Scala's Bistro
(415) 395-8555
432 Powell St
San Francisco,
CA
94102
37.7886
-122.4083
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Northeast
Reviews & Ratings for Scala's Bistro
28 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 28 reviews
Customer service leaves much to be desired
by cinderella2
December 18, 2006
I have lived in the City since 1985 and Scala's has been one of my favorite Union Square restaurants. Recently, my friend and I dropped a late night cocktail and a light dinner. The hostess explained that it was very busy in the dining room. We offered to sit at the bar, but she snapped at us the bar was now part of the dining room. Finally, she said that she could seat us in the dining room, but we would have to vacate our table by 8:30 p.m. We agreed and we were seated. Our waiter was wonderful and the food was good, but not up the Scala's usual standard. The pasta I ordered was very "rubbery" in texture. We had just finished our meal at 8:31 p.m., and the hostess came to our table ordered us to vacate at once. I thought her actions were rude and uncalled for. That night Scala's lost two loyal customers.
- Pros: great Union Square location
- Cons: On busy nights, they will rush customers to turn over tables
Questionable by Melissa (Meaghan O) C. at InsiderPages
Contributor
February 02, 2009
Great ambiance, wonderful wine list and menu, but my husband found a cockroach in his napkin. We lost our appetite enough not to be able to enjoy our dinners
Excellent by shelley w. at InsiderPages
Contributor
January 03, 2009
This is a place that I invision the debutante's to dine at. It has an old money luxurious feel to it. The food is very good. I was there for lunch and had a very large salad (can't remember which one) and it was delicious. We went upstairs to the Starlight room that night...don't miss that!
Bad Service and Worse Food
by lolamac
December 26, 2008
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
December 17, 2008
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
July 11, 2008
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
February 28, 2008
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
November 19, 2007
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
I'd go back again!
by sreed04
September 17, 2007
The ambience was fantastic and we were seated promptly. The service was friendly at the beginning but as more people came into the restaurant the server started getting a bit distracted. The food was excellent, especially the halibut. I would go back again!
- Pros: Get the halibut
Best piece of halibut I've had in years
by pilotjosh25
September 02, 2007
Very good food although do not think of it as a "classic" Italian restaurant with pasta dishes and such. My halibut meal was decidedly un-Italian. But boy was it good!! Excellent preparation and seasoning. My companion had a delicious flank steak with fries. The beef carpaccio was fine, if not lacking in quantity. Service was top notch, even from the hostess. Desserts were tasty. I recommend the Berry Semifreddo.
- Pros: Excellent service. Delicious food.
- Cons: Long wait. Make a reservation!
Not Worth The Price
by lord_humongous
May 28, 2007
Nothing in this restaurant warranted the high prices on the menu. The food was very good but not quite worth the price. The insincere greeting at the front desk and the indifferent service also do not justify the high prices. The ambiance at Scala's is also very nice, but once again it is not worth the prices. And I am still trying to figure out why a bottle of wine costs twice as much at Scala's Bistro as it does at any other upscale restaurant. This restaurant also gets very loud so it is hard to have a conversation with the people at your table.
While nothing at Scala's Bistro was bad, it just was not worth the hefty price.
- Pros: Good Food
- Cons: High Prices, No Parking, Very Loud
