The Cavalier

Cioppino is my absolute favorite & I make it very very good but I just had to try what lots of people call the best cioppino in San Francisco. We waited 50 minutes & got seated at the cramped counter. If you can make a reservation, make it. I think that's how you get a table...? The counter is right along the kitchen. From my seat I was able to witness the dish washing🤢 & cooking right in front of me... loudest restaurant I've ever been to. Ever. When I saw customers willing to sit outside on the sidewalk with people walking by I thought, "This must be the best soup on earth if it's worth all this!" The bread & butter was uneventful & the rest of the menu was not very enticing to me so I just ordered the cioppino. The soup was huge! Definitely enough for 2. The juicy crab was the highlight! The broth was very tasty & didnt just taste like tomato broth. The shrimp was tender & not chewy. Overall it was great but instead of warm buttery crusty bread for dipping, they put pasta in it! Abomination😂 Our waitress with the little bow in her hair was really sweet and attentive.

Sotto Mare – A Hidden Seafood Gem in North Beach, San Francisco If you’re craving top-notch seafood in a cozy, intimate setting, Sotto Mare in North Beach is a must-visit. This small yet lively restaurant offers a fantastic open kitchen experience, allowing diners to watch the chefs in action as they prepare fresh, flavorful dishes. The seafood linguine is a standout, packed with fresh shellfish and rich in flavor. Their clam chowder is creamy and indulgent, with just the right balance of seasoning and seafood goodness. For something lighter, the wedge salad is crisp and refreshing, making it a great starter before diving into the main courses. The atmosphere at Sotto Mare is warm and inviting, perfect for a casual yet memorable dining experience. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for an authentic San Francisco culinary experience, this spot delivers every time. Highly recommended for seafood lovers and those who appreciate a front-row seat to skilled chefs at work!

Food always seems to taste better when shared with loved ones, and I’ve been meaning to write this review for a while. We got there early, so there was no wait. We ordered just the bay scallop fettuccine and cioppino, which should have been enough to feed three or four people, but we ended up finishing it all ourselves. The cioppino was a tomato-based seafood stew, and wow, it was amazing. As we dug in, the garbage can started filling up with crab legs, mussels, shrimp, and clams. The stew itself, paired with the bread they gave us, was absolutely delicious. Honestly, everything was incredible. The fettuccine with bay scallops was just as good. The scallops were so fresh and creamy. Thinking about them still makes my mouth water. So, yes, my girlfriend and I definitely ate more than we expected.