Tadich Grill

Tadich Grill, located in the Financial District of San Francisco, remains a classic, old-time seafood restaurant. Tadich was established in 1849 during the California Gold Rush and is considered to be the oldest restaurant in San Francisco. The restaurant retains an ambiance from long ago. There’s a surprising depth to the dining room; its long bar is perfect for having drinks or for solo dining. There is lots of dark wood throughout. Hooks are placed along the walls to hang coats and jackets. There are also numerous semi-private tables along one side of the dining area.

Tadich Grill has a professional waitstaff, some of whom look as if they have been working here for decades; they provide quick and efficient service. It was very crowded at dinner and I imagine it would be extremely crowded at lunch given its proximity to the Financial District. As people entered they gave their names to the bartenders and waited for a table; there are no reservations.

What to eat at Tadich Grill

We tried several dishes, starting with a large platter of deep-fried calamari, served with both tartar and cocktail sauce. Dinners were sole fillet, a mixed seafood sauté, and their famous cioppino. The petrale sole featured two nice pieces of charcoal-broiled fish which were very moist and flavorful. The seafood sauté included prawns, scallops, and crab meat in a rich mushroom wine sauce. The cioppino was by far the best dish of the evening. It featured a generous serving of clams, mussels, bay shrimp, prawns, scallops, crab meat, and fish in a thick, hearty tomato stock. It arrived at the table piping hot with toasted garlic bread, the perfect cold weather dish.

If you are looking for something other than the latest trendy and fashionable dining experience, Tadich Grill will transport you back to what I imagine San Francisco must have been like at the turn of the century. They serve fresh seafood, simply prepared, allowing the flavor of the ingredients to shine.

Original Post by Alan Sasai