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    Sabella & La Torre

    3.4 (1.1k reviews)
    ModerateSeafood, Italian, Bars
    Closed 10:00 am - 9:30 pm

    Sabella & La Torre Photos

    Business Info

    SABELLA & LA TORRE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Touristy
    Classy

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    Recommended Reviews - Sabella & La Torre

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    Denise C.

    I enjoy these old-fashioned stands at the Fisherman's Wharf SF. Reminds me of Baltimore. Always delightful and fun.

    Fish and Chips + Clam Chowder in a Breadbowl,
    Tram N.

    Friendly service. Gavin and I came Saturday morning. It was still early, so a lot of restaurants were not opened yet. I was glad that this place was open. Gavin wanted fish and chips and clam chowder. I have been sharing my meals when I eat w/ him so it saves us from feeling super full. He ate all that he wanted before I dug in. The fish and chips were crispy, not oily. The clam chowder was good and creamy, but I wish that the sourdough bread bowl was toasted prior. The tartar sauce is served in packets, so it is not made fresh. Tables outside were not the cleanest. Gentleman that took our order did tend to the tables when the rush was over. He had a huge group right before we got there and another large group came as we were eating. Kudos to the energetic guy holding it down.

    Clam Chowder with Sourdough Bowl
    Yeebing T.

    Came here a while ago while waiting for a different restaurant to be open before getting impatient and deciding to eat here anyway. The service was friendly and relatively quick from what I could recall and the ambiance I experienced was mostly outside, which does give you a nice chance to go people-watching if you're into that. I got the Clam Chowder Bowl with a sourdough bread bowl, which was warm and for the chilly San Francisco weather. It was also surprisingly affordable from what I could recall, which is a bit rare when it comes to both San Francisco and outside food in general. Overall, a nice experience. I did come here on impulse and it's not in an area of the pier that I normally go to, but I wouldn't mind coming back again if I coincidentally ended up in this section of the area again.

    Joe J.

    We stopped into Sabella & La Torre our first night in San Francisco because we had just gotten into town and needed food quick. Party of five, seated immediately, and the food came out in about 10 minutes ,so no complaints at all about speed or service. Our server was pleasant and checked on us when needed. The place itself had the typical Wharf vibe -- moderately busy, decent lighting, clean-ish but not spotless. Now the food... I ordered the clam chowder expecting that classic Fisherman's Wharf experience and honestly... it was just blah in a bowl. No seasoning, no flavor, nothing memorable at all. That set the tone. We also got the fried seafood platter with scallops, prawns and calamari. Everything tasted overcooked and tough and really needed seasoning. Oddly enough, the vegetables on the plate ended up being the best part. The crab sandwich was actually solid, more like a crab salad style sandwich and I enjoyed it. But I'm a Maryland guy, so I can't help thinking a little Old Bay would've taken it a long way. Pricing itself wasn't the problem. It just didn't match the quality we were hoping for, especially being right on the Wharf where you expect seafood to shine. We left wishing we had just hit In-N-Out instead. Not a terrible experience, just a very forgettable meal in a place that should be memorable.

    Clam Chowder
    Christine D.

    The clam chowder was hot and delicious with lots of clams. It came with crackers and they also served with freshly baked sour dough bread with butter. The lobster roll was filled with chunks of lobster, dressed lightly with mayo and the bread is soft which I liked. Service was quick and they were all friendly and nice. The place is small and tight. The food however is awesome.

    Takumi A.

