Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Scoma’s – San Francisco
Scoma's - San Francisco
Photo from Scoma’s
Scoma's at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 182 of the guests
#617 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
1071
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh seafood
- Classic ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Rushed service
Step into Scoma’s, a celebrated Seafood Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, and you’ll immediately feel the cozy, historic atmosphere. This spot, known for its inviting fireplace and a great wine list, promises you more than just a meal; it’s a delightful escape where you can savor fresh flavors and exceptional service.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening or a casual yet upscale gathering, you’ll find an unforgettable dining experience awaiting you.
Overview: Introducting Scoma's
Scoma’s offers a classic seafood experience, often praised for its fresh seafood and expertly prepared dishes. Many appreciate the warm and welcoming atmosphere, which blends old-school charm with a picturesque setting.
It’s a place where quality ingredients often take center stage. However, some diners have noted concerns regarding high prices, particularly for drinks, and occasional instances of rushed or less-than-attentive service.
While the overall experience is often positive, these points are worth considering for a balanced visit.
Good
8
out of 10
1071
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
163
negative
62
neutral
846
positive
Scoma’s earns a solid 8 out of 10 for its overall performance, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a strong 79% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
With over 1000 customer opinions considered, the feedback paints a clear picture of its strengths. The restaurant truly shines in its Food (8.2) and Ambience (8.2), both receiving high marks, with food being the most discussed aspect among 1071 total comments.
Service (7.7) also performs well, though some experiences vary. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (5.2), which receives an average score, suggesting that while quality is present, the pricing can be a point of contention for some diners.
What people like
- Fresh, quality seafood
- Inviting, classic ambiance
- Professional, attentive service
What people don't like
- High price point
- Inconsistent service pace
- Dated interior aspects
Scoma’s offers a quintessential San Francisco seafood experience, particularly for those prioritizing fresh ingredients and a classic setting. While it delivers on its core promise of quality seafood and an inviting atmosphere, be prepared for a potentially higher bill.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.2, it’s a solid choice for a memorable meal, especially if you appreciate traditional charm and don’t mind the price. However, if budget is a primary concern or you prefer a more modern, fast-paced dining experience, you might consider other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Scoma's
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid 8.2 score and a strong 83.2% customer satisfaction. Out of 559 total opinions, a whopping 465 rave about the fresh seafood, especially the legendary Lazy Man's Cioppino and the often-praised clam chowder. Guests also appreciate the customization of dishes, making for a truly enjoyable meal.
However, not every bite is perfect. Some of the 71 negative comments point to concerns about portion size, with a few finding the food mediocre or the clam chowder taste and temperature inconsistent. There were also mentions of dry fish, suggesting some dishes might miss the mark.
Food
559
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
71
negative
23
neutral
465
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh seafood
- Lazy Man's Cioppino
- Excellent clam chowder
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent quality
- Overpriced dishes
Often praised
- foodIt was overflowing with fresh seafood in a rich tomato broth, truly one of the best I've ever had. Between the incredible food, the relaxed afternoon setting, and a waiter who truly went the extra mile, this birthday lunch was unforgettable. Scoma's is a San Francisco classic for a reason, and this visit reaffirmed why.
- clam chowderChoose the clam chowder and shrimp with pasta…fresh, rich, incredibly satisfying and full of flavor!
- seafoodMy experience at Scoma's Restaurant, a true hidden gem at Fisherman's Wharf, was exceptional. This classic spot offers fresh, expertly prepared seafood in an intimate setting, away from the main tourist crowds. Nestled on Pier 47, Scoma's has been serving up locally sourced seafood for decades, and their commitment to quality truly shines in every dish.
- cioppinoThe food was excellent! We thoroughly enjoyed the crispy anchovies, cioppino, and gulf shrimp lumachini – all were excellent. To celebrate a graduation, they sent out a tiramisu, which was fantastic.
- FoodFood, service and ambience is top notch!
- beet saladWe thoroughly enjoyed the fried sardines, which were fresh and flavorful, served right off the dock. The beet salad was also a delightful addition to our meal. To complement our food, we savored a glass of Napa Valley Rose.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was excellent, and the drinks were great too. I really enjoyed the atmosphere.
- fishFresh oysters, fish, and shrimp we all had great meals.
- food qualityI enjoyed the Clam Chowder, Dungeness Crab Louie Salad (perfect for two), Salmon, and Shrimp & Scallops. Everything was cooked to perfection and incredibly fresh. This is a class operation, and the wait staff have been serving for two decades, demonstrating exceptional professionalism.
