Most of the time I like to stop by at Franciscan for a beer and fresh oysters; last week I took my new friend who has never been to the fisherman wharf to see what it's all about. We were lucky to get a sunny table with a view of Alcatraz. I was under the impression that Franciscan is one big cruise ship - it was that close to the water. I told myself that even if the food is bad here - nothing can beat the view. They even have binoculars at the table so you can zoom in to Alcatraz, sea lions and Golden Gate or Bay Bridge.
Surprise,surprise! Food was delicious! Every single dish we had from refreshing Foggy Wharf Crab salad to spicy Shrimp Pescatore... My friend was raving about their marinara sauce, which she said should be called ""heaven"". Olive oil poached salmon with rosemary baby potatoes and asparagus saut? was phenomenal too!
Oh and I forgot to mention their signature drink - Upscale Blueberry Margarita. Prefect balance of flavors - not too sweet, not too sour, but kicks right in! Our waitress, who recommended us a drink, was friendly , energetic, but not annoying. She knew exactly what to say and when.
I came here mostly for the view, but now I will be back for the food and will bring more friends. Fisherman's wharf is extremely underrated destination for San Francisco locals. Everyone is under impression that the food is terrible and overpriced. Every other review screams ""tourist trap"", I say give it a try. I've been living at the wharf for the last 3 years and never had a truly terrible dining experience here. Franciscan on the hand rises above traditional ""chowder in a breadbowl"". I can't wait for the next time to try their famous garlic roasted crab.
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