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    Sotto Mare

    4.3 (6k reviews)
    PriceySeafood, Italian, Bars
    Open 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Sotto Mare Reservations

    Order Sotto Mare Takeout or Delivery

    Sotto Mare Photos

    Business Info

    SOTTO MARE ATMOSPHERE

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

    Recommended Reviews - Sotto Mare

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    Dmitrii S.

    Food is perfect, my lobster raviolis were unbelievably delicious! But there is one thing - they don't have electronic checks and they do it by pen on "check" - also be ready that service charge is already included and it's unreadable sometimes as well. BUT it's still one of the best seafood restaurant of SF

    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)

    East Bay oysters (I wish we got more)
    Jasmine M.

    Great customer service, great food, great vices! A very busy restaurant because it's that good! It can get a bit loud because it's tight inside the restaurant but they do have outdoor seating. 10/10 East Coast oysters. I tell my partner that the smaller the oyster the better the taste. The red sauce they provide with the oysters make it better. Beautiful taste without the sauce also! 7/10 Lobster Ravioli. They give you a huge plate with large raviolis. Cooked perfectly! The star flavor is obviously lobster but I wish there was something else that heighten the flavor. My partner did say that it was hard to distinguish between the pasta and the lobster. We came 30 min before closing (I know I'm sorry) but when we asked for a table, they were unsure but advised us to check in again at 8:50. We hung out at the bar next door -- and honestly the whole block was a vibe because everyone was out!

    The Bar
    Leo K.

    I had an absolutely wonderful lunch at Sotto Mare in North Beach. I started with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio, followed by warm bread with beautiful virgin olive oil and a cup of rich, comforting clam chowder. My seafood linguine in a creamy sauce was outstanding--fresh, generous seafood, perfectly cooked pasta, and a sauce that was flavorful without being too heavy. Every part of the meal was excellent, from the quality of the food to the welcoming, classic San Francisco atmosphere. Five stars all around. Sotto Mare is a North Beach gem and a place I will gladly return to.

    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.

    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!

    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!

    Octopus Salad
    Raquel M.

    What can I say about this delicious restaurant in North Beach first time ever trying it and the food was delicious. We started with octopus salad that was fresh and delicious with a lot of red pepper, peppers and yellow peppers and then we had fresh oysters that were so delicious The West Coast were more meaty. and the East Coast were a little bit more delicate we shared a risotto with fresh seafood that was out of this world highly recommend..

    Cioppino & Scallop Sauté
    Huy P.

    Came to Sotto Mare for a birthday celebration and here are my thoughts: FOOD: Cioppino (8/10): The broth was mildly bland and a bit more watery than we expected, especially considering all the hype. I wouldn't call it the best cioppino I've ever had, since I've definitely had better, but I did enjoy the seafood in the dish. The portion was very generous and could easily feed two people. Surprisingly, it tasted even better as leftovers the next day, after the flavors had more time to develop. I'd honestly recommend getting it to-go and eating it the next day if you can. You'll also avoid the 2-3 hour wait if you don't have a reservation. Scallop Sauté (10/10): DELICIOUS! The scallops were perfectly cooked, and the garlic sauce was rich, flavorful, and packed with flavor. I'd definitely come back just for this dish! East Coast oysters (9/10): definitely tasted sweeter than the West coast. West coast oysters (10/10): Had a creamier texture which I really liked, but both oysters were delicious with the cocktail sauce and Tabasco that came with it. SERVICE: Definitely make a reservation for groups of 3 or more to avoid a long wait. The staff could be a bit quicker with seating guests, but the service was good overall. AMBIANCE: The restaurant had a fun NY like vibes and was surrounded by lots of other food places that are worth trying. Guests can sit indoors or outside. We were seated indoors in front of the chefs which was a bit hot but still fun to watch them cook. Overall, Sotto Mare was a fun place to celebrate a birthday. I probably wouldn't return specifically for the cioppino, but I'd definitely come back to try some of their other seafood dishes.

    Christin C.

    We ordered the clam chowder, seafood risotto, pasta, and cioppino at Sotto Mare. The seafood seemed fresh and the flavors were good. One critique was the overcooked pasta.

    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!

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    9 months ago

    Really enjoyed their cream seafood past. Cioppino was good, but lacked flavor and was a bit bland.

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    4 months ago

    Wait time incorrectly stated by over 30 minutes. Waste of time. I know this isn't a science.

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    10 months ago

    We always have fun and feel like we are experiencing the SF life when we come here. Always ordering the same.

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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.

