Our Story

Our Story

The story of Nopa Fish began in San Francisco in 2006, when I co-founded Nopa at the corner of Hayes and Divisadero. From day one, Nopa was built on a deep respect for community, sustainability, and simplicity. We focused on sourcing from local farms and purveyors and fostering connections with the people who grow and catch our food. In April 2025, Nopa turned 19 years old, and our menu still changes every day, featuring simple, honest dishes made from ingredients rooted in Northern California’s seasons.

When the longtime fish market in the Ferry Building closed in 2020, it left a noticeable void in the heart of San Francisco’s maritime culture. An opportunity presented itself—not just to reopen a market, but to reimagine what a fish market and casual seafood restaurant could be: accessible, transparent, delicious, and deeply tied to the people, craft, and ecosystems of the West Coast. That vision became Nopa Fish.

Our fish case reflects the bounty of nearby waters with sustainably caught, traceable seafood that supports family-owned operations that unload their catch at nearby ports, including San Francisco, Monterey, and Bodega Bay. Our mission is to connect residents and visitors alike to incredible food sourced locally and ethically. We are excited to support local fishers, farms, craftspeople, and friends to provide guests with exceptional service and a uniquely authentic San Francisco experience.

We expect to open our doors in late Spring 2025, so please check back soon for menus, hours, and more details as we get closer to opening.

—Laurence