01
Best overall pick
Scoma's of Sausalito
Waterfront Bridgeway • Classic Waterfront Seafood And Italian Restaurant • Waterfront Landmark
An old-school bayside favorite for generous seafood plates and sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline.
If you picture a quintessential Sausalito meal on the water, Scoma's is probably it. The menu leans heavily into fresh fish, crab, and classic Italian-style preparations that feel indulgent without being fussy. Ask for a window table to watch the ferries and sailboats drift by while you work through cioppino or a plate of Dungeness crab.
02
Best for date night
Sushi Ran
Caledonia Street Corridor • Refined Japanese And Sushi Spot • Destination For Serious Sushi
A polished Japanese restaurant known for pristine sushi, creative small plates, and a deep sake list.
Tucked just off the main tourist drag, Sushi Ran draws locals and industry folks who care about top-tier fish. The bar turns out precise nigiri and sashimi, while the kitchen plays with seasonal vegetables and cooked dishes that go well beyond a typical sushi menu. It is the kind of place where you let the specials board and the chef’s recommendations guide the night.
03
Best for groups and views
Barrel House Tavern
Downtown Waterfront • Modern American Tavern With Bay Views • Best For Groups And Sunsets
A stylish, high-ceilinged tavern set in a former ferry terminal, pairing shareable comfort food with postcard views.
Barrel House Tavern is where you go when you want something lively without giving up the scenery. The menu hits familiar notes—wood-fired flatbreads, burgers, and hearty mains—done with enough finesse to please mixed groups. Big windows and a spacious deck make it a strong sunset choice, especially if you grab cocktails and small plates to share.
04
Best casual hangout
Bar Bocce
South Bridgeway Waterfront • Casual Italian-Inspired Patio With Bocce Court • Best For Relaxed Afternoons
Laid-back bayside pizzas, salads, and wine with a sandy patio and bocce court right on the water.
Bar Bocce feels more like a friend’s backyard than a formal restaurant, which is exactly the appeal. People sprawl at picnic tables with thin-crust pizzas and carafes of wine while boats bob just offshore. It is an easy pick after a bike ride or ferry ride from the city when you want to linger outside and keep things low-key.
05
Top pick for fresh seafood
Fish.
Harbor Drive Marina • Sustainable Dockside Seafood Shack • Top Pick For Fresh-Caught Seafood
A counter-service favorite serving ultra-fresh, sustainably sourced seafood right beside the working marina.
At Fish., the line out the door is part of the ritual and a good sign you picked the right spot. Chalkboard menus change with the catch, but staples like fish tacos, chowder, and grilled local fish keep regulars coming back. Grab a picnic table on the deck, unwrap your paper-lined tray, and watch the harbor activity while you eat.