Scoma's in San Francisco
 

Although i have not read the best of things about dining in the wharf area, I have read very few negative comments about Scoma's. Is it an exception for the area or just the best of an average group? Any other suggestions for a really good seafood dinner?

Don I am interested too. We got a good priceline bid at the Sheraton Fisherman's wharf and I was looking at Scomas too.

I am from the San Francisco area, and I really enjoy Scoma's. The food is great, and if you're from out of town, the location is convenient. Scoma's is basically the only restaurant in the wharf area that I'll go to, and I always have a fantastic meal there.

I'm a local too (30 years) and I don't know anyone (friends, business assiciates, etc) who dines at the Wharf - except at Ana Mandara & Gary Dankos. I suspect that most of the reviews are from tourists - not locals - except from jtankers.

There are so many more great restaurants in The City that are more San Francisco "authentic" - why not try one of them??? Take the Cable Car up Hyde and dine at one of the many places along the route - perhaps Frascati on Hyde & Green or Zarzuela on Hyde & Union.

I've you've read any of my past posts, you'll know that I'm not a big fan of the Wharf. It's OK to stay there, but go somewhere else to see why this is such a fantastic place to live in, and to visit.

Stu Dudley

Stu - Is Frascati where I Fratelli used to be. I lived upstairs from that place for a few years back in the 80s. Aaaah the memories of the paglia e fieno and bottles of Santa Margherita for about $10.

While others waited for their table out on the street, we would open a bottle of wine upstairs and wait for the owners to call.

Nope - it's across the street a couple of blocks away on a northwest corner. I think it was there in the 80s.

Stu Dudley

Hi Stu, we have been to San Francisco before and loved it. I really don't mind staying there because it is very differant than my waterfront here in FLL. I just wanted to eat close by one night, because my DH wants to go the 2 A's games in early April with the Yankees.

A good friend who lives in San Francisco is a "foodie" and she likes Scoma's, but except for that doesn't like Fisherman's Wharf AT ALL. So, I think you would be fine there.

Include me in the apparently small (select) group of locals who likes Scoma's too. Been going there for about 30 years.

-Bill

don512: I am a San Francisco native and frequent the better restaurants in the City. I don't eat at Scoma's often. When I do, it is always on a business lunch or dinner. It doesn't have the great food that so many City Restaurants offer, but it is certainly good food. The portions are large, the bread good, the cocktails ample and the fish is fresh. It is convenient if you must eat on the Wharf. If you take it for what it is, it is fine. Enjoy your stay.

joegri, any suggestions on where to get really good seafood. I was looking at Scoma's because we were staying at the Argonaut. Any place else that would be convenient to there (though i don't mind having to take a cab)?

Take a cab ride and go to "Rose Pistola" for some Italian fish dishes. Much better food IMHO.

Husband and I ate at Scoma's on the recommendation of our hotel proprietor. Was very underwhelmed. Very touristy I felt ... food was just OKAY and very expensive.

Aqua (Calif near Front) is "claimed" to be our best seafod place. It's nice for a single because you can sit at the counter and enjoy the scene. Take the Cable car there, get off at Calif & walk several blocks, or you can take the K street car & walk a few blocks down Calif. Right next door is Tadich, which is our oldest restaurant and "very" old time San Francisco. You can sit at the counter there & watch things happening. Great bread & creamed spinach.

North Beach Restaurant on Stockton close to Columbus in North Beach has a very large seafood secection, and it's a fun place. You can walk there. Rose Pistola is also very nice & close to the North Beach Restaurant (it's on Columbus). I've dined at all of these restaurants.

All these places are less frequented by "Wharf Tourists"

Stu Dudley

Hi Stu, can I walk there from the Sheraton FW. That North Beach rest. and Rose Pistola sound great.

Yep - you'll probably make that walk in your sightseeing adventures anyway. IMHO, all tourists should dine in North Beach at least one night.

Stu Dudley

As a Bostonian we are very fussy about fish, etc. but our experience at Scoma's was so positive and the food (ciopinno for me) that I would go back..McCormack and Schitt or whatever is now a chain..we have one in Boston too. I'm sure locals know of really much better seafood restaurants and maybe less $$ but my husband and I loved it. BTW it wasnt the fact it was on the wharf and we had no view that I remember.. I think there was one other restaurant in the area and S.F. people can tell me whether we are right or wrong..but it was Alioto's...and another place open to the street (we had lunch there, not impressed at all)

don: Sorry about the delay. I don't get back here every day.
I have never been enamored of Aqua; very pretentious and more focus on food architecture and design than sublime flavors IMHO. Also, extremely noisy.
My two favorite seafood restaurants if you are willng to travel a bit (easy cab ride) are Pesce on Polk Street (Italian influence and small plates emphasis) and Plouf at Belden Place (French influence). Prices are at the high end of moderate. Another, more modest, but very pretty little restaurant we like is Maritime Cafe on Lombard (again, an easy cab ride). The menue here is short, but, the best oysters in the city (OK, maybe Swans is better), a great halibut dish, and an Ahi Tuna dish that is fantastic. I also like the prawn pasta a lot. Salads are great and huge, so split one if you go.
This one is more neighborhood, but Mark does an excellent job and he is both helpful and friendly. Have a great trip.

How does Farallon compare and where is it located?

Acqua is good for seafood but it is noisy and expensive. Farrallon is on Post St. near Union Sq.
I think my favorite seafood restaurant for crab in season is Thanh Long which is out in the avenues.
Abit far out for tourists. Scoma's is ok but I have not eaten there in years.