The Grotto

Not my go to restaurant. But the architecture and decor was phenomenal! The upstairs where we ate had a stunning view of the pier and golden gate. Everything was so expensive, and the food under delivered for the price they asked. No one in our group of 7 absolutely loved their meal, (we all ordered different things). There are cheaper sea food for the same quality just a few shop away The service was disappointingly sloppy for it being so pricey as well. The waiters just brushed the prior eaters crumbs to the floor after the meal. One of our servers smelt terribly of cigarettes. The ground below us in such a beautiful restaurant was disgusting. It was almost heartbreaking. Really when you come here you were paying for the view.

Our special night out is (usually) seafood at the wharf. I love looking at the trawlers (etc) moored up and watching the sunset. Our favorite place, The Grotto (formerly No. 9 Fisherman's Grotto), is back open! We were so sad when it closed, especially as we didn't know if they would ever reopen. (Apparently it has been open for a while now.) Anyway, we LOVE the changes and think it's better than ever. The jazzy lounge feel is still there, but the space is lighter and brighter. The staff is always lovely - that hasn't changed. The changes to the menu are also noticeable and enjoyable. I appreciate that their menu advertises the fact that they follow Monterey Bay Aquarium's sustainable seafood guide and that they make responsible choices when sourcing their ingredients. (That's always a concern of mine.) The only concern we have is that my husband and I both have shellfish allergies and I think they fry everything in the same oil. We should have asked - I usually do, but we didn't have an issue before and didn't think about it this time. We had a great dinner there yesterday, but several hours later we each had some unpleasant reactions which may have been due to a small cross-contamination with shellfish in the deep fryer. (We had the fried calamari appetizer.) Still my favorite restaurant at the wharf. I will continue to recommend it to others and bring friends/family when they're visiting from out of town.

The server was friendly and very accommodating but when my grandma's food had to be remade it took a very long time (15+ minutes) for fish tacos. The fish and chips tasted good and I liked them, nothing super special though. It was pretty expensive, but you're mostly paying for the view and fancy decor so it wasn't unexpected. It looked great and was very fancy. If you don't mind waiting around for your food longer than you would expect even for a sit down restaurant then it's pretty good.

Beautifully decorated seafood restaurant/Bar. The food was pretty pricey but I'd expect most seafood places to be.. otherwise the food was cooked perfectly and tasted fantastic! And to top it off, the service was very, very pleasant. Both our server and the Host who gave us a better overview of the menu were more then welcoming. It is now one of my favorite spots to visit when I come back to San Fran.

Stopped here for a quick lunch and sat outside. The inside upper level seems to be popular as you have a view of the bay but we didn't realize that til we went to use the bathroom. The place is huge. Staff were friendly and nice, food was mediocre. We got a crab melt sandwich, fish and chips and a whole cold Dungeness crab. Sandwich and fish/chips wasn't too bad and came quickly. The cold whole Dungeness however smelled old and didn't taste great, that ammonia smell when seafood is old? For the $35 price tag definitely not worth it. We told the server and they then brought back another crab but this one was roasted and came doused in a butter garlic sauce so all you could taste was the sauce. The one piece I tried still had a strong ammonia smell. And later my hubby had a stomach ache for the next 2 days til it was out of his system. We should have walked a little further down where they had a lot more people and fresh seafood options maybe 25 yds away. So probably would not come back here for the food.

Not sure if this is where the locals hang out but for us tourist is was a great experience. The food was good, service was on par and the decor and surrounding view was brilliant...

Great lil place to eat....a little on the pricey side but it's worth it. We went kinda early so that may have been the reason it was kind of empty. I got the crab melt with a house salad. The sandwich was phenomenal.... Cooked just right, the cream meat and cheese tasted great and the salad was great, a mixed green salad with a house vinaigrette.... Loved it. My co worker got the portobello burger....FYI it's just the Portobello cap no Burger.... So he was a little let down about that but said the flavor was on point and surprisingly filling.... Definitely a place to check out!

