We were party of 6 and drawn to the restaurant because of their story. The company own their own boat and catch their own seafood responsibly before serving it as delicious food for many years! Made an online reservation which was very simple and got seated right away when we arrived. Ordered the Lazy Man Cioppino which was the highlight of the table, fresh oyster was great too and for the ones who doesn’t eat seafood they had great chicken dish as well. The truffle fries was great! Our server was super friendly and made sure we had everything we need. He’s been there for many years and shared stories while serving - making the whole experience a special evening as well. We went down to the dock after the meal and had a breathtaking view of the water!

I went to Scoma's for a birthday dinner and the food, the staff and the atmosphere was great! The food was fresh and delicious! The wait staff was very helpful, knowledgeable and patient with our large party. They helped with the birthday cake and served it which was a nice touch. Overall, I'd recommend them for a nice dinner/lunch or special occasion.

Always great service by all of the staff! Delicious crab cocktail +crab cakes. Amazing old fashion cocktail 🥃

We had a fish burger and shrimp pasta—both delicious! Friendly staff and great atmosphere.

Very much in the past 1970, 1960,1920 vibe. Everything is new thou. The service was great. My chair was pulled out by the server. Our needs were attended to right away. The beer and pop were good. The breaded zucchini was good. The spatzle is what i am use to is usually the german way is a spaghetti dumpling that is boiled. This tasted fried in alot of oil. It was very greasy. Not much dumplings. Little pieces of something greasy. I think it had two much going on. Simply boil spaghetti dumplings add garlic butter after they are cooked offer grated cheese at the table. We were looking for more of a late night comfort food to go with the great vibe. Resturant is very clean.

Hi Scomas Management, I wanted to share my recent experience at your restaurant. The food was excellent, but I was a bit put off by the sweeping that took place while I was dining. I think it would be a good idea to have the staff clean during non-peak hours to avoid disturbing the customers. This would greatly enhance the overall dining experience. Respectfully, Savvy

We had an amazing experience at Scoma's. Our waiter was very attentive. Every bite was delicious -- the produce was fresh and flavorful and the seafood was unbelievably good. The view from where we were seated was pleasant. It was our first night in SF and a great start to our trip!

+1

Clam Chowder, Dungeness Crab Louie Salad (for two), Salmon, Shrimp & Scallops…..THE BEST EVER….cooked to perfection and incredibly fresh. This is a class operation with wait staff who have been serving for two decades. If you are in SF, do not think twice. This is worth every penny.

+6

The food was fantastic, and the service was prompt and attentive. Everything was simply phenomenal! This place holds a special place in my family’s history—my mom came here with my grandma in the ’80s, and my dad with his mom in the ‘70s. Now, it’s my turn to experience this gem. Take a look at the photos to see the amazing dishes we ordered—it was all absolutely delicious!

+2

Literally everything about the experience was perfect. The front desk was as friendly and accommodating as possible (we had to change our reservation due to an airline issue). The continental service by career waiters was the same and our lead waiter provided excellent non-menu options when asked. Very efficient yet non intrusive service. And then there is the food itself. Every detail was perfect- super fresh and served at the right temperature with nothing the least bit over or under cooked. We shared clam chowder (with the most flavorful and tender clams we've ever had, including New England) crab cakes (brimming with fresh crabmeat, yet light and satisfying) and the local sole that we ordered lightly battered and pan fried- fresh and delicious. And the accompanying vegetable combo was perhaps the most impressive, as despite the at least 8 types of veggies included all were just-picked and prepared to perfection. The kitchen was a well-oiled machine and despite a near capacity crowd our food came out quickly in the right order. There was plenty to share and we relished every bite. This was easily the best dinner we've had out in a very long time and it deserves a spot on any seafood lover's itinerary. To call it fine dining is an understatement, yet the vibe is very casual. We're not easily impressed with restaurants around the world, but this place just raised the bar.

The classic seafood restaurant! Old school vibe, excellent service, and some the best food in SF. This place is a must try even if you're not a seafood fan. There are many options on the menu. Many of the staff have worked here 20+ years. Classic cocktails made the right way. Large wine and beer selection.

Great spot sitting above the water. Food was good all round and service was generally on point.

+6

A fantastic dining experience at Scoma’s! The clam chowder was rich and creamy, the sourdough bread freshly baked, and the setting perfect for a peaceful moment of reading. As an author, I took the chance to enjoy part of my book “Human Code” right here while savoring the flavors of San Francisco. There’s nothing better than great food paired with thought-provoking words. If you’re in town, this place is a must-visit — and if you’re curious about my book, check it out on Instagram: 📖 @humancode2025 Thank you, Scoma’s, for the warm hospitality and perfect atmosphere!

+6

This was our first time visiting San Francisco and several people recommended Scoma’s and they were right. We were waiting at the bar for our table and noticed a ton of locals were eating here so we knew that was a great sign. The seafood here was really fresh and the people were amazing. I see why they have been here for so many decade's, we can’t wait to come back. This is a beautiful city, first time to California from Ohio.

Such a lovely nostalgic place. They were able to seat us fairly quick without a reservation on a Saturday. While waiting we had a drink and sat by the fireplace inside which was cozy. The food and drinks were amazing and I would eat here everyday if I could. The cocktails were delicious and waiters and bartenders were great!

