Waterbar San Francisco Restaurant Review

Aleece really really really loves Waterbar. Maybe it's because it's the first restaurant we ate at, when we visited the city together? Maybe it's the sound of the ocean crashing against the pier, lit by the sparkling lights on the Bay Bridge? Maybe it's the posh service, fresh seafood, and comprehensive wine list? Or maybe it's the $1.05 oysters at happy hour?



If you can't find a spot on the patio, try sneaking inside and seeing if you can grab a spot by the bar. Sometimes, you might make a friend who will help you order a glass of bubbly and a dozen oysters. We've met some really cool people that way.

We've also had good experiences with taking guests from out of town here. They love the impressive fish tanks and the swanky decor. Plus, the roasted dungeness crab is always a fun treat. I don't think we've ever had a bad meal here, even with the pickiest eaters.

$1 oyster happy hour everyday. Enjoy the food with a great view.

We had a wonderful experience the other night at Waterbar Restaurant. Waitress was very attentive and anytime we needed anything like extra plates, water glasses filled, the bill, then we got it. Food was of decent size, but most likely you More

Consistent great food, drinks, service and the view. Locals and travelers alike.

Elegant setting with a great view of San Francisco Bay, The Bay Bridge and Angel Island. Both the seafood and the steak were perfectly prepared with a broad palette of flavors. Highly recommend the pan seared cod and the 18 oz steak. However, be aware the steak could feed 3-4 people, if you are also ordering appetizers.

Oysters during happy hour were not fresh/appear cloudy and I had diarrhoea and fever the next day. They should not serve rotten seafood.

The freshest seafood around (unless you brought your swimsuit)! The Waterbar s shellfish goes great with a glass of Prosecco or Veuve Clicquot is the way to start at the bar with views of the Bay Bridge. Then it s time for barramundi with farm to table veggies, if you don t mind watching someone else s dinner still swimming in the floor to ceiling fish tank. Not an inexpensive alternative, but with fresh seafood you do get what you pay for.

Went for Happy Hour / Oyster Bar... Delish and great view!

The service could have been more attentive, from being seated, it took 25 minutes to order and get drinks. We went somewhere else for dinner.

I love waterbar. It's the quentisential sf water side restaurant. It is stupidly expensive for a regular Joe but a great place to go for a business lunch. On days with good weather, the outdoor seating is packed.

I however enjoy the indoor with the huge aquarium's and the big windows with airy interior. Most locals come here for the superb oyster happy hour. It's from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM every single day. It a buck per oyster and they say it is 2 dozen oysters per table but they dont seem to enforce it. For the regular lunch, I recommended the burrata which is really good.

Good service and beautiful view of the bay bridge. Tried their brunch menu including the steak, oysters, corn cakes, deviled eggs, salmon tartare and mussels fries. Their version of the coconut chia pudding is rich in coconut cream and topped with brooks cherry and toasted oats. Perfect addition to brunch on this gorgeous day in SF!

Get the scallops. Views of the bay bridge and San Francisco bay are spectacular.

Absolutely one of a kind view to die for Of the s.f. bridge to yerba Buena and the stunning ceiling to floor aquariums just look so gorgeous. Food was one of the best I ever had.

Waterbar is famous for its $1 oysters during happy hour which runs everyday (including weekends!) from 11:30 to 5:30 PM. Although Waterbar serves a wonderful selection of oysters from all over the United States, only one or two types of oysters are available for the $1 special. Oyster size was large and freshness exceptional. Additionally from Monday to Fridays you will find drink specials which includes wines and mixed drinks.

Welll, what do you do if the venue has a 5 star view and 3-4 star food and wine but a 1 star host.
That pretty boy has an ugly attitude.
Not a fit for either the view nor the food. Must have escaped a dungeon serving dry bread.
Sorry, you lost me for good.

Best Mojitos ever! The bartender used this awake sugarcane rum...lobster bisque was also delectable

Great place for dinner. Excellent wine list. Great location. No complaints.

We had our brunch here. The dining environment is pretty nice and casual. Seafood is fresh and great!

Memorable ambiance, experience and the staff make you feel welcome.

I would give five stars if my experience at Waterbar had not begun with an extremely rude host. We had reservations for 5:30 and arrived around 20 minutes early. When we approached the host stand, he didn't acknowledge us for several minutes, then asked us what we wanted. He then told us, without apology or any indication that he worked in customer service, that we couldn't be seated until 5:30 which was what we had expected to hear, just not quite so rudely.
While we waited outside, a hostess came over and asked if we had been helped. We explained what we had been told by the other host, and she immediately sat us at a high-top table on the patio in time for us to get some oysters and drinks at the happy hour price.
The rest of our experience was great. The happy hour oysters were fresh and delicious. The view of the Bay Bridge was very nice and it was fun to people watch those walking by as well. The dinner platter we ordered was also great and the servers were generous with bread and attentive with water. All in all, I would absolutely splurge on a meal here again and just hope that grumpy man in the bow tie isn't there anymore.

