Six of a kind: Restaurants with a view

Coming around the corner in the Financial District, I'm confronted with a breathtaking view of the Bay Bridge. On the way to Half Moon Bay, the waves seem to tumble on for miles. In the Bay Area we are blessed with some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world, and some of the best food too. It's surprising the two don't meet more often, but at some places the two coexist nicely. Here are six that fill both the eyes and the stomach.

Sutro's at the Cliff House

Crashing waves compete with the food for diners' attention at the Cliff House, the iconic San Francisco restaurant overlooking the Pacific that this year celebrates its centennial. Menu choices include items such as a whole roasted petrale sole with Meyer lemon, olive oil, heirloom tomatoes and mint.

1090 Point Lobos (at the end of Geary Boulevard), San Francisco; (415) 386-3330 or cliffhouse.com. Lunch and dinner daily. Main courses, $28-$38.

La Mar Cebicheria Peruana

Few restaurants offer the convergence of food and view as precisely as La Mar, set on the Embarcadero overlooking all the action on the bay and a constant parade of pedestrians. The restaurant features seafood, most importantly some of the best ceviche in the city, which is a great place to begin any waterfront dining adventure.

328 The Embarcadero (Pier 1 1/2, near Washington St.), San Francisco; (415) 397-8880 or lamarcebicheria.com. Lunch and dinner daily. Main courses, $16-$31.

Green's

You almost feel like you're on a yacht as you look out over the bobbing masts of sailboats anchored at the Marina. Beyond that, there are gorgeous straight-on views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Chef Annie Somerville continues to craft some of the best vegetarian food in the city, and there's a good wine list to toast your good fortune.

Building A, Fort Mason Center (Marina Boulevard and Buchanan), San Francisco; (415) 771-6222 or greensrestaurant.com. Lunch Tuesday-Saturday; brunch Sunday; dinner nightly. Main courses $16-$24.

The Franciscan

If you want to go to Fisherman's Wharf, this restaurant offers spectacular views from just about every vantage point. The setting evokes a cruise ship with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the bay. Stick with seafood, especially the whole crab, raw oysters, iron-skillet mussels and clam chowder.

Pier 43 1/2 (off Jefferson St.), San Francisco; (415) 362-7733 or franciscanrestaurant.com. Lunch and dinner daily. Main courses, $14.95-$44.95.

Nick's Cove

Bucolic Tomales Bay, along with the long dock and boathouse, is the setting for Pat Kuleto's reinvented roadhouse. While the look is rustic, the food is pristine. The restaurant offers some of the best of what the region has to offer - which means excellent fresh fish and local oysters.

23240 Highway 1, Marshall; (415) 663-1033 or nickscove.com. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Main courses, $14-$24.

Murray Circle at Cavallo Point

Panoramic views of the Marin Headlands, with the spires of the Golden Gate Bridge dominating the landscape, make for breathtaking dining in what was once the enlisted men's barracks at Fort Baker. Joseph Humphrey offers a seasonal menu with flair. There's also a fireplace in just about every room for interior ambience.

602 Murray Circle (at East Road), Sausalito; (415) 339-4750 or cavallopoint.com. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Main courses, $18-$24.