(415) 395-8555
432 Powell St
(In the Sir Francis Drake hotel, at Sutter St, Union Square)
San Francisco,
CA
94102
37.7886
-122.4083
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Northeast
Hours:
Daily 8-10:30am and 11:30am-midnight
Price:
$$
Last updated 8.12.11
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Date Spot, Group Dining
Cuisine:
Other Locations:
What People Are Saying About Scala's Bistro
Featured Review
Patrick Heig
Contributor
Stone-tiled floors, soaring ceilings and abundant mahogany give this downtown bistro a grand, turn-of-the-century feel that the nouveau-rustic French-Italian menu compliments well. A well-dressed and mature mix of after-work crowd, theatergoers, and well-informed out-of-towners fill the comfy booths, which dampen the din of what would otherwise be an overly loud restaurant. The expansive menu, reconceptualized by local celeb-chef Jennifer Biesty in 2009, reflects the modern movement towards old-world technique: pastas and cheeses made fresh daily in the kitchen go with house-cured charcuterie,…
Editor's Tips
- Parking:
- Parking around Union Square can be supremely frustrating; valet is $11 with validation.
- The Extras:
- Groups of 20 to 70 may dine in the ornate Renaissance Room in the adjoining Sir Francis Drake Hotel.
- The Extras:
- Groups of 15 to 70 may dine in the ornate Renaissance Room in the adjoining Sir Francis Drake Hotel.
Bad Service and Worse Food
by lolamac at Citysearch
I was a big fan of Scala's Bistro until about a year ago, when -- after dozens and dozens of business and leisure meals there -- I was issued the ultimate insult: bad service, bad food, and my complaint to the manager was absolutely ignored even though I had left my phone number and email address for a response (he seems to greatly favor and fawn over women under 30, so perhaps I didn't fit his demographic of whom to cater or listen to). I stayed away for about 11 months but ventured in last week after Christmas shopping, and was so disappointed that I will no longer waste another dime or minute there. The food was lackluster, the service desultory, and the bartender/server at the bar seemed bored and uninterested in service. Stay away -- there are many other places to be fed WELL on Union Square -- places that may actually CARE about your business.
Always at home
by baldeagle123 at Citysearch
A favorite that we have frequented at least 10 times in the past three to four years- the service is great and the food wonderful. Reservations are a must ( they keep your prefernces on the coputer so no need to worry about whewree you wil sit) or the walk-in wait is forever! Try the calamarie-to die for! The wine list could be a bit more varied but then such is life. An excellent place to sit and relax while shopping at Union Square! Noisey due to high s ceilings but a great place to enjoy
Outstanding! Fantastic food and service.
by hargyle at Citysearch
I stopped into Scala's after a long, long day travelling and sightseeing - what a great place to finish the day. Hostess, servers, even busboys were so pleasant and warm, and excellent guides for both the food and wine menu. I loved the salmon with a crispy skin, served on garlic mashed potatoes. A real pleasure!
DO NOT give Credit Card Number- Terrible Customer Service
by CParrish at Citysearch
During OracleOpen World in November 2007 a handful of colleagues and I (from a very small company) made reservations at this "acclaimed" restaurant. Unfortunately, travel plans changed and we were unable to make our reservations. We were informed that a $25.00 fee would be charged, however we received a $200.00 charge and the Scala's management claimed it was a $25.00 fee per person. They did NOT inform me of this "policy" initially and management conveniently did not return my calls nor credit the money back.
With that said- DO NOT give them your credit card number- they don't care. I was incredibly disappointed and frustrated that money was more important to them than their reputation.
- Pros: Great Website
- Cons: Lack of Communication
Perfect start to a great day
by hdelgros at Citysearch
My sisters and I meet in "The City" every year for a full day of eating, Christmas shopping, eating and Christmas shopping - and every year we start this fabulous day at Scala's. Best coffee in the known world (and this coming from a faithful Starbucks fan), wonderful mimosas, excellent breakfasts; and all of this in a gorgeous, warm, elegant and rich setting that makes us feel both special and welcome. The service is invariably attentive, friendly and efficient - no snobby waiters here. Our annual "SF Spree" just wouldn't be the same if we didn't kick it off with a magnificent meal at our favorite bistro!
- Pros: Atmosphere, Coffee, Service, AM Table Availability
- Cons: No Parking, Restrooms Far Away in Hotel

