The Waterfront Restaurant on Pier 7 in San Francisco, a landmark for 56 years, abruptly closed on Dec 31, leaving its future uncertain as the Port prepares to lease the space
Closure of The Waterfront Restaurant on Pier 7
SAN FRANCISCO – A well-known dining spot in San Francisco has closed. The Waterfront Restaurant on Pier 7 shut down on December 31, as confirmed by the Port of San Francisco.
The restaurant announced its closure with a sign on its door. A message left on the phone said, “Thank you for your patronage over the last 56 years. We are sorry to say that we are closing permanently. Thank you.”
Eric Young, Communications Director for the Port of San Francisco, stated, “The restaurant was on a month-to-month agreement with the Port after its lease expired in December 2024.” The reason for the closure has not been disclosed.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected many local businesses. However, the area shows signs of recovery. KTVU tried to contact the restaurant’s owners but did not receive a response.
History of The Waterfront Restaurant
The Waterfront Restaurant has been at Pier 7 since 1969. This area has changed from an industrial port to a popular tourist destination near the Ferry Building.
Over the years, the restaurant has hosted notable figures like Tony Bennett, President Bill Clinton, and President Barack Obama. In September, District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter nominated The Waterfront for San Francisco’s Legacy Business Registry. The restaurant was listed on the registry map as of Monday.
The Legacy Business Registry aims to preserve long-standing businesses that serve as cultural assets. Sauter praised owners Al and Cheryl Falchi for their commitment to the restaurant’s history.
In a letter, Sauter noted, “Following a major fire in 1973 and the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, Al and Cheryl rebuilt and restored the restaurant while honoring its maritime heritage.”
The Waterfront described itself as a symbol of the city’s resilience and diversity. It has enriched the community’s history and witnessed the transformation of the Embarcadero.
With its seafood and stunning Bay views, the restaurant is seen as a key part of San Francisco’s waterfront identity. Cheryl Falchi expressed hope for the restaurant’s future in her legacy application.
She stated, “For decades now, The Waterfront Restaurant has been an iconic spot on the Embarcadero for visitors and residents alike to enjoy delicious seafood and beautiful views of the bay.”
Future of the Location
KTVU reached out to Supervisor Sauter’s office for comments on the closure but did not receive a response. The Port of San Francisco is preparing the property for a new restaurant.
Young explained, “Port staff are currently assessing the building in anticipation of bringing the facility to market in early 2026 in search of a new restaurateur.” Maven Commercial, a San Francisco-based agency, will assist in finding a new tenant.
The port acknowledged the significance of the restaurant’s closure. Young said, “This marks the first time in decades that the Waterfront Restaurant site will be available for lease.” This offers a unique chance to reimagine a landmark property in a busy area of the San Francisco waterfront.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Pier 7, San Francisco |
| Closure Date | December 31 |
| Years in Operation | 56 years |
| Notable Guests | Tony Bennett, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama |
| Legacy Business Registry Nomination | September |
| Future Plans | New restaurant by early 2026 |
