Little Shucker

San Francisco

"The menu was small and oozed quality"

"Why can’t they all be like this?"

15 February, 2024

After last nights disaster, I carefully chose my next place for lunch, and this was a nice-looking seafood bar called Little Shucker. I did have a good feeling about it and as I was walking there, I was thinking to myself “Please let this be a good meal, please!” I cannot cope with any more bad food. Located on Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights, this is a nice area to sit outside with mild weather and a delicious meal. The restaurant looked like it would be ok with its modern seafood style décor in a typical San Francisco building, I was enthusiastic. The menu was small and oozed quality, this I really liked, they are only putting a couple of things on the menu and doing them well. Finally, somewhere that knows what they are doing…

The San Francisco cioppino I was drawn to, and it was not a mistake. An elegant execution of a classic: A deep and delicious tomato stew, delicate Dungeness crab, prawns, black cod, and particularly excellent mussels. I let out a sigh of relief- “Finally!” There was not anything complicated about this dish, it was just perfectly executed, the seafood all cooked to the right moment, flavourful and delicious eating. This was a good choice. The bread on the side was also excellent, the right amount of crisp and not overly greasy. I really dug in here and savoured every bite. The portion was not overwhelmingly large, something that made this pleasing to the eye and a joy to eat.

I was glad to have tried this restaurant after all the average and mediocre experiences to date in America. Why can’t they all be like this? If I find myself in the area again and wondering where to eat, I will head right back here.

Pacific Heights is seen as quite ‘posh’ for San Francisco. It has a very understated luxury about it. Sit outside on their terrace and watch the people go by in a discerning pair of sunglasses and a statement trench. The restaurant itself is casual, keep it cool and collected.