Sotto Mare

Welcome to Sotto Mare, a beloved old-school Italian seafood gem nestled in the heart of North Beach, San Francisco’s historic Italian neighborhood. Chef Gigi Fiorucci, renowned for his culinary mastery and success in various San Francisco restaurants, dedicates his passion and expertise to making Sotto Mare a haven for seafood enthusiasts.

Step into this intimate and homey restaurant where the zesty Italian flair meets the freshest and highest quality seafood. Chef Fiorucci’s expertise in Italian cuisine adds a delightful twist to the mouthwatering oysters, seafood pasta dishes, clam chowder, and the renowned “Best Damn Crab Cioppino.” The latter, a rustic seafood stew, has become synonymous with San Francisco and a must-try delicacy during Dungeness crab season.

Sotto Mare exudes a timeless charm with its hexagon-tiled floor, adorned with framed historic photos, fish replicas, and model ships that complement the seafoam-green walls. Amidst this nautical-themed ambiance, you’ll find the restaurant buzzing with energy, radiating the spirit of a lively party you’d want to join again and again.

As life-sized swordfish and maritime-themed paraphernalia decorate every inch of the walls, Sotto Mare remains a haven for seafood enthusiasts. While Scoma’s on Fisherman’s Wharf is a seafood classic, Sotto Mare’s divier and more rambunctious atmosphere creates an irresistible allure. Tickets fly across the restaurant on a clothesline as skilled staff grill scallops and plate generous portions of seafood linguine.

But the star of the show is undoubtedly the cioppino—an absolute must-try delicacy at Sotto Mare. This seafood delight brims with a delightful medley of crab legs, shrimp, mussels, and squid, all served in heaping portions that almost seem bottomless. Don’t forget to don the provided plastic bib as you savor every mouthful of this flavorful experience.

So, whether you’re a seafood connoisseur or simply seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure, visit Sotto Mare in North Beach and let the tantalizing flavors and lively ambiance transport you to a world of delectable old-school Italian seafood delights.