Cafe Maritime

I have not eaten there in quite a while but I remember telling the waiter that this was the freshest fish I had ever eaten in San Francisco. I was not too impressed by the New Zealand mussels in Pernod sauce but really liked the Marlborough Chardonnay from New Zealand. I will return there soon and add to this review but this is what restaurant to consider for fresh and well served seafood.

Pros: Fresh seafood

Cons: Parking

Posted 10/18/08

I?ve been here before and each time, I have had a very pleasant dining experience. On top of that, did you know this restaurant is teaming up with StreetSmart4kids? It?s actually really cool what they?re doing. I just heard about how SS4K is a nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged teens stay healthy. They are running their ?Dine Out and Donate? campaign here (as well as approx. 70 other restaurants in SF) during October and early November. After having a fabulous dining experience, just fill out the donation form when paying the check (minimum donation $3). This is perfect for people like me, who love to eat out all the time and also like to give back to the community. Check it out for yourself on the StreetSmart4Kids website!

Posted 08/21/08

I am really glad I chose to make the 2 mile trip to this restaurant. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate and the owner, Mark was terrific. I started with an heirloom salad and follwed that with the the small seafood platter which was unbelievably good. There were 3 kinds of oysters, 1/2 a dungeness crab, large boiled shrimp and mussels.

I'm not from here and when I travel I try to find restaurants the locals frequent. This is definitely one of those. Mark seemed to know a lot of his customers. There were no tourists here which was really a blessing.

Posted 08/02/08

A friend and I visited Maritime on July 13th. It was the most perfect dining experience we had in San Francisco. They were unusually busy for a Sunday evening, but we were seated at the bar and as soon as a table could be set up, we were seated at the window. The staff was so polite, quick and knew all about the food they served and offered suggestiong when asked. The crab cakes and the tuna were perfectly outstanding. Parking is not a problem if you take a taxi and your server will call one for you at the end of your dining experience. We will return again and again and only wish we had found about Maritime years ago. It was a perfect dinner to end a perfect trip to San Francisco. I must say Maritime was the best food we have ever experienced, and we visit the city once each year.

Pros: Service, food, ambience, chef

Cons: A little difficult to find

Posted 07/14/08

Our family got together here for a brunch, and the food here was top notch! Quite delicious, however, the only complaint I might add, is that the only server who appeared to be working, (who also was the bartender) definitely took his time about getting us situated (the smallish, sort of plain dining room wasn't full capacity by any means), getting the drinks out (forgot one for 1/2 hour), and our food (close to 35 mins. once the order was finally taken). But if you set that aside, it was a excellent meal. Even though our server was a bit sluggish, he did have a cheery attitude. Overall, on a scale of 1-10, 10 being highest, I give a 71/2.

Pros: Excellent food - for brunch I highly recommend the Lobster benedict!

Cons: Slow-ish service (wait to get drinks, order, refills), cramped-ish dining room

Posted 12/22/07

One of our favorite regular restaurants, the food is consistently excellent, fresh, interesting and affordable, and the atmosphere is calming and pleasant. We often take friends here from out of town because it is so reliable. Also, the staff and owner are warm and friendly-- it feels like they love what they do; they actually serve the owner's mom's coconut cream pie recipe for dessert-- how cool is that? (it's great, too). The seafood is delicious (and sustainable, so you don't feel guilty-- the chowder is crazy good) and for non fish-eaters, the burger is also fantastic. Also, you can get in without a fuss much of the time which, for the quality of the food and experience, is unusual. In short, we are SF foodie people and we highly recommend this place to all of our friends.

Pros: great sustainable seafood, fresh, affordable, quiet and charming, chowder, sole, swordfish, and tuna tartare are favorites

Cons: parking not so good, but it still worth the circling...

Posted 07/14/07

A truly exceptional, unpretentious seafood restaurant in the Marina? Yes! These people don't take themselves too seriously, the chefs know how to cook fish without too many oily sauces or unnecessary spices, and they act like they might actually be happy that you're there. Seriously, don't avoid this place just because blocks from all the Lombard hotels. I would pick this restaurant over any other for a good seafood dinner or apps and a beer or three.

Posted 07/12/07

We've had brunch and dinner at Cafe Maritime. At brunch, I had the crab and avocado omelette, which was a bit dry - it needed some cheese or something. But, I was able to replace the potatoes with fresh fruit, the coffee was great, and the service was very friendly so we returned for dinner. Dinner was an all around great experience. I had some kind of seasonal salmon that was only available for a couple of weeks (I cannot remember what it was called, but wish I could because it was delicious!) and my husband had a tuna steak that we really enjoyed. The prices are good and the food is very fresh so we will definitely return!