    Sabella was the first place I ever had seafood at Fisherman's Wharf. Years later - whether I'm bringing friends from out of town or dining on my own - I still come back. Not out of nostalgia, but because the experience has stayed consistent in the ways that matter. Fisherman's Wharf has no shortage of seafood restaurants. Some prioritize speed or spectacle. Sabella rewards a different approach: order intentionally, wait a little longer, and eat slowly. Dungeness Crab: warm, sweet, and worth the wait I ordered a made-to-order Dungeness crab, which costs more and takes longer - and that's exactly the point. The crab arrived warm, not lukewarm, with a generous size and meat that was moist, sweet, and clean-tasting. There was no dryness or chalky texture - just that unmistakable sweetness you get when Dungeness crab is cooked fresh and handled properly. The aroma was gentle and oceanic, and the meat released cleanly from the shell. This isn't a grab-and-go crab. It's closer to a live seafood experience, where patience is part of the flavor. In San Francisco, that's worth paying for. Pacific Oysters: plump, fresh, and honest The oysters deserve a clear definition: these are Pacific oysters. They were plump and meaty, filling the shell with a creamy yet resilient texture. Each bite delivered clean salinity followed by a subtle sweetness - no muddiness, no metallic aftertaste. These aren't presented as a terroir-focused raw bar with farm names and tasting notes, but the quality is unmistakable. They're satisfying oysters that prioritize freshness and substance. Freshly Grated Horseradish: real credit where it's due One detail deserves special recognition: the freshly grated horseradish. This is not bottled or pre-mixed. You can tell from the texture and aroma - it's freshly ground, sharp and aromatic without being harsh. The heat hits cleanly and fades quickly, lifting the sweetness of the Pacific oysters rather than overpowering them. Fresh horseradish takes extra effort, and many places skip it. Sabella doesn't, and it shows. San Francisco Sourdough: above average, not filler San Francisco sourdough matters, and here it's treated with respect. The bread is above average: a crisp, well-developed crust with a chewy interior that stands up to seafood juices and butter. It's not an afterthought basket - it actually contributes to the meal. Yes, it leaves crumbs, but the staff are attentive and quick to keep the table tidy. Drinks & Service: local and genuinely attentive Sabella carries local San Francisco beer, which pairs far better with oysters and crab than generic bottled options you can find anywhere. If you're eating at the Wharf, this feels like the right choice. Service throughout the meal was friendly, observant, and unpretentious. Crumbs were cleared without being asked, plates were timed well, and there was a sense of genuine care - small details that make a difference in a busy, high-traffic area. How my ordering has evolved In the past, I used to order their chowder and seafood platters. These days, my routine is simpler: a plate of Pacific oysters and one freshly cooked Dungeness crab, taken slowly, paired with a local beer. No rush - just letting the flavors unfold and the moment breathe. That evolution says something. It means the basics are strong enough that I don't need excess. Why five stars? Not because Sabella is chasing trends. Not because it's flashy. But because: For Fisherman's Wharf seafood, Sabella consistently delivers freshness, proper cooking, thoughtful details, and a calm confidence that's increasingly rare. Consistency over time is hard to fake - and that's why I keep coming back. - Dr. C I don't chase hype. I write down what's worth remembering.

    Lobster roll
    Bernie F.

    I was walking by on our way from Boudin and saw this spot and wanted some seafood, and boy, I was not disappointed. This place has the best lobster roll I've had on my trip in SF. They were able to do it Connecticut-style for me, with butter melted. It was so good I came back again and got it twice. I recommend this place 100%.

    Isabella R.

    A locals touristy pick I had the calamari, the salmon plate, and the shrimp sandwich, and everything was delicious. The seafood was fresh and perfectly cooked. The calamari was light and crispy but lacked a little salt & the salmon was tender with great flavor, I really liked the butter sauce they made w it. and the shrimp sandwich was full and satisfying. The atmosphere felt relaxed and welcoming, and the service was friendly and quick. A local's favorite for good reason. I would definitely come back :)

    Watermelon martini
    Tommy J.

    Imagine coming in here and going to post a review and realizing that you did not post your review from well over five years ago... i'm gonna leave my previous written review underneath... Current review: We arrived at 4:30 PM and sat at the bar. Bartender was really nice, made our drinks for his immediately and then brought us some bread. What we ordered: Watermelon martini My thai Pan fried calamari Deep fried oysters The food arrived for quickly and was awesome as usual. Definitely reminiscing from all our visits from the past. It's been a few years, so everybody was new. We didn't recognize anyone sadly. PREVIOUS UNPUBLISHED REVIEW: Oh my goodness, I am so happy to be here. This is my absolute most favorite restaurant to eat in San Francisco. We've been coming here for years. In the past, when we had Judo tournaments, they used to give my kids some little treats if They got gold medals. With Covid, grappling sports kind of took a dive, so no more gold medals for a while. Our old favorite bartender Ed is not working here anymore, however his brother Irwin is the bartender now and is just as masterful a bartender as his brother was. He mixes a mean drink. Took a minute to get seated, we all decided since there were seven of us to sit at the bar. I was able to start nursing this week mode margarita before we actually all sat. Erwin the bartender was our waiter, and got us a triple portion of fried calamari while we were waiting for our drinks. There's something about the atmosphere, Packed, a restaurant full of people, and yes super friendly people that work to please. What we order: Baybreeze Watermelon martini 3x mussels bordelaise 2x clam bordelaise 3x shrimp salad Everything arrived quickly and looks delicious. Best bordelaise in San Francisco.

    beiqi d.

