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Scoma's Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Scoma's Restaurant
8.6
Classic Wharf institution (since 1965) serving dock-to-table seafood in a waterfront setting. Old-school hospitality and generous portions make it a reliable choice for cioppino and crab.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cioppino, Dungeness crab Louis, Clam chowder
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Pier-side seafood house with its own fish receiving dock.
Who should go: Seafood lovers and visiting families
When to visit: Sunset seatings for bay views
What to order: Cioppino; crab Louis; chowder
Insider tip: Validated parking is available—ask your server.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking in Scoma’s private lot at the end of Pier 47; street parking nearby fills fast after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or sundresses fit right in; jeans acceptable, avoid beachwear.
Noise level: Moderate—bustling during peak hours but calm enough for conversation by the windows.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for bay-view seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10–15 minutes; peak tourist season may double that.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—soups, salads, and some pasta dishes are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—request custom salads or vegetable sides; kitchen is accommodating.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta and seafood preparations available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for those who appreciate classic SF charm and waterfront views. The mood is more warm and nostalgic than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or off-hours, but reservations are strongly advised for dinner or weekend lunch to secure window seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—staff are welcoming to families, with high chairs and simple seafood or pasta options for children.
Best For
Better for: Dock-to-table freshness and traditional service—ideal for visitors seeking a true Wharf classic.
Skip if: You’re looking for cutting-edge seafood or a quiet fine-dining vibe; try nearby Waterbar or Angler instead.
Scoma's Restaurant
8.6
Pier-to-plate seafood stalwart at Pier 47 serving Bay classics with white-tablecloth polish. Think cioppino, petrale sole, and whole Dungeness crab with marina views and practiced service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cioppino, Petrale Sole Meunière, Dungeness Crab Louis
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Historic Wharf seafood house with daily catch and harbor views.
Who should go: Seafood traditionalists and celebrators
When to visit: Sunset seatings for views and calmer waves
What to order: Cioppino; petrale sole; crab Louis
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu local fish when boats land early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking available at Pier 47 lot; expect $10–$15. Street parking is scarce after 6pm, especially weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs, dresses, or polished jeans are common. Avoid overly casual beachwear.
Noise level: Moderate—bustling dining room with open views but still easy for table conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without reservation, though bar seats open occasionally for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10 minutes, even without a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—limited options like pasta primavera and salads.
Vegan options: Very limited—can request custom vegetable preparations but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many seafood dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request; alert your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for classic San Francisco romance. Marina views, candlelight, and well-trained staff make it ideal for a refined first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are accepted but waits are common after 6pm. Try the bar or call ahead an hour before arrival for real-time availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, for older kids who enjoy seafood and sit-down dining. High chairs and kid-friendly dishes like fish & chips are available, but it’s not ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Classic seafood and professional service in a waterfront setting—more refined than nearby casual Wharf spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking trendy fusion or casual crab shack vibes; this is more old-school fine dining.
Scoma's Restaurant
8.7
Waterfront institution since 1965 serving Wharf-landed seafood in roomy dining rooms—white-tablecloth service that still welcomes kids early in the evening. Cioppino and crab dishes anchor a classic San Francisco experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lazy Man’s Cioppino, Dungeness Crab Louis, New England Clam Chowder
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Historic pier-to-plate seafood house with roomy, family-friendly seating.
Who should go: Families seeking classic SF seafood night
When to visit: Early dinner 5–6:30pm for smoothest pace
What to order: Cioppino; crab Louis; chowder cup
Insider tip: Validated parking at Triangle Lot helps with stroller logistics.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking at the nearby Triangle Lot (discounted for diners). Street parking is scarce, especially after 5pm; valet available during peak dinner hours for around $15.
Dress code: Smart casual—collared shirts or nice blouses fit right in. Jeans are fine, but most guests dress neatly for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—bustling at peak times but still easy to converse, especially in earlier evening seatings.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–60 minutes without a reservation, though the bar area often has standing room with full menu service.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk-ins are seated promptly before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasonal salads, pasta primavera, and grilled vegetable plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—one or two customizable dishes; best to call ahead for confirmation.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many seafood dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff accommodates substitutions on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want a classic San Francisco setting with water views. It’s more relaxed than formal fine dining but still elegant enough for a special evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible for early dinners or weekday lunches. On weekends, walk-ins are placed on a waitlist; bar seats fill up quickly but often open first.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs, booster seats, and a kid’s seafood menu make it family-appropriate. Best for ages 5+ due to busy service pace and limited stroller space indoors.
Best For
Better for: Pier-to-plate seafood lovers who want table service and a classic Wharf experience without tourist-trap vibes.
Skip if: You’re after a casual, fast seafood shack or modern creative tasting menu—Scoma’s is traditional and leisurely by design.
Scoma's Restaurant
8.9
Pier-to-plate institution on Pier 47 serving local catches—think petrale sole, Dungeness crab, and cioppino—in a classic waterfront dining room. Family-run since 1965, it’s where polished hospitality and San Francisco seafood traditions still anchor the Wharf.
Must-Try Dishes:
‘Pier to Plate’ Petrale Sole, Classic Cioppino, Dungeness Crab Louie
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 9
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: A true pier-to-plate operation sourcing directly from local fishermen.
Who should go: Seafood traditionalists and milestone diners
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 for calmer water views
What to order: Petrale sole; cioppino; Dungeness crab
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu local catches—availability changes daily.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available at Pier 47 for about $15; limited metered spots along Jefferson Street fill fast after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—collared shirts, dresses, and neat denim are fine; many guests dress up for the waterfront setting.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing at peak times but quiet enough for conversation near the windows.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for bay-view tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; small parties seated promptly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasonal salads, pasta, and risotto available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options; best to call ahead for substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta and seafood dishes can be prepared on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic waterfront views, candlelit tables, and old-school charm make it an impressive first-date pick if you’re aiming for timeless San Francisco appeal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed—walk-ins are accepted, though prime times often fill; sitting at the bar for full service is a good backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older children; the staff accommodates kids, but the refined atmosphere suits ages 8+ better than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Classic seafood execution, polished service, and harbor views that outshine trendier Wharf spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking experimental or casual seafood—it’s more refined and priced for special occasions.
Hours
Monday12pm - 9pm
Tuesday12pm - 9pm
Wednesday12pm - 9pm
Thursday12pm - 9pm
Friday12pm - 10pm
Saturday12pm - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 9pm