American
Lazy Bear
Experience exceptional San Francisco fine dining at this 4.8-star restaurant. Discover a unique culinary journey. Reservations recommended.
4.8$$$$American · Seafood
View RestaurantSotto Mare
Experience exceptional San Francisco seafood and Italian dishes at this highly-rated ($$) restaurant. Discover a vibrant atmosphere perfect for groups, with outdoor seating available.
Seafood · Italian•$$•4.6(4,793)•San Francisco
Neighborhood spot with nautical decor and a menu of pasta, cioppino, and other Italian-style seafood.
About Sotto Mare
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, this beloved Italian seafood spot consistently earns accolades, boasting a 4.6-star rating from nearly 5,000 diners. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, a perfect setting for enjoying expertly prepared dishes. Patrons rave about the fresh, flavorful seafood, with particular praise for their pasta creations served in rich, delicious sauces. It's a place where attentive service complements the culinary experience, making it a standout choice for those seeking authentic Italian-inspired seafood in the city. The option for outdoor seating and its suitability for groups further enhance its appeal.
📊
Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
Formula-Based Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
💰Price Range
Moderate
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
🕐Meal Time
dinner
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
👥Group Size
Groups Welcome
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
🎭Atmosphere
Outdoor
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
🍽️Dining Style
Flexible
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
✨Features & Amenities
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
+3 more
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Groups Welcome, Reservations
Set your dining preferences to see how well this restaurant matches your taste.
Own or manage this restaurant?
Get 5-12× more clicks with prominent CTAs, a sticky button, and a TOP badge. Starting at just $4.99/month.
Hero CTASticky ButtonTOP Badge
Why Travelers Love Sotto Mare
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
4.6 / 5.0(4,793 reviews)
Absolutely stunning seafood bistro!!! Excellent service from hostess to Fabbie! Great recommendation on the white wine Fabbie and thank you for your lovely and welcoming ways!!! Bravo to you!! The food was scrumptious. We ordered starters of octopus salad and shrimp cocktail salad which was refreshing and light. Then we had amazing linguini and seafood in a fabulous red sauce and the others had lobster ravioli in rose sauce. Absolutely a place you must try in San Francisco!!! 5 ⭐️and more!!!! A decent Italian cuisine. Good fish varieties (daily changes). They are famous with Cioppino (i find their tomato sauce less flavored) so didn’t favor it. The prawn and scallop sauté is excellent; highly recommend it. Also oyster is great to start with. A couple of times, I tried their pasta dishes; especially the white sauce ones were better to me (again has less favor than usual but definitely not a heavy sauce). The seafood soup was super hearty and everything tasted really fresh. It was a bit salty for me, but great with the bread, and the macaroni made it more than enough for two. A little black vinegar actually made it taste even better. The oysters were really fresh too — loved them!
Find the Restaurant
Where to Find Them
Opening Hours
Closed Now
Monday11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Recent Reviews
Julie V.
November 11, 2025
Absolutely stunning seafood bistro!!! Excellent service from hostess to Fabbie! Great recommendation on the white wine Fabbie and thank you for your lovely and welcoming ways!!! Bravo to you!! The food was scrumptious. We ordered starters of octopus salad and shrimp cocktail salad which was refreshing and light. Then we had amazing linguini and seafood in a fabulous red sauce and the others had lobster ravioli in rose sauce. Absolutely a place you must try in San Francisco!!! 5 ⭐️and more!!!!
turev A.
October 19, 2025
A decent Italian cuisine. Good fish varieties (daily changes). They are famous with Cioppino (i find their tomato sauce less flavored) so didn’t favor it. The prawn and scallop sauté is excellent; highly recommend it. Also oyster is great to start with. A couple of times, I tried their pasta dishes; especially the white sauce ones were better to me (again has less favor than usual but definitely not a heavy sauce).
Spencer J.
November 17, 2025
The seafood soup was super hearty and everything tasted really fresh. It was a bit salty for me, but great with the bread, and the macaroni made it more than enough for two. A little black vinegar actually made it taste even better. The oysters were really fresh too — loved them!
Ali
August 28, 2025
BEST FOOD IN SF. The food was incredibly delicious. We went like a week ago and I still dream about it till now. We got the smoked salmon pasta (which was recommended to us) and it did not disappoint, my favourite dish for sure. We also got the Seared scallops, linguini with promodoro and shrimp and the main dish they’re know for which I forgot the name off atm haha. The service is also so good. Our server was so nice and joked around with us. She was very very nice.
Manny F.
November 7, 2025
Everything I hoped it would be. Solo-traveled to San Francisco for two days/one night, googled best seafood, and Sotto Mare was as one of the spots. Quick scooter ride there from Union Square, had to wait a bit because I didn’t make reservations. Worried because I got sat at the bar near closing time. Totally worth it. The Cioppini was worth the wait! The house salad was cheap and not worth taking up stomach space.
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make Sotto Mare special
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Credit Cards
Debit Cards
NFC/Contactless
Parking
Paid Parking Lot
Paid Street Parking
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
Other Popular Restaurants in San Francisco
Build your own culinary trail—save these spots for future nights out in San Francisco.