Excellent food in a posh, but not pretentious environment. Great views at the base of the Bay Bridge. We had oysters, the chorizo stuffed prawn, pea shoots, and the seafood platter. All were outstanding. The real surprise was the skate entree, which was an after thought while ordering, but a real standout.

Nice atmosphere, tasty food albeit smaller portions, I had a big lunch in Japantown so it was perfect amount. Custom cocktails were about 2-3 ounces in a pretty glass. 1/2 liter of ipa was $21... Can't beat the view though.

I have dined at Water Bar several times! I only have great things to say! Excellent atmosphere and terrific food.. Great Service!

I don't believe as opinionated as I am that I cam do this wonderful and amazing restaurant justice! The food is to die for! The chefs are exceptional and one-of-a-kind in San Francisco! The servers will make you desire never to leave the waterbar in this lifetime! The servers are the utmost professionals and always looking to cater to the customer and our exemplary customer service oriented professionals! What can you say about the amazing views as someone that has eaten in every four and five star restaurant in San Francisco for the last 25 years at the minimum twice a week there's just no way to compare it to any other restaurant! Do yourself a favor and bring friends and family here but especially if you're looking to have a romantic dinner this is the San Francisco hot spot to take her to!

The view from Waterbar is great! I didn't get to go at night for the lights on the Bay Bridge, but even without them, it's a really striking view. The feel of the place is also excellent, and the happy hour specials were tasty!

If you love seafood, this is the place for you. It's right on the Embarcadero, on the water side, almost under the Bay Bridge so it has absolutely stunning views. The food is so good, I can't even explain it. Highly recommend getting the oysters and both the starter and main course I had were perfection. While it is on the pricey side it's not going to break the bank which is amazing for the quality of food and service you're receiving. I can't wait to go back again, especially when it's a little warmer so I can sit outside on the patio (they have a lot of heaters to fight the cold though too).

Delicious food. Professional service. Beauty atmosphere and views of the bridge.

Yummy food
Amazing aquarium
Great view on Bay bridge
Nice service

The service was exceptional, food was fantastic and the view/atmosphere was outstanding. My server recommended a wine that was phenomenal and a dessert (his personal favorite) that was heavenly. Just wish I lived closer so I could go there often!

Beautiful location overlooking the bay bridge. Friendly service and great good!

Great food and ambience. Its fine dining in a casual setting, so do expect high prices. We ordered green beans appetizer and for entree the halibut tuna and steak dishes were amazing. Great views of the bay bridge, so make sure you get a window seating for it. Advance booking is recommended.

Awesome view paired with delicious food makes for a great time

The sole for 2 was great, a nice size fish and very tasty. The sourdough wheat bread was delicious, nice wine selection and the tuna appetizer was good. Had a great meal with a great view of the bay bridge at night. Highly reccomend.

best butter in town!!! I never had butter taste so good in my life!

Great happy hour, oysters and bubbles doesn't get any better than that!

Had dinner at the Waterbar a week ago; the food was good, a nice glass of wine and a great view obviously on the Bay Bridge.

It's a great restaurant with a nice atmosphere.

The salmon was quite good but portions are maybe a bit small though.

Absolutely a must do. Great location with views of the bay and bridge. The oysters are on point with a huge selection, very fresh, and the cocktails a tasty. Can be pricey but worth it.

Aside from the oysters, the other food was mediocre at best. Such a shame, beautiful restaurant and that s it, everything else sucks.

Fabulous. Everything. Appetizer, entree (grouper, phenomenal), desert, wine, service, etc. Worth every penny.

Excellent place, the best I've had in life, and great attention

This restaurant is absolutely amazing! The food is second to none, and the service is absolutely outstanding! I took my husband here for a romantic dinner for his 50th birthday. they made the evening so special and brought some toasting champagne! Aside from the food and service, the view of the bay bridge is stunning! I highly recommend this place if you are ever in San Francisco!

