Business Details
19 Years
experience
Experience Authentic Italian Seafood in San Francisco
Established in 2007, Sotto Mare Oysteria & Seafood Restaurant continues a rich tradition of Italian dining in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. Our family-owned business, led by the Azzolino family since 2014, combines generations of local restaurant expertise with a commitment to authentic Italian seafood preparation. We source the freshest fish and shellfish daily to create classic dishes like our award-winning Crab Cioppino, Boston Clam Chowder, and Seafood Risotto. Our menu reflects traditional Italian cooking methods while incorporating modern culinary techniques.Located in a historic building that has served as a North Beach gathering place since 1919, we maintain the spirit of community that defines this iconic San Francisco neighborhood. Our team takes pride in serving both lifelong locals and international visitors, creating memorable dining experiences through exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a deep connection to our Italian heritage. With decades of combined experience in the restaurant industry, we continue to innovate while honoring the traditions that have made us a beloved destination for Italian seafood lovers.
Services
Crab Cioppino
Boston Clam Chowder
Seafood Pastas
Seafood Risotto
Oysters on the Half Shell
Clams on the Half Shell
Baccala
Louis Salads
Fresh Fish Market Selection
Curbside Pickup
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We serve the freshest fish and shellfish in North Beach
- Our family has generations of San Francisco restaurant experience
- We prepare Italian seafood dishes using traditional methods
- We maintain a historic North Beach dining tradition since 1919
- Our loyal customers include both locals and international visitors
What people say
Best cioppino in SF
Fresh seafood selection
Authentic Italian atmosphere
Historic North Beach location
Friendly family service
Services
Crab Cioppino
Our signature dish features fresh Dungeness crab, shrimp, mussels, and clams in a rich tomato broth. Served with crusty bread for dipping, this San Francisco specialty showcases the quality of our daily seafood selections. The recipe has been perfected over decades of serving North Beach diners.
Boston Clam Chowder
This creamy classic features tender clams, fresh potatoes, and house-made broth. Prepared in traditional New England style, our chowder balances rich flavors with the natural sweetness of fresh seafood. Served in a bread bowl or as a side with your main course.
Seafood Pastas
Handcrafted pasta selections feature fresh seafood in authentic Italian preparations. Choose from linguine with clams, spaghetti with shrimp, or our signature seafood medley. All pastas use locally sourced ingredients and house-made sauces.
Oysters on the Half Shell
Freshly shucked oysters served with traditional accompaniments. Our selection changes daily based on the best available West Coast varieties. Perfect for seafood lovers who appreciate the natural brininess and texture of premium raw oysters.
Fresh Fish Market Selection
Daily fresh fish available for take-home preparation. Customers can select from the day's catch including salmon, halibut, and other seasonal varieties. Our staff provides preparation tips and recipe suggestions for home cooking.
People
Rich Azzolino
Owner
Third-generation North Beach resident with decades of restaurant experience, including Caesar's and California Culinary Academy. Created Sotto Mare's authentic Italian seafood menu and maintains the restaurant's historic traditions.
Laura Azzolino
Owner
Born and raised in San Francisco's Little Italy, Laura brings deep local knowledge and restaurant expertise to Sotto Mare's operations. Works closely with Rich to maintain the restaurant's authentic Italian atmosphere and community connections.
Questions
What are Sotto Mare's operating hours?
We're open daily from 11:30 AM to 9 PM Sunday-Thursday and 11:30 AM to 10 PM Friday-Saturday.
Do you offer delivery services?
Yes, we offer delivery through Uber Eats, GrubHub, DoorDash, and Postmates throughout San Francisco.
What is Sotto Mare's most popular dish?
Our 'Best Damn Crab Cioppino' is our signature dish and most popular menu item, featuring fresh Dungeness crab and other premium seafood.
Can I purchase fresh seafood to cook at home?
Yes, we offer a daily selection of fresh fish available for take-home preparation with recipe suggestions from our chefs.
Is Sotto Mare available for private events?
We can accommodate special events for groups of various sizes in our historic North Beach location. Please contact us directly for details.
