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    Sotto Mare

    4.3 (6k reviews)
    PriceySeafood, Italian, Bars
    Open 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Sotto Mare Reservations

    Order Sotto Mare Takeout or Delivery

    Sotto Mare Photos

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    SOTTO MARE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - Sotto Mare

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    Reviews With Photos

    Nicole L.

    I love Sotto Mare. We came 3ish years ago for the clams and 3 years later I'm still loving the clams! Whenever I'm in the area I will make the effort to eat here! The service is fast and efficient~ the shop is small so where they can sit us is where I will eat lol I think we ate 20 clams and 6 west coast 4 east coast oysters (to us east coast did taste better, they were bigger and sweeter)

    Bay Shrimp Cocktail
    Camille P.

    The food was incredibly flavourful, perfect portions and fresh ingredients which is obviously key in a seafood restaurant. The service was fast and friendly and we did not have to wait very long to be served which was nice. The restaurant is a long hall shape so it can be tight and intimate but that's SF so no surprise there. Decor was fun, very coastal and Italian. Definitely would go back to try their signature dishes next time as well!

    Dominic B.

    Finally made it to this institutional SF restaurant after over nine years living here. They don't take reservations, but you can arrive at the door and book one for later in the day. It's very busy so I recommend arriving early if you want to be sat right away. We wanted to sit outside because it was a beautiful day so we put our name down to come back in an hour and went to a nearby bar for drinks. - clam chowder - solid clam chowder and something nice to start with, but was maybe the weakest thing we ordered. Not necessary. - clam pasta - wonderfully cooked clams, but I did think the pasta itself could use a bit more salt - seafood risotto - assorted seafood, cooked with rice. Personally, I felt like it was a bit salty, but the seafood was very perfectly cooked. - cioppino - you're basically see this on every table. It serves two people. Loaded with seafood as well as some penne. Robust flavor with plenty of bread to enjoy the sauce with. Seafood was cooked exceptionally well. Crab was pre-cracked so it was easy to eat. Overall, a really solid experience. There's a reason so many people like it. I felt like they were both tourists and locals visiting. I personally don't think I need to go back, but I would definitely take someone who is visiting here.

    Afshin A.

    Sotto Mare was the choice for dinner with two friends who had never been there before and really wanted to try it. We made a reservation, but when we arrived, there was a minor mix-up, so we had to wait a bit. To their credit, the staff acknowledged the mistake and did their best to seat us as quickly as possible. We chose to sit outside, which made the wait a little easier. By the time we were seated, we were definitely hungry, so we started with a bottle of white wine to relax a bit. Our server, a very friendly lady with a great sense of humor, recommended the Fiano from Orsi Family Vineyards in Sonoma, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. We skipped appetizers and went straight for the main event. The four of us shared the cioppino, sea scallop sauté, and linguine with seafood, which our server also recommended. All three dishes were flavorful, well prepared, and more than enough for the table. Between the good food, the wine, and joking around with our server throughout the evening, we ended up having a really enjoyable dinner and a great overall experience.

    The "Best Damn Crab Cioppino"
    Kay L.

    It was worth the wait to sit outside because indoors was too hot, stuffy and cramp. Do make a reservation if you have a big group. Came here for the cioppino and will come back again. Just be ready for that acid reflux!

    Smoked Salmon
    David S.

    Mama mía! Some times you can experience heaven on earth, and this was one of those moments. The moment the smoked salmon dish was brought in front of me, i felt an eternal presence; it was me, my beautiful friend, and this plate to share. Nothing else freaking mattered.

    West coast oysters
    Karina S.

    One of my all time fav spots in the city! Was super lucky to get a reservation for 8 the evening of, and was seated in the basement area which is always super cozy. Food highlights: - West coast oysters - Seafood cioppino (meant to serve 2, absolute must-try!) - Sea scallop saute (might be my personal favorite but I am partial to scallops) - Linguine with white sauce and seafood - Bread on the house :)

    The "Best Damn Crab Cioppino"
    Maneet G.

