Business Details
47 Years
experience
San Francisco Seafood Restaurant Near Performing Arts District
Hayes Street Grill has been serving San Francisco's Performing Arts district since 1979, establishing itself as a culinary landmark across from Davies Symphony Hall. Our commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood certified by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch distinguishes us, alongside produce sourced directly from local farms like Mariquita and Everything Under the Sun. With decades of experience, our team maintains the tradition of old San Francisco grills while innovating through daily changing menus that highlight seasonal ingredients. Our long-tenured staff, many with over 25 years of service, creates an environment where performing artists and regular patrons alike feel at home. We maintain rigorous quality standards through direct relationships with small producers for meats, poultry, and dairy.Our wine program features carefully curated selections that complement our seafood-focused cuisine. The restaurant's historic ambiance, adorned with autographed photos of cultural icons, reflects our deep connection to the arts community. Through co-owner Patricia Unterman's role as a founding board member of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, we continue shaping local food systems. Our operational excellence ensures seamless service during peak performance nights at nearby venues. This combination of tradition, sustainability, and community engagement defines our enduring success in San Francisco's competitive dining landscape.
Services
Seafood Dining
Private Events
Wine Pairing
Lunch Service
Dinner Service
Reservations
Catering
Bar Service
Farmers Market Sourcing
Cultural District Dining
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We source 100% sustainably harvested seafood certified by Seafood Watch
- Our produce comes directly from 12+ local Northern California farms
- We've maintained the same high standards since opening in 1979
- Our staff averages 25+ years of tenure at the restaurant
- We're located just steps from major performing arts venues
Associations and certifications
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch
Services
Seafood Dining
Our seafood dining experience features sustainably harvested fish certified by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. We serve daily changing menus showcasing fresh catches like Monterey calamari and Fort Bragg sand dabs. Our commitment to quality ensures only the finest ingredients reach your plate, prepared using techniques that highlight natural flavors.
Private Events
We offer two private dining spaces accommodating 35-95 guests with dedicated service and exclusive amenities. The Bar Room features a cherrywood bar and autographed artist photos, while the historic main dining room provides private kitchen access. Our experienced staff handles all event details from setup to execution for memorable occasions.
Wine Pairing
Our wine program features curated selections from Burgundy, Sonoma, and Napa Valley that complement seafood dishes. We offer sparkling wines, white varietals like Chardonnay, and light reds suitable for fish pairings. The list includes both established producers and boutique vineyards, with pricing updated regularly to reflect current vintages.
Lunch Service
Our lunch menu features grilled fish, salads, and sandwiches served in a vibrant setting near performing arts venues. Diners enjoy dishes like grilled salmon salad with snap peas and sauted Willapa oysters with coleslaw. The menu balances classic preparations with contemporary presentations, available Monday through Saturday during specified hours.
Dinner Service
Our dinner experience showcases multi-course seafood tasting menus with seasonal ingredients from local farms. Signature dishes include black cod with Japanese salad and paella with Gulf shrimp. The menu changes daily based on market availability, offering both la carte options and chef-recommended pairings in an elegant setting.
People
Patricia Unterman
Co-Owner
Founder of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and former San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic, Patricia has shaped Hayes Street Grill's culinary vision since 1979. She brings decades of food journalism and restaurant operations expertise to maintain the establishment's high standards.
Richard Sander
Co-Owner
As President and Wine Director, Richard oversees daily operations and maintains relationships with sustainable seafood suppliers. With a background in aquatic ecology and commercial fishing, he ensures the restaurant's commitment to environmental stewardship while managing its financial and personnel operations.
Carlo Togni
General Manager
Carlo has managed restaurant operations since 1980, bringing Italian culinary traditions and extensive hospitality experience. He coordinates private events and maintains the restaurant's renowned service standards, leveraging his deep understanding of both kitchen and front-of-house operations to ensure consistent quality.
Questions
What type of cuisine does Hayes Street Grill serve?
We specialize in seafood cuisine featuring sustainably harvested fish certified by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, with produce sourced from local Northern California farms.
Do you offer private dining options?
Yes, we have two private dining rooms accommodating 35-95 guests with dedicated service, AV equipment, and exclusive access to our award-winning cuisine for special events.
How far in advance can I make reservations?
Reservations are available up to four weeks ahead. We recommend booking early for weekend evenings and performance nights at nearby cultural venues.
What are your parking options?
The Civic Center Garage two blocks away offers guaranteed parking with improved security features. We recommend arriving early during peak performance nights at nearby venues.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Our kitchen can accommodate many dietary needs with advance notice. Please inform us of any allergies or restrictions when making reservations or upon arrival.
What wine options are available?
Our wine list features curated selections from Burgundy, Sonoma, and Napa Valley with sparkling, white, and light red options specifically chosen to complement seafood dishes.
