Tadich Grill

Tadich Grill at 240 California Street in San Francisco's Financial District is widely described as California's oldest restaurant, with roots dating to the Gold Rush year of 1849. The kitchen cooks classic Californian seafood in the grill tradition, using charcoal broilers and sauté pans, and the menu reads like a record of the city's historic dining culture. Signature dishes include cioppino, the tomato-based seafood stew associated with San Francisco's Italian fishing community, Hangtown fry, sand dabs, petrale sole and charcoal-grilled fish. Regulars also order the old-fashioned seafood salads and the daily specials listed on the board. The dining room has a long wooden counter with stools, dark wood paneling, tiled floors and a row of curtained private booths. Waiters in white jackets and ties work the room, and the mood is clubby, busy and loud at lunch, when the Financial District crowd fills the counter. Dress is casual to business casual. The beverage programme leans on classic cocktails, including martinis, and a Californian wine list assembled to suit seafood. Counter seats are served first come, first served and are often the most atmospheric, while tables and booths can be reserved by phone and through the restaurant's online booking. Booking a few days ahead is generally enough for lunch, and dinner on a Friday or Saturday benefits from more notice. Hours are weekday lunch and dinner and Saturday evening, and the restaurant is closed on Sunday. At roughly $40 to $70 per person, it sits at a mid-to-upper price point for the neighborhood. Its location a short walk from the Embarcadero and Market Street makes it a convenient stop before or after exploring the waterfront.