Forbes Island

We loved the food! Ambiance is pure romance. Service was pretty good but didn’t check back enough. The waiter was a bartender too. Shuttle boat drivers were very friendly. It’s super small of course so very cozy next to your fellow tablemates. If you get claustrophobic the dining area might be a bit much for you. Women’s bathroom was a fun stateroom literally with a bed haha. The first 30 min were horrible for motion sickness but luckily we had taken Dramamine before and after that we got used to it. Loved the view outside at night after dinner on the patio. 4 course menu with options for each course for $ 75 per person. Good specialty cocktails. Overall a very neat experience!

«My dear guests, I am Mr. Roarke, your host. Welcome to Fantasy Island.»
Getting to Forbes Island is an adventure. Sadly, Mr. Roarke does not greet you when you arrive and there are no hula dancers, but that doesn’t diminish the experience that is Forbes Island.
First of all, the address says Pier 41, but you can’t get to it from there. Pier 41 is where Forbes Island is floating. To get to it, you need to go to Pier 39. Go to the north side of the pier. The side that faces the Golden Gate Bridge. There is a walkway that runs behind all the shops and restaurants. That is where you will find the dock to take the water taxi, named Titanic, to Forbes Island.
Once you arrive on said island, it is a pretty interesting place. There are trees, plants, a waterfall, and a lighthouse. You can actually walk to the top of the lighthouse which has great view. Once you come down from the lighthouse, just follow the path to the restaurant entrance. You walk down some stairs and it is a totally different world. It reminded me of a pub. There is a very small bar and a fireplace and probably 15 or 20 tables, if that. You don’t really realize you are underwater until you sit down and the place starts to move with the waves.
The menu is prix fix at $ 75.00 per person for 4 courses. There were two items available for the Amuse Boushe. One was a Goat Cheese and Arugula something I believe and the other was a Scallop item. I had the Goat Cheese and my wife had the Scallop. For my next course, I had the Cesar Salad, then the Lamb Lilipops, and ended with the Crème Brulee. My wife had the Wild Mushroom Ragout, then the Filet Mignon, and ended with the Chocolate Mouse. Being that my daughter was 9 and couldn’t pack away 4 courses, she was given butter pasta. You also get bread and butter. The wine list is pretty basic and reasonably priced. We had cocktails with our dinner.
For the ladies, your restroom is located where the restaurant is and i highly recommend you visit it. lol Guys, you can go take a look, but can’t stay. The mens room is located on the island’s surface. Just look for the shack. lol Also, if the waters are choppy guys, mind your aim. lol

I absolutely love dining at Forbes Island. I took my girlfriend for a special date night. From taking the boat out to dining in the heart of the island, I’d say it was one of the coolest dining experiences I’ve had. The staff was great and their French bar tender was a gem of a human. I will say that the Island does rock a little bit. So if you get sea sick super easily I would take a Dramamine before and you’ll be just fine!

This is one of my favorite places to eat in San Francisco. I recently took my cousin there for her birthday and it was divine. We enjoyed the four course dinner, drinks, ambiance, service and uniqueness. From the short boat ride to the island to the top of the lighthouse it did not disappoint. We were there on a Monday night so it was a little slow which was nice because we noticed when more people arrived it did get a little noisy. The interior has beautiful floor to ceiling wood detail. It would be a perfect place for a romantic date. Overall, Forbes Island has amazing food, great service, and a beautiful view of San Francisco.

Best dinning experience I’ve had yet in SF. It’s a must dinner if you are in the bay. My partner and I went for our 10yr anniversary and we enjoyed everything. Romantic vibe, great service, and food is delicious. Lamb was on point. The sea food soup was soo good and and don’t miss the apple tart it’s to die for. Great views of the city once you climb up the lil lighthouse. 5out of 5 stars you have to try it I promise you will love it worth every penny :)

Such a great experience! Always see this island when im in SF and finally got to try it out!

Enjoyed a fun and delicious dinner on Forbes island. We boarded a tiny ferry to the island which takes just a few minutes. The island is more like a floating barge, but it was very nice. Our table wasn’t ready when we got there so they suggest you walk around for a little bit and take in the sights. We went up into the lighthouse and we had the most lovely view from above. The food was excellent, everything was cooked perfect. The clam chowder and the filet mignon were my favorites. Only comment would be that you will be slowly swaying and rocking throughout dinner since its on the water. Definitely try this place if you’re by the pier.