Mediterranean
Kokkari Estiatorio
Experience authentic Greek cuisine at this acclaimed San Francisco restaurant. With a 4.7-star rating, enjoy exquisite dishes and a warm, elegant atmosphere. Reserve your table for a memorable dining experience.
4.7$$$$Mediterranean · Seafood
View RestaurantItalian
Piccolo Forno
Experience authentic Italian dining in San Francisco. This highly-rated 4.7-star restaurant offers delicious pizza and pasta. Discover your new favorite spot.
4.7$$Italian
View RestaurantAsian
Liholiho Yacht Club
Dine at this acclaimed San Francisco gem, rated 4.7/5 stars. Experience innovative Asian-American cuisine and creative cocktails. Reserve your table today!
4.7$$$Asian · Fusion
View RestaurantMediterranean
The Bite
Discover a San Francisco gem with a 4.7-star rating. Experience fresh, high-quality Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for groups. Explore their menu today.
4.7$$Mediterranean
View RestaurantFusion
Sons & Daughters
Experience exceptional fine dining in San Francisco. This 4.7-star restaurant offers an unforgettable tasting journey. Reserve your table.
4.7$$$$Fusion · European
View RestaurantSteakhouse & Grill
House of Prime Rib
Experience San Francisco's top-rated prime rib (4.7/5). A classic American steakhouse with exceptional service. Reservations recommended for this unforgettable dining experience.
4.7$$$Steakhouse & Grill · American
View RestaurantAmerican
Rich Table
Experience exceptional American cuisine at this highly-rated San Francisco restaurant. With a 4.7-star rating, discover unique dishes and a memorable dining experience. Reserve your table.
4.7$$$American · Fusion
View RestaurantAmerican
Boulevard
Experience exceptional American fine dining in San Francisco. With a 4.6-star rating, this restaurant offers phenomenal service and outstanding food. Reserve your table today.
4.6$$$$American · Seafood
View RestaurantSeafood
Scoma's Restaurant
Experience Scoma's Restaurant in San Francisco, a 4.6-star seafood and Italian gem. Enjoy fresh catches and fine dining by the water. Book your table today.
4.6$$$Seafood · Italian
View RestaurantAmerican
Sweet Maple
Dine at this popular San Francisco brunch spot, rated 4.6/5 stars. Savor exceptional American cuisine and memorable dishes. Reserve your table today!
4.6$$American
View RestaurantItalian
Flour + Water
Experience exceptional Italian dining in San Francisco. With a 4.5-star rating, this popular spot offers handcrafted pasta & pizzas. Book your table.
4.5$$$Italian
View RestaurantAmerican
State Bird Provisions
Experience highly-rated American and Asian small plates in San Francisco. A fun, 4.5-star dining adventure awaits. Reservations recommended.
4.5$$$American · Asian
View RestaurantSeafood
Waterbar Restaurant
Dine on fresh seafood with stunning Bay Bridge views at this 4.5-star San Francisco gem. Experience exceptional cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere. Reserve your table.
4.5$$$Seafood · American
View RestaurantAmerican
Delancey Street Restaurant
Discover a beloved San Francisco gem with a 4.5-star rating, offering affordable American classics and a welcoming patio. Perfect for groups and dog lovers.
4.5$American
View RestaurantSeafood
Fog Harbor Fish House
Dine on exceptional seafood at this 4.5-star San Francisco favorite. Enjoy fresh catches and stunning bay views. Reserve your table today!
4.5$$$Seafood · American
View RestaurantCaribbean & Latin
Taquería El Farolito
Experience authentic Mexican flavors at this beloved San Francisco taquería. With a 4.5-star rating and a casual, efficient vibe, it's a go-to for delicious burritos and more.
4.5$Caribbean & Latin
View RestaurantPlan Your San Francisco Trip
From transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in San Francisco.
Transportation Tips
Excellent public transportation with cable cars, buses, and BART. Walking is perfect for exploring neighborhoods, and ride-sharing services are widely available.
Car Rental Deals in San Francisco
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Where to Stay
Find the perfect accommodation for your San Francisco adventure. From luxury beachfront resorts to boutique hideaways, we highlight the best basecamps for food lovers.
Best Hotel Deals in San Francisco
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.
Related Travel Guides for San Francisco
Explore comprehensive guides to plan your perfect trip, including food tours, cultural experiences, and more.
San Francisco Alcatraz Tours
Visit the infamous island prison with audio tour and SF Bay views!
Read Guide
San Francisco Bay Tours
Cruise under Golden Gate, around Alcatraz, and see SF skyline from water!
Read Guide
San Francisco Cable Car Tours
Ride historic cable cars up SF's steep hills - moving landmarks!
Read Guide
San Francisco Food & Culture Tours
Taste sourdough, Dungeness crab, dim sum, and diverse SF cuisine!
Read Guide
San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Tours
Walk, bike, or cruise under the world's most iconic bridge!
Read Guide
San Francisco Neighborhood Tours
Explore diverse districts: Mission, Haight-Ashbury, Castro, and more!
Read Guide