Foods is nice,only things is that the waiting time was overkill due to the waiter mess out our order even thought we are the second table to reach here. Thumbs up for the food but thumbs down for the service

One of the most incredible views of the wharf in all of San Francisco! You can see the Golden Gate Bridge, the fishermen's memorial chapel, Ghirardelli square, the cannery, and the entire north hill of San Francisco! The entire staff is very professional, clean uniforms and tables, and very attentive. The oysters were so very fresh, clean and separated! Very tasty and fantastic acoumtremants of mignonette, horseradish, a flashy hot sauce cocktail blend, and big crispy lemons. Everything was just right. This place is HUGE by the way. Great for weddings and events obviously.

We had shrimp creole, chicken linguine alfredo, and asparagus risotto. All was uniformly excellent. Jorge was our server , and he was professional, helpful, and attentive, if a bit languid -- but it was a Saturday afternoon and we were in no hurry at all. We got the best table in the place, with views from the GG Bridge to the Transamerica Pyramid. Great music and decor. My family was happy, and the bill was in the ballpark. We'll definitely return.

Excellent view! very good and efficient service!!!! My family really enjoys Italian food!!!! prepared by our family chef!!!! thank you very much Chuy!!!! calamari sauté!!! fantastic!! crab Louie!!avocado salad!!!

A spot at Fisherman's Wharf. We walked in for lunch and ordered our clam chowder and waited. And waited. And waited. When I asked them about our order they apologized and they rushed around to make sure we got our food. We finally had our clam chowder which was okay. The clam chowder street vendors tastes just as good. I inquired about a discount due to the wait and they made me feel like it was too much trouble. They did give us a reluctant slight discount. Not sure if we'll go back next time in Fisherman's Wharf. The location has so much potential and perhaps I caught them on a short-staffed day.

Luis was absolutely fantastic: genuine, attentive, and friendly. The views are some of the best I'd you're looking to take in the Golden Gate while sitting above the fishing boats that are part of the fabric of this area. The prices are better than most around here while the food is on par with all of them. The restaurant is just a little dated, but has an essence of aristocracy 30 years ago with highlights like their walnut tables and chairs. This place is clean too--lots of windows to the docks and marina, bay views that are crystal clear through the looking glass. The drinks hit here too--they are clearly not taking pointers from their competitors a in the area who watered down our drinks and charged premiums (try the old fashioned with their artisan whiskey cube. You cannot go wrong here and I hope they stick around during a time when it appears everyone is scratching to squeeze a dollar. We will be back if you leave your doors open to welcome us again. Thank you!

absolutely terrible, service was bad. plastic utensils, paper plates, canned soda we were completely rushed, given the food then the bill immediately idk what their problem is, but i asked for proper silverware (shouldn't be much to ask considering it's a SIT DOWN restaurant) i witnessed a employee giving silverware to someone else (she told me no when i asked) rude. i definitely can say i will not come back here. it was not to mention filthy, and disgusting from the inside.

Great fish and chips . Service on The spot , very kind snd effective. The manager Boris came out and made sure everything was perfect .

It wasn't super full so our food came out quick. The service was okay because other guests were tended to even though we had arrived first, we had to mention bread to the server to get it while the people next to us were brought it without asking. The food was all quite good, the gnocchi was a little lukewarm from sitting out for a while I assume but it still tasted very good. The star was the garlic fries, I highly recommend getting them because they are perfectly crispy and flavorful. Overall, I would recommend this place if your hungry and don't mind spending a bit.

Service is terrible: took long to get our order taken. Our food took extremely long to come out we almost just left. Other people that came in after us got their food first. We never got our bread even tho some other tables had bread. Food quality was disgusting. We didn't even eat it all and left the rest without taking it with us. The mixed drinks were small and tasted watered down. Price was expensive for the only good quality being the view out the window.

We enjoyed the crab melt, clam chowder, kids penne Alfredo, and fisherman's platter. All of the food was cooked too perfection. Perfectly seasoned, fresh, rich! Even the kid's pasta was so creamy and comforting! The ambience was calm. The dining room is upstairs showing a great view. The entrance looks unattractive but it is a beautiful place to eat. Kid friendly! The waiters were friendly too

Loved the ambiance however getting into the actual restaurant was tricky. There was no sign to lead the way up to the actual dining area so it looked deserted and closed when you first see the place. Aside from that, the food was great and view from the our window.

The best Fish and Chips that I have ever had. Sit upstairs, you will not be disappointed.