    My husband and I have been wanting to try their world famous ciopinno. We went on a Thursday around 2:30 and got seated right away! The restaurant is small but cozy. We ordered the ciopinno and house salad. We were given some lovely fresh bread and butter while we waited! Our house salad came out pretty quick and we were disappointed. The salad consisted of only shredded iceberg lettuce and 4 tomato quarters. The dressing was a thousand island one. It was a very simple salad and I was hoping for more variety. It certainly is not worth the $7. The ciopinno was the star of the show and arrive in a big bowl steaming hot! We loved all the seafood including oysters, clams, squid, crab, shrimp, and scallops! The tomato broth was so comforting and had a nice garlic flavor. I really enjoyed this dish and loved dipping my bread into the broth. Yum! All in all, Sotte Mare makes great ciopinno but their house salad is a miss for me next time!

    Kimberly D.

    Idk why I haven't written a review yet, but Sotto Mare is a MUST TRY when in SF! My bf first took me here for one of our first dates to try their supposed "BEST DAMN CIOPPINO" and safe to say it lives up to the hype :) Been coming here since 2019 and we always bring friends and family visiting here to try it! They say it feeds 2, but we've always been a group of 4 to eat it and are pretty content with the serving size. Each person in a group of 4 can probably have 2 bowls each! I guess the only gripe for the cioppino is the shrimp, a bit chewy and rubbery, but all a side we've had a couple of their pastas and everything hit the spot! We're not huge risotto fans, but their risotto is tasty and isn't super mushy like every risotto we've had. Parking can be tough during prime eating times.

    Boston Clam Chowder
    Bobby M.

    Vibrant, crowded and fun dining room and outdoor seating, delectable fresh seafood with friendly, fast and excellent service by Melissa and teammates. We love this North Beach gem!

    Fettuccine with Smoked Salmon
    Ariana A.

    Lunch time during spring/summer has the best vibes to enjoy the outdoor seating. My party of five came in a little after 11:30 so there was no wait. We ordered the crab cioppino, mussels & clams combo, risotto with seafood, and fettuccine with smoked salmon. This was more than enough food for five people plus there was complementary bread and butter that we got two baskets of. Our waitress was very nice and the food came out quite quickly. My favorite dish had to be the risotto, this came with mussels and calamari today (though it may differ as on the menu it says chef's choice). Our total before tax and tip was $161. The bathrooms had 3 stalls and were nice & clean.

    Bread and butter
    Gerald R.

    LENT 2026: FRIDAY THE 13TH - LUCKY CIOPPINO The first time I ate cioppino was four years ago during Lent on a Friday. The seafood of crab, mussels, and shrimp were delicious, but the broth was salty as a gout attack. I thought all cioppino tasted this. How did the Italians in San Francisco during the late 1800s survive eating this dish? I wanted eat at Sotto Mare for a while as I bookmarked this place. On Friday the 13th I worked in the office in San Francisco. At the last minute I decided to eat here at lunch for Lent Friday. Coming to Sotto Mare on Lent Friday was to "kill two birds with one stone". As Sotto Mare is known for the cioppino there was no other dishes to consider. The concern I had was the menu stated the cioppino was good for two people. So I decided not to get any appetizers. However my biggest weakness is bread. At Sotto Mare the crusty bread was served with butter. When the cioppino arrived I can see why this dish was good for two people. The bowl wasn't skimpy of seafood and broth. The seafood consisted of dungeness crab, clams, and mussels. I like there were only three types of shellfish. Too many types of seafood would overpower the broth instead of enhance. The broth was savory but most of all not salty. With the abundance of seafood and broth I choose to finish all the seafood. With the broth I dipped the bread in it. Is the cioppino served at Sotto Mare the best I ever had? I only had two cioppinos in my life. The cioppino I ate at Sotto Mare that Friday was better than the first one I ate four years ago. So if you have to eat fish on Fridays during Lent make an excuse for yourself to have cioppino at Sotto Mare.

    The "Best Damn Crab Cioppino" (one order)
    Tully B.

