Hog Island Oyster Co.

Hog Island Oyster Co. Restaurant Review:

Oysters are the heart of the setting and cuisine at this roomy indoor-outdoor Ferry Building gem with a view of the Bay Bridge. Line up to grab a seat at the central bar piled high with ice and oysters, or take one of the outside tables to have a true sense of the sea. Ample tables inside mean even with a line there is plenty of seating. Oysters should be your first, second and third choices as there are a wide variety from Hog Island's own Tomales Bay farm, partner farms and from the East Coast: the company's sustainably-raised, freshly-shucked Sweetwaters are worth experiencing alone or alongside a variety of Atlantic and West Coast oysters such as tiny Kumamotos or rich Belons. Signature "Hog wash" is a twist on the traditional mignonette with the addition of cilantro and rice wine vinegar. Three styles of grilled oysters offer an alternative to raw, as does a short menu of items heavily favoring seafood --- cured Chinook salmon is a house favorite as is the satisfying Manila clam chowder. Beyond seafood, there are steak frites and a rich Cowgirl Creamery grilled cheese sandwich. Amiable staff is happy to direct guests through the shellfish-friendly wine list; also available are good cocktails such as the "waterfront negroni" and many locally brewed beers on tap.