Great lunch selection. crab sandwich & chowder was great. A lot of lunch specials $20.50. (w either salad or clam chowder even on Sat). Clean & newly renovated restaurant w beautiful views of Golden Gare, harbor & fisherman's wharf. Away from crowds. Wonderful & attentive service. Plus 2 hrs free parking. what can you ask for more?! Definitely will be coming back to this hidden gem.

Food was excellent! Halibut, Crab Louie salad and cocktails were on point. Service great! Been coming here since a child and now a middle aged woman...consistent and a classic. Not very busy for a Friday night in the summertime, but pandemic changed a lot of things. I hope they can keep a float...it's a staple in SF. Please support them!

Ambiance was great, service was excellent, got calamari, texture was a bit flaky, but overall great calamari, def not the chewy kind, which im not fond of , so that was good. Also got a great mussel and clam pasta in white wine sauce, very tasty, washed it all down with a nice refreshing lemon water, left full &satisfied

I'm a local and love my city and love taking time to be a tourist in my town. Went to the Grotto last night with my husband and had a great dinner. The restaurant is newly remodeled with a fresh nautical theme. The views are amazing. The menu has all the standards and we enjoyed the fish and chips snd fisherman's platter. Both were delicious, if not the healthiest choices! Service was attentive and fairly quick but we were not rushed. The restaurant was clean and comfortable and great for conversation. If you are looking for an old school, quintessentially SF restaurant, the Grotto is a great choice.

Kept walking past the street level seafood shops and Stopped in at the end of the street. The Beautiful architected building with a 2nd floor dining room has large windows overlooking the Warf on one side and the bay on the other. The clam chowder was delicious and not your average New England style. The calamari appetizer was light and flaky.

The food was terrific, the waiter, on point and as attentive as could be, and with few other customers, the ambiance was delightful. Considering that this is a touristy area, the meal was five stars. We started with six luscious oysters that were gargantuan, briny, and chilled. The Caesar salad, which was just enough for two, was chopped to perfection and dressed artfully. But the piece de resistance was the cioppino. The well-seasoned tomato stew was filled with dungeness crab, shrimp, clams, and mussels. A real treat! It's a shame that some of the other restaurants in Fisherman's wharf have not made it, but a gift that this one has.

The food was great. Fresh warm bread. The fish stew was fabulous. Others in my party enjoyed the fish and chips and the crab melt. All was great. The service was very good. Only one slight issue. One in my party wanted paper napkins and we never got them. Even so, we were very pleased with everything.

We came here for a late lunch on a Saturday afternoon and were amused by the "host" for this place, as he allowed us to look at the menu while verbally trying to pitch this restaurant to us. When we agreed to eat here, he got on a walkie-talkie, called to the dining room staff and said excitedly "OK, I got two! Two! Two coming your way!". As we made our way to the staircase leading up to the dining area, he was on the radio to them once again "OK, we're coming up the stairs...Coming up the stairs with two now!". Again as we made our way toward the entrance of the dining area, he was on his radio to notify the staff. It was definitely odd, but humorous at the same time. We were asked to wait near the bar area while they prepared our table, but before we could even decide if we wanted to order a beverage, the staff was seating us. We were given a table right in front of the windows that overlook the docks where several small fishing boats and skiffs are tied up, some tour boats are docked, The Embarcadero is located and the City of San Francisco was visible in the distance. We really did have a great view from our table, and took the opportunity to take a few selfies after we'd dined since the background was so scenic. The service was good from attentive staff and the food was also fine for the most part, but it was definitely priced for tourists. We shared an order of clam chowder served in the prerequisite sourdough bread bowl, my husband had an order of fish tacos and I an order of fish and chips. I peeled all the greasy breading off the fish and found it was mostly a thick coating of breading, with a not so generous helping of fish.

Truly enjoyed this old style classic restaurant. Gorgeous views and perfect location. The food is average but the experience is anything but.

I love this restaurant. My husband and I try to spend our anniversary here every chance we get. The food was outstanding, the staff was helpful and friendly. It is always my go to when I am in San Francisco. I hope it doesn't go by like so many other land mark restaurants have.

My family thoroughly enjoyed a great meal at this establishment. I had the Risotto and my husband and son had the roasted crab and cioppino. All of our meals were so good and good portions were provided. The service was excellent as well! Looking forward to our next visit to this restaurant.