- chowderAwesome chowder and oysters
Frequently criticized
- breadThe bread is super cold and hard
- clam chowderThis was not a good first impression. For my meal, I ordered a small bowl of clam chowder, which was truly mini and not great in taste. It was more cream than anything else, with a few small pieces of potato and two or three pieces of fish.
- foodfood was not to be too fresh
- pastahe couldn’t even finish it because it was bad
- food qualityMy experience at this fancy place was ultimately disappointing. While the atmosphere was rated a 4, the food quality was a significant letdown, earning a 2. The shrimp dish was below average, and the pasta bolognese had to be sent back because it was sour.
- portion sizeastonishing how small they were for the price
- salmonchunks of salmon (that were soft, bordering on mushy)
- Dungeness crab cocktailThe crab had a fishy rather than fresh taste
- FoodFood:1
- Lazy Man’s CioppinoLazy Man’s Cioppino and it was very bland
If youre craving fresh seafood and classic dishes like the Lazy Mans Cioppino, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while many find the food excellent, a few experiences suggest some dishes or portion sizes might not always live up to expectations.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
The service at this establishment generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.7 and a solid 75.3% customer satisfaction. Based on 198 positive remarks out of 263, many guests raved about the professional and friendly staff, highlighting attentive service and excellent service, often noting a pleasant experience with no wait. However, 50 negative comments indicate some areas for improvement.
A few diners reported encountering rude servers, inattentive staff, or frustrating waiting times. There were also instances of slow food delivery, suggesting that consistency can sometimes be an issue.
Service
263
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
50
negative
15
neutral
198
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, professional staff
- Attentive service
- No wait
What people don't like
- Rude servers
- Inattentive staff
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- servicePairing these with a glass of wine made for a meal to remember. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, blending old-school charm with attentive service. Whether you're a first-time visitor to San Francisco or a seasoned traveler, Scoma's is an essential stop at Fisherman's Wharf—a place where you can truly savor the taste of the city.
- ServiceService at Scoma’s is impeccable. The staff exudes genuine warmth and professionalism
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great staff and excellent food. The complimentary valet parking was a nice touch.
- serverThe staff was incredibly accommodating and pleasant, with many members having decades of service. Our server was absolutely wonderful! The seafood is as fresh as it gets, and the cooking was perfect.
- valet parkingMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great staff and excellent food. The complimentary valet parking was a nice touch. While the high prices mean it's not for the budget-minded, it was a nice experience for a single visit.
- wait staffIt's a great seafood restaurant with fresh seafood that's straight off the boat. The wait staff was very knowledgeable about the specials and attentive to our needs. I highly recommend the Mixed Seafood Grill.
- wait timeThe food was spectacular, and the service was up to par. We had lunch, and the wait time was up to 10 minutes. Parking was plentiful with valet available.
- HeatherWe arrived for an early dinner and found it wasn't too busy. Our server, Heather, made our visit personal and memorable in the best way possible. We were fortunate to catch the end of the lunch specials, and despite being labeled 'lunch, ' the portions were very generous.
- serversThe servers were wonderful — polite, elegant, and very helpful
- waiterWe visited Scoma's for an afternoon birthday lunch for my friend Steve, and it was an absolutely perfect experience. From the moment we were seated, our waiter went above and beyond to make Steve feel truly celebrated. His warmth, attention, and thoughtfulness significantly enhanced the entire dining experience.
Frequently criticized
- serverI'm not used to the American payment system, and when the server didn't bring the machine to the table after I checked out, I went to the counter to pay. The server then tapped my receipt board with their hand and told me to pay 🙂. It felt like they thought I was trying to skip out on the bill.
- serviceIt was my first time here, and my boyfriend and I were very disappointed in the food as well as the poor service. Not long after we sat down, it felt like we were immediately pressured to order alcoholic drinks, before we even had the basics in front of us – no water, no bread, nothing.
- rudeIt felt like they thought I was trying to skip out on the bill. All the friendliness they showed before disappeared, and I was shocked by how rude they were ^^. Still, I paid the tip reluctantly.
- waiterNot long after we sat down, it felt like we were immediately pressured to order alcoholic drinks, before we even had the basics in front of us – no water, no bread, nothing. When we said we would just like water and bread to start, our waiter seemed to become visibly irritated and left. We had to ask multiple times for certain things that never came.