Pros: Fresh and tasty fish, Value for money

Posted 06/29/07

Recently took a trip to San Fran for a few days, and ended up here late night for dinner. The restaurant itself is really cute inside, and the waiter was fantastic. Extremely relaxed atmosphere, great wines, and the food was perfect. It was a little slow while we were there, so that may have something to do with all the attention we received, but I wouldnt hesitate from going back again. The owner was nice enough to send over a dessert for us to try as well. A+ all around! Great find-

Posted 06/27/07

My roommate and I dined at Cafe Maritime over a year ago and recently went again to relive the wonderful experience. I absolutely love the fact that in the course of one year, absolutely nothing has changed - in a good way! The service is still as wondeful as I remembered, the food just as deliciously prepared, and the seafood is fresh as ever! One thing that I love about Cafe Maritime's seafood dishes is that they do no overprepare the seafood, so the natural flavors truly shine through. Definitely will be coming back here more often!

Pros: open late, yummy seafood, atmosphere

Cons: a little small, parking!!!

Posted 05/08/07

This is hands down my favorite restaurant in San Francisco, and has set the bar for what I think a restaurant should be. My wife and I have been regular customers for what feels like 1-2 years. We've recommended this little gem to all our friends and make it a point to bring family and coworkers here when they're in town.

For starters, it's a seafood restaurant. I love seafood, and around the time we discovered Maritime, it didn't seem like there were many good places to choose from ("good" meaning attractive menu and environment). On weekends we tend to get the specials, and on weekdays we stick to a light sampling of appetizers and sides (seafood chowder, shrimp/crab fritters, butternut squash never disappoint). When we don't feel like the specials, our defaults are very satisfying: lobster roll, cajun seafood pasta. And don't skip desert: try the coconut cream pie or cheesecake du jour. Everything we've ever eaten here has tasted wonderfully. Hats off to Chef Eduardo.

The environment is equally perfect. The noise level is just right, with the quiet chatter of neighboring groups and jazz radio playing in the background. It's intimate enough for a date, and open enough for a group. Classy without feeling exclusive. The interior design was well thought out; the choice of cool colors make you feel like you're on the waterfront. Last and certainly not least, Mark, the owner, treats customers like royalty. We feel more like we're at his home rather than just some restaurant.

As if all this weren't enough, the place is open till 1 AM. 1 AM! We tend to dine late, and it's really disappointing when all the good restaurants close at 9 or 10. We really appreciate the late nights this place puts in. One time I came in on a late flight back to SF and stopped by Maritime on the way home. I was enjoying delicious prime rib at midnight!

Bottom line: this place is exceptional. If I were Mark, I'd be extremely proud.

Pros: Perfect combo: good seafood, great environment, open late

Cons: Parking is tough during normal hours

Posted 04/26/07

So I drive by this place everyday on my way into to work from the north bay to the city. This place from the outside with its quite blue awning I thought was a tourist trap because of its location on Lombard in the Marina. What a wonderful surprise? My fiance and I were looking for a late night place to meet our seafood cravings on our way home from a long day at law school and work. We found this place on city search & were so pleasantly surprised. Very small and intimiate. We were able to get reservations within the hour and the bartender/host was very welcoming as we made our way in.

We dined a dozen of the market oysters, a dozen of the Chef Eduardo oysters (aka oysters Rockafeller), and the steamed chorizo mussells... YUM! I will say that their oyster shooter is not the best... I had to choke it down... but I assume that was because of the cheap vodka they may have served it with. Next time I will order it without the stinky vodka. We ended the night on a dark chocolate cheesecake with was just as good as the rest of the meal.

Check it out ... it was quiet & romantic but still roomy and lively enough for a family that was eating across from us. Very nice... so happy to find it! We'll be back!

Pros: Late night

Cons: Parking is the worst!

Posted 12/16/06

We had just watched a PBS special on lobster rolls, heard about Cafe Maritime. We arrived late, passed a bar and room full of happy people eating fantastic-looking seafood. We knew what we wanted, LOBSTER ROLLS! A little pricey @ $18.50(sandwich w fries). A lobster roll is ALWAYS hot lobstermeat, drenched in butter, some salt/pepper on a toasted or steamed roll. What arrived was a small amount of COLD meat (w what appeared to be mixed w some shrimp, maybe?) heavily mayonnaised, and mixed with an enormous amount of tarragon, leaving the bitter taste of a cold tarragon sandwich. this on a limp hotdog bun. Although our table was 10 feet from the kitchen, the plates were filled with cool shoestring potatoes. A cafeteria tuna sandwich would have kicked this plates butt. Weate, we were starving, it was late..I asked the waiter what the unexpected spice was,(tarragon) and why it wasn't advertised as a lobster SALAD sandwich.He said, "I wondered about your order..NOT my favorite item on the menu". They need to cut it right away. The worst. However, I saw beautiful plates of fresh seafood at every table, so NOW we know! The server was great.

