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Ratings and reviews

RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

PRICE RANGE
US$15 - US$35
CUISINES
Italian, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
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meals, features, about
Reviews (2,073)
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58
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Reviewed 2 August 2021 via mobile

Very nice interior with food to match. Location is great and within walking distance of many landmarks. Would highly recommend.

Date of visit: November 2020
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 13 March 2020

We returned to Scala's Bistro to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Our last visit had been several years ago as we live in the UK. The experience began well, frioendly reception and the welcome from the waitress. The starters were OK but I was still...eating mine when our main course was plonked (no other word for it) on the table. The mains, we had chosen their fish of the day a Dorade, was deep fried, greasy and hugely disappointing. We shared a desert, during which time the bill was delivered to our table. No aplomb, no subtlety. There were very few customers at the time, (it was 6.00pm) so no-one was waiting for our table. We were well dressed and polite, so not an embarrassment (!) but we felt as though we were being rushed out. With our 50CL of house wine and a single cocktail, and a shared desert, the bill came to over $200, which we felt was an insult. Of course we should have complained but instead we politely tipped the waitress and left. The next evening we tried Lori's Diner, which is close by. Funky, good honest food, friendly staff and a bill of $60. We really wished we had celebrated there as we were both cross and disappointed that such a special evening had been ruined.More

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?3  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScalasBistroMGR, General Manager at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 19 March 2020

Uh-oh – it sounds like you didn’t see the value in your meal at Scala's. Our chef is a fanatic about buying local, super-fresh ingredients from trusted farmers, which can make dishes on the menu feel a bit on the pricey side. Please reach out...More

Reviewed 8 March 2020

Came here as part of a business dinner group outing. Got a variety of appetizers, entrees and we all shared. Great stuff! Highly recommend the calamari!

Date of visit: March 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScalasBistroMGR, General Manager at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 19 March 2020

Thanks for the stars! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your meal with us!

Reviewed 7 March 2020 via mobile

We have walked by this place hundreds of times, and we never gave it a second thought. We gave it a try, and we were not disappointed. I had the little gem salad. It was huge and had an amazing dressing. I also had the...duck and it was amazing, as well. The mixed rice and quinoa was great under the duck. My wife’s goat cheese salad was also very tasty and was a meal in itself. The hostess and waiters for all super friendly and informative. The prices were fairly reasonable for Union Square. We will be back.More

Date of visit: March 2020
Helpful?3  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScalasBistroMGR, General Manager at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 19 March 2020

Thanks so much for your kind remarks – they’ll be shared with our staff.

Reviewed 3 March 2020

Had a great experience at Scala's Bistro from start to visit. The hostess and our waiter were top notch and the wine, pizza and our two entrees were excellent. Loved this place & hope to visit again when in the area.

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScalasBistroMGR, General Manager at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 19 March 2020

We’re thrilled you chose Scala's and had a great time. Sending happy, shiny thoughts right back at you!

Reviewed 20 February 2020 via mobile

I had the fusilli pasta, it was excellent, the pasta was perfectly al dente. The wait staff was attentive. I was seated at a hightop table near the entrance. If dining alone, the full menu is available at the bar.

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScalasBistroMGR, Manager at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 19 March 2020

So glad you loved your dinner. Scala's is lucky to have chef Justin Deering in the kitchen grilling, frying, mixing, chopping and all of the other brilliant things he/she does.

Reviewed 16 February 2020

I had the Kale Caesar Salad and mushroom pizza. Delish! The server had been there for a long time and was very helpful with the menu. It was a late dinner but very satisfying. Good prices too!

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScalasBistroMGR, Manager at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 19 March 2020

Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know what a great experience you had. I will share it with the staff! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Reviewed 10 February 2020

Had breakfast there the day after the Chinese New Years Parade 2020. Service was fantastic and food very good. Priced about what you expect for San Francisco.

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScalasBistroMGR, General Manager at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 16 March 2020

Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know what a great experience you had. I will share it with the staff! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Reviewed 10 February 2020

The restaurant is full of attractive painting and lights. Menu is full of attractive dishes. Ask for the specials they will delight you. Staff are well Trained and Manager is focused on delivering a wonderful experience.

