Oysters are a divine delicacy that, here in San Francisco especially, showcase our devotion to providing only the most fresh, high quality, and locally-sourced selections. Wherever you happen to be in our seafood-loving city, chances are that you will encounter an restaurant with an extensive menu the most delectable oysters. We've rounded up the best restaurants with not only the most luxurious shelled treats, but also the finest atmospheres, prices, and service.
See also: San Francisco's Best Restaurants For The Most Divine Caviar
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One, Ferry Building, #11 / (415) 391-7117 / Website
Hog Island's Ferry Building stop is a Ferry Building landmark. Whether you happen to be stopping by for the Foodwise Farmers' Market, or just exploring around the Embarcadero, we guarantee you won't be able to resist sitting at their waterfront patio and indulging in their raw and grilled oyster options.
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2282 Mission St / (415) 621-6987 / Website
Mission Street Oyster Bar is a more lowkey and unassuming find, but once you enter, you will be incredibly amazed at their swanky interior and affordable $2 oyster delights. We recommend their happy hours for premium oysters, as well as their Soju Oyster Shooter and Fried Oysters.
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579 Castro St / (415) 431-3990 / Website
For a true nautical feel, head to the vibrant Castro Neighborhood for this clean and playful community oyster haven. Founded in 1977, this cozy and intimate cove has been featured in several publications for their cioppino, pasta specials, and of course, their refined oyster shooters.
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568 Sacramento St / (209) 459-8335 / Website
Leo's Oyster Bar is just a feast for your stomach as it is for your eyes! This highly Instagrammable lounge presents a posh tropical jungle aesthetic that creates the perfect oasis for an oyster getaway near the FiDi. Feast upon their Composed Oysters, which are inventively paired with fresh ingredients like cantaloupe, celery, and cilantro for their Eloise. They also have impressive Grand Plateaus that are sure to make your photo feed trendy.
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555 California St / (415) 508-4675 / Website
For a ritzy and glamorous escape right in the heart of downtown, head to Vault Garden, which feels like something out of a movie with their lush foliage and dazzling lights. This is a marvelous spot for a romantic date or to feel like the main character while also nourishing on their 1/2 Dozen Oysters with Tomato Water and creative Horseradish Gel all for less than $30.
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655 Divisadero St / (415) 409-0679 / Website
Need a place to impress or recuperate after touring Alamo Square's Painted Ladies? Head to the modern and sultry Bar Crudo, which is sleek, hip, and boasts an impeccable dinner menu with oysters sourced from Tomales Bay, Humboldt Bay, and more.
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1517 Polk St / (415) 673-1101 / Website
Swan Oyster Depot is a no-frills neighborhood favorite that has been operating for over a century! The long lines are definitely worth it here to feel the tradition and like a true local while sitting up on their bar, just like Phil Rosenthal enthusiastically did for his Somebody Feed Phil SF episode!
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399 The Embarcadero / (415) 284-9922 / Website
Waterbar is another Embarcadero favorite, and its hard to miss due to its packed patio all serenely dining right by a striking view of the Bay Bridge! Head over for a filling dinner here to watch the coruscating bridge lights with their wide oyster offerings all for under $5 that pair wonderfully with their ingenious cocktail concoctions.
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Pier 39 / (415) 969-2010 / Website
Fog Harbor Fish House can be found at the tourist hotspot of Pier 39, so you know they're going to have something appealing for everyone that's both fresh and affordable. This is a fantastic place to bring your visiting friends or family to reenergize after a riveting time watching our playful sea lions. The highlight here is their $25 ½ dozen Baked Oysters, generously topped with spinach, bacon, and doused in a luscious parmesan sauce.
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2800 California St #101 / (415) 928-3728 / Website
As another Fisherman's Wharf favorite, Scoma's promises their "Pier to Plate" menu that includes their can't-miss signature Oysters alla Scoma, replete with brandy-garlic aioli, Asiago cheese, and more. This is a cozy and familial gem with a glorious seaside view and plenty of captivating framed history on their walls.
No matter where you are, these oyster restaurants will gift you with luxuriously fresh bites!
See also: The Best Waterfront Restaurants In San Francisco
Photography by: Yukiko Kanada/Unsplash