    Sotto Mare reminds me that good restaurateurs are alive and well. Inside this galley shaped eatery the best cioppino for the most astonishing price awaits. For $55, two will easily be stuffed by a resounding tomato broth stuffed with shell-cracked crab, shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, octopus, and penne pasta!? It is seriously my new go-to SF recommendation. There is indoor and outdoor seating, no reservations for parties of 2. We placed our name at got a buzzer. The service is effective and impressive in the tight indoor space. I loved our seats at the bar. Do yourself a favor and order a bunch of fresh west coast oysters. I can't wait to come back.

    Linguine with Seafood

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    Sotto Mare Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sotto Mare

    How to do the reservation?

    You have to call them for rezzies. Leave a vmail and they'll return your call.

    How would reservations work for a party of 2? Should I arrive early to put my name down, call ahead, or just walk in?

    Hi Albert, Thank you for inquiry. Parties of 2 are on a first come, first serve basis. Depending on… 

    Is there bar seating?

    Yes they were kind enough to seat my friends and I at the bar.

    Is there valet parking for lunch on Saturday?

    Parking is not easy. I'd take Uber or Lyft. No valet. Saturdays in North Beach are incredibly busy.

    Hi, do you have a corkage fee?

    Yes, our corkage fee is $20.

    How to book a reservation?

    Call them but they only take reservations for parties of 4 or more.

    Is there gluten free menu? Thank you!

    Many items on the menu are gluten free.

    My husband is allergic to garlic, is he able to order the ccioppino without garlic? What about the clam chowder?

    Hi, Yes there is garlic in cioppino, it’s in the tomato sauce. We can make the cioppino without it.… 

    Can we make a reservation specifically to sit outside for dinner? Also, is it likely to be chilly in the evening at the end of July?

    You can request but it depends on your timing. Higher likelihood for an outside table if you get an early seating. SF weather is unpredictable especially summer months so bring or wear a warm jacket.

    Can i call ahead and put my name down?

    Yes - you are able to call ahead and put your name down for a reservation. As a note, Sotto Mare only reserves tables for parties of 3 or more. If it’s only 1-2 people, they will not reserve a table.

    Open Friday, Nov 24th? And can deliver on specific time?

    Yes we will be open on Friday, 11/24/23. Yes we can deliver on specific time.

    Do they take reservation?

    Only for groups of three or more.

    Will they be open for 4th of July?

    In observance of Independence Day, Sotto Mare will be closed on July 4th!

    Do they have a bar?

    They have drinks and wine.

    We plan to have dinner outside in July. Will we freeze? Are there outdoor heaters that will keep us warm?

    We had dinner outside in May, yes it is cold. Bring a jacket

    Is there outdoor seatin?

    Yes we have outdoor seating.

    What is the average waiting time to order?

    Depending on what you order, the average wait time is about 5-20 minutes.

    How far ahead in time should I call to reserve a table for 3 for a sat?

    2 day's

    One review said the cioppino comes with penne. is that true? also do they make cioppino for one?

    Yes! There's penne pasta under all the seafood. As for the smaller portion, I'm not sure...I only remember seeing the big bowl for 2-3 people.

    1st time visiting SF in Feb - how likely we will be to get a table on a Friday night for 2 while celebrating a BDay. Would like set plans but understand their will be await. Are Fridays extremely busy?

    I would definitely go very early. It's a very small restaurant with not much seating.

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    Itria

    Itria

    4.3
    (445 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    absolutely incredible meal I could not recommend more…read more i came here for the second time and tried their tasting menu for our anniversary and every single thing was a impeccable. they started us off with some complimentary champagne and even had a non alcoholic version! the appetizers were absolute stars. each bite was so thoughtfully curated and the flavors of each complimented each other so well. you know everything is competitively delicious because we thought we knew which ones were our favorite but our order completely changed upon our second bite. different flavors and combinations shine the more you savor each app. the pastas were so delicious and the amount they give you is perfect. the service was also incredible and the interior is both so cozy yet elevated, perfect for date night! we ended the meal with their panna cotta which had a wonderful contrast of creamy with a delicious crunchy topping! i again simply could not recommend itria more and i will absolutely be back to one of the best dinners in the city!