+1

Nice place , nice food , Excellent service Great restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf

+1

We went to Scoma’s for lunch and had an amazing experience! The fish and chips, clam chowder, and sole fillet were all beyond delicious—fresh, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. Our server Dale was truly the best—attentive, kind, and made us feel right at home. The Maitre D and the rest of the staff were also so warm and welcoming. Highly recommend for a memorable lunch by the water!

What an incredible place. Probably one of the best meals I've ever had. Helps that it's right on the water. Sean our server was fantastic. He was knowledgeable, kind and funny. Servi e was great. The Cioppino was delicious!

+1

Classy. What a great restaurant in such a special location. This is a real treasure. We had a great dinner spread out over a couple hours. Drinks were good. Clam chowder was excellent. I had the sea bass. My wife had scallops and shrimp. And for dessert, we shared the 7-layer cake — that was something to remember. Service was polite and never rushed. Atmosphere was friendly. Plenty of tourists around us. But we loved the setup, and the food was excellent!

+2

A classic San Francisco seafood restaurant that is a must visit for any visitor or local who gets the chance. Great Fisherman's Wharf, straight off the boat seafood served by the best wait staff in the city. Don't make the mistake of eating any of the tourist junk available in Fisherman's Wharf area. This is the real deal and well worth the splurge. You will not regret it. The Cioppino is delicious. Fish is delicious and fresh and prepared superbly. Desserts are great. Don't miss this San Francisco legend!

This place was a step back in time. You could imagine a day when the world was more formal, and the diners wore ties and jackets and smoked cigarettes over drinks and oysters. We tried the calamari for a starter and it was perfectly cooked. Soft, and lightly breaded, both the cocktail and tartar were very tasty. The tartar tastwd like it had a little extra horseradish which I enjoy. I ended up going with the Pacific Snapper (was looking for something a little lighter), and it was cooked perfectly. My wife had the shrimp lumachini, and my son got the Bolognese. The waiter was hilarious. He was old and clearly had no time for bullshit, and seems like hes been there since they opened. He told us about some of the history of the pictures on the wall. Definitely recommend getting a reservation. It's a fairly big restaurant but they were packed on a Friday night! 5/5 Would recommend!

We got the lazy man’s Cioppino and the mixed grilled seafood platter, both were delicious! The seafood is very fresh and the greens were amazing as well. We did not have a reservation but it only took around 25 mins for us to get a table for two around 8pm

This place is amazing. Great food, service and vibe next to the water. Seafood straight from the boat. Went here for lunch for my wife’s birthday. Complimentary valet parking. We had the crab, fish and mussel. Good coffee. All delicious. Can’t go wrong with Frank Sinatra Theme from New York, New York. David our server and John our valet were amazing. Feel like this is great cozy place for real locals. Other restaurants on pier for tourists. I’d definitely go back.

+4

exceptional service from valet to dessert, high quality fresh food with amazing preparations, classic cocktails, waterfront dining, and legendary 60-years-in-business history and ambiance, FREE valet parking, highly recommended 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Amazing food here! Cioppino was great as expected, but the shrimp & scallop was unexpectedly so delightful to eat! It had very nice taste of lemon and butter, and cooked very well so the texture of each ingredients were nice.

Scoma’s on the San Francisco Wharf delivered an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. We had noon reservations and were seated immediately, which set the tone for a smooth, welcoming visit. Our table had a beautiful view of the bay, and the noise level was perfect — lively without being overwhelming, making conversation easy and enjoyable. I ordered the Lazy Man’s Cioppino, and it was absolutely outstanding — rich, fresh, and deeply flavorful, exactly what you hope for in a classic San Francisco seafood dish. Every staff member we encountered was warm, friendly, and attentive without being intrusive. The location right on the wharf makes it incredibly convenient, but the service and food are what truly stand out. If you’re looking for great seafood, excellent service, and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere, Scoma’s is a must-visit in San Francisco

This was one of the best seafood meals I’ve had in San Fran. I’m a big time seafood fan & I honestly had high expectations. When I got here it was more elevated than I anticipated from the exterior which I really appreciated. I ate alone so I chose to sit at the bar. 2 male bartenders, 1 appeared to be training. Neither was overly friendly but not rude by any means. Just short & concise but extremely busy so I completely understood. I had the crab cake app ($26-worth it) the parm truffle fries ($17-meh) & the Shrimp & Scallop Al Gannon ($42- worth it) Without any exaggeration these were THE BEST crab cakes I’ve probably ever had. They were prepared perfectly, they were flavorful & well seasoned. I probably could’ve eaten 8 of them. The fries, I mean, they’re truffle fries. Hard to mess up. $17 just seems a bit high but I suppose it was a large size. The Entree was awesome as well. Jarrett (the trainer I assume) was good & definitely managed the busy crowd well. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting!

• Located at 1965 Al Scoma Way, Pier 47, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133.  • Advance reservations are advisable especially for waterfront views.  • If in crab season, get the Dungeness crab dish or the crab-cocktail or crab cakes — many guests highly recommend them.  • For a skyline/water view, ask for the outdoor or bay-facing area. Some outdoor dining by the water is available.  • Dress is smart-casual; while it’s relaxed, it has a sense of occasion. • Parking/valet: They offer complimentary valet parking (subject to availability) at the pier.

