Top 10 Best Fish and Chips Restaurants in San Francisco

While Waterbar is known for upscale seafood and raw bar offerings, their fish and chips are an underrated menu gem featuring pristine local fish with gourmet touches. The Embarcadero location offers floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing Bay Bridge views, and the sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere works for both business dinners and romantic dates. This is fish and chips elevated to fine-dining status with impeccable presentation and premium ingredients, though you'll pay accordingly for the experience. The extensive wine list and craft cocktail program make it worth lingering long after your plate is cleared.

This Fisherman's Wharf stalwart offers upscale fish and chips in a sprawling dining room with some of the best Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge views in the city. Their sustainable seafood program means the fish in your fish and chips was caught using responsible practices, and the execution is flawless with a delicate batter that shatters at first bite. It's the ideal spot for visitors wanting the full San Francisco waterfront experience without sacrificing food quality, and the extensive menu means even non-seafood eaters will find something to love. Request window seating for sunset views that rival any in the city.

Famous for their oysters but equally impressive for their fish and chips, Hog Island's Ferry Building location offers premium seafood in a bustling marketplace setting with Bay Bridge views. Their fish and chips use day-boat caught fish with a perfectly crisp beer batter, served alongside addictive shoestring fries and house-made tartar sauce. The oyster bar vibe attracts a mix of tourists and business lunchers, and scoring a seat at the bar overlooking the water is prime real estate for people-watching. Pair your fish and chips with a crisp white wine or local beer for the full experience.

This Hawaiian-inspired seafood spot brings a Pacific Rim twist to coastal classics, and their fish and chips feature fresh, sustainable fish with an Asian-influenced panko crust. Located in the Inner Sunset, Pacific Catch is a reliable neighborhood favorite where families and groups gather for fresh poke bowls, fish tacos, and yes, excellent fish and chips with a lighter, crunchier coating than traditional British style. The tropical cocktails and laid-back California beach vibe make it feel like a mini-vacation, and the happy hour deals are among the best in the neighborhood. Try the miso ginger vinaigrette on the side for dipping.

While PoBoys Kitchen specializes in New Orleans-style po'boys, their fish and chips offering brings Louisiana flair to the British classic with Cajun-spiced batter and remoulade on the side. The fried fish is served Southern-style with perfectly seasoned fries and a kick of heat that sets it apart from traditional versions around town. This Potrero Hill spot is beloved by locals for its creative takes on fried seafood, and the casual, counter-service format makes it ideal for a satisfying lunch without the fuss. Don't skip the hushpuppies if you're going full Southern seafood experience.

Located inside the iconic Ferry Building Marketplace, Nopa Fish is a small but mighty counter-service spot slinging some of the freshest fish and chips in the city. The limited menu focuses on quality over quantity, with pristinely fresh fish sourced daily from local waters and fried to golden perfection in a delicate tempura-style batter. It's perfect for a quick lunch while exploring the Ferry Building's artisan food vendors, or grab it to-go and eat along the Embarcadero waterfront. The coleslaw is surprisingly addictive with its tangy, house-made dressing.

Tucked away in the Outer Sunset, Hook Fish Co is a neighborhood gem that locals fiercely protect from becoming too mainstream. Their fish tacos steal most of the spotlight, but the house-made fish and chips with hand-cut fries showcase their commitment to sustainable seafood and scratch cooking. The cafe vibe is laid-back and surf-inspired, perfect for post-beach fuel or a casual lunch after exploring Golden Gate Park. Everything is made fresh daily, and the seasonal fish options mean you're always getting the best catch available.

Perched on Pier 39 with sweeping Bay views, Pier Market strikes the perfect balance between casual dining and quality seafood without the stuffiness. Their fish and chips feature sustainably sourced Pacific cod with a light, crispy batter that doesn't overpower the fresh fish, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy hungry sightseers. It's ideal for families with kids who want something beyond typical tourist fare, plus the heated outdoor patio means you can enjoy those views even on foggy San Francisco days. The clam chowder bread bowl makes an excellent starter.

A Fisherman's Wharf institution since 1965, Scoma's delivers upscale seafood in a nautical-themed dining room with stunning waterfront views. While they're famous for their full seafood menu, their Fisherman's Style Cioppino is legendary, but don't overlook the perfectly executed fish and chips featuring local catch. This is the spot for special occasions, anniversary dinners, or impressing out-of-town guests with classic San Francisco seafood in an elegant yet approachable atmosphere. The charbroiled sand dabs and Dungeness crab also deserve honorable mentions.

This iconic food truck turned brick-and-mortar is the real deal for authentic British fish and chips just steps from Fisherman's Wharf. The Codmother's beer-battered cod is perfectly crispy with tender, flaky fish inside, served with thick-cut chips that taste like they came straight from a London chippy. It's a no-frills, counter-service spot perfect for grabbing a quick bite before exploring the waterfront, and locals swear it's the closest you'll get to UK-style fish and chips on the West Coast. Cash is king here, so come prepared.