Perched on the Embarcadero, Waterbar dazzles with fresh seafood, spectacular Bay Bridge views, and a chic atmosphere that feels like dining in an aquarium.
"This seafood spot has waterfront views and tanks that could double as aquariums in the dining room. Plus, it’s a buzzy place for an Embarcadero power lunch Your only option: Maine lobster bisque and grilled swordfish paillard 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." - julia chen 1
"Waterbar’s covered patio is one of the best places to take in some unobstructed Bay Bridge views. Outlined by palm trees, the Embarcadero seafood spot sits right on the water, so bundle up (the heaters can only do so much). Stick to small plates like the perfectly balanced beet salad or gravlax and get an order of french fries to share. 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, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong
"Eating at Waterbar feels like dining in an aquarium—not just because the dining room has floor-to-ceiling cylindrical fish tanks, but also because you’re only a few steps from the bay. The Embarcadero seafood restaurant is a great choice for an oyster Happy Hour or lunch with clients who are easily impressed by sweeping Bay Bridge views. If you’re pulling out all the stops, go in on the $185 Seafood Indulgence Platter, which pretty much includes every creature that once called the ocean home. 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." - julia chen 1, patrick wong, ricky rodriguez
"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." - Patrick Wong
"When Karl’s left for the day and dining al fresco doesn’t require a blanket, ask for a table outside at Waterbar. Right up against the ocean, this Embarcadero seafood restaurant has a large umbrella-covered patio against a backdrop of the Bay Bridge. Just the right setting to further astound your toughest clients by hitting the 24-oyster order limit (be sure to ask for a side of ginger-apple mignonette), or to make the spreadsheet you finished yesterday at least somewhat interesting over chilled Maine lobster and an oven-roasted branzino. If you’re not lucky enough to expense your meal here, suggest a midafternoon meeting at 2:30pm when Happy Hour starts with many of the same menu items from lunch." - ricky rodriguez, julia chen 1, patrick wong