This historic waterfront restaurant provided a seafood extravaganza with fish so fresh it tasted like it just jumped out the water and onto our plates! Loved the chowder, oysters (Scoma style), anchovies, lazy man's ciopinno and fish and chips. Eat here for lunch and then go visit the sea lions for a perfect day! 🎣🐟😋🍻👍🏼🙏🏼

+5

Red Snapper, beet salad, sourdough bread and lemon tart ~ so wonderfully delicious! Heather was wonderful! We enjoyed it all!

+5

Wow. A great seafood restaurant. We had calamari, mixed seafood grill and clam chowder. Everything was so fresh and tasty. Just go ahead and grab a bite here.

The food is good Highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍👩🏻‍🍳🧑‍🍳👍 The food is great The best one oyster, salmon, grill, and seafood combination pasta 👍❤️❤️

+6

Our must go to seafood restaurant in San Francisco! Lazy Mans Cioppino, no shells, they make their own sourdough bread!

Always a treat to be here. We had lunch. One special with chowders and the crab salad and the scallops. Everything was very tasty and the bread is luscious. We will be back soon.

Excellent place to get seafood, I’m allergic and I didn’t have any issue with my selection, as a tourist very convenient location.

+1

The Gulf Shrimp Lumachini and Lychee Martini were delicious. The service, atmosphere, and options were excellent. They had some of the best food and drinks I had while visiting San Francisco. I’d definitely recommend Scoma’s for a romantic dinner or a night out. It was such a treat!

10/10 experience. Stumbled into this restaurant hungry and hopeful, left absolutely blown away by the food, the service, the views, and everything in between. David was our server and was so kind, he timed the food and drinks perfectly all evening, a really professional 👏 As a gluten intolerant guest, the menu had very clear markers for allergy accommodations and David assured us that if we wanted something non - GF, the kitchen would work with us to make it so (i.e. taking off toast or serving with polenta instead). Ended up getting the shrimp and scallops, with truffle fries as appetizer and drunken affogato as dessert. The scallops MELTED in my mouth, the polenta was divine, and the vegetables? So dang fresh! I don't even like truffle, but took a chance on the fries - ended up clearing the plate. The dessert had a sea salt and caramel Gelato that I would eat a gallon of on its own. Even our cocktails (Lemoncello and House Mule) were well made, packed a punch, and complimented dinner. Really loved the jazz playing softly, the fire going and views of the sunset over the bridge.

Scoma’s seafood is incredibly fresh! The red snapper and the Crab Louie were both excellent for lunch. Even the salad was delicious. The service was especially warm and attentive. Plus, the location on the pier has great views and a fun, lively atmosphere.

I like this restaurant so much that I make a point of going there whenever I am in town. I love that the servers have been there for decades, not months. The restaurant is professional but unpretentious, the food is good, and the prices are appropriate for what you get. It's tucked a little bit out of the way, and that is a strength, because it's not overrun with noisy tourists. Check it out!

What a JOY! Table #6, best seat for 2 in the house. Not usually an early bird, though this day we were the first to check in and I asked for a ‘view’. They delivered!! This is classified as ‘experience dining’. Scoma has professional staff, this is not your typical seaside tourist place. As you walk to and from the back of the restaurant, the path takes you through the passage by the kitchen. The chef and team are in close quarters there with a smile and hello to us. The waitstaff are attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. I feel pictures speak volumes, though to share one tidbit, the sole was so fresh and flaky with one of the best whipped potatoes we have ever (hubby is Irish) eaten. Thank you all for an unexpected extra treat to start our Sunday.

+4

Best chowder I've ever had, seafood dish was also phenomenal. Service was attentive, polite, and rounded on perfectly. Will definitely come back when visiting San Francisco.

We've been to Scoma's twice now, once in November 2024 (my bf, myself, and our friend) and again in July 2025 (just my bf and I). Both times, we really enjoyed our food and the service was great, too. The atmosphere couldn't be better; it's right near the water with nice views, and they have ample seating, both indoor and outdoor options. They also have free valet parking if you're dining at the restaurant; you just pull up right in front of the restaurant and someone will offer to park it for you. That was a lovely bonus not to have to struggle to find parking in the nearby busy area. I'm primarily going to address our first visit, because I wrote down my thoughts at the time and remember it better. My boyfriend, our friend, and I went to SF the weekend of 11/1/2024, and we stayed near Fisherman's Wharf. We wanted to go to the wharf and get some seafood for a late lunch. My bf wanted oysters, I wanted scallops, and our friend wanted crab. By chance, we found Scoma's, which had all of the above on the menu, and decided to check it out. We were seated immediately! We would have been willing to wait, but we didn't have to. The host politely showed us the outside seating before we decided to sit inside instead. Our server (Kim) promptly arrived at the table to offer us drinks; he brought us water when we said we needed more time to decide. I ordered the Cabernet Sauvignon (Martin Ray 2022), my bf ordered Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Vineyards 2022), and his friend ordered a cocktail (I forget which, maybe the La Banana?). Off of the drinks were brought out very quickly while we continued to browse the menu; all of our drinks were wonderful. They also serve you bread with butter while you wait; the bread was nice and fresh, and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. For appetizers, we ordered Oysters on the Half Shell (half dozen), and the Dungeness Crab Cocktail. These were also served quickly. Kim informed us that there were 3 varieties of oysters on the plate (2 of each variety). I don't remember the names of the varieties, but they were all good. The cocktail sauce and horseradish that come with the Oysters both had great flavor. The Dungeness Crab Cocktail was great, too. For my entree, I got the Wild Gulf Shrimp & Scallops a la Gannon, which came served with mixed grains and root vegetables. It was great, and the scallops were perfectly cooked. My bf got the Pasta Diplomatica, and even though I was very happy with my order, his was so good that I kind of wished I had gotten the pasta, too. Our friend ordered the Beer Battered Fish ’N’ Chips and those were great too. All of the seafood tasted nice and fresh. We were too full for dessert (both times, in November 2024 and in July 2025), but we did get after-dinner cocktails. My bf had the Espresso Martini, which is a favorite of his when it's made well, which Scoma's does! I forget what I and our friend ordered for our drinks in 2024. In July 2025, I ordered a Scoma’s Famous Bloody Mary before starting our meal. It wasn't the best Bloody Mary I've ever had, but it was pretty good. My bf just had their iced tea, which was good, too. We started with the Oysters on the Half Shell again; our server that time didn't explain the different varieties like our server in 2024 had, but they were still very good. This time around, I ordered the Pacific Snapper, which is served with "wild mushroom spätzle [and] green garlic Meyer lemon butter"; it was also served with some greens which seemed to be pea shoots. The snapper was great, cooked perfectly, and the wild mushrooms, pea shoots, and green garlic Meyer lemon butter had great flavor. The spätzle itself tasted a little bit burnt, but overall was okay. My bf ordered the Pasta Diplomatica again; it wasn't quite as good as the previous time he'd ordered it - specifically the sauce, I think - but it was still very good. Again, all of the seafood was fresh and excellent quality. We will certainly go back any time we are in the SF area again!