Great place by the embarcadero with great view of the bay bridge and outdoor sitting. Romantic ambiance, great drinks and wine choices. Good place for special occasions. Food was really amazing. Great experience overall

* Food:
o Presentation: Perfect! (5/5)
o Temperature: Hot! (5/5)
o Quality: Yes. (4/5)
o Dishes ordered: $1 happy hour raw oysters and other dishes I do not recall.
o Tastiest dish: Raw oysters! (5/5)

* Server:
o Attentive: Yes! (4/5)
o Knowledgeable: Yes! (4/5)
o Friendliness: Yes! (4/5)

* Restaurant:
o Atmosphere: There was tons of people! The restaurant was fun to hang out at. (4/5)
o Cleanliness: This place is organized and clean. (5/5)
o Cost vs. value: On the expensive side. (2/5)

* Will I revisit restaurant? Yes, I will revisit because I love raw oysters especially for the happy hour deal!

Wonderful. We recommend that you book a seat with a view of the bridge by the window at sunset. Famous for oysters and potatoes.

Great Vegan option that's not on the menu! Unfortunately not much protein but hot, very hearty, very yummy.

Love the variety of oysters. I think they have about 24 different kinds. I only come here for that.

Great view of the Bay Bridge and the water front! The food is very fresh and very good!

Beautiful spot overlooking the Bay Bridge. Excellant Food and Service. Valet Parking is definitely a plus!

Absolutely my favorite place for oyster & drinks happy hour. They do happy hour 7 days a week, for a really extended period. A perfect place to enjoy a view of the bridge on a sunny day with visitors.

One of the best places to enjoy oysters in the city! The views can't be beat. Great for both happy hour and brunch, but get there early, as the lounge area fills up fast!

Had the best experience here! I think we had so much fun we stayed for hours!!! From brunch until happy hour on a Sunday! Amazing bloody Mary s, oysters, hugeeee shrimp, and great high end service.

Excellent service and food. The view is awesome. And can say no to happy hour.

Cant beat the view and feel of the place! Food was alright but would have liked to see more options. Overall a good experience dining here.

The atmosphere was amazing. The view of the Bay bridge was beautiful!!! Get the Snapper, you will not be disappointed! It was so fresh!

Too good to be true, amazing view of Bay Bridge of San Francisco with outside heated dining option, gourmet selection of seafood and steak and incredible cocktails! I am a local here and fine this fine dining impressive. The soft shell crab appetiser truly one of a kind. Rib eye comes with homemade pasta and spinach too - truly divine. Prosciutto wrapped monkfish exceptional. The table next to us had the pan fried seafood platter - totally mouth-watering. We ended up raving about our food and I am not a social bee at all... really the food made me do it sorta speak, sheerly out of divine satisfaction. Existential Crisis cocktail (see menu I ve included here) is one of the best cocktails I ve ever had and I ve been to top dining in the UK and Europe. Check out my pictures and drool! By the way, they also have Happy hour 7 days a week in the summer month 2:30-5:30pm, can t wait to check that out.

Food was awesome the night we ate there. It was very busy and the service, while attentive, struggled to keep up.

Love this place. Great view of the bay, great view, friendly service.

Proposed to my now fiancee here. The staff were amazingly nice and helpful. They gave us the best day in the house - thank you for that - i emailed a month or 2 in advance to get it. Food was amazing, view was sensational, result was perfect. Highly recommend this restaurant. Thank you waterbar

Expensive, but great oysters and views of the bridge.

Wonderful service, great views and unique culinary fare.

Nice restaurant. Clean facility. Wait service is not quite refined but super accommodating.

Food was good. Decent wine selection.

The coffee was good but the coffee cups were a terrible design. Very difficult to hold at the handle when filled with tea or coffee. Unless of course if you grip super hard.

Top notch food and service . . . a San Francisco classic!

Very enjoyable dining experience with great views of the Bay Bridge.

This was one of the idea I come up with. Suit and tie. Taking my new girl friend out for a dinner This place is awesome The same for the food. This is a place to go after dark. Wanna San Francisco's diamond in the rough If you're in the city after dark this is the place to be And thank you for a great time

Great food and views. The service should be better.

Nice restaurant and nice view. The welcome and service is however very disappointing.
The freshness of the oysters served are undoubtedly the cause of our indigestion the next morning!
Too bad for an addition of nearly $ 450 we were hoping for another memory

Cute place on the water, but the Happy Hour deal is not so hot...tiny oysters and limited drinks on the hh menu

This place is unreal, great service and truly amazing food. Must stop in SFO. Non touristy as well. True winner.

I celebrated my birthday earlier this evening in this excellent restaurant. Well we enjoyed a fine evening and the venue was unquestionably the reason for that strong celebration. The stuff participated in a splendid way, the meals were great and my guests were very overjoyed. We shall surely return for more celebrations. Thank you very much.

(I.e.
4.5

Excellent attention and food, maybe a little more variety would be good