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScalasBistroMGR, Manager at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 19 March 2020

Thanks so much for your kind remarks – they’ll be shared with our staff.

Reviewed 27 January 2020 via mobile

The food was very good although the mid day menu had limited options. Service was fast and friendly, and the space was comfortable and clean.

Date of visit: January 2020
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScalasBistroMGR, General Manager at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 3 February 2020

We are glad you enjoyed your meal with us and hopefully can join us again next time with our more extensive lunch and dinner menu!

Reviewed 22 January 2020 via mobile

Excellent Northern Italian food I had the roast chicken with white beans and it was great My wife had a pasta dish it was very flavorful We shared the little gems salad it was delicious and plenty big enough to shareMore

Date of visit: January 2020
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScalasBistroMGR, General Manager at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 24 January 2020

We are so glad you loved your meal! Scala’s Bistro is lucky to have Chef Justin Deering and our talented kitchen staff to create such a fantastic menu. We love our little gem salad as well! We look forward to hosting you again in the...More

Reviewed 17 January 2020

My date and I were scurrying around Union Square trying to find someplace that could accommodate us on short notice. We had flown to San Francisco from Seattle to see the musical Hamilton and we needed early seating to make a 7:00 opening. Nathaly, the...Maitre D’, realized I was trying to make this a very special day for a very special lady in my life. With a throng of people waiting for tables, she said “come back at 5:00 and we will take care of you”. Sure enough, arriving at 5 we found they had set up a table by the window in the bar for us. This made our evening (well, this and seeing Hamilton). The food was wonderful, the atmosphere exactly what you’d want as you prepare for an evening in the city, it was magic. Nathaly was one of a handful of people that made our stay for the weekend absolutely wonderful. I will strive to visit Scala’s every time we return to San Francisco.More

Date of visit: December 2019
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScalasBistroMGR, General Manager at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 25 January 2020

We are so glad that we were able to contribute to making your trip to San Francisco a special one. Nathaly sure is wonderful and will do her best to accommodate always. We look forward to hosting you next time you visit!

Reviewed 28 December 2019 via mobile

We have a lot of events in San Francisco, so we've got a short list of restaurants for pre-show dining, and Scala's is at the top of the list. Is it the delectable house made pasta? Is it the savory sauce on the pork shoulder...pappardelle? Is it the inventive seafood and apps that could be a meal? The old-school vibe and welcoming staff? The pizza? The convenient Union Square location? Yeah, it's all that. We first tried Scala's after a show when we were staying at its host hotel, the St. Francis, and have looked forward to every visit since.More

Date of visit: November 2019
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AllisonW1652, Owner at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 30 December 2019

Thank you!! We’re really proud of the warm, intimate atmosphere we created and love that you noticed. We love to hear our guests say that they love our food and ambiance, so we’re glad you got that feeling. Thank you and we will see you...More

Reviewed 24 December 2019 via mobile

Scala’s is one of our go-to restaurants in the City. Drinks are good, nice menu, good food and friendly staff.

Date of visit: December 2019
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AllisonW1652, Owner at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 30 December 2019

Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know what a great experience you had. I will share it with the staff! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Reviewed 15 December 2019

This is a great spot for cocktail and a bite right on cable car line on Powell St near Union Square. The graperfruit Paloma drink was wonderful. Fun to sit at a window in bar and watch cable car

Date of visit: December 2019
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AllisonW1652, Owner at Scala's Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 30 December 2019

We’re thrilled you chose us and had a great time. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Sending happy, shiny thoughts right back at you!

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Questions & Answers
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D2555
25 August 2016|
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Response from bagnovignoni | Reviewed this property |
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24 August 2016|
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Response from legates | Reviewed this property |
Yes, This is casual. I have seen everything from shorts to some more dressed up in the evening.
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15 July 2016|
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Scala's Bistro, San Francisco - Union Square - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Scala's Bistro

Yes, Scala's Bistro offers takeaway services.

Scala's Bistro is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 3.5
  • Atmosphere: 4