+5

The service was excellent. The server was personable and knowledgeable about the menu, including the wine. The three of us really enjoyed our meals. There was nothing that I didn’t enjoy. I had the pacific snapper. It was “omg” delicious. This is definitely a place that I would frequent if I lived in the area.

Dining at Scoma’s was such a great experience! I ordered the famous “Lazy Man’s Cioppino,” packed with fresh seafood that was already shelled—super easy to enjoy. The tomato-based broth was rich and flavorful, perfect for dipping bread. The Mixed Seafood Grill was also amazing, with salmon, white fish, and shrimp grilled just right—crispy outside, tender inside, and balanced with fresh veggies and sauce. The atmosphere was cozy and classic, and the service was attentive and friendly. Definitely a must-visit spot for seafood lovers, whether you’re here with friends or just craving a hearty meal!

Robbie Sonnemann

Adam and the staff behind the bar always does an excellent job. Great service food and location down on the wharf. This is one of my go to places when I’m in SF.

+6

Scoma’s was the perfect choice for our first trip to San Francisco. The food was outstanding—we enjoyed the oysters, calamari, crab Louie, and the fresh catch of the day, and every bite delivered. The atmosphere was lively and classic SF, but the service somehow managed to be even better. If you’re visiting the city, this iconic seafood spot is an absolute must.

Breanna Michelle

Awesome place! The service is absolutely amazing and they will not let you go with out sourdough on your plate! I love how fast they were to refill it. The food was so delicious it tasted like my mom made it. Me and the hubby got salmon and shrimp Lamborghini 10/10!

Christina Sam

Tried Scomas’s when I was in San Francisco. Restaurant is near the waterfront and is busy most of the time. Reservation is recommended. Food taste and quality is good. Staffs are courteous and service was quick. Ordered the fish and chips, crab cake, and salmon. Taste is good and quantity is good. Price is on the higher side since the food is fresh and restaurant is located in a busy area.

+1

Christina Huang

Came in for lunch and was blown away. The service was excellent. Our server Han Min answered all our questions and gave fantastic recommendations. The house oysters were well priced and very good. I got their lychee martini - highly recommend. The seafood was so fresh. I especially liked the scallops. We will definitely come back if not for dinner later today…

Steve Ermish

Had a great experience here, the food doesn’t get any fresher and it also is cooked perfectly. I like how most things are grilled and not fried. The raw oysters were great quality, the squid was fried but it was not rubbery at all. I also had a sampler fish plate which was amazing with a great balance of veggies and a salad. For dessert I got the caramel gelato which honestly was the best I’ve ever had. Definitely recommend this place!

Lori Winfield

Excellent food and service. Was there in the 80's with my family; and back all these years later with my Husband, and it's still the Best! Love the celebrity pics with autographs - fun to see who was there. Great memories, this place touches my heart. Thanks for staying great! ❤️

