Description: When the Sir Francis Drake changed owners and underwent a massive refurbishing several years ago, the owners decided they wanted an upscale but casual restaurant. Scala Bistro fit the bill. It looks like a classic San Francisco restaurant, with wooden booths and a high tin-plated ceiling. There is a rack of magazines and newspapers for solitary diners, but I don't know if anyone ever takes advantage of the convenience. During lunch, you'll see business suits and more casual attire. Reservations are recommended -- we were turned away one day at 1 p.m. but were seated without reservation another day at 2 p.m., after the lunch crowd was gone. The service was pleasant and attentive. My husband had excellent mussels cooked in white wine, which were accompanied by crisp French fries, served in a newspaper cone. I had a shrimp and goat cheese pizza topped with arugula. Each slice had a big, fresh-tasting shrimp. The cold arugula was a nice contrast to the hot pizza. For dessert, the "Bostoni" cream pie is a signature dish. It is Scala's highly-caloric version of the classic chocolate-topped cake and custard combination. If you have room, don't miss it.
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