Fisherman's Wharf eatery
 

I know it's hokey but we like Fisherman's Wharf but wonder where the locals go for seafood dinner there. AAA rates Scoma's over Alito's and Castagnola's. What about The Waterfront? McCormick and Kuleto got scathing reports on Internet but AAA rates them 3 stars. Where's best cioppino?

I suppose the main problem with your question is that very few locals go to Fisherman's Wharf at all, so it is hard to give you a recommendation for a restaurant there that locals would go to. For really great seafood in San Francisco there is Aqua and Farallon.

we ate lunch at Alioto's and reallly enjoyed it.

but we're not locals...

...i mean really...

We ate at Pier Market x 2 on Pier 39 and really enjoyed the crab cakes and clam chowder. Most of all we liked sitting by the window looking out over the water, watching the ferry boats come and go with a bottle of wine and our chowder.

Hi, FMac!

I don't live in San Francisco, but I do go to their restaurants a lot. :)

Scoma's definitely has better seafood if you are choosing the Wharf area - it is also very popular. Last time I went there wasn't even standing room at 3pm! So I haven't been to Scoma's for quite awhile.

Alioto's and Castagnola's are typical touristy places but the seafood is not bad.

Have not been to the Waterfront.

I like McCormick and Kuleto, good food and fairly reasonable prices.

Best cioppino? My house! :)

We ate at the Waterfront a couple of years ago after getting married at City Hall.The meal, service and surroundings were excellent. Heartily recommended.

Even though McCormick and Kuleto is a chain, their food and service are quite good. I have not eaten at that particular restaurant but have at McCormick and Schmick's in Philly.