    Came here for dinner and really enjoyed the atmosphere. We were seated at the communal table, which…read moreended up being a fun place to people-watch. The standing area next to the bar was also a cute spot to wait while our table was getting ready. Food-wise, we tried the crudo tasting while the other crudos were fine, they didn't stand out nearly as much as the scallop. The corn and mushroom pasta was very tasty, especially the sauce. We also tried the pesto pasta, which also had excellent texture, but the sauce tasted a bit more charred than I would have liked. Overall, I thought the atmosphere and dining experience were stronger than any individual dish. The communal seating and lively dining area gave the restaurant a great energy. I can see why this place is popular, and the tasting menu is a fun way to try a variety.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Glazed Lamb Belly w/ date mostarda, warm panzanella ($45)
    Glazed Lamb Belly w/ date mostarda, warm panzanella ($45)
    Crochette Di Patate w/ roast pork belly, fermented radish, calabrian chili aioli (3 pc - $25)

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    Crochette Di Patate w/ roast pork belly, fermented radish, calabrian chili aioli (3 pc - $25)
    Luisa's Restaurant

    Luisa's Restaurant

    4.7
    (184 reviews)
    3.2 mi

    Thank you, Luisa, for your wonderful hospitality and for sharing your years of passion and…read morecraftsmanship with my friends and me. The experience began the moment we stepped into the restaurant in San Francisco, where she personally greeted and cared for her guests, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Bruschetta was the perfect appetizer, a delicious, soft bread and fresh flavors of tomato, garlic and basil. For the entrée, I highly recommend Luisa's famous gnocchi with pesto sauce. Unlike the typical flour-heavy gnocchi, these potato-based dumplings were incredibly light, tender, and practically melted in your mouth while pairing beautifully with the savory pesto. To finish, the Cannoli Alla Siciliana provided the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness, with a hint of chocolate chips. Every dish shows the passion and tradition behind Luisa's cooking, making for a truly memorable dining experience and reflecting the diversity of San Francisco!

    My friend snagged a same-day reservation at Luisa's Restaurant for Saturday evening. This was…read moresurprisingly easy, considering we were a party of 6. The interior had simple decor and a swirl of little lights across ceiling. For drinks, we shared a bottle of Chianti, which was excellent. We also ordered a few appetizers for the table - Garlic Bread and Buratta. The Garlic Bread wasn't particularly memorable for me, but the Buratta was very tasty with the fresh pesto on top. I loved that most pasta dishes could be prepared with a choice of sauce, and ordered the Lobster Ravioli with Vodka Sauce. This was so tasty and surprisingly filling! My friends all enjoyed their dishes as well, including the Linguini Tuttomare, Penne Gorgonzola, and Chicken Parmigiana. Service was friendly and quick. Would happily return for more!

    Photos
    Luisa's Restaurant
    Garlic Bread
    Garlic Bread
    ORTOLANA PIZZA

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    ORTOLANA PIZZA
    Emmy's Spaghetti Shack

    Emmy's Spaghetti Shack

    4.2
    (991 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Large group friendly

    Okay, so firstly I apologize, I did not take any pictures of the food. I was so dang hungry that I…read moreimmediately dug in to the shrimp scampi toast and the chicken parm. Both were chef's kiss great, and the portions were just right for two hungry people. Our server, Atilla, became my best friend. He was super attentive, very honest, and had a great sense of humor. My friend and I sat outside in the patio (we got there at 6ish), it was a nice day and we were the first ones to sit in there. Him and I like to talk over each other so I can imagine that when the patio is full, convos are the rage. Inside is super vibey, very dark, and decorated with nostalgic pieces. The price point is very generous, considering the portions and quality of the food. This is also a late-night spot, so either way, come hungry. I ordered the basil sweet tea (deep breath), and it was so refreshing and tasty. My bonus kid texted me after I got home to ask me of any dinner spots I would recommend and I IMMEDIATELY sent him my recommendation of Emmy's Spaghetti Shack.

