Waterbar Restaurant Review, San Francisco

Reviewer: Foodnut.com

Waterbar

399 The Embarcadero

San Francisco, CA 94105

415-284-9922

Waterbar Website

Book Reservation

Waterbar San Francisco Exterior

Waterbar is a seafood restaurant located strategically on the San Francisco waterfront. It has extra ordinary views and is next door to the steakhouse restaurant Epic Roasthouse. They are both part of the vast Kuleto Restaurant empire.
The chef Mark Franz also runs Farallon and Nick’s Cove. Waterbar has several meat entrees forced to come here. The use local and sustainable seafood.

Waterbar San Francisco 2

Decor, Vibe – Pat Kuleto is a master restaurant designer and has created 175 restaurants including Boulevard, Jardinere and many other restaurants. This place has several impressive floor to ceiling aquariums which add to the dynamic atmosphere. Views are fantastic, even better than next door. Folks from their 30’s to 60’s were dining. Many larger parties. Business people after work were hanging out in the beautiful bar area.

Menu Pictures

Website Menu

Picks:

Waterbar San Francisco Oysters

Platter of Oysters ($2.75 each) – We had a variety of oysters, all were fresh and came with dipping sauces. It is funny the oysters are cheaper next door.

Waterbar San Francisco Geoduck Cerviche

Geoduck Ceviche ($16) with Dashi custard, uni, shaved celery tasted incredibly good but was super tiny. Quality over quantity.

OK:

Waterbar San Francisco Fish

Yellowtail Jack ($33) looked great but was just average in taste. It was not cooked very well. The portion size was decent.

Waterbar San Francisco Heirloom Potatoes

Roasted Heirloom Potatoes ($8) were plentiful but small.

Waterbar San Francisco Kale

Spigairello Kale ($6) was a little watery but tasted fine.

Pans:

Waterbar San Francisco Lobster

Pressed Main Lobster ($65) with cauliflower gratin, natural juices was super expensive and came to us almost cold. The meat tasted fine. Should have sent it back.

Waterbar San Francisco Dessert

We complained and they comp’d us some delicious cookies and truffles.

Waterbar service was above average but could have been more attentive for such an expensive place. They have a 4% service surcharge for health care. The food is good, but we feel that there are many cheaper places with superior seafood. Hopefully they will work on the food.
Obviously prices are inflated by the expensive architecture and the views. Wine starts at $9 a glass with corkage a high $25. A cheaper option to see the incredible view would be to hit the incredible bar for some oysters or cocktails and dessert.

Waterbar on Urbanspoon

Restaurant Map:


Waterbar Overall Rating: (Good 2)

Come Back?

Food Rating: (Good)
Service Rating: (Good)
Atmosphere Rating: (Excellent)
Value Rating: (Average)

Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Below/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary

Alcohol:Full Bar
Attire:Dressy
Hours:Daily 530-10pm, Mon-Sun 1130am-2pm
Parking:Paid Valet, Street
Reservations:Yes
Prices:$28 - $65

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