The view is good and so was the service but after I ate there I became pretty ill. My stomach was upset enough that I could not go on the trip to Alcatraz we had booked and we ended up cutting our whole night short I am pretty sure of the things I had (coconut shrimp, French fries and clam chowder) that it was the clam chowder.

Tourist trap, expensive and the food was not good. The restaurant did have a good view.

My family ended up here just visiting fisherman's wharf and we weren't really impressed. The service was very good, but the food wasn't. The clam chowder tasted like strong bell pepper and the fish and chips were just average. We did enjoy the calamari though! Only giving this spot 2 stars for the good customer service we received. We wouldn't have come if we saw the ratings before hand. Thank you to our fine service though!

Incredible view, cool muted jazz in background and delicious food.

Me and my husband had an amazing time. The view was amazing and the food was delicious! Our server Oner was so sweet and we are very thankful that he was so professional and patient. He worked very hard due to them being short staff. We were not in a rush so the wait wasn't bad! overall this place is amazing and I enjoyed having dinner with my husband(this is our first dinner out since we got married yesterday) do it made it really special.

The food was excellent. The service was great and the view was wonderful not to mention the prices were good.

one day their roasted crab was exceptional. We visited two more times and turned out they would closed 1-1.5hrs before the annoucned closing time on their website. We visited another occasion and their garlic roasted crab was horrible. it was boiled only and smelled funky.

There were 6 of us - We drove more than an hour from San Jose - We all ordered different things and everything was delicious!!! We used to come here often when our mom & dad lived in SF & after 10 yrs & a new owner the food was still really great! The Waiter was Excellent! This place still has one of the best views of the SF bay & Fisherman's Wharf- Highly Recommend

The positive is the view. A table of six waited for over an hour. Watched two tables of three and four come in and be seated at least 15 minutes after us order the SAME food as us get severed first. NOT WORTH the TIME!

Update: We all got upset stomachs after this experience. Not cool. After reading the reviews I expected a cool dining spot. We were seated immediately upon arrival at a plastic foldable table that kept tipping from side to side. The food was expensive but we expected that considering the location. There was a muggy stench outside... not the inviting seafood type but more like a bleach-saturated public restroom type that makes you want to plug your nose (we were seated in the patio by the main entrance of the restaurant away from the public restrooms btw). My Coke tasted like it was mixed with dirty water, and the crab melt tasted...dirty? I'm worried it was bad, may update in a few hours if things go south lol. My last gripe-- we waited about 20 minutes after my family of 6 was done eating until my husband had to get up and ask for the check...then we waited another 5 before anyone came. I don't waste time with bad reviews but this place just irritated me for so many reasons I had to write this review.

The service here wasn't the best - was seated and left unattended for half an hour, the place wasn't even at a peak hour for this wait time. Food portions didn't make sense for the prices. Orders came out wrong so after waiting a long time after ordering, had to wait again another long time for them to correct the orders.

Awful. Granted I did not eat so this review is not based on the food. For a friend's birthday we'd made reservations to celebrate at this restaurant. Once we arrived we thought we were in the wrong restaurant. Unfortunately, we were not. The host explained that ALL of the photos online were taken in the renovated side of the restaurant that was not open yet, and wouldn't be for another 10 days. Then, they showed us to a (picnic) table for six. We had a party of 11. They went and set a larger table, but the experience was off putting and I really felt like it was an extreme case of false advertisement. The operating side of the restaurant was old and shabby. Overall, the restaurant was not up to the standard of the pictures they'd advertised online (At the time. Why would I care abt 10 days from my reservation? Be clear with your patrons). They were unprepared for our party (we had 11, not 6). Maybe now things are better or at least match what is being advertised online, but I have no plans of finding out.

We were searching for the best clam chowder in San Francisco and all blogs pointed to here. My teenage boys got a sourdough clam chowder bowl and hubby and I got a bowl. I was debating on a cup or bowl and I'm glad i went with bowl because it wasn't as big as you would think. We also got the oysters and they were okay. One thing I didn't like is that they have the tables already set up outside and the cup and plates were collecting the dust :( , management should really reconsider that. For 4 clam chowder plus the oyster and waters all around total was $94 (tip not included)

Wouldn't recommend the Grotto by the Warf in San Fran. Cashier at the front took everyone's order, but didn't identify any customers by giving them a number or way to identify our order. Once orders were ready she went from table to table asking customers what they ordered. Not the greatest system in the world. Ordered basic hot dogs as the menu options weren't that good. And the hot dogs weren't good either. Didn't finish our meals as the food had no taste. Also noticed that other customers were not finishing their meals either. Definitely wouldn't recommend.

Beautiful view, great customer service, great food, very decent prices. I enjoyed my first time here.

I was referred to this restaurant by a friend but she hadn't been there is 15 years. We had a 7:30 reservation. The place was near empty. We ordered calamari and clam chowder to start. We then ordered our mains. We never got our starters. My husbands food was cold and over sauced. His rice was soggy. My daughter said her salmon was ok. When we asked about our starters they brought out the chowder. I was disappointed it was luke warm and not my favorite. The calamari was the best thing on the menu. I would not recommend this place. Too many other choices.

Super quick service. Came in for lunch and was not disappointed. Really cool views of the pier.

This is one of those situational places. Sure it can be less than average but we have lucked out a couple times. In the high traffic tourist area it's always hard as volume changes quality. We came on a weekday in Oct and everything was great. Our server was friendly and attentive as well as awesome with our son. Basic seafood fair 4 stars for the friendly service and location for sure.

So I guess the quality of the restaurant varies from people to people. I had awesome service considering I came in with 2 young kids and wearing a souvenir poncho. I'm sure I reeked of sophistication. Crab was excellent, and clam chowder was good. Loved the ambience cause really loved this strange little private place they sat us. Service was spot on. Price was cheaper than I expected.

Excellent view of Golden Gate Bridge! Awesome service and good oysters. I got a Long Island iced tea and it was also great. I highly recommend for locals or those passing through.

This is a 2-star business in a 1-star part of San Francisco (Fisherman's Wharf is nothing more than a tourist trap and bizarro amusement park sans the rides). Why the boost in stars? Visiting this place is an... experience. Even as you approach their building and see their eyesore of a sign, you know something is about to happen. There's a vibration -- not in the air but, somehow, in the space that resides just past reality -- that heralds the coming of a change. You step through their entryway; space folds upon itself and the change takes shape. Folks, the carpet. Look at the carpet. Now, this place has seen a major overhaul in the decor and design in recent years (the carpet used to be way more... busy...) but already you should feel the full effect of the pocket reality you've just invaded. It doesn't stop here. Oh, before we go further. Food's okay-ish and overpriced; service is fine if a bit too boisterous. The Grotto has been around for decades and it's kinda sorta apparent because time has stood still between its walls. If not entirely halted, its rate of passage is slowed. Sitting at the bar, enjoying a drink while enjoying the view of our reality on the other side of the large windows, you cannot help but notice the stark contrast with your current surroundings. It reaches back to a time where puffy, cotton topped adults with nothing else to do and more money than they should rightfully have would kill entire hours marinating their livers around others of their ilk. They'd sit and talk about useless drek, and make even more useless jokes, while the wood paneling gave them reverse suntans. Butter on a steak. Women smoking out of boredom. Maybe things would liven up for a moment with a peppy, easy listening tune. The smell of Bay rum, medicated ointment, and the wharf. You pay your check and push the heavy, oversized throne back into its initial holding position. You revisit the carpet. And then you're back -- back to our reality and the inevitable progress toward the heat death of the universe.

Looooove this place love the menu and servers are very polite and professional... although is always packed but is so good worth the wait most of the time

Stay away! Horrible food, horrible service, decor outdated, expensive AF. As soon as we walked it greeted by a bunch of flies. Waiter brought the dinner bread at the end of meal. They forgot to input my daughters meal. Never once came to ask if the meal was ok or if we needed anything else. For $100, 3 people eating- no worth it

Interesting atmosphere outside, good people watching but the inside looks nicer. The service was nice 4 stars for service! Food was good nothing crazy special but convenient location we stopped in and grabbed a bite and some Rosé!

I decided to take my mom and her best friend to San Francisco and we took the ferry I came across this place on yelp so we decided to take a try a chance on good seafood. I'm so glad we tried it the food was awesome the service was great.

The tuna was not fresh, the cioppino had a weird taste, stomach didn't feel good after it

Delish and part of the historical wharf. Must haves - clam chowder and fish and chips. What a great view. It's always busy so be patient with the service. They are so sweet and kind. Our waiter was slammed and worked his fanny off to get us served and treated us beautifully.