"Café Maritime is the culmination of a distinct calling," says proprietor Mark Mitcheltree. "It was an attraction I couldn't deny". Having worked his way through the MBA program at San Jose State at San Jose's highly acclaimed Eulipia Restaurant, Mark surprised his friends and family after graduating by committing himself to the challenging restaurant business.
"Every night, I leave the café feeling like I have
made a positive impact on people's lives. Consistently
providing great service and wonderful meals are harder
to do than most people think, and there is an incredible
sense of accomplishment when you do both well. That's
why I wanted to open my own place," said Mitcheltree.
After a nearly three year search, Mark was excited to
find the perfect space at in San Francisco's Marina District.
The location close to the Bay seemed a perfect venue for
a New England inspired seafood restaurant with an appreciation
for California ingredients.
The menu at Café Maritime focuses on bringing out
the freshness of wonderful local seafood; paying homage
to both its original East Coast inspiration and local
San Francisco traditions such as award winning crab cakes.
The commitment to sustainability and seasonality is reflected
in changing nightly specials and a raw bar that features
an array of local oysters.
“A lot of transplanted East Coast folks tell
me that they remember restaurants back home specializing
in ultra-fresh, simply prepared seafood at reasonable
prices." said Mitcheltree. " When you cook
seafood right, it's easy to eat often. It's been gratifying
to see how many locals come back over and over for specialties
such as our lobster roll that you can't find anywhere
else in town."
A large curvaceous banquette evocative of a curling
wave is the main focus of Cafe Maritime. A boat shaped
bar welcomes patrons as they arrive, inviting all to
touch its finely crafted surface. Soft lighting and
white panel walls highlight an abstract seascape mural.
The restaurant's interior is sophisticated in its imagery,
yet simple and down to earth. Designer John Lum, who
also did the interiors for the groundbreaking AsiaSF
and the Hayes & Vine Wine Bar, felt that Mitcheltree
had found a winning location for his intimate restaurant
as soon as he saw the 45 seat venue. "I knew the space
could capture the feeling of tranquil summer day by
the sea," said Lum. And repeat diners from near and
far obviously agree as they relax and enjoy the simple,
yet sophisticated offerings, complemented by Lum's exquisite
aesthetic sensibility.
Located Next to the King Edward Hotel > Dinner Nightly > Sunday Brunch
