Delicious
WE chose the Top of the Market because they take reservations (and honor them).The view is lovely and the service is adequate.The fish is very fresh and well prepared. The menu is quite extensive and interesting. We enjoyed our dinner so much that we went back the next day for lunch and ate downstairs at The Fish Market. Less expensive and just as good.
Atmospere, food not worth the price
This restaurant is definitely dated in decor. The woodwork has a 'sticky' quality that has that makes you sorry where you put your hand down. I must say, that is somewhat typical of older,waterfront seafood places, but a little surprising for a restaurant in this price range.
Food was nothing to write home about either. We had six diners in our party and everyone agreed that none of the dishes were memorable. If you want the waterfront ambiance, I suppose it will do but there is far better seafood cuisine at some of the nearby Gaslamp seafood restaurants such as Blue Point.
Disappointment
Expensive, average food, average ambiance, rude server. Waaaaaay over-rated.
Average food, expensive
The food was definitely overpriced for the quality we received. Simple seafood dishes usually served with steamed vegetables and a sauce of some sort. My girlfriend's seared ahi tuna plate was a little less than $30. What came on her plate? The tuna itself, rice pilaf, vegetables and sauce. This dish was no different from all other dishes on the menu. I am a repeat patron and the dishes (the way the seafood dishes are served and presented) still have not changed. As for the decor, it was nice and elegant and upscale. Be sure to ask to be seated on the waterfront, covered patio. Service was good to great. OVERALL REVIEW: if you are curious to try this place, go ahead; you may even like it. But if you are skeptical, I suggest you pick another place.
Tourist trap
In my estimation the location was excellent. Also the staff was fine. The food was fair to poor. I think The Top is depending on non repeat tourist customers.
Arrogant/Clueless Management
I arrived at the table and was given a fork which had not been run through the dishwasher and a paper menu which could not be read, covered with food stains. Asked for a new fork, butter for bread, knive for bread - All were not given, had to go to wait station and get it myself. Mgr (Mark Jennings) blamed it on being late in the dinner time for their incompetence. How ignorant, I never saw a sign for 50% off after 8pm for incompetence, as you still pay full price. Mgr never offered a discount or a complimentary meal for this filth. Any clueless restaurant managers should apply for a job there, as they are hiring poor customer oriented mgrs.
Food Poisoning
I attended a group dinner at Top of the Market on Wednesday, March 14th 2007, and was physically ill for the first time in almost 20 years within 2 hours of returning to my hotel room at the Westin. I had the Swordfish, as well as Calamari appetizer. Both were cooked, and neither should have done this to me, but as this was the only thing I had eaten for quite some time, I am convinced the meal at Top of the Market was to blame.
In addition, the waitress had a extremely poor attitude throughout the meal, acting as if we were imposing upon her all evening. Many of the dishes also had a gritty feeling to them, as if the dishwasher wasn't quite getting everything clean. All in all, I wouldn't go back again for any reason.