    Finally, I visited to try their famous Monday for lover's special! $60 cash only for two…read moreappetizers, one entree, one dessert, and a whole bottle of wine. Wow what a deal! We were worried at first if it would be enough food, but I felt stuffed afterwards and needed to walk it off. We got an early reservation but the place really filled up as it became prime dinner time. Highly recommend booking ahead of time if you want to come on a Monday. Staff seemed to be quite busy, and we had to get their attention a couple of times. The space is cool and had bar seating, booths, and a back patio area. They have two pin ball machines and a photo booth as well, very fun. For food, our two appetizers were the chicken wings and the caesar salad. Both were spicy, but not that spicy. Instead of traditional croutons, they added bread crumbs on top of the little gem lettuce. I enjoyed their take on a caesar, though it felt pretty heavy, much like the rest of our meal and the menu haha. The wings were delicious and my friend and I fought for who will take the last one. Spaghetti and meatballs was a very size able portion for two to share. We ordered the grandma's meatballs with the spaghetti and meatballs which had a different recipe, I believe crushed cashews are added. I enjoyed them, were not wowed, but very filling and hit the spot. The peach panna cotta was delightful! We savored each bite. My friend doesn't even like peaches that much but he really enjoyed this dessert. For wine, they have two house wines to choose from, a red and a white. We chose the red to pair with our meal and we liked it! I would definitely return for this dinner special.

    Photos
    VIBE
    VIBE
    Shrimp Scampi
    Shrimp Scampi
    Emmy's Spaghetti Shack

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    Arcana

    Arcana

    4.4
    (272 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    If you love plants you'll adore Arcana in San Francisco because it's a beautiful sanctuary of…read moreplants and cool vibes. Located in the legendary Mission District of San Francisco, this wine bar is a great spot to catch up with friends and enjoy small bites and yummy crafted cocktails. Their decor is very chic and I especially loved all of the hardware, glasses, tables, and benches. This place was styled by a great design artist. Even though the place was pretty packed and can be kind of noisy, I still felt very calm amongst all the healthy plants and loved the sophisticated 70s inspired glassware. Another great feature of this place is that you can buy most of the plants because they have some for sale so after a couple of cocktails, I was ready to redecorate my whole house with all the plants. I ordered a yummy Rose blend that was super crisp. Also enjoyed the Truffle Fungi! A delicious Shiitake and oyster mushrooms with parmesan and arugula on toasted bread. Their Spanish inspired potatoes were delicious with their dipping sauce. They have lots of gatherings there and DJ sets on the weekends. Lastly, a photographer would die to take pictures here. There is no bad shot as the design artist made sure every section of this cute wine bar was picture perfect. Loved all my photos and videos. I look forward to returning to this exquisite wine bar!

    Clearly says 9:30pm for the cover/ticket charge. I am uploading this at 9:19pm, but the whole…read moreinteraction started maybe 10 minutes prior. Charging the $10 event fee on discretion before the posted event start time seems... shady? illegal? My two friends got in a few minutes before with no cover. I was dealing with a bike lock while they went in. We were not there for the event but rather as volunteers from the weekly cleanup refuse crew in the Mission. You get perks as a thank-you for doing your part in making the City a cleaner place. We had just had a lovely time at another participating business (Beehive) and planned on Arcana being our final stop. Thankfully I was able to use the restroom without a fee, with my gear held up outside by the security team. While waiting in the restroom line, I told a staff member about all this, and the worker seemingly went up to the front to find out what's going on. The line took a few minutes, my friends also bumped into me, and I told them I'd likely wait for them outside the business post-restroom while they finished their wine. Already reported to the Mayor's Office. Maybe I'll add BBB. Should be honest and equitable! Four out of 200+ reviews by me have been one star, so I rarely share negativity. It's all rather unfortunate as other visits here went off without an issue. I warned a group of four about all this while I waited out front, and after talking to the front door folks, they left and thanked me for the advice. Please be careful if you visit here. . . .

    Photos
    Downstairs
    Downstairs
    Arcana
    Arcana

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    Sotto Mare - seafood - Updated July 2026

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