Amazing food here and their drinks are fantastic as well.
Started with the Dubliner cocktail which is a must if you like whiskey.
Each course was brought out to perfection. Scallops were amazing as the first course, the crab salad was incredible (and I heard the Clam chowder soup was great too) and the lamb chops were unreal!
Overall this is a great restaurant to go check out. You take a ferry out to the island and eat underwater. Got a great seat near the windows so you can see fish and what not.
My brother got embarrassing towards the end as he had gotten very drunk and was being incredibly rude to my girlfriend so I don’t know that I will return but this place is definitely worth the hype.

I attended my friend’s birthday dinner at Forbes Island. Because it was a private party, we were seated in the private dining room — as opposed to the main restaurant — so I cannot provide any comment regarding the interior of the restaurant. The private room, however, was quite fun. It has its own stereo system, so we were able to choose what music to play.
We were provided a prix fixe menu for $ 75.00. I had the scallop for my amuse bouche (good flavor, but I was not too keen on the beans that were part of the dish — at least I think they were beans); I chose the dungeness crab, avocado and bay scallop salad (really refreshing and flavorful); I had lamb chops for my entrée (tender and cooked perfectly, the mint sauce was great, the potatoes were mediocre); and I finished my meal off with the apple tarte tatin (good flavor, but the crust was a bit chewy).
Honestly, this place had good food — but not great food. That said, the views from the lighthouse were spectacular. The service was wonderful. And I got to eat on a miniature island off the waters of San Francisco! The overall experience bumps up what would have been a 3 star rating.
Tip: Get to Pier 39 at least 15 – 20 minutes before your reservation. You must take a short ferry ride to the island (about 5 minutes), but the dock is hard to find (especially at night) and you want to be in the docking area when people exit — so that you can get through the docking gate.

Like many an honored guest before me, I was invited out to Forbes Island by one Ruggeford H.J. III. When I first received said invitation to a secluded isle in the middle of the Bay, I logically assumed that I was going to be either:
1. Brutally murdered for sport.
2. Drugged and bound so my organs could be harvested.
3. Treated to a magical evening of dinner and dancing.
Well, I was wrong about all three options (I was especially thankful to avoid the horror of the 3^rd). Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by a tour of this fascinating locale, a few cocktails in the company of friends, and the unrivaled hospitality of Pierre and Casey.
My only disappointment of the evening was that they were fully booked for dinner. As I would rather be brutally murdered for sport than miss a meal, I’m sure my consternation was etched all over my grotesquely hideous face.
When he recovered from his initial revulsion, Ruggeford assured me, «Don’t worry. Pierre will probably bring you some mushroom ragout.» As if that was the only logical response.
Well, I’ll be damned if Pierre didn’t bring me some mushroom ragout, and twice-​damned if it wasn’t the best mushroom ragout I’ve ever had. I ate my fill, and several other people’s fills as well.
Our antics aside, Forbes Island is a place unlike any other. A true San Francisco original, and one you should absolutely experience at least once. But make a reservation, because I don’t know if they trot out mushroom ragout for just anyone.

So we went to Forbes Island for NYE. Kalun L keeps upping the ante for «best meal ever» and I knew the pressure was high. After extensive «googling», I settled on Forbes because I knew, if anything, it would be an experience.
Forbes is a teeny «island» directly off Pier 39 (Fisherman’s Wharf). I use the term island loosely because, well, it was a 1.5 minute boat ride past the seals. 5 minutes from the moment we set sail we had received a tour of the island and checked in.
I can’t really comment on dinner, as it was a pre-​fixe meal that was clearly prepared as such. Service was very warm, drinks very strong.
At midnight we all went up to the top of the lighthouse to watch the fireworks (which was an outstanding vantage point). Aside from the fraternity party that had clearly had their first drinks ever, the crowd was calm and friendly.
If you’re looking for a unique place to bring the one you love, go to Forbes Island (and let me know how the real food is)! It’s a fun experience, for sure.
Happy 2016 folks!

