafood Boil San Mateo can visit Cajun Bowl for a meal designed around variety, bold seasoning and shared dining.
Unlike a traditional seafood entrée, a Cajun boil turns the meal into an activity. Guests crack shells, peel shrimp, dip seafood into sauce and compare favorite combinations around the table.
This makes the experience especially enjoyable for:
Family dinners
Birthday celebrations
Meals with friends
Large parties
Weekend gatherings
Graduation dinners
Reunions
Seafood lovers with a serious appetite
The all-you-can-eat offering is available exclusively for dine-in guests at the San Mateo location. Selections, pricing, time limits and restaurant policies may change, so guests should review the current information before ordering.
What to Try at Cajun Bowl San Mateo
The Cajun Bowl San Mateo Menu offers more than one way to enjoy Cajun-inspired seafood.
Depending on current availability, diners can explore seafood boils, shrimp, crab, clams, crawfish, appetizers, chowders, noodles, rice dishes and comforting sides.
Popular dishes and styles include:
Customizable Cajun seafood boils
Jumbo shrimp
Crab selections
Seafood combinations
Coconut shrimp
Sweet sriracha shrimp
Clam chowder
Seafood garlic noodles
Cajun fried rice
Cajun fries and shareable sides
Coconut shrimp provides a crispy and lightly sweet beginning to the meal. Sweet sriracha shrimp offers a bolder balance of sweetness and spice. Seafood garlic noodles and Cajun fried rice can add familiar, comforting textures to a larger seafood feast.
The restaurant’s combination of Cajun seafood and Asian-influenced menu options also reflects the diversity of the San Mateo community.
Families can order several appetizers for the table before beginning the seafood boil. Large groups can explore different combinations and select spice levels that work for their preferences.
Cajun Bowl San Mateo Information
Phone: 650-445-7248
Guests researching Cajun Bowl San Mateo Reviews can also explore recent customer feedback and food photographs on popular map and restaurant-review platforms before visiting.
7. Pacific Catch San Mateo: Pacific-Inspired Coastal Cuisine
Pacific Catch San Mateo is located on South B Street in downtown San Mateo.
The restaurant serves coastal cuisine inspired by flavors from around the Pacific. Its menu can include fish, poke, sushi-style preparations, bowls, mixed seafood plates and other modern coastal dishes.
Pacific Catch provides a different experience from a Cajun seafood boil.
Cajun Bowl emphasizes bold sauces, spice levels, hands-on shellfish and an all-you-can-eat option at its San Mateo location. Pacific Catch focuses on broader Pacific Rim inspiration and composed seafood plates.
Both restaurants demonstrate the variety available to diners searching for seafood restaurants in San Mateo.
Guests specifically researching the Pacific Catch San Mateo Menu should use the restaurant’s official menu page for the most current dishes and availability.
Location: 243 South B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401
Cajun Bowl San Mateo or Pacific Catch San Mateo?
The better choice depends on the type of seafood experience you want.
Choose Cajun Bowl San Mateo when you want:
A hands-on Cajun seafood boil
Adjustable sauce and spice choices
An all-you-can-eat seafood experience
A meal designed for sharing
Cajun and Asian-influenced dishes
A lively family or group dinner
Shrimp, crab and shellfish covered in bold sauce
Choose Pacific Catch San Mateo when you want:
Pacific-inspired coastal cuisine
Composed fish and seafood plates
Poke or bowl-style options
A modern California seafood experience
A broader selection of Pacific Rim preparations
These are different restaurants with different culinary identities. Including both in a San Mateo seafood itinerary allows diners to experience two distinct sides of California’s seafood culture.
Seafood Restaurants in San Bruno and Near SFO
San Bruno sits near San Francisco International Airport and provides convenient access to San Mateo, Millbrae, Burlingame and South San Francisco.
Travelers often overlook the area while concentrating on downtown San Francisco, but San Bruno and its neighboring communities offer several worthwhile seafood experiences.
Cajun Bowl San Bruno is one of the city’s dedicated seafood destinations. Nearby restaurants add New England-style lobster and Cantonese seafood to the local mix.
8. Cajun Bowl San Bruno: A Customizable Seafood-Boil Experience
Cajun Bowl San Bruno specializes in customizable seafood boils and Cajun-inspired flavor.
Guests begin by selecting their preferred seafood. Depending on availability, choices may include shrimp, crab, clams, mussels, crawfish, lobster or larger combinations.
The next step is selecting a sauce.
The sauce brings the meal together and gives every seafood boil its personality. Some guests prefer buttery and garlicky flavors, while others want stronger Cajun seasoning or a spicier finish.
Finally, guests select a preferred spice level.
A mild selection can emphasize flavor without overwhelming heat. More adventurous diners can ask about stronger levels. When sharing with a group, choosing a spice level everyone can comfortably enjoy is usually helpful.
Cajun Bowl San Bruno is especially suitable for:
Family dinners
Casual lunches
Dinners near San Francisco International Airport
Birthday celebrations
Group meals
Seafood lovers staying in San Bruno
Visitors traveling between San Francisco and the Peninsula
Guests who want to customize every part of their seafood boil
The spacious restaurant environment makes San Bruno a practical choice for larger groups. Advance reservations are recommended when planning a celebration or meal with multiple guests.
