Scoma's of Sausalito — Restaurant in Sausalito

Sausalito's Scoma's: An Ode to Seafood, Wine, and Unforgettable Charm.

Step right in, amigo! If you're a seasoned traveler to Sausalito, you understand its allure. Like walking into a picturesque postcard, Scoma's is the soul of it all. It's not just any restaurant, but an establishment renowned for its splendid seafood and vibes that scream 'feel good.' For over fifty years, Scoma's has been more than a place to grab a meal - it's a tale of Sausalito that never gets old.

A good story never goes untold. Let's travel back in time to 1965, a time when Al and Joe Scoma converted a small, cozy coffee shop with six tables into a sought-after seafood haven. Fast forward to the present, and the legacy lives on, with the Scoma's still at the helm, ensuring the charm that placed it on the map endures. This place is no run-of-the-mill establishment - it's a family-centered enterprise, rooted in tradition and warmth.

Scoma's, tucked away on Sausalito's picturesque waterfront, offers panoramic views of San Francisco Bay's beauty and the city skyline's architectural marvel. The atmosphere is a tasteful mix of laid-back and sophisticated - a cozy nook where you're more than a customer, you're part of the family. Add in the random yet delightful sight of sea lions, and you have an unparalleled dining experience.

Unquestionably, seafood takes center stage here. It’s a fresh, mouthwatering, sustainably-sourced delight straight from the wharf's heart. The menu? Think of it as the 'Hall of Fame' for seafood. From the velvety clam chowder to the rich and meaty Shellfish Saute unique to Scoma's, every dish is a flavorful masterpiece.

Here comes the best part for all you oenophiles: the wine list. And what a treasure it is! Scoma's caters to every wine lover's fancy and complements each dish perfectly. The expansive list spans from the tangy Chardonnays and vibrant Sauvignon Blancs to the robust Cabernets. If you have a soft spot for Californian wines, their collection won't disappoint. Be it a cool white to harmonize with your clam linguine or a bold red to enhance your hearty Cioppino, Scoma's hits the spot. Remember Scoma's Wine Book Wine has been Spectator Award Winner since 2001-2023.

When the day is done, Scoma's stands out as more than a restaurant – it’s an immersive journey. From the instant you step in, you're served with the finest seafood, exquisite wines, and a heartwarming atmosphere. It's a place where memories are crafted, one delectable dish and wine glass at a time.

This overview is your foundation, there's a universe to explore beyond this. You could delve into personal anecdotes, describe specific dishes and wines you've savored, or dig deeper into the establishment's rich history and the lineage behind it. You might find interest in their sustainable fishing practices or the nuanced details of their interior design. The ball is in your court. Enjoy...

As a San Francisco native, I can appreciate how hard it is to survive in the Bay Area. I can appreciate our vintage institutions and what they’ve had to endure in the last and current century. I also never want to cause someone in the food service industry job insecurity but the older man with glasses, in gray slacks and a vest with a visible limp and salt & pepper hair was the rudest floor manager I ever dealt with.

I tend not to leave negative reviews because I always try to be understanding that there are factors I may not always be privy to.

With that being said, this reflects my experience with the either the manager or the front of house manager that came to my table and scolded me and my party for being unable to all arrive at the same time. His words were “When is the rest of your party going to arrive? You’ve had the table for an hour (seated at 1:34, scolded at 2:10) and we lost the table.” Two of us had traveled over an hour to dine at this establishment and being a busy holiday weekend, there was considerable traffic and parking limitations.

One of the ladies in my party had even called ahead and moved our reservation to 1:30 p.m., which was accommodated and we were not told beforehand or when the first of our party arrived that we all had to be present to be seated. For reference, the first of our party arrived at 1:30 and was given the option to wait for her entire parted or be seated. Since it was over an hour drive, she chose to be seated.

I don’t blame the waitstaff since they usually have to file suit and do as they are instructed. My issue was the constant pressure to provide estimated times of arrival for all the people in my party, which was 3 people. And once I started speaking Spanish, my service was considerably better.

While the restaurant has a nice view and the waitstaff were attentive, the vegan option left much to be desired but the rest of the offerings were well executed.

I won’t be back and I won’t recommend this place to anyone I know. Apparently there was or is a sister restaurant in San Francisco proper which is why we ventured out to Sausilito. Also as we were leaving at 3:20, there were considerable tables empty so I doubt our 30 minutes where we were ordering drinks and appetizers...

Scoma’s Review

It isn’t easy for a restaurant to meet expectations on Valentine’s Day, of all days. It’s usually nuts because people are nuts (they tend to be more impatient or obnoxious, IMO). But Scoma’s totally exceeded our expectations. We had a LOVELY lunch/dinner here on 2/14/2022.

We’d been here a couple of times before, whenever we visit Sausalito. And those experiences were good, but this one was GREAT. It really helped us enjoy my wife’s birthday.

First of all, I had put a note in my OpenTable reservation noting the birthday and requesting a quiet window table - like EVERYONE does. I hate to say I was surprised, but admittedly I was surprised what a great table we got. So many restaurants just ignore what you write. In Scoma’s case, the very likable, approachable host acknowledged us quickly and escorted us to a nice quiet table in the back by the window. That gesture ALONE established a good dining experience. I wouldn’t have cared if the food hadn’t been great or even if the service had a few misses. But neither of those things were a concern, either. The server was awesome! He was so personable but professional, I really got a kick out of him as he sort of figured out what kind of couple we are. He was fun (sorry I’ve already forgotten his name!). But he really helped make a great experience, got our drinks quickly, checked on us, didn’t just abandon us after the food was delivered (that happens sometimes, but not here on this occasion).

LOVED the shrimp cocktail. LOVED that not only do they have oysters, but the service Hog Island oysters here. I had them. They blew me away. My wife got the surf and turf, and she really enjoyed both the steak and the lobster. I loved the ahi I ordered. And for dessert, the zabaglione was as good as any I’ve had in fancy Italian restaurants. Totally awesome. On top of EVERYTHING else, as if that weren’t enough, they easily and happily accommodate gluten-free dining options. You don’t hear this expression a lot, but hats off to...