"This seafood place on the Embarcadero has huge bay views and giant floor-to-ceiling fish tanks that might make you feel a bit like you’re dining in an aquarium. Which is why we go here with coworkers, important clients, or anytime we want to feel like a high-powered person over some very good fish. The menu changes nightly based on what’s in season, but you can always count on phenomenal oysters, ceviches, and roasted fish like cod filets and swordfish steaks. They also do lunch and are open Mondays. There’s no need to plan ahead for a table at Waterbar unless there’s a conference in the area. Otherwise, day-of reservations are typically easy to get. However, the best seats are on the patio, which do run out when the forecast is good, so if you have your heart set on dining al fresco, you may want to check at least a day or two in advance." - lani conway, julia chen 1