Pros: Service, great looking plates of food

Cons: The WORST lobster roll in history!

Posted 09/22/06

We went on a Saturday night without reservations and were seated at the bar. It was a little cozy, but the bartender (owner or manager, I believe) made us feel right at home. The food was excellent; specifically, we can highly recommend the clam linguini, crab-stuffed trout, clam chowder, and house salad with dungenees crab. We wished we had room for dessert, but we were just too full. The restaurant is small, and it was full the whole time we were there, but I didn't see anyone turned away or waiting long. The service was great, and the prices were reasonable (about $20 for an entree). We will definitely return to Cafe Maritime on our next trip to San Francisco!

Posted 08/26/06

I have been to Maritime several times and really appreciate the great seafood and atmosphere. Living in the Marina, it's nice to have a place that's not such a scene. Just good food and good atmosphere.

Posted 07/26/06

went on friday 6:30, it was nice and quiet. a few families came w/ babies and you could tell locals eat there regularly. Nice value too. nice big piece of hallibut for $19. Crab cake was full of crab and delicious. It's good food and unpretencious.

Posted 05/07/06

My wife and I went here on Easter Sunday for dinner. As suspected, it was not crowded. We were waited on by Mark, one of the Owners. From the beginning there was great service. Mark was very helpful in helping us land-locked tourists select good entrees. The food was great, and great portions to still leave enough room for dessert. Dessert was fantastic. We had the famous "Mark's Mom Coconut Cream Pie" and an order of the creme brulle. It was great and not overpriced for San Francisco dining.

Pros: food, service, dessert

Posted 04/16/06

I eat here about once a month and was just there for late-night this past weekend. The food is GREAT - the seafood chowder, crab cakes, cajun pasta (new dish), oysters on the half shell, steamed mussels, and the linguini w/ clams are all on the money.

The atmosphere is great. Nice, romantic setting w/ candles and light jazz music playing in the background. And, the owner is a real nice guy and loves to entertain customers w/ a drink and some chit chat.

So, in other words, this is definitely a restaurant to check out.

Pros: late-night dining, friendly staff, great crab cakes

Posted 04/15/06

this is my favorite late night dining spot in the city. stellar service, great food from both a taste and presentation standpoint, and a cozy and romantic setting in the marina district. i recommend this restaurant to people looking for a hidden jewel with class and style.

Pros: late night, romantic, taste

Posted 03/15/06

We had a nice waiter but a rude bus man. Never greated or acknoledged by the owner.
Party of four with reservations but got the worst table on a cold night by the door.

Food was fine, but this place may be slipping?

Pros: Good Seafood

Cons: Service

Posted 02/18/06

This is hands down the best place for seafood in SF! The FOOD IS AMAZING and the staff and decor are just awesome...and they are open late! Great date place!

Pros: Amazing Food, Great Date Place

Posted 08/02/05

The food, ambiance, and service at Cafe Maritime makes this find a perfect place to start a perfect date in the Marina. The portions were perfect and definitely share the coconut cream pie for dessert. Most recently, I had the hailbut and my boyfriend has the seafood pasta - they were delicious and the presentation was gorgeous! Even though Cafe Maritime is located on a untravelled portion of Lombard, it is still within strolling distance to Bistro Yaffe or other wine bars on Chestnut for a pre/post dinner drink. Or you could walk up to Fillmore to balance your unpretentious Cafe Maritime experience with martinis at Matrix. It's also really close to the re-opened theater at Chestnut/Divisadero. Cafe Maritime gets an A++!

Pros: Date Spot, Delicious Food, Great Service

Posted 06/28/05

If you want fresh, delicious seafoood and accompanying dishes and beverages, this is the spot to visit! The light and friendly atmosphere matches that of the staff. Bring a group or dine alone; the restaurant is very accommodating, and the prices are more than fair for the quality of the food.

