Scoma's Restaurant

"Despite being smack dab in the middle of Fisherman’s Wharf, we still wade through swaths of dawdling tourists to get to Scoma’s for solid seafood on a pier. On fogless days, we like to sit outside to get the full bayside experience, which typically includes seeing seagulls fly off with empty butter ramekins to the soundtrack of sea lions barking. Dig into a Dungeness crab while you’re here, and always start off strong with the “famous” clam chowder alongside the requisite free bread." - julia chen 1, patrick wong, ricky rodriguez

"Fisherman’s Wharf is rarely described as “fun” (at least by a local), but enjoying a bowl of chowder at this Pier 47 institution is the perfect respite when visiting relatives insist on saying hi to the sea lions. The bowls of chowder here are massive and have the consistency of grits, which makes it all the more scoopable with all of the free table bread. Combine that with a big comfy booth and an espresso martini, and you’ve got yourself a meal that can get you through any visit from the in-laws." - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez

"A meal at Scoma’s is a good reason to brave the hordes of tourists in “I Heart SF” paraphernalia wandering around Fisherman’s Wharf. Dishes like the massive Dungeness crab spreads and extra creamy clam chowder were made to pair with their endless supply of free sourdough. Each slice has that just-right tang and bubbly crust, ideal for soaking up any leftover crab butter or soup. If you’re sitting outside, keep an eye out for the seagulls, who have been known to swoop in for scraps (and butter ramekins)." - julia chen 1, patrick wong

"Scoma’s is a seafood restaurant on Pier 47 in Fisherman’s Wharf that’s been around since the 1960s. It’s considered a San Francisco institution at this point, which you can probably tell just by stepping inside of it and noticing the dark wood paneling, brown leather swivel chairs, and framed photos of all the prominent folks who’ve dined here throughout the years. photo credit: Scoma's Their ode to the old school extends to the food itself too, which is still brought to your table by servers in white coats. There’s a Crab Louie salad, a “Lazy Man’s” cioppino, and a linguine con vongole (all of which are pretty good), but you’re here for the Dungeness crab or the “famous” clam chowder (which you’ll learn does live up to the hype after eating just one spoonful). However, the charm of Scoma’s isn’t from the food alone, which is executed with varying degrees of success. This spot’s a tried and true throwback in the heart of tourist central that even locals should experience at least once, preferably over a strong Manhattan or a glass of wine and some oysters at the front bar. The waterfront views from there aren’t too bad either. photo credit: Carly Hackbarth photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Food Rundown photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Oysters On The Half-Shell The Scoma’s game plan we always stand by: roll up to one of the two bars, order these oysters, and pair them with some wine or a classic Negroni or Old Fashioned. Linguini Con Vongole We’ve had more flavor-punched versions elsewhere. Order this only if pasta and manila clams were featured in your horoscope for the day. photo credit: Taylor Gomez Scoma’s Famous Clam Chowder No complaints here. The portions are big, the soup is thick, and it all teams up nicely with Scoma’s free table bread." - Lani Conway

"Scoma’s is a seafood institution, literally sitting on the dock of the bay since 1965. Longtime regulars love the warm leather and wood interiors, where they slide into a favorite booth and chat with servers who have been there for decades. Scoma’s known for old-school cioppino, strong Manhattans, mixed grill platters, ice-cold shrimp cocktails, and legendary aged egg nog." - Dianne de Guzman, Justine Jones