What to Try at Cajun Bowl San Bruno
First-time diners can begin with a shareable appetizer such as coconut shrimp or sweet sriracha shrimp.
For the main course, consider building a seafood boil around shrimp and crab. Guests who want more variety can select a seafood combination with clams, mussels, crawfish or lobster, depending on current availability.
Garlic noodles, Cajun fried rice and fries can add additional textures and flavors to the table.
The result is a meal that can be personalized for different appetites and spice preferences.
Cajun Bowl San Bruno Information
Phone: 650-636-4550
9. New England Lobster Market & Eatery Near San Bruno
New England Lobster Market & Eatery is located in nearby Burlingame, close to San Bruno and San Francisco International Airport.
The company has served the Bay Area with Maine lobster, Dungeness crab and shellfish for decades. Its market-and-eatery concept gives guests access to New England-style seafood in a casual environment.
Menu selections may include lobster rolls, lobster corn chowder, crab sandwiches and other shellfish-focused options.
This restaurant offers another useful contrast within the Peninsula seafood scene.
Cajun Bowl San Bruno specializes in sauced, customizable seafood boils. New England Lobster Market & Eatery concentrates on lobster, crab and New England-style preparations.
Location: 824 Cowan Road, Burlingame, CA 94010
10. HL Peninsula: Cantonese Seafood Near San Bruno
HL Peninsula Restaurant in South San Francisco brings another important seafood tradition to the region.
The restaurant specializes in Cantonese cuisine, handmade dim sum and seafood dishes designed for family-style dining. Cantonese seafood can emphasize whole fish, lobster, shellfish and preparations intended for sharing around a large table.
This style of dining is particularly meaningful for celebrations, multigenerational family meals and traditional Chinese banquets.
HL Peninsula is not located directly in San Bruno, but its South San Francisco location makes it a nearby option for diners exploring seafood throughout the airport and Peninsula area.
Its communal approach also shows how many different culinary traditions coexist within a short distance of Cajun Bowl San Bruno.
Great Seafood Restaurants Beyond the Bay Area
San Francisco, San Mateo and San Bruno provide plenty of seafood variety, but California’s coastal dining scene continues from Monterey to San Diego.
Travelers planning a longer California trip can add the following destinations to their itinerary.
11. The Sardine Factory in Monterey
The Sardine Factory has operated in Monterey’s historic Cannery Row area since 1968.
The restaurant offers a fine-dining experience featuring sustainable seafood and classic preparations. Its ornate dining rooms and long history create a different atmosphere from casual coastal seafood restaurants.
The Sardine Factory is well suited to anniversary dinners, special occasions and travelers looking for an established Monterey seafood destination.
Location: 701 Wave Street, Monterey, CA 93940
12. The Lobster in Santa Monica
The Lobster is located near the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier and has roots reaching back to 1923.
Its position provides sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica coastline. The restaurant combines seafood cuisine with a landmark Southern California setting.
For travelers exploring Los Angeles, Santa Monica and the Pacific Coast, The Lobster offers a historic oceanfront dining experience closely connected to the identity of the pier.
Location: 1602 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
13. Fishing With Dynamite in Manhattan Beach
Fishing With Dynamite is a compact seafood restaurant located one block from the beach in Manhattan Beach.
The restaurant features oysters, raw-bar selections, seafood dishes and two styles of lobster roll. Its energetic atmosphere and coastal location make it a popular destination for guests exploring the South Bay area of Los Angeles.
Because the dining room is small, reservations can be valuable.
Location: 1148 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
14. The Fishery in San Diego
The Fishery is a seafood restaurant and market located in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood.
Its menu changes with seasonal seafood and available produce. Offerings can include oysters, seafood towers, market fish, crab, scallops, ceviche and other dishes guided by the current catch.
The restaurant’s connection to a seafood market provides a direct link between sourcing and the kitchen.
Location: 5040 Cass Street, San Diego, CA 92109
How to Choose Among Seafood Restaurants in California
With so many possibilities, the right restaurant depends on the experience you want.
For a Hands-On Seafood Boil
Choose Cajun Bowl San Mateo or Cajun Bowl San Bruno.
Both locations offer customizable seafood and bold Cajun-inspired flavor. San Mateo also features the exclusive dine-in all-you-can-eat experience.
For Oysters
Consider Hog Island Oyster Co., Anchor Oyster Bar, Waterbar or Fishing With Dynamite.
Each offers a different atmosphere, from Ferry Building energy and waterfront views to intimate neighborhood dining.
For San Francisco Cioppino
Explore Scoma’s, Fog Harbor Fish House or Anchor Oyster Bar.
Cioppino is one of the city’s most recognizable seafood traditions and can include fish, crab, shrimp, clams, mussels and other shellfish in tomato-based broth.
For Waterfront Views
Waterbar, Fog Harbor Fish House, The Lobster and Hog Island Oyster Co. combine seafood with memorable coastal or bayfront settings.
For All-You-Can-Eat Seafood
Visit Cajun Bowl San Mateo for its exclusive dine-in All You Can Eat Seafood San Mateo experience.
