The Best Damn Cioppino in San Francisco!
Our Story
Sotto Mare Oysteria & Seafood Restaurant is a renowned Italian seafood establishment located in the heart of North Beach, San Francisco. Our journey began in 1919 when our current building was first constructed. Over the years, it has been transformed into a winery, a cigar store during Prohibition, and later became the Isle of Capri Italian Family Restaurant, Montclair Italian Family Restaurant, and USF baseball Coach Dante Benedetti's legendary restaurant.
In 2007, our current owners, Rich and Laura Azzolino, along with their children, Vito and Ria, purchased Sotto Mare. Rich brings a long history of San Francisco restaurants under his belt, including stints at Caesar's, Jovanello's, Maye's Oyster House, and the California Culinary Academy. Ria, a North Beach native, received her education in restaurants from Sotto Mare before the family took over. Rich and Laura, both born and raised in North Beach, have created a place where friends, neighbors, and visitors from around the world can gather to indulge in the freshest seafood, good wine, and great stories shared.
Our Menu
At Sotto Mare, we pride ourselves on creating a menu that is as close to authentic Italian cuisine as possible. Our chefs cook dishes just as they do in Italy, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We offer a range of mouth-watering options, including Oysters and clams on the half shell, Boston-style Clam Chowder, Baccala, Crab Cioppino, Louis salads, Seafood Pastas, and Seafood Risotto - just to name a few. For those who prefer to cook at home, we offer daily selections of fresh fish.
Pickup and Delivery
At Sotto Mare, we understand that sometimes you'd rather enjoy our delicious dishes in the comfort of your own home. That's why we offer curbside pickup and delivery services. You can place your order online or call us at 415-398-3181 to place your pickup order. We also partner with popular food delivery platforms like Uber Eats, GrubHub, Door Dash, and Postmates for your convenience. Order online or have your favorite dishes delivered directly to your doorstep.
Media and Press
We're proud to have received rave reviews from prominent publications and media outlets. Our chefs' commitment to using only the freshest ingredients and our hospitality have earned us a reputation as one of San Francisco's best Italian seafood restaurants. You can find our reviews, videos, and photos on our website and social media platforms.
Reviews and Testimonials
Below, you can find what our customers and critics have to say about Sotto Mare. We take pride in our commitment to quality, and our customers rave about our dishes, exceptional service, and welcoming atmosphere. Read on to see why we're the go-to spot for Italian seafood in San Francisco.
Food Quality and Variety
The reviews highlight the exceptional food quality and variety at Sotto Mare. The cioppino is a standout dish, with many reviewers praising its rich and flavorful broth, accompanied by a medley of fresh seafood. Other popular dishes mentioned include the clam chowder, scallops, prawns, and seafood linguine with white sauce. Fresh oysters, chunky clam chowder, and lobster ravioli are also recommended.
Service and Atmosphere
The service at Sotto Mare is consistently praised, with many reviewers commenting on the warm and attentive staff. The atmosphere is lively and convivial, with a bustling energy that adds to the overall dining experience. The restaurant's decor and layout are also complimented, with some reviewers noting the hidden gem quality of the restaurant.
Drawbacks
One reviewer noted a minor issue with the cleanliness of the restroom, but this did not detract from their overall positive experience.
Recommendations
Many reviewers recommend making a reservation, especially for larger groups, as the restaurant can get quite busy. Some also suggest ordering the cioppino to share, as it is a generous portion.
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