When it comes to seafood, not only is it delightful to eat some of the best culinary creations one can imagine, but having a water-themed backdrop only enhances the experience. That is what you will find at the Waterbar Restaurant in San Francisco. Sitting right on the bay, it offers its own amazing ambiance. But the soaring floor-to-ceiling fish tanks in this aquarium restaurant offer an “under the sea” feeling where you really feel like you are dining with the fishes!

Located along San Francisco’s famed Embarcadero waterfront area, Waterbar is one of the most picturesque Bay Area restaurants.
Waterbar/Facebook
From almost every vantage point, diners are blessed with remarkable views of the San Francisco Bay, as well as the downtown skyline.
Both locals from all over the Bay Area and visitors from across the country come to enjoy an amazing experience at Waterbar.
Waterbar/Facebook
The dining room here is comfortable, inviting, and highlighted by beautiful floor-to-ceiling aquariums.
This mixed seafood plate is the stuff that dreams are made of!
Waterbar/Facebook
Fresh lobster, clams, and oysters are just the beginning of the under-the-sea indulgence here.
This soft-shell crab dish is a crowd favorite.
Waterbar/Facebook
Lightly fried to a golden brown, this clawed critter is served with mussels, gulf shrimp, and andouille gumbo, and accompanied by Carolina gold rice. Depending on if you come for lunch or dinner, it might also feature coal-roasted eggplant and/or a delectable tomato ponzu.
Great side dishes are available to accompany your main meal, or order several and make them a meal in and of themselves.
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Think grilled local produce like asparagus with white truffle aïoli, crisp prosciutto, horseradish, and dill. The tiger prawns are served with horseradish cocktail sauce and lemon. Or order a handful of salt-baked Malaspina Oysters with plenty of garlic butter and serrano crema for dipping.
At night the lighted aquariums turn into a “see food” looking glass.
Waterbar/Facebook
And the fish get a chance to look at you too at this aquarium restaurant!
The Waterbar also features one of the most extensive wine and cocktail menus in the Bay Area.
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In addition to the customary sparkling, white, and red varietals, you can choose from a wide array of dessert wines. Ports and sherry, as well as cognacs, brandy, and digestifs run the gamut as well. For cocktail fans, try the Manhattan Boat, Tumbleweed, or Queen Bee. Many of them are made using organic and biodynamic practices.
The outdoor patio offers spectacular views of the Bay Bridge and into the East Bay.
Waterbar/Facebook
This ambiance, coupled with the outstanding fare, is one of the best ways to spend a beautiful San Francisco afternoon or evening.

Outstanding seafood, spectacular views, and an “under the sea” setting. Waterbar is a must-enjoy San Francisco epicurean experience!

To learn more about the days and hours of operation and menu items, be sure to go to the restaurant’s website. They also have a Facebook page.

Have you ever been to this incredible restaurant aquarium? If so, what was your favorite part? Have you dined at any other restaurants with aquariums? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

If you enjoy waterfront dining, check out these 12 Incredible Waterfront Restaurants Everyone In San Francisco Must Visit.

If you’re still in the mood for more California adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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Lysa Allman-Baldwin | May 14, 2023

Where can we find waterfront restaurants in San Francisco?

  • Greens Restaurant in Fort Mason is one of the most popular vegetable-centric restaurants in the city.
  • The Hog Island Oyster Co. in the Ferry Building features fresh oysters and other seafood dishes.
  • The Mission Rock Resort in the Mission Bay District is definitely for the seafood lovers out there.

Read on to learn about some of the many other stunning waterfront restaurants in San Francisco.

Where can we find ice cream shops in Northern California?

  • Nimble & Finn’s in Guerneville and Santa Rosa specializes in funky, unique ice cream flavors like Honeyed Peach and Rhubarb Crisp.
  • Brock's Ice Cream Palace in Yuba City features old-fashioned ice cream scoops, sundaes, floats, and more.
  • The Ice Cream Bar in San Francisco is known for its ice creams and alcoholic milkshakes.

Read on to learn about some of the many other tasty ice cream shops in Northern California.

Where can we find thrift stores in Northern California?

  • Out of the Closet, with several locations in the Bay Area, is a favorite thrift shop that offers everything from every day to vintage clothing.
  • The Paul Bunyan Thrift Shop in Fort Bragg has everything including clothing, furniture, home décor items, and more.
  • Upscale Thrift in Sacramento is known for its wide array of vintage items.

Read on to learn about some of the many other wonderful thrift stores in Northern California.

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Featured Addresses
Waterbar Restaurant, 399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA