If you love oysters and a spectacular view, the Hog Island Oyster restaurant in SF is the spot for you. I’ve been a long-time Hog Island fan and have been to a couple of their other locations too – The Boat Oyster Bar and Tony’s Seafood in Marshall, both of which I highly recommend. (Side note, Tony’s is an iconic restaurant in Tomales Bay and is now under Hog Island Oyster Co.’s ownership.) Even though this wasn’t my first time at the SF location, I was every bit as excited to go and their food was as good as I remembered!
Hog Island Bloody Mary
The restaurant is situated at the back of the Ferry Building facing the water, so every table outside has a great view of the bay. We arrived at around two o’clock for a late lunch on a Sunday, but we still had to wait about an hour for a table. That tells you there’s never a bad time for oysters! 🦪 I had to start the meal with their specialty drink – the Hog Island Bloody Mary. I don’t usually order Bloody Mary’s and never thought I’d like them, but I’m so glad I ordered this one. Made with St. George Chili Vodka and their own signature Bloody Mary mix, it tasted briny, spicy and tomato-y. They also add the same mixture they use for their oyster mignonette to the Bloody Mary, which made this the most appropriate drink for our meal.
Hog Island Sweetwater Oysters (Tomales Bay, CA), Capital Oysters (Spencer Cove, WA), Blue Pool Oysters (Hood Canal, WA), and Middle Neck Clams (Virginia)
Speaking of mignonette, their oysters were incredibly fresh and delicious. We got their signature Sweetwater, Capital and Blue Pool oysters. There’s a reason why the Sweetwater is the star of their show. They’re rich, briny, sweet-tasting and plump, perfect for slurping. The Blue Pool oysters were our other favorite. They tasted similar to the Sweetwater but were milder in flavor. The Capital oysters were the most briny and flat in shape, and had a mineral taste to them. In addition to the oysters, I was very excited to give the middle neck clams a try because I’m a huge fan of foods that have a chewy texture. The clams were fresh, chewy and so delicious with the cocktail sauce.
Hog Island Sweetwater Oysters
Blue Pool Oysters
Middle Neck Clams
Mussels
Their fresh seafood was incredible but we also wanted to try a couple of their hot dishes. The harissa mussels with broccolini was to die for. The broccolini and the mussels were well cooked. The broth was a show stopper – it was smoky, tangy and a little spicy. Unfortunately, I passed on getting a side of fries and regret not being able to use them to sop up that amazing broth. Lastly, we ordered the grilled cheese, which was one of the best grilled cheeses I’ve ever had. Their cheese combination of the Cowgirl Creamery’s Fromage Blanc, Vella Mezzo Secco and cave-aged Gruyere worked together beautifully. The sandwich was served with a side of their house-made pickles, but to be honest, I wasn’t a fan of them.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here. If you haven’t been to Hog Island, I recommend finding a chance to go to their location in the Ferry Building or any other of their locations. You’re always guaranteed a great view and super fresh seafood!
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