+5

Scott Marr

Dining at Scoma’s Restaurant in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf feels like stepping into a timeless slice of Bay Area magic. Tucked away on Pier 47 with sweeping views of bobbing fishing boats and the glittering San Francisco skyline, this family-owned gem—celebrating over 60 years since 1965—delivers “pier-to-plate” freshness that’s simply unparalleled. From the moment you arrive, the complimentary valet parking sets the tone for old-school hospitality that makes you feel like a VIP. The world-famous clam chowder is a revelation: creamy, brimming with sweet clams, and served in a sourdough bread bowl that ruins you for any other version—it’s arguably the best on the Wharf! We dove into the Lazy Man’s Cioppino, a hearty Fisherman’s Wharf original loaded with Dungeness crab, scallops, shrimp, mussels, calamari, and market-fresh fish in “Mama” Scoma’s tangy tomato broth. Paired with their warm, crusty sourdough, it was pure comfort in a bowl. The whole Dungeness crab—cracked tableside and bursting with sweet, succulent meat—was the star, elevated by a perfectly chilled Rombauer Chardonnay from their award-winning wine list. Service? Impeccable. Our white-jacketed server shared stories of the restaurant’s history while anticipating every need, creating that warm, nostalgic vibe with dark wood paneling and framed photos of celebrity visitors. Even the craft cocktails, like a sunset-view martini, were spot-on. Scoma’s isn’t just a meal—it’s a San Francisco institution that blends sustainable seafood, stunning waterfront ambiance, and heartfelt charm. Whether you’re a local or first-time visitor, this is must-do dining that leaves you planning your return before dessert (try the tiramisu!). Book ahead—it’s one of the city’s top-booked spots for a reason! Highly recommend for anniversaries, family gatherings, or any excuse to indulge. Scoma’s, you’ve hooked us for life! 🦀🌊

+1

Jeanette Brickner

This is a very unique place and from what I understand it has been around for a long time in San Francisco at fisherman's wharf. My mom and I discovered it down an Alley and we thought we had found a gem! The food was delicious. The setting was awesome. It was the perfect restaurant for our vacation. It is on the pricey side though because I believe the drink I got was $15 and it was a non-alcohol drink. I think that is a little too much for a non-alcoholic beverage. The fish and chips that I got melted in my mouth. The batter was phenomenal! We had a seat in the bar area facing the bay which was lovely. We do have one recommendation. It was a little crowded because people do not always sit in their bar stools and they like to walk around and linger and talk to others. That created a bottleneck for the servers to get through that room to bring the food to the tables. My mom said that she thought they should remove the three tables in the bar area and put them elsewhere.

My son and I were in town for the symphony. I made a reservation and called because GPS said we were going to be approximately 20 mins late. It was a Friday night, they held the table, and we didn't have to wait. The food was great. We had the cioppino and a dessert that tasted like a chocolate tiramisu. The service was excellent. They offer valet parking which was a huge plus for being in SF. I was very happy, we will return.

Was seated promptly. most definitely the freshest food i’ve had. As someone from out of town, this was a wonderful dinner, highly recommend this place for the taste of the food & the delightful service.

Hugo Chen

We had a really enjoyable experience at Scoma’s Restaurant, and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a special meal on the water in the San Francisco Bay Area. The location right on the bay gives you great views and a relaxing atmosphere, which sets the tone for a memorable dinner. The space feels open and inviting, perfect for sitting back with a drink and appreciating the scenery while you wait for your food.  We tried a few different dishes during our visit. The steak was excellent — cooked just right, flavorful, and rich. It’s the kind of dish you hope for at a waterfront restaurant, and it definitely delivered. The seafood soup was also very good, with generous portions and fresh ingredients that gave it depth and authenticity. The risotto was decent, creamy and satisfying, though not as standout as the steak. The pasta, on the other hand, was fairly ordinary — enjoyable but nothing compared to the other dishes we ordered. Overall the food quality leaned toward the higher side, especially considering the location.  One of the highlights of the evening was the drinks — both the wine and cocktails were tasty and nicely poured, which paired well with the food and setting. Be prepared that this place isn’t cheap; it’s definitely more on the upscale side in terms of pricing, but for a special night out or a celebratory dinner, it’s worth it. The service was pretty good, attentive without being intrusive, and the staff seemed experienced and confident. They helped guide us through the menu and made solid suggestions based on our preferences, which made the ordering process smoother. In summary, if you’re looking for great steak, solid seafood options, good drinks, and a lovely waterfront environment, this restaurant is a strong choice — even if a few dishes like the pasta don’t quite reach the same level. Highly recommended for a scenic and satisfying meal in the Bay Area!

+6

Jason Fair (Nomadic Nerd Project)

This was such a highlight of our trip to San Francisco. Every fish was superb and the service was impeccable. Each dish was well executed. The cioppino was the best. I loved the pacific snapper and mushroom spaetzel. The riff on the Rockefeller oysters was genius, and they had such great clam chowder. Everyone working was attentive and the atmosphere was great. This is definitely the seafood place to go to.

+5

Angie Hughes

This is an excellent, off-the-beaten-path restaurant serving fresh fish & seafood!! We grabbed an early dinner (being from a different time zone) and it wasn’t too busy. Our server, Heather, made our visit personal and memorable in the best way possible. We were early enough to catch the end of the lunch specials. While they were “lunch” specials, the portions were very generous! Truffle fries were our appetizers - BEST TRUFFLE FRIES EVER! Our group had a mix of starters, Caesar salad, beet salad, and clam chowder, all were superb. The Red Snapper, ordered by all, was the best fish any of us have had! A lemon tart finished off the meal. It was a perfect ending. FIND THIS PLACE ON THE DOCK!! You’ll be sorry if you don’t.

+3

Robert Cortez

My wife and I were celebrating our anniversary, and even though we arrived 30 minutes early, the staff welcomed us in with warmth and immediately offered us drinks. That’s not just good customer service—that’s genuine care for their guests. We were honestly blown away. The seafood was incredibly fresh and exquisitely prepared, bursting with flavor in every bite. The drinks were expertly made and perfectly balanced. For our first visit, it was truly memorable in every way. Highly recommend giving them a try—you won’t be disappointed!

