Unearth The Voyage
San Francisco’s foggy weather and coastal location make it the perfect place to enjoy crispy, golden fish and chips. This British comfort food has found a new home on the West Coast, where local chefs use fresh Pacific catch to create their own delicious versions. Whether you’re craving traditional beer-battered cod or something with a California twist, the city offers amazing spots that rival anything you’d find across the pond.
1. The Codmother Fish & Chips
A bright red food truck parked permanently at Fisherman’s Wharf has become legendary among locals and tourists alike. The Codmother serves up authentic British-style fish and chips that transport you straight to a seaside town in England.
What makes this spot special is the attention to traditional recipes combined with incredibly fresh fish. The batter achieves that perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the fish moist and flaky inside. Customers rave about the generous portions and the tangy housemade tartar sauce.
With a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor, this mobile kitchen proves you don’t need fancy dining rooms to create memorable meals.
2. Fog Harbor Fish House
Picture yourself enjoying crispy fish while watching sea lions bark and boats sail by on the bay. Fog Harbor Fish House at Pier 39 offers exactly that experience, combining stunning waterfront views with quality seafood.
While their menu features many seafood options, the fish and chips hold their own as a crowd favorite. The restaurant sources sustainable local fish and prepares everything fresh to order. Their take on this classic dish includes perfectly seasoned fries and coleslaw on the side.
The atmosphere here is more upscale than your typical fish and chips joint, making it ideal for families wanting a sit-down meal after exploring the pier.
3. Pier Market Seafood Restaurant
Right in the heart of the Wharf area sits a gem that locals often recommend for its exceptional batter technique. Pier Market Seafood Restaurant has earned its reputation through consistency and quality that keeps people coming back.
The secret here lies in the extra-crispy coating that stays crunchy even as you work through your meal. Fresh Pacific cod gets hand-dipped in their signature batter before hitting the fryer. The result is a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender, perfectly cooked fish.
Bonus points for the incredible bay views that come with your meal, making every bite taste even better against the backdrop of San Francisco’s famous waterfront.
4. Hook Fish Co
Hook Fish Co has earned recognition on multiple best-of lists for good reason. Their approach focuses on simplicity and quality ingredients rather than fancy presentations or complicated recipes.
Fresh, never-frozen fish arrives daily and gets transformed into beautiful golden pieces of perfection. The chefs here understand that great fish and chips don’t need gimmicks—just excellent technique and timing. Their hand-cut fries are cooked separately to avoid any fishy taste, which shows real attention to detail.
Many regulars claim this spot offers the most balanced flavors in the city. The fish doesn’t get overshadowed by heavy batter, and everything arrives piping hot at your table.
5. Irish Times
When an Irish pub makes fish and chips, you know they’re taking it seriously. Irish Times brings genuine pub atmosphere to San Francisco, complete with dark wood, friendly bartenders, and comfort food done right.
Their version stays true to what you’d find in Dublin or London, with thick-cut chips and the option to add mushy peas for authenticity. The fish portion is generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to. Cold beer pairs perfectly with the hot, crispy meal.
The casual, welcoming vibe makes this spot perfect for watching sports while enjoying classic pub fare that hits all the right notes.
6. Woodhouse Fish Co.
Tucked into a residential neighborhood, Woodhouse Fish Co. feels like discovering a secret that locals have been keeping to themselves. This small, charming spot focuses exclusively on seafood, and they’ve perfected their fish and chips over years of practice.
The kitchen uses a lighter batter than most places, letting the natural flavor of the fish shine through. Everything gets cooked in small batches to maintain quality and temperature. The result is consistently excellent food without the tourist-trap prices you’ll find near the waterfront.
Regulars appreciate the no-nonsense approach and the fact that the staff genuinely cares about every plate that leaves the kitchen.
7. T’s Fish & Chips
Sometimes you want excellent fish and chips without the sit-down restaurant experience. T’s Fish & Chips at Pier 39 delivers exactly that—quick, delicious food perfect for eating while exploring the waterfront.
This casual counter-service spot keeps things simple and affordable while maintaining quality standards. The fish arrives hot and crispy in convenient packaging that makes it easy to eat on the go. Portions are satisfying without being overwhelming, ideal for lunch between attractions.
Families love this option because kids can eat quickly and get back to exploring, while parents appreciate the reasonable prices and tasty food that doesn’t compromise on freshness or flavor.
