It’s no secret that San Francisco is home to hundreds of top-notch restaurants offering a diverse array of cuisines, but when it comes to choosing a place to eat, it’s easy to get stuck rotating through the same short list of go-to spots.

Don’t worry, though—we’re here to rescue you from burgers and fries. This month, you can sample fresh, unique seafood dishes paired with sake to step up your dining game. Seafood and Sake Pairing Month runs through February 19, and you dine on raw oysters, fish and chips, fresh crab, and more while trying specially selected sakes.

The Japanese beverage pairs well with various cuisines, but seafood, in particular, is a spectacular match. It enhances the umami flavor in food, and may just be the future alternative to wine. A key element in sake making is Japan’s proximity to the ocean, and master sake brewers integrate their extensive scientific knowledge in creating the drink, which harmonizes beautifully with seafood.

In other words, sake and seafood are culturally and scientifically the perfect match. But don’t take our word for it—try it for yourself. We’ve rounded up some of the best seafood restaurants in the Bay Area, all of which will be offering special sake pairings.

 

Hog Island (Larkspur)

Serving up flavorful, fresh oysters, Hog Island is one of the premier seafood spots in the Bay Area, with multiple locations to choose from. The Larkspur location offers a full menu of tasty bites in a light and airy dining room located in the Marin Country Mart.

Where: 2401 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur, CA
More information.

 

Hog Island Oyster Bar (Napa)

Located in the Oxbow Public Market, this Hog Island location serves you clean, straightforward dishes to highlight the best of the Bay Area region and beyond.

Where: 610 1st St #22, Napa, CA
More information.

 

Tony’s Seafood

This long-standing seafood joint in Marshall has been a Bay Area institution for over 50 years, where visitors can enjoy fresh oysters and seafood favorites in an al fresco setting with surrounding views of Tomales Bay.

Where: 18863 Shoreline Highway Marshall, CA
More information.

 

Scoma’s SF

This pier-to-plate spot has been an SF institution serving local Fisherman’s fare since 1965. Sitting right on the Pier, Scoma’s serves Pacific seafood caught on small boats. In fact, you can still watch the local fishermen bring in their daily catch just steps away; it doesn’t get much more fresh than that.

Where: 1965 Al Scoma Way, Pier 47, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

Anchor Oyster Bar

Serving delicious seafood recipes passed down from generation to generation, Anchor Oyster Bar is another favorite local spot for fresh seafood. Pro-tip: their signature Cioppino is not to be missed.

Where: 579 Castro St, San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

Hog Island Oysters (Embarcadero)

This Hog Island Oysters location is located in the Ferry Building and boasts stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and Treasure Island.

Where: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

Billingsgate

Billingsgate is both a fresh seafood market and a sine-in or takeout restaurant. Purchase Dungeness Crab, raw oysters, scallops, and more to take home, or sit and enjoy fresh bites like smoked salmon salad and Spanish octopus carpaccio.

Where: 3859 24th St, San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

Ancora

This restaurant in the heart of the Mission District features simple, elevated seafood dishes and a thoughtfully designed menu meant to be shared with friends and family.

Where: 557 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

Fog Harbor Fish House

This family-owned and operated spot in Fisherman’s Wharf sits right on the water and serves up 100% sustainable sourced local seafood in a simple and elegant setting.

Where: 39 Pier, San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

Blue Mermaid

Blue Mermaid offers classic San Franciscan fare like homemade chowders, steamed mussels, and cioppino in a lively atmosphere in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf.

Where: 471 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
More information.

 

Note: The Seafood & Sake Pairing campaign may run longer than February 19, depending on the restaurant. Check each site for specific details.