+6

If I could give this place a 10/5 I would. Greatest seafood experience in San Francisco and we will definitely come again whenever we visit next. The pier to plate is so worth it. We had the mixed seafood grill - the cod was PERFECT. Just an fyi, if you like your salmon more on the well done side, mention that. The next meal we tried was the Lazy Man’s cioppino and we got it spicy - amazing! That would be my go to next time. The service is fantastic, they take care of everything and check in frequently. Reasonably priced for seafood and location is prime. Def recommend!

Joshua Michael

Scoma’s Restaurant absolutely lives up to its reputation. From the moment you walk in, it feels like a true San Francisco classic warm, welcoming, and effortlessly charming. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why certain restaurants stand the test of time. The food was outstanding. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, especially the seafood, which was prepared perfectly and full of flavor. You can tell quality and care go into every dish, and nothing felt rushed or overlooked. This is seafood done right simple, elevated, and memorable. What truly set Scoma’s apart, though, was the service. Hands down, it was the best service I’ve experienced since moving to San Francisco. Attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind it made the entire dining experience feel special and relaxed. The atmosphere adds to the magic. Classic yet comfortable, lively but never overwhelming, it’s an ideal spot whether you’re celebrating something special or just enjoying a great meal out. Everything flows seamlessly, which is a testament to how well this place is run. I’ll definitely be back, and it’s a place I’ll happily recommend to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience in San Francisco.

This restaurant is PHENOMENAL. Came here for date night with my boyfriend and it was all around such an enjoyable experience. Make sure to get a reservation beforehand, as they can get pretty busy. The food here was amazing, it was all so flavorful and just delicious. My boyfriend got a steak dish and he said the cut of meat was really high quality and that it was cooked to perfection. I got the clam linguine and it was also amazing. Finally the service here is just amazing, all the waiters are extremely kind and respectful. I will be coming back once I am back in SF!

Hermann Fried

A San Francisco Classic - right out of the 60s. Very educated helpful and friendly waiters, great food and stunning atmosphere. Pricy but worth every Dollar!

I visited this place based on the excellent reviews but left disappointed. We ordered the fish and chips and mac and cheese for the kids—both were bland and unremarkable. The clam chowder lacked depth of flavor, and the calamari could have been better. The fish sandwich was decent, but nothing special. That said, the service was top-notch, and the location was great. A plus for pescatarians: the clam chowder contained no bacon or other meat besides fish.

Crab cakes and black cod are a bit salty for me. Calamari was the best i ever had. Clam chowder is great but barely can find the clams. Waiter was fantastic. However one bus man seems a bit old, maybe that's why he forgot to separate the food he packed for us. We have to figure out which leftover box belong to which person.

The clam chowder and sourdough bread were excellent. Things began to go downhill after that. The Caesar salad was a little over dressed. The mixed fish grill looked good but the fish was dry with no sauce other than a red remoulade sauce. At over $50, that shouldn’t happen. They needed a butter sauce when tartar sauce was the only other choice. I should have ordered the excellent cioppino I had last time. The tiramisu desert was excellent.

Attended a company dinner at this beautiful, waterfront restaurant. The crab cake appetizer had a nice tender, juicy taste with the perfect crunch on the outside. The Alaskan True Cod had a nice lemon-garlic, buttery taste which went well with the wild mushroom spatzle. I was a bit disappointed with their so-called Seven-Layer Cake which, from what I counted were six layers. Overall, the atmosphere, ambiance value for the money was quite reasonable for the location. I would definitely come back.

+3

Let me start by saying I only had a half dozen oysters, so I can’t really speak to the full menu, but this place is truly something special. The location is a bit of a walk during the day, and I can imagine it might be less inviting at night without proper lighting. That said, once you’re there, the charm of the place really stands out. The service is incredible — the waiters and hosts are top-notch, and they make you feel right at home. There’s something wonderfully classic about the whole atmosphere: from the way they dress to the way they present themselves, it feels like you’ve traveled through time but in a way that’s not outdated or stuffy. It’s just effortlessly elegant. As for the oysters, I wasn’t impressed. They were a bit off, to be honest. If you’re only visiting for oysters and sparkling wine (like I was), you might want to skip this one. But if you’re after a great experience, wonderful service, and a classic vibe, I’d highly recommend it. I loved dining here and would definitely return to try more of the menu!

+2

Great honest simple seafood, attentive staff, definitely get here if you can. We had a crab cocktail, Caesar salad, chowder and the grilled fish plate. All were very good. Get there before 6 or make a reservation. Full menu served at the bar too.

I'm so glad we made a reservation! Got seated at a window with great views. Loved the white jacket waiter service. The food was excellent! We ordered the crispy anchovies, cioppino & gulf shrimp lumachini. All excellent. They sent a tiramisu out to celebrate a graduation, and that was fantastic as well. Would definitely go back. The atmosphere is relaxed and the portions are huge!

We recently hosted an event at Scoma’s, and overall it was a really good experience. The servers were wonderful — polite, elegant, and very helpful, and the restaurant had a great atmosphere for our celebration. The clam chowder was outstanding, and the tiramisu was hands-down the best I’ve ever had, just a tad sweet. Guests also loved the fish entrée, though portions were on the smaller side. The pasta was a bit salty, and the beef dishes, while flavorful, weren’t as tender as expected — especially for something labeled Wagyu. Service-wise, the team was kind and attentive, but the food came out quite slowly — guests were seated around 1:30 PM and entrées didn’t arrive for nearly an hour, with long gaps between courses. I also noticed a few servers’ aprons and uniforms were stained, which slightly took away from the otherwise elegant vibe. Despite that, Scoma’s still delivered a memorable experience. The staff was gracious, and most of the food was excellent. With a bit more attention to pacing and presentation, this place would easily be a five-star event venue.