- StaffStaff came over five or six times and could see I'd moved my dish
- bar seatingdo not sit at the bar first if you're going to get a table because they get confused
- bottleneck for the serversThat created a bottleneck for the servers to get through that room to bring the food to the tables.
- dismissive attitudecompletely dismissive attitude
- engage their customersneither cares to engage their customers
- food came out slowlythe food came out quite slowly
If youre looking for a place with generally good and attentive service, this spot is a strong contender. While a few experiences mention rudeness or slow service, the overwhelming majority of feedback points to a positive and professional staff. Youll likely enjoy the hospitality here.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The ambience at this restaurant truly shines, earning a strong 8.2 and delighting 82.8% of customers! With 169 positive remarks out of 204 total, guests consistently praise the perfect location with spectacular views, the classic old San Francisco vibe, and the wonderfully cozy atmosphere that makes for a memorable dining experience. However, a smaller group of 22 comments highlighted some areas for improvement.
A few guests found the seating uncomfortable or the space a bit crowded, while some felt the interior appeared a little run down or had an old diner feel, suggesting it might not be for everyone.
Ambience
204
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
22
negative
13
neutral
169
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spectacular waterfront views
- Classic SF vibe
- Cozy, relaxed atmosphere
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Crowded tables
- Dated interior
Often praised
- atmospherePairing these with a glass of wine made for a meal to remember. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, blending old-school charm with attentive service. Whether you're a first-time visitor to San Francisco or a seasoned traveler, Scoma's is an essential stop at Fisherman's Wharf—a place where you can truly savor the taste of the city.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationperfect location. Set right on the water, the views are nothing short of spectacular.
- ambianceNice ambiance, cool decor with nostalgic photos
- placeThe place is very beautiful and full of character
- settingintimate setting away from the main tourist crowds
- noise levelThe noise level was quiet, making it easy to have a conversation
- viewa beautiful view on the golden gate bridge
- ParkingWe had lunch, and the wait time was up to 10 minutes. Parking was plentiful with valet available. The price per person was between $50–100.
- barI sat at the bar, and what a great experience
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereHowever, the service was too rushed and intrusive. As an Italian-style restaurant, I expected a more relaxed and convivial atmosphere, where you can enjoy dinner peacefully with friends. I must say I was quite disappointed; perhaps this approach works for locals or tourists, but as an Italian, I expected something different.
- ambiencelacks atmosphere and ambience
- beer glassthe beer glass was so old the logo was mostly gone.
- crowdedIt 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.
- facilityIt's a local and returning tourist favorite. While the facility is showing a little wear, the food is as delicious as always. The service was excellent, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food quality was also top-notch, receiving a 5 out of 5.
- hypeBecause of the hype
- interiortraditional (dated?) interior
- kidsNot really a good place for kids
- old dinerIt's like an old diner
- old timey musicold timey boring music
If you're looking for a classic San Francisco experience with incredible waterfront views and a charming, cozy atmosphere, this place is a strong contender. Just be aware that some find the decor a bit dated or the seating potentially crowded, so set your expectations accordingly.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners really feel theyre getting a good deal. Many appreciate that the price is truly worth the ingredients and effort, often finding they get a lot for the price. With 14 positive remarks, terms like worth every penny, value for money, and great deal pop up, suggesting that for some, the experience justifies the cost.
However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.2 (average) and customer satisfaction at a poor 31.1%. Out of 45 total comments, 20 negative remarks highlight concerns about things being too expensive or overpriced rates, with some feeling its simply not worth it. This suggests that while some find value, many others are left disappointed.
Value
45
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
20
negative
11
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every penny
- Good value
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Not worth it
- Overpriced rates
Often praised
- pricefor the procier side of things it is completely worth the price
- pricesexpectational prices
- each platecada plato vale su dólar
- great dealwhich was a great deal as you get 3 pieces of fish plus vegetables and rice
- lot for the priceyou get a lot for the price
- parkingParking:Valet parking, I guess free??
- value for moneyThis is worth every penny.
- worth every pennyThe service was also highlighted as the best. While it was pricey, the reviewer felt it was totally worth every penny. It was a great meal for their last night in San Francisco.
Frequently criticized
- priceI am glad we both decided to just leave. For the price we were going to pay, we should at least enjoy our meal and receive decent service. We decided it wasn't worth staying and asked for the check shortly after appetizers.
- pricesThe complimentary valet parking was a nice touch. While the high prices mean it's not for the budget-minded, it was a nice experience for a single visit.
- Price per personleave $400 for two people
- PriceyPricey, but totally worth every penny
- beerMost expensive beer in my life. $15.21.
