Swan Oyster Depot
The Verdict
"Anthony Bourdain called this his favorite seafood spot in America on No Reservations. "
What you need to know
The Food
Oysters on the half shell, Dungeness crab, smoked salmon, sashimi-grade tuna, clam chowder, and cioppino. The Sicilian Sashimi (raw Hawaiian Aweoweo with capers, olive oil, and bread) has been on the menu for decades.
Anthony Bourdain featured Swan Oyster Depot on A Cook’s Tour, The Layover, and Parts Unknown. On The Layover he called it one of his favorite places to eat in America.
The Space
Long, narrow, 18 stools at the counter, no tables. The shop has been on Polk Street since 1912, and the Sancimino family has run the counter since 1946.
Practical Info
Price: Most plates $12 to $35
Reservations: None. Walk-in only. The line forms before opening.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am to 2:30pm. Closed Sun.
Filmed here
Productions the city recorded shooting at or beside Swan Oyster Depot.
- Polk Street between California and Pine54m awayDope Queens 2025
- Intersection of California at Polk54m awayAnt-Man 2015
- Encore Karaoke, 1550 California Street78m awayLooking “Special” 2016
- Van Ness Avenue146m awayA View to a Kill 1985
From the San Francisco Film Commission permit record.
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