La Mar Cebicheria Peruana

This hotspot from Peruvian celebrity chef Gastón Acurio is housed in the renovated Pier 1.5 and near the city’s financial district—not typically a place for hip dining or nightlife. But locals and out-of-towners alike have been heading there for amazingly fresh seafood and cool, South American ambiance, both of which make it a great place to meet friends, people-watch, and take in the waterfront views. In nautical San Francisco, the South-North American chemistry is certainly winning so far: the pier’s open, breezy space has been brought out by punctuations of bright blue chairs, which visually pop as soon as you walk in to convey a beachy, portside feel. The ceviche tasting menu and the La Mar Pisco Punch have been classics since the restaurant opened in 2008.