I must say that the service and seating arrangements were truly exceptional. My only suggestion for improvement would be the seasoning of one of their renowned local dishes (Lazy Man's Cioppino). I believe that if the tomato sauce had been simmered with spices, it would have enhanced the overall flavor of the dish.

A blast from the past! Scoma’s started in 1965 and has remained the same since then. From the decor to the waiters in white uniforms. A precious time capsule in the modern world. The waiter was oozing old world charm, smooth and professional. Drinks before ordering food. Sourdough bread basket only comes out after the menu has been taken away…. He’s been working there for a long time! Bloody Mary was delicious. Well blended with the house mix. Old school style with the celery stick in a tall glass. Very drinkable. Sourdough bread was soft with a crust. Perfect for a clam chowder and to scoop up the chunks of clams. Once again, delicious. There’s no outstanding taste, no jarring texture. Not too salty, no overpowering clam taste nor anything outstanding. Caesar salad was good. The romaine was fresh and crispy, tossed in classic dressing with just enough cheese. A no frills salad that lets the ingredients shine. Good! Crab cakes were also good. They were juicy, tasty and didn’t taste of breadcrumbs or any other ingredients used. Cakes were very fresh and were not overcooked. There’s over powering crab taste which is nice. Crab Louie Salad had a mountain of crab on it. It was as fresh as it can get. Once again, there’s no overwhelming “seafood “ smell which is good. Go for the old world charm. The fresh seafood. The waterfront and surroundings. Leave the modern world behind for an hour or two. Nice experience.

+6

We were underwhelmed by the atmosphere of Scomas. We made a reservation to celebrate our 10th anniversary and were seated by the bar where there were several intoxicated men talking loudly without any concern for others at the restaurant. The food was delicious but the service and atmosphere was very disappointing.

Scoma delivers a solid seafood experience that mostly hits the mark. The restaurant boasts a charming nautical vibe that instantly sets a relaxed tone. I ordered their signature clam soup calamari fitti and Lazy man with fresh seafoods, while bursting with flavor, could have used a little finesse on the seasoning front. Service was upbeat and friendly, though there was a slight delay with dessert that left me wishing for a bit more polish. The overall atmosphere is inviting, but the lighting sometimes feels a touch too dim, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea. All in all, Scoma earns a confident 4/5 in my book—a great spot to enjoy a hearty seafood meal with just a few minor quirks to forgive.

+6

Beautiful, cozy ambience by the pier with amazing seafood plates! Highly recommend if you’re visiting with family and friends. Our server was also incredibly nice.

Robb

The food here was amazing! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. The clam chowder had great flavor, but it wasn’t quite hot enough when it came out. Unfortunately, the service didn’t quite match the quality of the food. One of the waitresses made a comment about “having one just wasn’t enough,” which I felt was a bit inappropriate and unprofessional. Overall, I’d still recommend this place for the food alone, but the staff could use a little more attention to professionalism and detail.

Fawn Nivalen

Food is a bit overpriced. The risotto did not have enough rice, and the crab tasted pretty mid. Pasta sauce seems low quality and their cheese is really tasteless. Lemon tart was nice, but not the chocolate cake. Overall decent.

+3

A nice spot with quality dishes. If you love seafood, they have plenty of options from appetizers to entrees. The service was great from a friendly staff. The restaurant has an older, nostalgic feel to it. We enjoyed it!

We stopped here mid afternoon on a Sunday and were seated quickly (although this is still a busy spot even at this sort of time). We ordered a carafe of the reselling on tap and decided to share the mixed seafood grill and the cioppino. The food arrived quickly and we really enjoyed the cioppino, although we found the mixed seafood grill a little underwhelming with it seeming to miss something (the fish was just ok, not the most flavourful and a little overcooked). We were enjoying our late afternoon lunch/dinner so ordered another carafe of wine and desserts; dessert taster (made up of 2 cannolis, 2 chocolate truffles and 2 biscotti) and the drunken affogato. Both desserts were delicious, with the taster being great value for what you got. Unfortunately once we ordered desserts we felt a little rushed, with our check being brought to us whilst we were still eating desserts (and had half a carafe of wine to finish). The total bill (including tax and tip) was $330 and given the fairly quiet timing we would have enjoyed a more leisurely end to the meal (to the extent I actually felt a little unwell from forcing down my dessert and wine quickly given they clearly wanted to turn our table). Whilst the food is largely very good, and I would recommend visiting if this is your first time to San Francisco, I am not sure we would return here. The ending of the meal just put a little bit of a dampener on the experience.

