SF’s oldest seafood landmark delivering old-school charm and legendary seafood.
At 240 California Street in San Francisco, Tadich Grill is a historic seafood restaurant and bar renowned for old-school charm. White-uniformed waitstaff, cozy tables, and signature seafood—cioppino, chowders, crab cakes, and sea bass—are served over a mesquite charcoal broiler. Widely regarded as California’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, it’s a true culinary landmark.
240 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
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Enjoy classic seafood dishes like Cioppino, crab cakes, and sea bass, cooked over mesquite charcoal for a smoky flavor.
Sip on signature cocktails like the Sidecar at the old-school bar, offering a cozy spot for drinks and conversation.
Host gatherings in a historic setting with attentive service, ideal for special occasions or business meals.
Order takeout for classic dishes or book reservations to secure a table at this popular, often busy restaurant.
Learn about Tadich Grill's rich history since 1849 through menu notes and engaging conversations with long-time staff.
Overall rating
Melissa Eisner
If ever a time I needed 6 stars, this would be it. I’ve always loved this restaurant, and it never ever disappoints. Super old school, waiters dressed in white, cozy little tables … and the food … AMAZING!!! Our waiter was the best waiter I have ever had at a restaurant, entertaining, attentive, great with recommendations. We didn’t know which clam chowder to get, so he brought us a cup of each. Then we ordered the crab cakes and the sea bass. My friend said the rice was the best she’s ever had … I thought it was good but for me rice is rice. The crab cakes melted in your mouth, so yummy!!! This place is a must!!!
M Delv
The place can be a bit packed, luckily got seats fast because we were a small party. Got a lobster as my main course and it is one of the best lobster tails I’ve had. The dishes are very filling also. The history of this place is also interesting and you can read it on their menu.
Afshin Afshar-Ghasemlou
Serving San Franciscans and Visitors Since 1849 — The Original “Cold Day Restaurant” Some time in 1849, three Croatian immigrants set up a simple tent on Clay Street near the waterfront and called it a coffee stand. Eighteen years later, John Tadich purchased the small eatery and put his name on it. After the 1906 earthquake, the restaurant relocated—and after a few additional moves—eventually landed at its current home at 240 California Street, where it continues to welcome regulars, newcomers, and tourists alike. In 1934, Tom Buich and his brothers bought the restaurant from Tadich, and the Buich family remains at the helm to this day. Tadich Grill is widely considered the oldest continuously operating restaurant in California, and stepping inside feels like entering a preserved piece of San Francisco’s culinary history. The fresh local seafood is still cooked over a mesquite charcoal broiler, giving many dishes that signature smoky aroma. In addition to seafood, the menu continues to offer stews, casseroles, and classic meat dishes that have been part of Tadich’s backbone for nearly a century. And now, let’s talk about the real reason I keep returning. I’m not going to beat around the bush: I come here for the Cioppino. Every single visit, I tell myself, “Try something different this time,” and occasionally I do—but ultimately it's the Cioppino that calls me back. This is their signature dish, and it arrives in a generous, steaming bowl filled with all the goodness you could hope for: scallops, clams, shrimp, mussels, white fish… and more. All of it swims in a rich, tomato-based broth that is dangerously addictive. Dip a piece of sourdough into that sauce, let it soak, close your eyes, and just let your taste buds do the talking. My second favorite dish is their fried calamari, but the portions are big, so I only indulge when I have a hungry friend or two with me. Over the years, I’ve been tempted to try their Lamb Roast or even the Beef Tongue, but somehow I always circle back to seafood, and almost always to Cioppino. Some habits are simply too delicious to break. Here’s a tip: If it’s your first visit and you’re dining solo or as a pair, sit at the counter. Strike up a casual conversation with your server. Many of them have worked there for decades and can share stories about Tadich’s history, San Francisco, or the menu itself. It adds an extra layer of charm to an already memorable meal. And if you somehow still have room at the end, I highly recommend the Bourbon Bread Pudding with a cup of coffee (or tea). It’s the perfect finish to a hearty, satisfying meal. Oh—and don’t forget to read the short history on the front page of the menu. It’s a fun and quick way to appreciate just how much this iconic restaurant has seen over the last 175+ years.
Christopher T
The oldest seafood place in SF. The place felt like you walked in the 59s, 60s style restaurant vibe. With pics of the good old days and the waitstaff wearing old style white serving uniform and there is the bar right upon you walk in and tables throughout the place. Great service by all, the foods are great, big and delicious, old style of course. The prices can be in the high end but worth it. Parking can be tough since most are street parking, we came early so we got spot right across the place but they do have valid parking (I believe). We ate all of what we ordered and that is a lot for 3 people. Glad that we stopped by and checked it out, it was on my bucket list of places to eat in SF.
Larry Mannolini
Walking back in time with this exquisite restaurant with old school charm! The service was second to none! Brian S. was along and made the night extra special. Yes the Sidecar was rhe best ever (touted in the cocktail menu) Oysters awesome, clamp chowder amazing and thick and flavorful. Sole stuffed with crab and shrimp a la Newburg and Seafood Sautéed simple Devine. Oldest restaurant in California. Highly recommend. Get reservations.
