Seemor
Pier Market Seafood RestaurantBWorth Trying
39 Pier, San Francisco, CA 94133
· Seafood restaurant, American restaurant, Californian restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (8403 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Popular Pier 39 seafood spot with lively waterfront views, solid grilled and fried staples, fast-friendly service, and fair mid-range pricing, but inconsistent chowder and occasional service lapses amid touristy bustle.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Pier Market Sushi delivers reliable waterfront dining with exceptional bay and sea lion views and consistently friendly, fast service. However, inconsistent execution on signature items like chowder and oysters prevents higher performance, while mixed safety signals warrant caution. Best suited for casual seafood seekers prioritizing atmosphere and fresh grilled fish over culinary consistency.
Restaurant Summary
Set right on Pier 39, this spot buzzes with sea breeze, camera clicks, and plates of seafood heading to window tables with views of bobbing sea lions. Service is often friendly and fast, the kind that keeps chowder bowls and fish platters flowing. One diner put it simply: “Worth it for the view and fresh seafood”, especially if you snag a seat by the glass. The cooking leans classic waterfront over flashy: mesquite-grilled salmon, blackened rock cod, fried platters, and the famous bread-bowl chowder. The culinary approach is elevated traditional: reliable technique, Cajun and teriyaki accents, and generous portions more than culinary theater. Expect a few hits (rock cod, fish and chips) and some misses (inconsistent chowder, occasional bland sides) in a lively, tourist-forward setting. Families are well-supported with a dedicated kids menu (cheeseburger, chicken tenders, fish and chips, grilled shrimp) and shareable sides like garlic fries. If your crew prefers simple fare, there are plenty of familiar options—burgers, pasta, grilled fish—plus desserts at friendly prices. Note stroller-thick crowds and potential waits at peak hours.
At a Glance
- Lively waterfront views with sea lions and bay scenery
- Solid grilled and fried seafood; blackened rock cod stands out
- Fast, friendly service most of the time with high owner engagement
- Chowder and oysters are inconsistent; occasional bland sides
- Peak-time waits and closely spaced tables in a touristy setting
What Sets It Apart
- sea_lion_and_bay_views
- mesquite_grilled_seafood
- high_response_owner_engagement
What People Love
- Watching sea lions from window seats
- Fast seating and food during off-peak hours
- Flaky, well-seasoned grilled fish
- Generous portions that feel shareable
- Warm outdoor seating with heaters
Points of Concern
- Chowder quality varies from excellent to disappointing depending on timing and prep
- Service hiccups at peak times, including slow checks or order errors for large parties
- A few food safety complaints over two years; most visits uneventful but caution warranted
- Pricing reflects tourist location and includes a 5% employee fee; tablet tips may default high
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Favor mesquite-grilled items (rock cod, salmon) for best execution
- Pair garlic fries or mixed greens with grilled mains for balance
- Kids meals at $10.50-$11.50 offer strong value in this location
Perfect For
- Casual seafood with bay views during a day at Pier 39
- Families needing a kids menu and fast service
- Out-of-town guests seeking the classic chowder-in-bread-bowl moment
- Groups who want shareable fried platters and simple cocktails
Location Insights
Area: Heavily touristed waterfront with sea lion views, souvenir shops, and family attractions; lively and photo-friendly.
Safety: High foot traffic and well-lit; typical tourist-area petty theft precautions advised.
Nearby: Adjacent to sea lion docks, Alcatraz views, bay cruises, arcade and shops; frequent street performers.
Fisherman's WharfThe dining scene is dominated by casual seafood eateries, souvenir shops, and family-friendly restaurants. The atmosphere is vibrant and often crowded, with a strong focus on maritime heritage and fresh seafood offerings.
Pier 39Pier 39 is a popular micro-neighborhood within Fisherman's Wharf, known for its shopping, entertainment, sea lion sightings, and a variety of casual dining options catering primarily to tourists.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday11:00–21:00
Sunday11:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →