Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in Financial District / Embarcadero

Wayfare Tavern has become an institution in San Francisco, and our most recent visit confirms it’s as great as it’s always been.

Everything about our meal was amazing, appetizers to dessert. The sea bass in particular was terrific — as was the quiet, professional service and very comfortable booth. Kokkari never disappoints!

Scallops with Vermicelli and the squad were out of this world. Mopa spaghetti was a bit salty. Other dishes were fine. Restaurant was small but a surprisingly large number of counter seating which we enjoyed. Ambience was spartan with a Hong Kong Canto Pop theme. Waitresses were super friendly. We will come again

I always have a great meal here and this lunch was no exception! Very friendly service, too!

We had a wonderful anniversary celebration dinner! The miso soup with mushrooms was delicious. The sushi rolls were some of the best we’ve had anywhere (dungeness crab, crispy spicy tuna) with high quality and super fresh ingredients. The crispy Brussels sprouts with mustard sauce were to die for and the Japanese fried chicken (a favorite from a prior visit) certainly didn’t disappoint. Excellent cocktails as well (Roka Old Fashioned with Toku whiskey for me, and Blood Orange Margarita for my wife). Topping it off was truly world class service - no less than 3 different staff attending to our every need, and water glasses were never empty something I find important but sadly rare even at otherwise great restaurants. Even the hostess who seated us was a cut above - courteous, efficient, informative. Highly, highly recommended!