    I was here 10 years, all I remember was I got fresh shrimp from here. This time I came here with family at off season, no line and we got great service! Dungeness crab was fat and fresh, Clam Chowder with bread was good, lobster ravioli was good portions .

    Monica B.

    Delicious meal yesterday. Everything was fresh and tasted wonderful. We sat at the bar and enjoyed some drinks. It was nice to see this place is still open and standing.

    View from the restaurant

    Lobster roll: Buttery, good amount of lobster, but one callout is the meat is shredded pretty small. I prefer larger chunks of lobster than a bunch of tiny pieces Crab roll: this one did not hit the mark for me. Weird fishy taste, overall taste is not too pleasant. They do give you a lot of the crab mix though Clam chowder: this was good, not the best I've had

    Get the Dungeness crab cocktail. Trust me. Best EVER!!!
    Pamela F.

    This joint is just classic Fisherman's Wharf. It's been here for so long ~ and the place shows it, but that's part of its charm. We go here strictly for the Dungeness crab cocktail. And the seriously kick ass cocktail sauce. If you dig horseradish, you're gonna LOVE this sauce. Best ever crab cocktail. If you know of a better one, I wanna know where I can find it! Dine in, even though you can purchase less expensive crab cocktails from the stall out front. They're smaller and you just don't get the feel for the place. Or the yummy (and complimentary!) sourdough bread, butter, water and general frivolity of this bustling restaurant. Service can be hit or miss. I'd always pick a spot at the bar if one is available. Sometimes you just gotta take what you can get...or wait. They seem to turn tables/barstools pretty quickly. If you have a vehicle, park in the lot directly across Taylor and they'll validate your parking. Free parking in San Francisco is a thing when you know where to find it ~ right there in tourist central!

    Half dozen Oysters

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    2 months ago

    Ordered fish and chips. The fish tasted like cardboard and the chips were at least 2 days old.

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    3 days ago

    everyone there was so nice to us during our meal and the food was great!! loved the setting near the ocean too:)

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    Always a win when you're visiting San Francisco great food good atmosphere highly recommend

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    Sabella & La Torre Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sabella & La Torre

    Do you now serve local Dungeness crab coming from SF Bay Area. It's now Jan 6, 2026 and the commercial crab season has opened I reckon? Not a big fan of Washington or Oregon Dungeness crab so just checking.

    Good evening. Yes , we are serving the fresh San Francisco crab every day. We have it for here or to go. We also have sandwiches , cocktails and crab linguine

    I was also wondering about the bread for the crab sandwiches. Are they able to swap out the bread outside where sandwiches are sold? Or would it need to be a custom order in the restaurant? Would the softer bread be the sourdough? Thanks!

    Hi Kristine G, You can order the crab sandwich from the inside and you have the choice of sourdough roll, sliced sourdough French(which is softer), Hamburger Bun(not sourdough) & a Brioche roll (not sourdough)… 

    I remember the crab sandwich on a more softer piece of bread, is that version still available, I haven't seen it in recent posts?

    Hi Jasmine, Yes a softer bread is an option. Just ask my staff, we can make one up for you. Tom

    Is this place open for dine in?

    Yes! We are open Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12-8 for indoor dinning.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Walked in on the early evening of 05/22/26 to be snapped at by the waitress handling the tables…read morenear the entrance so thought we would either leave or be in for a bad evening. WRONG We managed to find a table for the 6 of us, including a disabled member, in the back. The waitress and the gentleman assisting her could not have been nicer!! The drinks and food came quickly and was amazingly delicious ( although reviews said it would be)!!! The gentleman employee was especially attentive to assisting the disabled member of our group, even helping her stand and get around. Could not be happier except for not living closer to frequent Buena Vista more often. (PS... had items from gift shop shipped and they were packaged so very well and arrived cross- country within one week) Great experience

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