San Francisco - fisherman's wharf
 

Will be spending a few days in SF for a conference.

Staying in the Fisherman's Wharf area and would appreciate restaurant suggestions.

Don't mind if the restaurant is "touristy", as long as the food and value are good.

Also, what is the best way to get to/from Fisherman's wharf to the Moscone Center each day (probably 9am)?

thanks.

I've been to SF a couple of times, the most recent was about 3 years ago. Both times, we went to a small shopping center/galleria on one of the piers at Fisherman's wharf. It's right next to the site the ferry company operates tours to Alcatraz from. Anyway, on the upper level at the end by the water is a very nice restaurant with great views of the bay. From there you can see the golden gate bridge, alcatraz, the seals playing in the water by a small marina. And the food is very good with a nice selection of wines.

To get to/from Fisherman's Wharf to the Moscone Center, you can take the bus. The #30 Stockton runs from the Marina/Fisherman's wharf up Columbus Avenue, through Chinatown and Union Square, to 4th Street. I don't know where you are staying, but you can catch the bus along Columbus Avenue at Bay Street (going away from the water). You can get off at 4th and Howard and you are within one block of the Moscone Center. The fare is $1.25 and you will need exact change which is never difficult because the bus takes one dollar bills. It's very easy. THe buses come frequently during rush hour and it should take you probably no more than half an hour once you are on the bus to get there. Remember that the bus back runs along 3rd Street (both 3rd and 4th are one way streets). www.sfmuni.com will have bus maps for you.

Try the clam chowder in a fresh sourdough-bread bowl from the Boudin Bakery on the wharf.

If you are staying in the Fisherman's wharf area and going to the Moscone Center each day for your conference, you can pretty much eat anywhere in between for a small cab fare so I would not limit yourself to Fisherman's wharf restaurants. What type of food do you like? There are many restaurants near Moscone as well. Fairly close to Fisherman's wharf is the recently restored Ferry Building which has a few restaurants - one is Slanted Door which is great vietnamese food - very popular so get reservations. Maybe you should look at sanfrancisco.citysearch.com under restaurants to get some ideas.

Also line F runs not far from Moscone. Or better yet, if you know the hotel's address you can look it up on the map, search for SF MUNI.

I wonder if Scoma's is still good at Fisherman's Wharf--?? It's been years, but it was a great restaurant when we ate there a couple of times. Right on the water, too.

Are you looking for recommendations in the Wharf specifically? If so, the place I ususally recommend to visitors (other than Gary Danko's) is Cafe Pescatore--good food, decent prices, non touristy. The vast majority of restaurants at the wharf are touristy, and although some may have decent food, they cetainly are not good value IMHO.

thanks for the suggestions.

Maureen - I was also wondering if Scoma's was still good. My husband and I ate there on our honeymoon 14 years ago.

Has anyone visited Scoma's recently?

The F Line Streetcar can take you back and forth. Get off near 4th Street on Market and walk three blocks South to Moscone. Very easy, and a nice little ride. MUCH quicker then the 30 bus.

ttt
Also interested if Scoma's is still good. Haven't been there in years but enjoyed some great lunches there.

The place jpiwaron described sounds like the Eagle Cafe at Pier 39. We ate here too when we visited SF last year. I had an angel hair pasta dish with salmon that was good. Also agree with the Boudin Bakery idea.

Dined at Scomas a few years ago and this N.E fish lover went crazy over their ciopinno and sour dough bread.

jayseadee: Another vote for the Eagle Cafe on the second level at Pier 39. It is a funky little place that has been around forever. They use to feed the fisherman when we had a fishing fleet. There is a single waiter who will also be your bartender. There is a limited menu, but the salads and clam chowder are good; not gourmet, but very good at reasonable prices. I have also had the grilled salmon over angel hair pasta with herbs and diced fresh tomatoes. I love it. The bread is good and the appitizers are good. The views are exceptional. They also serve a good breakfast or brunch. Notice the over use of the word "good". Again, this is not an upscale restaurant, but the food is very good. It's fun to wander Pier 39 after dinner when the crowds are nonexistant. All manner of sweets and treats available.
Scomas serves large portions of "good" food. It is pricier than the Eagle and has a much bigger menu. It is huge and very busy. I believe it offers fair value, but don't expect gourmet. Have a great trip.

Another vote for Scoma's...the seafood dishes are fantastic but be prepared for a pricey $$$ menu.

We go out evey year - were at Scoma's in May it's still great (although I prefer the Sausalito location for the view).

Another favorite is Bubba Gump's Shrimp (pier 39). The food isn't anything to write home about but the theme is great if you have seen the movie.

I went to Scoma's on Fisherman's Wharf about 2 years ago. The food was very good, the martinis were fantastic, but the restaurant seemed a little...worn, I guess. I wasn't paying so I can't comment on price.