    View All 75 Questions

    Itria

    Itria

    4.3
    (447 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    Solid food and vibes at Itria!…read more My friend and I started with their Rosemary Focaccia with Garlic-Anchovy Oil and one of their Crudos (the Bluefin Tuna, I believe), and they were both delicious. I really like that they went a little more funky with the dipping oil for the bread - it was loaded with umami! The Crudo was super fresh, and all the accoutrements worked really well together. Embarrassingly, I cannot remember the name of my or my friend's pasta, and I can see that it's no longer on the menu for this season... but the TLDR is that they were both great! Decent portion, seasoned well, and pasta cooked perfectly for me. My only gripe was with dessert. When I looked up the item I ended up ordering, it looked like a fruit pie, which I love. Give me fruit pie. What I got was sweet foam with stewed fruit and crumbles... not fruit pie. I think this could be for someone, as it tasted fine, but it was not at all what I thought I'd get based on the name. Just ask in advance what it actually is, because you might want to get dessert elsewhere. All in all, I enjoyed Itria. It's a solid spot if you're in deep Mission!

    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!

    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
    (185 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
    (998 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.

    Overall such a cute vibe! I didn't take a picture of my pasta but I got the fettuccine alfredo and…read moreit was the best I've had in a whileee we did order the garlic bread and it never came :( but the pasta filled me up so maybe it was a good thing. If you're going at night dress warm because the door stays open so the wind draft gets you! Drinks were okay but definitely a user issue because I should have known it was going to be strong lol

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

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    Pasta Supply

    Pasta Supply

    4.4
    (89 reviews)
    3.1 mi

    TIME: came here around 7:30 on a saturday night, it was pretty packed and there was a queue to be…read moreseated, but if you are not dining in and are just looking to do to go or want to buy the stuff they offer to go then there is a separate line for that. PLACE: the place is pretty small, but there is a good amount of tables and chairs to sit at, great date night spot and i love the vibe of how everything is layered as well FOOD: SOUR CREAM + ONION BURRATA W HOUSE OLIVE OIL CIABATTA - probably one of the best burrata i had paired with ciabatta ever HOT MESS SPAGHETTI + MEATBALLS - super good, al dente, and the meatballs were perfectly seasoned + cooked FUSILLI ALLA VODKA - i got this baked with pesto and four cheese, i usually don't like red sauce but everything made it super good. CHOCOLATE PANNA COTTA - love me some chocolate and the panna cotta was just exquisite in itself OVERALL: amazing place, been wanting to check it out and i'm glad i did

    We had a wonderful experience as a party of 3; Amelia kindly greeted us at the door with menus, and…read morethe way it works is that you get a moment to decide on dishes while the hostess gets your table ready, and you order before walking through the beautiful naturally-lit, high-ceiling restaurant to sit. Amelia recommended one pasta dish per person in the party, to share family style (which ended up working well for us, since we also got three appetizers, and finished the meal with a small amount of yummy leftovers for tomorrow) so that's what we did, along with the starters... We got the "big juicy meatballs with tomato and pancetta," which were incredible; the bread was delicious and certainly is not just a side to the amazing (definitely juicy) herbed tender meatballs. I'd definitely get this again, along with the grilled zucchini with worm salt and mint, which was so flavorful and tasty. We also got the smokey romano beans with fire roasted tomato, which was also really good but just keep in mind the emphasis on the smokey flavor! It wasn't my cup of tea but that's for sure a personal thing. For pastas, I'd rank them in this order: 1. our favorite was today's lasagna du jour, which was mushroom! So delicious, with a crispy cheesy crust, soft tender interior, and an almost caramelized tomato sauce accompanying. 2. Reginette with pork sugo (meat sauce) and spicy turnip greens was next, which had wonderful flavor with the tomato-based sauce and pieces of pork but if you like it slightly softer texture it might not be for you (same with the fusilli; the go-to preparation is aldente!). 3. Fusilli alla vodka with tomato, calabrian chili, cream, basil, and added garlic butter shrimps; this one's sauce felt a little underwhelming and more watery than creamy, and I'm just now realizing that although the menu said four garlic butter shrimp (an extra $7), we only got three. I think I'd come back for the lasagna and/or to buy the pasta from their expansive stock, cook it a bit longer, and serve it covered in a decadent creamy sauce.

    Photos
    Store front
    Store front
    Lil' juicy meatballs
    Lil' juicy meatballs
    Inside restaurant and pasta collection

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    Inside restaurant and pasta collection
    Arcana

    Arcana

    4.4
    (273 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    I bought out Arcana for a night and it was a hit! The plants and decor are lush. It feels like…read moreyou've left San Francisco and entered a jungle. I love the wood tables and the steps that lead you to a private room upstairs. The space is amazing and attendees loved it. They have a photo booth too. Staff are wonderful! Thank you, Naz and Ife! Amazing bartenders. They were so friendly, attentive, and personable. Many attendees said they came to the event particularly because they love Arcana. It's conveniently located near BART and multiple bus lines and some Lyft bike docks. I cannot recommend Arcana enough! It's great for date night, girls' night, corporate meetups, and more. It's welcoming and inclusive and the food and drinks are delicious and strong. Will be back!

    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 August 2026

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