Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar — Restaurant in Oakland

The single most memorable and exquisite dining experience of my life! I am still in shock. We have lived a year in Europe and traveled the world, grew up in Canada…lived 20 years in San Jose, California, but this dining experience was above and beyond anything I’ve ever encountered and we are half a century old. My husband had a free night at a Hyatt. So we decided to pick the Oakland Waterfront Hotel. We randomly picked Scott’s Seafood for dinner because we could see it from our balcony. We had NOOOOO idea what it was…. Just sounded similar to Scott’s seafood in San Jose where we go to grab a nice clam chowder and fries when downtown. Not related whatsoever. If we’d known what we were in for, we would have been planning our outfits and looking forward to the “experience” weeks in advance! Or at the least, my husband would not have been wearing his Teva sandals! As we entered the foyer a smooth, jazzy singing voice welcomed us like an intoxicating, irresistible temptation - a man in a black sparkly tux, with a waving smile and dark sunglasses was playing and singing at the grand piano. A host in a red vest and tie, like the kind from a Hollywood movie, greeted us, he let us know a harbor view table would be ready soon and insisted we sit at the bar for complimentary (worlds best) cocktails while we waited. The rust and white marbled bar was backlit… adorned with statues… the most beautiful bar I’ve ever seen. At this point I feel I’ve been swept into a dream of sorts, an era of yesteryear, when people were made to feel special, comfortable, welcomed and at home… The smile in my heart was about to explode.

Our table for two was on the window just meters from the harbor, the twinkly lights of the stars and moon, sailboats and yachts. The couple behind my husband had a bouquet of 24 red roses and he had just proposed. She said yes. The whole restaurant clapped. The couple behind me had owned a Greek restaurant in Los Gatos near our home, called DioDeka which we will try. They were so lovely. Every race and walk of life was in the restaurant…. The styles, the fashion, the family love, the classiness, the polished shoes, the glamorous hats and ankle length, cornrow hair, the cowboy hats, the fu Manchu’s the Indian sari’s …. Everywhere I looked was an artwork…whether it was the people, the view, the bar, the pianist, the sculptures… And the ART! The owner had recently displayed several of his paintings in the restaurant that I would hang in my home in a heartbeat! And he is in the restaurant every day. Some of the servers have been there since the 80s and 90s as they are made to feel like family. Our server, AMBER, was THE MOST MEMORABLE AND ADORABLE AND COOL AND AMAZING AND BEAUTIFUL, TALENTED server I’ve ever had! She looks after you as if you are her very own. She recommended the Wild King Salmon and the Catfish to us and they were simply out of this world!!! Every bite was heaven. Unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. Then dessert. Key lime pie and a smoking mango sorbet. Amongst the most flavorful and mouth watering desserts I have ever encountered. The red leather booths, the woodwork, the decor, the statues, the art, the diversity, the love, the lobsters, … to me this was life at its best, it’s most colorful, it’s richest without being too rich… it was just LOVE and JOY. Thank you to the owner who has a heart and vision that I wish was far more common in our world today! You are a gift to your community. We cannot WAIT to return with all the people we love and want to celebrate. Thank you to you and Amber and your entire staff for spoiling us completely rotten!!!! The anniversary photo taken by Amber and her assistant and given to us in a card as a gift is the most treasured and favorite photo in my home! Already displayed for all to see and enjoy! Thank you for keeping it real. I will feel so happy every time I remember our anniversary dinner in your home/restaurant that is unlike any other. Will certainly be hard to beat this anniversary experience!!!! Thank you thank...

If you're searching for a dining experience that combines breathtaking waterfront views, a stunning interior, mouthwatering cuisine, and exceptional service, look no further than Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar in Oakland, CA.

From the moment you step through the door, you'll be captivated by the restaurant's elegant and inviting ambiance. The gorgeous interior exudes a sense of sophistication, with its tasteful decor, soft lighting, and comfortable seating arrangements. It's the perfect setting for a romantic evening or a special celebration with friends and family.

Now, let's talk about the food. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary voyage like no other. The grilled salmon is an absolute masterpiece. Cooked to perfection, the tender, flaky fish is infused with a smoky char that adds an irresistible depth of flavor. Each bite is a harmonious blend of freshness and succulence that will leave you craving more.

To complement the main course, I highly recommend trying the walnut pear salad. This delectable combination of crisp mixed greens, juicy pears, crunchy walnuts, and tangy vinaigrette is a symphony of flavors. It strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it a delightful appetizer or a refreshing accompaniment to your meal.

But let's not forget about the show-stopper—the potato prepared at the table. This culinary spectacle is a feast for the senses. The waiter skillfully transforms a simple potato into a work of art, topping it with rich butter, crispy bacon, and luscious sour cream right before your eyes. The result is a heavenly blend of creamy, savory, and indulgent flavors that will leave you speechless.

One aspect that sets Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar apart is its exceptional service. The wait staff is truly professional, attentive, and knowledgeable. They guide you through the menu with expertise, suggesting the perfect wine pairing and ensuring that every aspect of your dining experience is impeccable. Their warmth and genuine hospitality make you feel like a valued guest, elevating the entire evening.

Lastly, the cherry on top of this extraordinary experience is the picturesque waterfront view. As you dine, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the waterfront, where the shimmering lights dance upon the gentle waves. It's a serene and romantic backdrop that adds a touch of magic to your meal.

In conclusion, Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar is a hidden gem in Oakland, CA, offering an unforgettable dining experience. With its stunning waterfront views, exquisite interior, mouthwatering grilled salmon, walnut pear salad, and the unforgettable potato prepared at your table, this restaurant is a true culinary paradise. Combined with the impeccable service provided by the professional wait staff, your visit to Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar will be an enchanting journey for all...

I've have tried to dine at Scott's over the years because of it's location and atmosphere, but each time I have been greatly disappointed. I've eaten there as a young person with my folks, for special occasions and the food was awful. I've taken my children there so that they could have the experience of eating out at a nice restaurant, and the food was awful. And now, just this past weekend, my date wanted to go there but I was extremely leary. I tried to tell my date that the food there was over priced and far below par. He really wanted to check the place out, so I tried to have a open mind and was eager to see if they finally learned how to cook there. Well needless to say after nearly 40 years, the answer is sadly no. I ordered the pork chop dinner and Manhattan clam chowder. I thought to myself, who could screw up a simple pork chop and essentially tomato broth with clams. Well let me tell you I was so disgusted by the food I couldn't even eat it, nor would I even give it to my dog. The spinach and potatoes were both too greasy. They were full of oil and had no flavor. The pork chop was a dry, tasteless, burnt overcooked, shoe leather, petrified, heap of stone placed on a plate. The clam chowder was burnt, or scorched. Yes folks they burnt water.... tomato water/broth for the soup. It was like the soup had been sitting all day, or they whipped it up real quick, forgot it was on the stove top, as the heavier ingredients that sat at the bottom burnt, and ruined the entire pot. I did not eat my food at all, but we still paid with tip nearly $200.00. I am always a hopeful person, but with this place I can no longer reserve any hope for this establishment. 40 years from childhood to old age, I have never had one single edible meal there. Lastly, what also jacked up the price was the over priced drinks. 15 dollars for what really amounted to a 1/2 glass of wine is absolutely ridiculous. Other than that the service was ok that's the only reason why I gave it two stars. They are supposed to be a fine dining restaurant but are far from it because of the horse dung they serve that they call food.🙄 They need to ditch the uptight, dated, uniforms and finery, and finally, get someone in that kitchen who really know how to cook for Christ...