Top 14 lobster rolls in San Francisco
San Francisco may be better known for its sourdough bread and seafood stew, but lobster rolls are making a splash in the city's culinary scene. These delectable sandwiches, featuring succulent lobster meat on a soft bun, are a must-try for seafood lovers. From upscale eateries to trendy food trucks, lobster rolls in San Francisco offer a taste of the east coast in the heart of California.
- 1. Fog Harbor Fish House
- 2. Luke's Lobster SoMa
- 3. Pier Market Seafood Restaurant
- 4. The Old Clam House
- 5. Pacific Catch
- 6. Sabella & La Torre
- 7. Hog Island Oyster Co.
- 8. Leo's Oyster Bar
- 9. Pacific Catch
- 10. Scott’s Chowder House
- 11. Ozumo San Francisco
- 12. Crustacean Restaurant
- 13. The Crab Station at Fisherman Wharf
- 14. Sam's Chowder House
1. Fog Harbor Fish House
Pier 39 location, full bar with signature cocktails, sustainable sourcing
The lobster rolls at this location are a standout, packed with an abundance of fresh lobster meat. They offer a wonderful balance of flavors that make for a truly satisfying meal. Food enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to try these delicious lobster rolls.
If you're a fan of seafood, you'll love the lobster rolls at this place. They are made with fresh and flavorful lobster, making for a truly delightful dining experience. These lobster rolls are a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- Waterfront
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
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2. Luke's Lobster SoMa
Local, sustainable seafood, commitment to traceability
Lobster rolls are renowned for their use of fresh, well-seasoned lobster and soft, toasted buns. The minimal amount of mayonnaise used in their preparation contributes to their popularity. These rolls offer a delicious and satisfying meal experience.
The lobster trio serving is a recommended size, providing a good amount of lobster to enjoy. However, the accompanying mac n cheese was not as impressive. Its quality or taste did not meet the same high standards as the lobster rolls. This lack of consistency between dishes is worth noting.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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3. Pier Market Seafood Restaurant
Sustainable seafood, sourced from local fisheries, with outdoor seating and views of the Bay.
The lobster roll was a standout dish, filled with an abundant amount of lobster meat. Despite the high cost, the quality of the dish made it a worthwhile choice. However, the dish could have benefited from additional seasoning to enhance the flavors.
The lobster roll was a delicious option, but it lacked sufficient seasoning. Despite this, the dining experience was still enjoyable. The main attraction of the dish was the high-quality lobster meat, which was generous and satisfying. Although the dish could have been improved with more seasoning, it was still a recommended choice.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Dinner
4. The Old Clam House
Historic building since 1861, Full bar with extensive wine list, Outdoor seating available
The Old Clam House in San Francisco offers a remarkable lobster roll. Its fresh and delectable taste makes it a standout choice for seafood lovers.
This lobster roll is a must-try, with its fresh and robust flavor. The seafood's freshness is prominent, making every bite a delightful experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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5. Pacific Catch
Sustainable seafood, creative cocktails, and hip atmosphere
Pacific Catch serves delicious lobster rolls that are packed with fresh lobster meat and have a well-balanced flavor profile. The bread used for the rolls is perfectly toasted, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
These lobster rolls excel in their simplicity, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine. The lobster is the star of the dish, fresh and generously stuffed into the toasted bread. The balance of flavors ensures that none of the individual components overpower one another, resulting in a harmonious and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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6. Sabella & La Torre
Family-owned Italian seafood restaurant with a focus on sustainable sourcing
The lobster roll was a popular menu item, but some found it disappointing due to an excessive amount of mayonnaise. On the other hand, the clam chowder bowl received high praise for its delicious flavor and satisfying heartiness.
Despite the negative feedback on the lobster roll, the restaurant remained crowded, suggesting that it had something else to offer. This raises the intriguing possibility that there may be other hidden gems on the menu, just waiting to be discovered.
TOPICS
- Waterfront
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
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7. Hog Island Oyster Co.
