Sotto Mare
Experience exceptional San Francisco seafood and Italian dishes at this highly-rated ($$) restaurant. Discover a vibrant atmosphere perfect for groups, with outdoor seating available.
Neighborhood spot with nautical decor and a menu of pasta, cioppino, and other Italian-style seafood.
About Sotto Mare
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, this beloved Italian seafood spot consistently earns accolades, boasting a 4.6-star rating from nearly 5,000 diners. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, a perfect setting for enjoying expertly prepared dishes. Patrons rave about the fresh, flavorful seafood, with particular praise for their pasta creations served in rich, delicious sauces. It's a place where attentive service complements the culinary experience, making it a standout choice for those seeking authentic Italian-inspired seafood in the city. The option for outdoor seating and its suitability for groups further enhance its appeal.
Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Groups Welcome, Reservations
Set your restaurant preferences in your profile to see how well this restaurant matches your dining style.
Why Travelers Love Sotto Mare
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified 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!
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Opening Hours
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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
Parking
Accessibility
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Transportation Tips
Excellent public transportation with cable cars, buses, and BART. Walking is perfect for exploring neighborhoods, and ride-sharing services are widely available.
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