Cioppino is a lusty and flavorful seafood soup which is uniquely San Franciscan.\n\nThe origin of both the dish and the name came from the Italian fishermen in the early 1900's, when Fisherman's Wharf was still called Meigg's Wharf. Someone would make the rounds of the moored fishing boats, calling out for for contributions to a common, festive stew. One fisherman would toss a nice, fat fish into the bucket, another would drop in a succulent Dungeness crab, another some herbs and vegetables. The cry that prompted each contribution was: Chip in, chip in!". But coming from an Italian throat, this American slang had to end in a vowel. And the "in" was, of course "een". So "Chip-een-o" was born.\n\nIt's been 100 years, but the Italian fishermen are still here, and so is Cioppino, which is our signature dish. Our Cioppino is so good we named our restaurant after it. Call today! (415) 523-5974
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definitely recommend Cioppinos for dinner. Wonderful restaurant in a highly popular area of the city.
January 24, 2010Was this review helpful to you?
My girlfriend and I were in San Fransisco for the weekend and were sightseeing out at Fisherman's Wharf. We looked at all the restaurants the wharf had to offer and none sounded as appealing as Cioppino's. I'm glad we made that choice, the food was exquisit and portioned just right. There was a warm friendly atmosphere that definitely made you feel right at home. Our suggestion: make sure to get the Market Lasagna or the Grilled Chicken Linguini. Oh yeah, and be prepared to take home a doggie bag : D
August 26, 2008Was this review helpful to you?
Our family searched for a wonderful dining experience on the warf.
We found it in Cioppino's! We've had cioppino for years, both at home and when dining out. So much served, we could have shared, along with delicious garlic & sourdough breads. It was delicious & authentic! This was a genuine treat for us. We also enjoyed the tender New York steak. Enjoy a wonderful atmosphere,service and fine dining.
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A local vendor recommended Cioppinos to us and we were not disappointed. My husband had the Shrimp Scampi and I had the crab cakes. Both were delicious and my husband claimed it was the best Scampi he had ever had. The sauce was so very good!
November 21, 2005Was this review helpful to you?
My husband and I found this place through opentable. We figured it would, at least, be a decent place to eat. The service is great, but their "signature" dish was not was we were expecting. My husband is a huge cioppino fan, and was utterly dissapointed. Will not be returning again, but were appreciative of the service provided. I wouldn't recommend this place to a friend.
My boyfriend and I were visiting SF and the wharf and were starving and looking for a place to eat. I had read a ton of info that said to stay away from wharf dining, but we were a bit hungover and needed food. We stopped here, and I have to say it was pretty good. I had a cheeseburger....which I never eat.....and it was great, and he had spagetthi, and loved it. We tried each others and both were great. Good service, and nice location. I would recommend this place for lunch. Not romantic, but good food for a good price. About $50 for two for lunch, we had a garlic bread appetizer and a couple drinks as well.
Pros: good food, good price
This was my first experience in SF and had a great time. We were walking around the wharf and my friend saw Cioppino's and decided to eat in there. I was kind of skeptical about the place since it looked like a typical italian place, but I was wrong. I have never had cioppino before and even though I had nothing to compare with it was one of the best seafood dish I have ever had. And I always wanted to eat cioppino but never had a chance and I am glad that it met my expectations. And the thing I love the most is that they offer to take the meat out of the crab claw for people who want to be lazy that day. I am usually really picky with food but this really made it. The dish was full of different type of fresh seafood at a reasonable price. They were definitely not skimping on it. Good service too. We wanted to sit outside and the hostess kindly said that they only have tables on the sunny side and offer us other tables rather than just sitting us on the sunny tables w/o any warning.
Pros: good cioppino. good service
Cons: people walking by between tables
My boyfriend and I took a trip to SF and this was the first place we had dinner. We sat in a high table and chairs by the window that overlooked the street and shops. It was very romantic and private where we sat. Very good service and the food was amazing and large portions. We split the shrimp appetizer and for the main course he has some pasta with shrimp and I had the Salmon with pesto sauce with fries. Best salmon and pesto I have ever had. Our portions were so much that we didn't want it to go to waste so we asked to have the rest to go with some napkins and plastic ware and went searching for a homeless person to give it to. He tried it right away and loved it too! :) We stayed in a hotel which had no refergerator so we thought that would be the best thing to do!
Pros: Everything
Cons: Nothing
I had a chance to eat there on a sunny Sunday afternoon outside. It's a great spot to enjoy some traditional Italian food.
Its one of the better Fisherman on the Warf restaurants
Pros: food great
Cons: parking could be an issue
My husband and I recently ate lunch here while in the city for a few days. We had prompt and courteous service. The food, Dungeness crab sandwich and lasagna, was delicious. It was a great wharf experience.
While visiting the Wharf, we got the recommendation from a local to visit Cioppino's. I found the history of the place so.. interesting. I enjoyed the visit. My spouse and I both ordered seafood pasta's. His was better than mine, but he wouldn't share!!! :) I think it would be a good place for lunch. The serving was large, we are big eaters and neither of us could finish our meals. We enjoyed San Francisco.
Pros: good food
Cons: parking
The food is fresh and always consistent in taste. The service is excellent. The bar doesn't appear to be a place for drinkers but a waiting place for diners. Otherwise, the Cioppino here is the best in town!
I have read the others and I dont think they are talking about the right place. The food is average at best. The one that said the bar is great, not true the employees are just there for a shot time so you never get any consitancy, and the chowder is not ever close to the chowder at Franceschi's just next door. You can take that to the bank, it is voted the best by a top chef's review.
We spotted this place walking around Fisherman's Warf on our 1st Year Anniversary. Its colorful, old world exterior was inviting and romantic. Inside is nice and comfortable, not uptight. We ordered two entrees to share: The Fisherman's Platter has the crispiest battered seafood I've ever had. The cod fillets are very fresh, and the Shrimp are succulent. The Seafood Saute Special is EXCELLENT with a great variety of fresh seafood sauted in yummy pesto pasta. We even had leftover pasta with an ample amount of seafood, too which was still as good as the night before. I'd highly recommend this place for a nice dinner for two or for a larger party. It was a memorable night.
Pros: Easy to Find, Comfortable, Fresh Seafood
When ever I have friends in town and am forced to make a trip to the wharf- Cioppino's is our first stop. The bartenders are very friendly and fun- and the bar is nice and bright- surrounded by open windows. The food is pretty good too. Try the crab cakes.
whenever I am down on the wharf playing tourist I eat at Cioppino's. they have the best clam chowder in a bread bowl on fisherman's wharf. it's in a great location and the atmosphere is casual and friendly