"We hit up Billingsgate whenever we want a quick and casual meal that’s all about high-quality fish. The counter-service seafood market in Noe Valley doubles as a laidback cafe, with a rotating menu made up mostly of seafood salads, oysters, and raw bar appetizers. Our go-to is the lemony lobster salad piled high on toasted brioche, or the simply dressed poke over rice. They also have a weekday Happy Hour with half-off oysters and cava, which is a foolproof path to a successful Tuesday afternoon. Food Rundown Maine Lobster Seafood Salad This seafood salad—basically an open-faced lobster roll that you can eat with a fork and knife—is creamy with a zing of lemon, and served atop a perfectly toasted slice of brioche. It’s a top contender for your next not-so-casual lunch. photo credit: Julia Chen Clam Chowder There are three sizes available, from a regular cup to a 32-ounce bowl big enough to swim in. The bacon bits really make this super-creamy, briny soup sing, and we appreciate the buttered and grilled slices of baguette on the side. photo credit: Julia Chen Billingsgate Poke It’s pretty simple: just pick your fish of choice, opt for soy or ginger-scallion (our favorite) dressing, and wait for the freshest poke bowl in Noe Valley to come to you." - Julia Chen