I have absolutely no clue why this place has an average rating of 4 stars, but I can only assume it’s due to the view and experience. Here’s my breakdown:
1 star for the food, at best. Overall, everything on the prixe fixe menu ($ 75) is typical and uninspiring (eg. chowder soup, caesar salad, roasted salmon, filet mignon, risotto, crème brûlée, chocolate mousse… you get the idea.) If they were cooked well, however, that would be completely warranted! Except, I ordered the salmon and the first time it came completely overcooked/​dry (likely had been partially pre-​cooked before and finished later, then left under the salamander). When I mentioned it to the waitress, she brought it back for the chef… but the second time caught me off-​guard. The salmon was severely undercooked that when I cut into it, even the waitress didn’t want me to eat it. She took it back to the chef and by the third attempt, not only did my friends finish their entrée, I just had to accept however it turned out because I was already too hungry! (Fortunately, it came out much better than the earlier 2 tries.)
1 star for the view/​ambiance (particularly lighthouse) and water taxi captain who was interesting, engaging, and hard working!
Unfortunately, I would discourage this restaurant to my friends if they said they were interested in trying it out and I’d instead recommend other places in SF with equally good views for around the same price.

I found this restaurant on Unilocal after going to Alcatraz. Let me say you can’t go wrong with this place so fancy and romantic. Service is amazing and friendly.
Pick up is at pier 39 section I, a little boat will pick you up there and then take you to the island.
Once on the restaurant they have a view tower and dinner is down stairs
Food is AMAZING! They have a four course meal you can chose from and its 75 dollars per person.
Desert was so good I still can’t get over it
Over all the best place to have a romantic dinner

Short story: it’s the experience and ambiance you pay for.
Long story: went here as a surprise birthday dinner from my boyfriend. We took the small boat ride to the island and was taken down stairs to the actual restaurant (it’s under water). We got seated next to the fireplace and ordered our drinks. The waitress asked if we were celebrating anything and my boyfriend said my birthday. After looking upon he menu, I was surprised because it’s a 4-​course meal for $ 79/​person. I ordered: seafood chowder for appetizer, entrée: halibut and dessert: ginger crème brûlée.
The first appetizer we got was one scallop with some sauce underneath. It was fairly small, so every bite I took I had to chew slow just to savor it. Then came the seafood chowder which I was hoping to be creamy but it had the consistency like chicken noodle soup and a little on the salty side. Next was the halibut that came with a buttery sauce, mashed potatoes and asparagus which was good but a little dry, then the ginger crème brûlée. The waitress came with my dessert and written on the plate said happy birthday in chocolate and a candle was lit. (: I’m not really a big fan of ginger so it threw my taste buds off a little bit, but it was pretty good!
Towards the end of the night we went to the light house to take pictures. It was freezing! I couldn’t feel my face or fingers. My boyfriend was being all cute and because of my birthday he told me to close my eyes for my next surprise. He gave me a Tiffany necklace
In short, it’s a romantic restaurant if you’re looking to be cute, or have an occasion to celebrate. I would like to be back maybe if/​when their menu changes and during sunset.

In short, the experience was great. The food was ok.
I surprised my husband with dinner at this restaurant. He had no idea what we were doing near the sea lions. A shuttle arrived to take us to the island. The island was all lit up and made for a beautiful welcome. We were led down some narrow steps to the hostess desk and one of the dining rooms.
The dining room was actually located under water. We could see fish swim by the portholes. It was really cool. You can feel the restaurant rock so if you get sea sick easily… beware. The waitress explained to us the history of the island when we asked about it. It would have been nice to get an explanation when we sat down. She brought us pictures of how the house originally looked. The women’s bathroom used to be a bedroom. It was really amazing to see.
The menu is a pre fixe four course one. We got the scallop amuse bouche, seafood chowder, mushroom ragout, lamb, filet, chocolate mousse, and apple tatin. My favorite dish was the chocolate mousse. Everything else was ok. My lamb was a little raw. I had asked for medium temp.
After dinner we walked around the island a little and walked up the lighthouse. The views of the city were spectacular!
Overall it was a unique experience and a great night.