- expensive winesMediocre food at overpriced rates. The wines are also mediocre but expensive. The service was loveless.
- non-alcoholic drinkI believe the drink I got was $15 and it was a non-alcohol drink.
- not worth itThe old timey music contributed to a generally boring atmosphere. To top it off, it was too expensive and simply not worth it.
- over rated placeit's the most over rated place I've ever eaten at
- overpriced ratesMediocre food at overpriced rates
Deciding on value here is tricky. If youre looking for a splurge and believe in worth every penny, you might find it. But if youre budget-conscious and expect every dollar to stretch, you might find the prices too expensive and the overall experience not worth it.
How are the prices at Scoma's?
You’re looking at roughly 62 per person – reported by 182 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits around 62, guests actually spend quite a bit across the board. We see a good mix of diners enjoying more budget-friendly options and those splurging on a premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 182 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Seafood Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a range of options, so you can tailor your experience to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Scoma's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Sourdough and Delicious Salmon!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing! The service was incredible, and they ensured we always had sourdough on our plates, refilling it quickly. The food was so delicious, it reminded me of my mom's cooking.
My husband and I enjoyed the salmon and shrimp Lamborghini, which was a 10/10 experience.
- service10
- sourdough10
- refill9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Crab with a View
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Located at 1965 Al Scoma Way, Pier 47, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133, it offers a wonderful setting. Advance reservations are advisable, especially if you desire waterfront views.
 If you're visiting during crab season, I highly recommend getting the Dungeness crab dish, the crab-cocktail, or the crab cakes – many guests rave about them.  For a great skyline/bay view, be sure to ask for the outdoor or bay-facing area. Some outdoor dining by the water is available.
 The dress code is smart-casual; it's relaxed but still feels like a special occasion. They offer complimentary valet parking (subject to availability) at the pier, which is a great perk, though finding parking can be difficult. 
- waterfront views8
- Dungeness crab dish10
- crab-cocktail10
- parking4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Hidden Gem with Amazing Seafood!
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. It's an excellent, off-the-beaten-path spot serving fresh fish & seafood. We arrived for an early dinner and found it wasn't too busy.
Our server, Heather, made our visit personal and memorable in the best way possible. We were fortunate to catch the end of the lunch specials, and despite being labeled 'lunch, ' the portions were very generous. The truffle fries were our appetizers, and I can honestly say they were the BEST TRUFFLE FRIES EVER!
Our group enjoyed a variety of starters, including a superb Caesar salad, beet salad, and clam chowder. The Red Snapper, which everyone ordered, was the best fish any of us have had! We finished the meal with a lemon tart, which was a perfect ending.
I highly recommend you FIND THIS PLACE ON THE DOCK! You'll be sorry if you don't.
- fresh fish & seafood10
- truffle fries10
- Red Snapper10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Food and Wonderful Service!
My experience at the restaurant was wonderfully delicious! I enjoyed the Red Snapper, beet salad, and sourdough bread. For dessert, the lemon tart was a perfect end to the meal.
Our server, Heather, was wonderful and provided excellent service. The atmosphere was great, and the food was outstanding.
- Red Snapper10
- beet salad10
- sourdough bread10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fresh and Tasty Seafood Experience
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the calamari, mixed seafood grill, and clam chowder. Everything was incredibly fresh and tasty.
I highly recommend just going ahead and grabbing a bite here.
- calamari9
- mixed seafood grill9
- clam chowder9
What Scoma's offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Scoma's?
At Scoma’s, you’ll find a blend of casual, upscale, historic, cozy, and romantic atmospheres. You can enjoy highlights like great dessert, excellent coffee, a fireplace, a superb wine list, and a great beer selection, ensuring a memorable visit.
Does Scoma's cater to families and offer accessibility options?
Yes, Scoma’s is good for kids, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
How does Scoma's generally perform across different aspects?
Scoma’s achieves a good overall score of 8. Its strengths lie in Food (8.2) and Ambience (8.2), with Service (7.7) also performing well. However, Value (5.2) is an area where some customers feel it falls short.
What do customers appreciate most about Scoma's?
Many patrons appreciate Scoma’s for its fresh seafood and the warm and welcoming atmosphere, often highlighting its picturesque location and attentive staff. The classic charm and quality ingredients are frequently praised.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining at Scoma's?
Some diners express concerns about the high prices, particularly for drinks, and occasionally report a rushed pace of service. A few also find the interior to be a bit dated, despite its overall charm.