Pros: fresh seafood, good prices, friendly staff

Cons: street parking

Posted 04/19/05

In an unassuming block of Lombard Street that most diners past on their way to more tony locations, lies Cafe Maritime, a low-key rendition of a causal New England seafood restaurant. With classic wainscoting, walls painted in a pastel seaside scene, and zinc topped tables, the simple decor provides foreshadowing for the uncomplicated, yet elegant, preparations that follow. Appetizers range from fresh Hogs Island oysters to whole calamari stuffed with spinach and goat cheese. Entrees include wild California sea bass atop a bed of whole couscous, classic lobster roll, and, for those who cannot forego beef even at a bastion of fresh ocean delicacies, grilled hanger steak. The friendly servers were attentive and personable, while the short wine list had interesting selections from California and beyond. While not a bargain (dinner for 2 with glasses of wine $80), Cafe Maritime is a tiny pearl in San Francisco seafood dining.

Pros: Fresh ingredients, Good value

Cons: Lack of parking

Posted 03/15/05

I have had the pleasure of eating at Cafe Maritime a few times now. Located in the Marina, it offers delicious seafood at great value. It is never crowded, although there would be a line out the door if everyone discovered it. The owner is great and will often be table-side asking you how everything is. The hog island oysters are the freshest around. Crab cakes are to die for and the Ahi entree is one of the best I've had. My boyfriend had Harvard Tom's linguine with manila clams and linquica which was delicious. This is a place that you'll go once and want to become a regular at. Enjoy!

Pros: Good Value, Prompt Seating, Fresh Seafood

Posted 03/02/05

Doesn't look like much from the outside, but once you step in, you're in for some refined sea-faring cuisine. The menu is pricey but for the occasional treat, it's worth it. The wine list is pretty decent too. The owner is personable and very likely the person serving you.

Pros: Seafood, Wine List

Cons: Price

Posted 01/26/05

Living a few blocks away from Cafe Maritime, I have become spoiled by this wonderful restaurant. The energy and decor are positive and soothing, and even when it is busy, the service is top notch. The food is something I crave...the chowder, the new chicken (yes, chicken) dish, every single fish on the menu (which changes seasonally and when the chef feels like jazzing things up a bit), the linguine & clams... Just so good. I love this place -- love the staff, the care they take with every part of the meal -- and I love the fact that it is such a pleasant surprise on Lombard. Be adventurous - take a walk from Chestnut street and check it out!

Pros: service, food quality, atmosphere

Cons: , small bar

Posted 01/24/05

Our experience at Cafe Maritime was pretty good, primarily due to the friendliness of the staff and owner. However, food was only okay (maybe if it was cheaper I'd give it a better rating). I had the lobster roll for $17.50, which was basically only half a cup of minced lobster meat with mayo and celery. Not really worth the money. Boyfriend had the steak, which was cooked quite well and served with spinach mashed potatoes. Overall experience was good, but not sure the food was worth its value.

Pros: friendly staff, nice atmosphere

Posted 01/12/05

Cafe Maritime is a really nice eatery. Genuine management, great food, and attentive service more than offset the Lombard Street location.

We dined here in mid December, 2004.

Pros: Food Quality, Service

Posted 01/11/05

This is an excellant restaurant, where the food is cosistently good & the staff are very warm & genuine, you feel as if you are in the company of friends that you have grown up with.
The menu is limited, but I would rather enjoy the high quality and freshness of the food, rather than a huge selection with no quality. I highly recommend this delightful eatery.

Pros: fresh, quality, classy

Posted 11/24/04

I've been to Cafe Maritime three times now and it has been consistent every time. The food is fresh and expertly prepared, the service is professional and friendly and the prices are reasonable. The calamari is excellent, not that fried ring stuff. The crab cakes are all crab and not too much breading. The oysters are always fresh and chilled just perfect. The wild salmon and Halibut are both prepared simply and not over cooked. If you don't want fish, try the steak and frits. Cafe Maritime is warm and unpretentious, a nice addition to the Marina.

Pros: Service, Food, Prices

Posted 10/17/04

The service at Cafe Maritime is superb, and the mussels appetizer was excellent! My husband ate the hanger steak while I had the lobster roll. We finished with the cheese plate for dessert and everything tasted very fresh and provided good value. The mussels portion size was huge which was not only tasty but great for the price. The decor is very tranquil, featuring a painted oceanic mural on the wall and an abundance of glowing tableside candles. We would recommend this restaurant to anyone and wish other restaurants would learn by their example and stay open late!