Um, yes, I would like to eat dinner on a fancy floating islandoff of Pier 39, thank you! The place is actually not an island, but rather the prototype for an ultra-​luxury house boat built by Mr. Kiddoo Forbes in the 1970s. If you look online there’s a neat time line of the place, which makes it so much more interesting when you actually get the chance to dine on such a unique and, surprisingly enough, controversal place. If you like history, take a gander at the nice timeline provided by the SF Gate:
One thing I wish I had done before hand is take a dramamine. The island is large, but dining underwater and with the slight rock of the boat left me more than happy to get back on land by the time dinner was done. If you’re like me and prone to sea sickness, just prepare ahead.
The restaurant is only open for dinner, and only availble by reservation so be sure to book your time! Once you arrive at Pier 39, the dock to board the ferry that takes you to the island is located at Pier «I», which is right next to the sea lion attraction. There’s a small ferry with «Forbes Island» on the side — that’s your ticket to the restaurant. Hop on and enjoy the quick 2-​minute ride over.
Dinner itself was great. They have a set menu that you order off, 4 courses plus table bread. The dishes come out one at a time, giving you ample time to taste and enjoy each course. I had the Wild mushroom ragout (delicious, but a bit rich), the lamb lollipops (yummy) and the Aplle Tarte Tatin for dessert — all delicious and scrumptios. I would highly recommend that if you want a Friday night or weekend reservation that you book it as far in advance as you can. I was able to snag a same-​day reservation for Thursday night, but the weekend was already full.
Service was great, our waitress was very friendly and attentive. Be sure to walk around the island and up the lighthouse for great views of the bay!

We celebrated my birthday last night and arrived late because of the horrid traffic but it was no problem because they understand about the city traffic!
We ordered a drink and went back outside to enjoy the view while our dinner was being prepared.
The place is cozy and we sat in the corner by the fireplace.
We ordered filet mignon, lamb, mushroom ragout, etc. All delicious and whatever spinach that was that came with the filet mignon was over the top scrumptious!
We also has the apple and the crème brule. Both were great and the apple dessert was not very sweet but the crème brule certainly was!
Nice staff that makes you feel special!

Really cool place!
I have passed by this place for years, always commenting on it with my family as we rode the ferry. I’ve even seen it featured on reality shows and wondered what it was like inside. Well, I got the chance to dine here and it did not disappoint.
Firstly, you are dining under the sea. You take a ferry from terminal «I» (behind swiss Louis/​Pier 39) and go down a stone staircase. It feels like you’re descending into a super secret Bond villain’s restaurant or another world. Once you’re down there you feel like you’re on a pirate ship. It’s all nautical themed with a large fireplace and even beds and a shower in the bathroom!
The food was delicious. I would recommend the Salmon and the crème brulee. The staff was friendly and attentive. The décor was romantic and would be excellent for a romantic night out. All in all 5 stars.

Food poisoning !
My husband and I had our 6^th anniversary dinner there tonight. We would love to pick a nice restaurant in Fisherman Wharf since we first met there 10 years ago, then we found Forbes Island.
Dinner with 2 drinks and tips $ 220 is not a problem, but I start diarrhea at 10pm I got home, and more severe from 2am… then vomited the whole ‘seafood chowder’ that I had at 3am, now 5:30am in the morning still twisting and burning pain in stomach = (((((!!!

Such a fun night at Forbes Island! My girlfriend took me here to celebrate a special occasion and it was perfect for making a fun night out of a dinner out. We loved exploring the tiny island, checking out the view of the city from the top of the lighthouse.
I expected given the kitsch factor that the food might not be that good but I was delighted to find that the food was excellent. We splurged and got ourselves a bottle of wine as well.
If you are expecting to really experience being underwater, don’t get too excited because the windows are tinted and you can only see some shadows through them. Additionally, the restaurant rocks so do not take someone who gets motion sickness here on a date unless they don’t plan on keeping it down.
Overall if you’re willing to spend a pretty penny on a fun and tasty dining experience for a special occasion, Forbes is well recommended.

Such a cool experience!
During my most recent San Fran trip I stumbled upon this place when I was walking around Fishermans Wharf. I’m so happy that I did!
There’s a little sign with the name and short description so I quickly Unilocaled it and realized this was located just off the pier on its own mini island! Made a reservation and we were lucky to get in with a cancellation for a very early dinner.
Upon arriving back in this spot we were picked up by a little boat and taken over to the island which is just a few mins away. The start to this experience already had me excited!
Once you step foot onto the island there’s quite a bit to explore and the restaurant itself is under the water!!! I could not get over how cool this entire setup was and after exploring the light house with the most amazing panoramic views we finally sat down to dinner in what felt like a pirate ship.
The food is prepared classically and everything was perfect. I think that the experience itself made everything even taste better. We had wild mushroom ragout and a caesar as starters and then steak for him and salmon for myself. Perfectly cooked veggies and potatoes came with both dishes. We ended the night with some wine, a berry napoleon and classic crème brûlée.
The service was amazing and overall it was really an experience that I’ll never forget. If you’re visiting San Fran you shouldn’t miss this spot and I highly recommend you make reservations in advance.
Also — don’t miss going to the restroom in the captains quarters! It feels like something out of Pirates of the Caribbean!
Very unique, romantic & beyond special place!