Situated in historic Ferry Building, offers outdoor seating
The lobster roll at this location is a standout dish. The bread is toasted to perfection, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender lobster meat. The lobster is incredibly fresh, adding to the overall deliciousness of the dish.
If you're a fan of lobster rolls, this is a must-try. The dish is packed with fresh, flavorful lobster that is sure to satisfy. From the perfectly toasted bread to the high-quality seafood, every aspect of the lobster roll is carefully crafted to create a memorable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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8. Leo's Oyster Bar
Elegant Art Deco decor, lively atmosphere, raw bar selection
The lobster roll was a standout dish, featuring fresh lobster and a perfectly toasted roll. The meal was made even better with the addition of salt and vinegar fries, which were a true highlight.
These fries were expertly seasoned and fried to perfection. They paired perfectly with the lobster roll, making for a truly unforgettable meal. The combination of the two dishes was simply delicious.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- High-End
- Waterfront
9. Pacific Catch
Sustainable seafood, unique cocktails, and beautiful outdoor seating
Our Lobster Roll, featuring a tarragon-dill lobster salad, is a standout dish that should not be missed. The roll is packed with fresh, succulent lobster and an expertly balanced mix of spices, including the unique and refreshing flavors of tarragon and dill.
This lobster roll is a delight for the senses, offering a perfect combination of textures and tastes. The lobster meat is tender and juicy, while the tarragon-dill salad provides a burst of bright, herbaceous flavor. The result is a dish that is both indulgent and refreshing, sure to satisfy even the most discerning of palates.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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10. Scott’s Chowder House
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Cheap Eats
11. Ozumo San Francisco
Rooftop patio with fire pits and views of the Bay Bridge
The rolls at Ozumo are reasonably priced, while the Nigiri and sashimi selections are excellent, but on the pricier side, costing almost twice as much as other restaurants. The appetizers offered at Ozumo are a highlight, particularly the scallop and mushroom options which are delicious.
Ozumo's fish selection is exceptional, and the service is generally decent. There may be occasional opportunities for immediate seating, which can be a bonus for those who prefer not to wait.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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12. Crustacean Restaurant
Vietnamese fusion cuisine, award-winning, and family-owned
The lobster roll, wrapped in crispy filo dough, offered a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The freshness of the lobster meat was well-preserved, and the filo added a satisfying crunch with every bite. The accompanying strawberry and kiwi vinaigrette was an unexpected but pleasant pairing, elevating the dish with its fruity and tangy notes. Overall, this innovative take on a classic seafood staple deserves recognition.
This exquisite lobster roll dish features a creative presentation that enhances its appeal. The use of filo pastry as a wrapper adds an appealing touch to the dish, making it a visual delight. Meanwhile, the tangy strawberry and kiwi vinaigrette complements the lobster roll's rich flavors, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's savory elements. Food enthusiasts looking to try something new and exciting are sure to appreciate this unique culinary experience.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
13. The Crab Station at Fisherman Wharf
Fresh seafood, family-friendly, convenient location
Consider getting the chowder without bread, as the lobster roll already comes with a sizable bread portion. The combination of crab and lobster served on a sourdough roll is highly recommended, as it was truly delightful.
If you're watching your carb intake, opting for the chowder without bread is a wise choice, as the lobster roll contains a substantial amount of bread. The crab and lobster dish served on a sourdough roll was a standout, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegan Options
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14. Sam's Chowder House
You don't have to travel to Maine to enjoy exceptional chowder or lobster when, just an hour from San Francisco, you'll find Sam's Chowder House, a seafood lover's paradise. Feast on famous dishes while taking in the picturesque views of Half Moon Bay, whether from the deck or by a cozy fire pit. Featured on the Today Show for having one of the top five “sandwiches in America,” their lobster roll is a must-try. This seaside restaurant also delights in options like California king salmon in pomegranate reduction and the delicious lobster clambake, packed with clams, mussels and a whole lobster, sure to satisfy any seafood enthusiast. The lobster sandwich at Sam's Chowder House earned praise from NBC's Today Show.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Waterfront