The Best Cioppino in San Francisco
What are the top spots in San Francisco?
What are the top spots in San Francisco?
One of the first foods that come to mind when you think about San Francisco must be Cioppino. Invented by Italian fisherman, cioppino has been a San Franciscan staple for over a hundred years, first appearing in cookbooks in 1901. It’s one of those recipes that everyone makes a little differently, so everyone has their favorite spot in town. The best part? Just hold the bread and all of these spots can make your Cioppino gluten-free. Celiacs beware: none of these restaurants offer dedicated gluten-free kitchens. With that in mind, here are the top spots in San Francisco.
Sotto Mare – The Best
When you’re wandering around San Francisco and you notice the lamp posts are suddenly painted with the Italian flag, it might be a good idea to start looking for some Italian food. Sotto Mare is situated in the North Beach neighborhood, also known as Little Italy. If you’re looking for fine dining with a bay view, this ain’t it. What it is, however, is where you’ll find the best cioppino in the city. The stew at Sotto Mare is enough for two and absolutely packed full of delicious seafood. If all you’re looking for is the simple answer to the best cioppino in town, read no further.
Scoma’s – The Classic Experience
If white tablecloths and bay views are, in fact, what you’re after then Scoma’s is the place. Scoma’s is located on fisherman’s Warf, the ancestral home of Cioppino. They get their food directly from the fisherman, and it shows in their food. They have lots of gluten-free options on the menu, just yell them to hold the bread and the Cioppino will also be gluten-free. Pro-tip for long lines: Sit at the bar for quick seating and access to the full menu.
Hog Island Oyster Co. – As close to the water as you can get
Hos Island Oyster Co. is a bit of an underdog in the Cioppino scene, calling it “Rustic Seafood Stew” on their menu, it is secretly one of the best in the business. The fact that you can sit steps away from the water in the beautiful Ferry Building helps bring the whole package together. Pro tip: the clam chowder is also gluten-free and to die for.
Cioppino’s – It’s in the name!
If you’re around Fisherman’s Wharf, and the fancy atmosphere of Scoma’s is too much for you, then Cioppino’s is worth a stop. How could it be bad when they named the restaurant for it? The only downside to Cioppino’s is it is a bit of a tourist trap, but their food is worth the wait if you’re looking for a more family-friendly place to quench your cioppino thirst.