Forbes Island is a little hidden gem in San Francisco. I was looking for something «different» and I found it. We came to celebrate my boyfriends birthday here just the two of us. It was a cute, romantic mini adventure. He had never heard of the restaurant or knew it existed so I was very excited to bring him here.
It’s right in between Pier 39 and 41, a boat shuttle takes you over and the gentleman gives you a little bit of history and a quick tour.
The restaurant itself is down below, a little dark and out dated but it has its charm. For a four course meal we tried the following:
Wild Mushroom Ragout: 5 stars, just amazing!
Dungeness Crab, avocado & bay scallop Salad: 5 stars
Classic Filet Mignon: 5 Stars, cooked perfectly and the broccoli & shitake Mushroom puff was delicious!
Berry Napolean & Crème Brulee were also very tasty.
I would definitely come again, we both really enjoyed our time here.

What a lovely place to have a birthday dinner! Delicious food, gorgeous views, and an altogether unique experience. It’s been weeks and I’m still raving about this place to everyone!
To get there, meet the Forbes ferry at the pier and hop in for a mini private boat ride as they describe the history of the restaurant.
Once you get to the island you’re immediately greeted by incredibly friendly staff who let you choose any table. The portholes were slightly underwhelming but I was digging the nautical themed décor all around.
The dinner is a 4 course fixed for $ 75 and every option is spectacular. I went for the goat cheese, crab and avocado salad, salmon, and berry napolean dessert and immensely enjoyed it all. Lots of fresh ingredients beautifully plated and bursting with flavor! :)
Afterward, venture outside for some exploring! Head up to the lighthouse and take in the gorgeous views of the pier and bay, especially if you catch the sunset. We also had fun taking pictures on the beautiful spiral staircase.
What bumped it up to five stars for me was the outstanding service. You’d expect a place like this to be somewhat stuffy as they’d have every right to be, but not so! Everyone was so chill and down to earth and no dress code required! Could totally picture this being an amazing venue for special private events.
Note: If you get seasick, you’ll sadly have to pass on this gem. If not, make a reservation asap for a lovely night out and a dinner for the books!

Food and service are great. Good idea for intimate dinner with your love ones! The view is spectacular!
You can climb up to the light house for a better view!
Guests will be picked up at Gate I by a little boat — it’s a 3 – 5 minutes boat ride to the restaurant. The captain is very friendly. Severs are very attentive. You can choose any table of your choice for dining. Serving portion is good for a 4 course meal. They have a bar as well and make good cocktails! Overall our experience was excellent. Would come back on special occasions.

Place deserves 4.5 but I’m not able to do that in the app. We got to the boat 15min early & the captain was ready for us. Such a nice guy. Once docked he gave a one minute tour.
Our server Shane was too sweet & accommodating. There was two of us & we ordered the seafood chowder, super hot (temp) so stir & blow, & the mushroom ragout. Both was scrumptious, flavorful & delicious.
Then we both ordered the lamp lollipops. I’ve always ordered & the chefs suggestion is medium rare, I suggest start there & if you don’t like it they can always slap it back on. It was superb! Just flavorful & cooked perfectly.
I had the chocolate mousse for dessert & he had the crème’ brûlée. Both exactly as they should be. Mousse was silk richness, brûlée was creamy (personally not a fan).
We ordered a couple of drinks & made our way up to the top of the lighthouse. We braved the cool wind & fog so that means unless you’re in a wheelchair or crutches you need to brave it to, it’s worth it, if not just hear the silly sea lions.
I appreciate my experience here, hopefully I’ll be back someday, but I’m glad I was able to go.
Ps. Women’s restroom is pretty neat

My boyfriend brought me here for our 4 year anniversary.
I had NO idea where we were going and I was getting irritated because I was walking in heels, and it was super cold! Finally, he said that we had to take a small ferry to an island. I was so confused. Lol
The small ferry picked us up, and it was a 2min ride to Forbes Island. When we arrived, I was a bit confused because there were tables outside, and I was thinking «we are eating outside?! I’m so cold!!» But then the guy directed us to go downstairs and omg. SO CUTE AND FANCY!
I loved the food, ambience, environment, everything! It was such a surprise and our waitress was super nice and sweet. I want to bring my parents here :)
Also, after dinner, we walked up to the top of the private lighthouse. Beautiful view. It’s a must!