- Fabulous foodie photos are social media mainstays.
- From their breakfast favorites to clever cocktails, San Francisco restaurants serve up Instagram-worthy delights.
- These 10 treats from the best restaurants on Fisherman’s Wharf top the Pier 39 Instagrammable charts.
They say you eat with your eyes first. Maybe that’s why food photos are so popular on social media!
When it comes to Instagram-worthy food, San Francisco’s world-famous waterfront has more than its fair share. Narrowing this list down to just ten entries was quite the feat. Nevertheless, here are our top ten choices for what to eat—and photograph—at Pier 39, right on Fisherman’s Wharf.
1. Banana Pecan French Toast
Thanks to its fascinating history, the iconic Eagle Cafe is one of the most Instagram-worthy restaurants on Pier 39—even before you get a gander at the food. But trust us, the breakfasts and lunches here are amazing. This plate, featuring San Francisco’s own Boudin sourdough dipped in a rich, vanilla-cinnamon batter and then topped off with brown sugar bananas and pecans, is as tasty as it is stunning.
2. Clam Chowder
While a breakfast dish was a natural starting point for this list, we can’t go any further without mentioning clam chowder. So classic that it’s served at ALL of the Instagram-worthy restaurants on this list. As a San Francisco staple, this dish is a must when visiting the Pier.
3. Killer Crab®
Next up on our Pier 39 Instagram list is this specialty cooked in Crab House at Pier 39’s signature secret garlic sauce. Order a half, whole, or giant Killer Crab® Feast, and show your followers some epic, Instagram-worthy food.
4. Crab Cakes
Instagram-worthy restaurants, every spot has its own take on crab cakes. One of our favorites is the version at Pier Market—thanks to the flavorful rémoulade sauce, it’s a house specialty!
5. Cioppino
San Francisco’s culinary scene evolved as a true melting pot of cultural influences, and that’s definitely on display with our next Instagram-worthy food: cioppino. So iconic that it takes a starring role at Crab House on Pier 39, Fog Harbor, and Pier Market, this Italian-American seafood stew is on everyone’s list of what to eat at Pier 39.
6. Signature Cocktails
Okay—we know these are libations, not technically Instagram-worthy food. But Pier 39 offers up some delightful concoctions that are definitely worth posting. While each of the restaurants we’ve mentioned in this Instagram-worthy list serves terrific drinks, we’re partial to the signature cocktails at Eagle Cafe. But maybe that’s just because we love sipping them from the restaurant’s epic outdoor patio?
7. Chilaquiles
And speaking of the best outdoor dining, we’re adding another Eagle Cafe favorite to the list of what to eat at Pier 39. Their chilaquiles are a stand-out! Opt for the add-on chorizo, and you’ll take this restaurant’s Instagram-worthy food to the next level of spicy goodness!
8. California Burger
A burger done right is a real delight. And one topped with melted cheese, guacamole, and bacon is definitely an Instagram-worthy food. Wipeout Bar & Grill’s California Burger is a must-add to your page.
9. Shellfish Platter
Seafood is always ideal when you’re looking for what to eat at Pier 39, and the Shellfish Platter at Pier Market is one of the restaurant’s most Instagram-worthy dishes. With crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, corn, potatoes, and pork sausage all simmering in a lemon, Cajun garlic butter, this is a seafood sensation that belongs on every diner’s Pier 39 Instagram post.
10. California Omelet
Let’s round out the list with one more Eagle Cafe classic: the California Omelet. This omelet dish bumps the flavor up by adding avocado spread, spinach, bacon, and Jack & cheddar cheese.
Whether you’re looking for where to go as a San Francisco influencer or just someone who loves to share delicious finds, it’s clear that our restaurants on Pier 39 are as Instagram-worthy as can be. From chilaquiles to clam chowder, whatever you order is sure to look as good as it tastes!
