Sabella and La Torre's in San Francisco

Original Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant

Last October, Don and I walked from our hotel on Nob Hill, to Fisherman's Wharf.

We spotted Sabella & La Torre's, and numerous classic seafood eateries.

October 2019

It was such a beautiful day. All we had planned to do was wander and absorb scenery.

We studied the fishing boats and looked out at Alcatraz. For a while we watched a gathering, that included the mayor of San Francisco! 

Hungry

It was still early, but restaurants began opening and we started getting hungry.

Every single place looked inviting. We figured we'd just grab some outdoor stools and order a lobster roll. 

If It Swims We Have It!

We decided on Sabella and La Torre's. But it turns out, they only served their lobster rolls, inside.

So we took a peek inside the cozy place

Sweet Interior

One look at the retro bar and we were excited.

Luckily we were early enough to grab a couple retro stools at the bar.

Gina

Gina greeted us at the bar and handed us some menus. I opened mine up and laughed.

I was pleasantly amused by the little tuxedo-wearing fish character, posing with his proper cane.

Gina said everyone loves that menu feature. It's a small cut in the fold, that makes the fish look like he's opening his mouth. She said (with a laugh) that it actually costs about an extra dollar per menu, to have those cuts put in. 

​Sharing a Lobster Roll

We told Gina we wanted to split a lobster roll. She said no problem.

Our split meal came out on two plates, with no extra charge. 

It was mouthwatering. We should have gotten two! Oh how I love those little cocktail napkins.

Filling Up

The restaurant began to fill as we started in on our food. I saw Gina greet a few regulars from the behind the bar. There seemed to be more locals than tourists.

The dining room looked like it probably hadn't changed much, over the years.

I loved the wall mural, with all the familiar sights... Golden Gate Bridge and Coit Tower. 
​

Gina's Great Grandfather

We were lucky that we got to talk quite a bit with Gina. She said she was 3rd generation. Gina pointed to this photo of her great grandfather, Luciano Sabella. He came from Sicily as a crab fisherman.

Luciano and his sons opened the business in 1927, selling crabs and other seafood, to drive up customers. After WWII, the business was turned over to more family and eventually the seafood stand became a full, dine in restaurant.

We hadn't planned on lunch at the wharf, but we ended up with a perfect little food and history adventure!