Pros: hours (open LATE), service, decor

Cons: , menu diversity

Posted 08/28/04

Finally, a great value, fun seafood restaurant in SF! The atmosphere is fun, service is exceptional and the food is both interesting in preparation and excellent in taste. The cocktails are different takes on classics. This is one of those places I would want to keep to myself, but fear the location on Lombard may keep it out of eye and mind of locals--and this is a place I very much hope makes it.

It's a real gem.

Pros: Try the local salmon,, mussels w/ a kick,, even the french fries

Posted 08/24/04

Not only is the chowder out of this world...all their other dishes had the freshest ingredients. We recently ordered oysters (the Kumomotos were delicious!), heirloom tomato salad and the special sea bass of the day. The sea bass was average (ingredients were a little bland) but everything else was outstanding. The wait staff and Ann (the bartender) are extremely friendly. My only grip would be the cheese plate. I've been to Cafe Maritime two times (and not late!) and both times they were out of cheese!
This is definitely going to be a regular spot for me!

Pros: oysters, service

Posted 07/27/04

A friend told us about this little gem in the marina. The place is so unpretentious that you wouldn't even know you were in the Marina. Yet the food is outstanding. I've never had sardines like that before. Do yourself a favor and order that, the clam chowder, the calamari, and actually anything else you can get on your table. I've now eaten here several times and have had everything. So far they all out do the rest. The wine list could be a little more extensive.

Pros: food, service

Posted 06/27/04

Cafe Maritime is a wonderful place to enjoy some great and fresh seafood. The clam chowder is AMAZING, and the oysters are so fantastic. Im a big fan of the halibut!

Posted 06/18/04

I ate here with friends before the ballet. we started with the oysters and calamari. the selection of oysters was very nice. each was well shucked (no shell!) and the calamari is one large stuff squid, not the over fired rings that so many places have. Both were great! My entree was the Halibut, each of my companions had the wild salmon. the fish was perfect. not over cooked at all. The service was very friendly, the bartender (Elizabeth) was great, supper quick on the refils and allowed me to taste a wine before ordering. Barry, our waiter, was also wonderful, very quick and friendly without being over bearing. Try this place before everyone finds it and you won't be able to get in.

Pros: food, service, wine

Posted 06/02/04

A group of girlfriends and I had a fantastic dinner here a couple of weeks ago. Calamari was a surprise, very different but very delicious. Friendly bartender and service and the fish was very fresh. Halibut rocked. Great little spot. Being open late is a plus - we had a long, long dinner with wonderful wine and dessert (which was yummy as well). Check it out.

Pros: fresh yummy seafood, nice service, cute decor

Cons: , you drive by too fast

Posted 06/01/04

Took my girlfriend here a couple of weeks ago for a late dinner - finally a good place that is open late! Wasn't sure what to expect that late but the food was great and a really good deal for the price. Great little place. Nice bartender. Gotta try their calamari. It will be unlike any other you've had before. Cool atmosphere, too. Will be back soon.

Pros: fresh seafood, full bar, open late

Posted 05/24/04

Very rarely, when you go out to eat in San Francisco, you have one of those dining experiences experiences that is Perfect. Cafe Maritime has ended my dry spell for restaurants here. The food, service, atmosphere (fun, but not too rowdy), ambiance, wine - everything was enjoyable. The owner (I'm guessing) even came over to see how our meal was and was even genuine. This restaurant is my new favorite. It's going to be big, so go before it's gets crowded. (also love the fact that they have a late night 11pm - 1 am "Industry Hour"...a late night happy hour of sorts)

Pros: Wonderful Fish, Friendly, efficient, Charming

Posted 05/18/04

personally I love this place and have no idea what the negative posting was for...the food is good, bartenders are very friendly, good service, generally quiet and calm, would reccommend to anyone!

Posted 11/02/02

This is a place you can escape the snobby attitude of the surrounding Marina district and get a great pint of beer (or whatever else you fancy). The F&F is run as a typical English Pub - with bartenders that make you feel welcome and keep things fun with "on the bar" antics. The food is GREAT, too!

Each time my girlfriend and I plan on "stopping by," it always turns into a full-blown, fun late night. Don't miss this spot!

And one more thing, the jukebox CANNOT be beat anywhere in SF!

Pros: people, music, beer

Posted 11/02/02

I'm an out of towner and found this place after getting lost trying to get back onto the Golden Gate Bridge. Out of most of the bars on the block, it appeared to be the most inviting. My friends and I walked in and were greeted by Andy, the illustrious Scottish bartender. Wow. He's a hottie. At any rate, in a nutshell, we had a blast...definitely one of the highlights of our SF vacation.

Posted 09/12/02