For Cantonese Seafood
Explore HL Peninsula in South San Francisco for seafood and handmade dim sum presented through a Cantonese culinary tradition.
For Lobster Near SFO
New England Lobster Market & Eatery in Burlingame offers lobster and New England-style seafood close to San Bruno and San Francisco International Airport.
For Family and Group Dining
Cajun Bowl San Mateo and Cajun Bowl San Bruno provide shareable seafood, adjustable spice levels, appetizers and group-friendly dining.
Large parties should make arrangements in advance through the Cajun Bowl reservation page.
Planning a Bay Area Seafood Day
Seafood lovers can create an entire Bay Area itinerary around San Francisco, San Mateo and San Bruno.
Morning in San Francisco
Begin near the Ferry Building and explore the waterfront. The Ferry Building Marketplace offers local food businesses, Bay views and easy access to the Embarcadero.
Hog Island Oyster Co. can provide a seafood lunch centered around oysters and seasonal selections.
Afternoon Along the Peninsula
Travel south toward San Mateo and explore the downtown area. Review the Cajun Bowl San Mateo Menu and prepare for a Cajun seafood dinner.
Guests who want a broader Pacific-inspired menu can also research Pacific Catch San Mateo.
Evening Seafood Feast
Finish the day with all-you-can-eat seafood at Cajun Bowl San Mateo or a customized seafood boil at Cajun Bowl San Bruno.
A table filled with shrimp, crab, appetizers, noodles, rice and Cajun sauce creates a satisfying conclusion to a full day of Bay Area food exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seafood Restaurants in California
What are some great seafood restaurants in California?
California offers seafood restaurants representing many traditions. Notable examples include Cajun Bowl San Mateo, Cajun Bowl San Bruno, Scoma’s, Waterbar, Hog Island Oyster Co., Fog Harbor Fish House, Anchor Oyster Bar, The Sardine Factory, The Lobster, Fishing With Dynamite and The Fishery.
Where can I find all-you-can-eat seafood in San Mateo?
Cajun Bowl San Mateo offers a dine-in all-you-can-eat seafood experience at 168 E 4th Avenue in downtown San Mateo.
Is all-you-can-eat seafood available at Cajun Bowl San Bruno?
The exclusive all-you-can-eat experience is offered at Cajun Bowl San Mateo. Cajun Bowl San Bruno specializes in customizable Cajun seafood boils with a choice of seafood, sauce and spice level.
Where can I find the Cajun Bowl San Mateo Menu?
The official Cajun Bowl San Mateo Menu is available through the Cajun Bowl California website.
Where can I find the Pacific Catch San Mateo Menu?
Visit the official Pacific Catch menu page for current selections.
Is Cajun Bowl San Mateo the same as Pacific Catch San Mateo?
No. They are separate restaurants with different dining concepts. Cajun Bowl specializes in Cajun-inspired seafood boils and offers a dine-in all-you-can-eat experience in San Mateo. Pacific Catch serves broader Pacific-inspired coastal cuisine.
Which San Francisco seafood restaurants serve cioppino?
Scoma’s, Fog Harbor Fish House and Anchor Oyster Bar are among the San Francisco restaurants associated with cioppino.
Are there seafood restaurants near San Francisco International Airport?
Cajun Bowl San Bruno, New England Lobster Market & Eatery and HL Peninsula are located within the broader SFO and Peninsula area.
Is Cajun Bowl suitable for large parties?
Cajun Bowl welcomes groups and larger parties, subject to seating availability. Advance reservations are recommended.
Where can I find Cajun Bowl San Mateo Reviews?
Guests can search for Cajun Bowl San Mateo Reviews through popular map, delivery and restaurant-review platforms. Customer photographs and recent feedback can provide additional insight into current dishes and the dining experience.
Can I make a Cajun Bowl reservation online?
Yes. Use the official Cajun Bowl reservation page and select your preferred location, party size, date and time.
Where can I see Cajun Bowl food pictures and videos?
Follow Cajun Bowl on Instagram for restaurant photographs, featured dishes, videos and current updates.
Discover Great Seafood Restaurants in California
Exploring Seafood Restaurants in California can take you from the San Francisco waterfront to downtown San Mateo, San Bruno, Monterey, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach and San Diego.
Every destination offers something different.
San Francisco provides oysters, Dungeness crab, cioppino and waterfront history. San Mateo brings together Cajun seafood, all-you-can-eat dining and modern Pacific cuisine. San Bruno offers customizable seafood boils with convenient access to the airport and surrounding Peninsula communities.
Farther down the coast, Monterey, Los Angeles and San Diego add their own seafood traditions, ocean views and seasonal ingredients.
For seafood lovers in the Bay Area, Cajun Bowl California offers two distinctive places to begin.
Visit Cajun Bowl San Mateo for the exclusive dine-in all-you-can-eat seafood experience. Explore Cajun Bowl San Bruno for a customized seafood boil prepared with your preferred seafood, sauce and spice level.
Bring your appetite, gather your favorite people and discover why California remains one of the country’s most exciting destinations for seafood.
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