Scala's Bistro

04/08/07

Tasty Pasta

by jenli

It's been a while since I've been back here and was happy to see it was still a great place. We didn't have reservations but they accomodated us quickly at the bar. I ordered the Oxtail Agnolotti and it was fantastic! The sauce was great and it was very filling. My fiance had the halibut and it was good as well. However overall I think the pastas are a better for taste and value. Our waitress was nice and didn't try to oversell us food. Yes the restaurant is slightly pricey, but I still think it's nice place to end the evening after a long day out in the city.

• Pros: Location, food, atmosphere
• Cons: Not the best value

Nouveau-rustic cuisine in a grand Union Square setting.

by Patrick Heig

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, and locally sourced meat, seafood and produce.

12/26/08

Bad Service and Worse Food

by lolamac

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.

12/17/08

Always at home

by baldeagle123

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

07/11/08

Outstanding! Fantastic food and service.

by hargyle

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!

02/28/08

DO NOT give Credit Card Number- Terrible Customer Service

by CParrish

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

11/19/07

Perfect start to a great day

by hdelgros

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

09/17/07

I'd go back again!

by sreed04

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

09/02/07

Best piece of halibut I've had in years

by pilotjosh25

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!

05/28/07

Not Worth The Price

by lord_humongous

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