+2

Victoria Pham

Very overpriced for a low quality. Because of the hype, we went there without a reservation and waited for 45 mins. We all thought that it would be well worth it because the restaurant was so crowded, it must be good. However, the food came and it was soooo disappointing. The bread is super cold and hard, can’t chew and cant finish it. The fish we ordered was very mediocre, and each cost like $50/ dish, at this price, we expected the quality would be better. One of my friends ordered the pasta and he couldn’t even finish it because it was bad… Anyway, will never come back and I think we all need to stop hyping about this restaurant so it won’t give false impression on people like me

+4

Bertie Denby

I really wanted to love this place, but the experience was a bit mixed. My main dish — the linguini clam vongole — just didn’t hit the mark on flavor, and a couple others in my party felt the same. On the positive side, the crab cake and fried calamari were genuinely delicious and definitely the highlight of our meal. The staff was Luke warm, and the service style felt a little too invasive for my taste — lots of reaching around or leaning over, which made the table feel crowded. Overall, some great appetizers and kind people, but the main dish and service style could use a little refinement.

KEITH Q.

We went here to satisfy the seafood requirements of visiting family members from out of town for the Christmas season. The results and opinions were as varied as the meals served. The kids burger had ZERO presentation as it looked like leftovers from another meal as the bun was all squished and deformed. The scallops were delicious. The fish and chips were not great. The fish was mushy and the fries were nothing more than frozen shoestring fries of the Walmart quality and flavor variety. The service was good as our drinks were never empty. The clincher to result in a 3 star review was the coffee. When we received our coffee it was cold. When I called the server over he asked me if the coffee was cold, before I said one word. This told me he knew, but served it anyway. I expected more from this place but was disappointed.

+6

naomi randazzo

My experience with this restaurant’s cuisine was not positive. I ordered the seafood soup, which is one of their signature dishes. My observations are the following: the quality of the tomato sauce was very low. The fish seemed to be cooked separately from the sauce, resulting in flavors that were not well integrated. The squid was rubbery and the baby octopus almost raw. The quality of a good seafood soup lies in slow cooking and in the quality of the ingredients. The rest of the seafood was good (shrimp and scallops).

Fancy place but disappointing food. The shrimp dish was below average, and the pasta bolognese had to be sent back because it was sour. The Caesar salad was okay but very small. In the end, it felt like the emperor has no clothes.

Some restaurants get their reputation from the quality of their food, others from their longevity. I think Scoma’s, which is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, is of the latter. Conveniently located off of Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, this local establishment with its traditional (dated?) interior offers a fairly innocuous selection of seafood classics, some with a slightly Italian spin to them. We did find the service to be exceptional—our waiter was attentive and had a great, quirky demeanor and sense of humor. For starters my wife had the Dungeness crab cocktail and I had the Tuscan tomato and bread soup. The crab had a fishy rather than fresh taste to it; the soup was the best thing I had (in addition to the sour dough bread that was first brought to our table)—I enjoyed the soup’s texture the added bits of bread lent it, along with its zesty flavor and tasteful seasoning. For entrees, we both got the Pasta Puttanesca—a linguini (that tasted home-made) base with a San Marzano tomato sauce, which there could have been more of to add a little more flavor. Mixed in were chunks of salmon (that were soft, bordering on mushy), large shrimp (that tasted fresh and were nice and crisp when bitten into), mussels (that had an odd chemical taste to them), Manila clams (that had little to no taste to them), anchovies (according to the menu, but which I couldn’t detect), Castelvetrano olives (very tasty), and capers (which added too much salt. I had a severe case of dry mouth on the drive back to our AirB&B and was drinking water for the rest of the day). If you’re looking for a traditional meal from a well-established dining institution, Scoma’s is a viable option for you.

The main server was just okay. He spilled beer all over the table right away. He tried cleaning it up but a lot of it remained which made the table sticky for the entire time there. The support staff was very attentive and kept up with everything very well. The clam chowder was alright but nothing great. The fish and chips were excellent. I would get them again. I am not sure if I would return or recommend them.

First, I'll say, the seafood itself was good and seems fresh. This is a place that your grandparents might enjoy, the atmosphere is very dated, plating is dated, food, everything is dated. One dish ordered was the salmon, garnished with 3 onion rings. I assume the garnish was not meant to be eaten because they were burnt, dry, and inedible. You would think for the price, you would at least be served 3 edible onion rings. Our waiter changed 10-15 minutes into being there, and did not inform us of the change until we got our new waiter. He was inattentive, rude, and went missing for 15 minutes while we have been waiting for the bill to leave. When the check finally came, he tossed the check book on the table, which was extremely rude and unprofessional. The bussers were more friendly and attentive than the waiter was. The bread was good, though, should be served warm and not cold. Overall, another tourist restaurant with bloated reviews, offering the hospitality of a McDonald's.

We were excited to eat here because we were told it’s a great place to eat and have a view of the water. Unfortunately, that is only true for half of the restaurant; strangely, one side has beautiful seating and great views of the water while the other side felt like an old church basement. Despite having a reservation we were sat in the “church basement” side, which really took away from the experience. (It honestly felt like that side of the restaurant should have a different price point.) Fortunately, the food was pretty good. The Caesar salad was a little flavorless, but the sourdough croutons were good. I also had the halibut, which was delicious. So, a mixed experience. When making a reservation, I’d ask for a waterside seat, otherwise the experience is not worth the price.

Used to go here years ago. Was one of my favorite restaurants. Not anymore. The clam chowder which was the best anywhere is now mediocre and was served luke warm. They used to bring a loaf of hot sour dough bread with cold salted butter. Now they bring two cold slices with whipped butter. The server didn't come around much and only seemed personable when she brought the check. Was willing to pay the high prices but expect to get great food and service in return. I won't ever go back.