Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » MATTINA – San Francisco
MATTINA - San Francisco
Photo from MATTINA
MATTINA at a glance
San Francisco Lower Pacific Heights
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 64 of the guests
#1228 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#90 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
427
Reviews
73.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food Quality
- Inviting Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Questionable Value
- Noisy Environment
The restaurant MATTINA is a charming Italian restaurant nestled in the vibrant Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any meal, whether you’re craving a delightful breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or an intimate dinner.
Patrons consistently rave about the great dessert options, making it a sweet highlight of your dining experience. With its inviting ambiance and authentic Italian flavors, MATTINA offers a memorable culinary journey right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting MATTINA
MATTINA generally provides a pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the quality of the food and the inviting atmosphere. The attentive service often receives commendation for its warmth, making for a welcoming visit.
Yet, some diners have noted that portions can feel small for the price, and the dining space occasionally becomes quite loud. There are also instances where service has been less consistent, impacting the overall impression.
Good
7.4
out of 10
427
Reviews
73.8%
Satisfaction
94
negative
18
neutral
315
positive
Overall, this restaurant holds a solid 7.4 score, reflecting a generally positive experience for many patrons. This is further supported by a 73.8% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 427 customer remarks, with 315 positive observations outweighing 94 negative ones, painting a clear picture of its strengths. Diving deeper, the Food (7.8) and Ambience (7.7) are clear standouts, consistently earning high marks.
However, the Service (6.3) falls into the average range, suggesting some inconsistency, while Value (5.2) appears to be a more contentious point, often perceived as just adequate. This blend of strong culinary and atmospheric appeal with more moderate service and value aspects shapes the overall dining narrative.
What people like
- Exceptional Food Quality
- Inviting Atmosphere
What people don't like
- Questionable Value
- Noisy Environment
- Inconsistent Service
With a solid 7.5 recommendation score, this restaurant generally offers a worthwhile dining experience, particularly for those who prioritize well-prepared food and a pleasant setting. It’s a place that often delivers on its culinary promises, making it a good choice for many.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the perception of value, especially if you’re sensitive to price or noise levels. If you’re seeking a vibrant spot with good food and can overlook these minor drawbacks, it could be a delightful option.
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Verdict: Our expert take on MATTINA
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction of 79.4%. With 212 positive remarks out of 267, many rave about the delicious strawberry bruschetta, lamb/octopus skewers, and chocolate tarte dessert. The pastas and biscuits also receive high praise for their quality and flavor.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 44 negative comments. Some found the bucatini with lemon ricotta under-seasoned or the frittata crust tough. A recurring concern was portion sizes being too small, and some dishes were noted for being oily or overcooked.
Food
267
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
44
negative
11
neutral
212
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, refined plates
- Outstanding pasta options
- Exceptional biscuits, desserts
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Some dishes overcooked
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's an approachable place to get great food, offering a detail-oriented but not stuffy atmosphere. Chef Matt and his team were super welcoming and cool.
- aranciniThey offer unique flavor pairings of favorite dishes. I particularly enjoyed the duck ravioli with balsamic brown butter with grapes, the crespella, and the arancini with a roasted red pepper 🌶 sauce. I highly recommend 👌 this place!
- coffeehighly recommend their coffee
- pastaHighly recommend the pasta!
- bucatinifrom the arancini to the bucatini to the charcoal grilled meats everything is perfect
- prosciuttoI highly recommend the pasta! The service was excellent; our waiter even brought us free prosciutto because the pasta was a little slow to come out. The atmosphere and food were both rated a 5 out of 5.
- Brussels sproutshaving Brussels sprouts with the octopus and beets was really nice
- FoodThe Food received a solid 4/5 rating
- biscuitBoth the biscuit and the prosciutto melt in your mouth
- biscuitsone of the best biscuits in the city
Frequently criticized
- foodfound the food extremely heavy and oily
- ice cream sandwichWe had a salad and biscuit with prosciutto, and both were good. However, the dessert, an ice cream sandwich, came out almost frozen, making it hard to eat and, I guess because it was too cold, it was tasteless.
- pasta dishes3 of our 4 pasta dishes came out and she cleared our appetizer plates.
- portionsThe portions are quite small
- Bean and Kaleunevenly cooked with some beans being hard -- not firm, but hard. The beans were bland and needed more seÄĄÄĄasoning.
- Peppers and Cippolinioily peppers and four limp and hacked-up cippolini halves
- Pork ChopThe pork was not juicy or succulent but dry and overcooked.
- Potato and Octopusmostly potatoes with some 11/2" pieces of octopus sprinkled around that were hard to find and smelled a little of fishy
- bad dishhave never had a bad dish
- biscuitbiscuit was a little dry and burnt on the edges
If youre looking for a spot with generally delicious and innovative Italian-inspired dishes, especially pastas and desserts, its definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some portions might be on the smaller side, and a few dishes can be inconsistent.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners have had some truly lovely experiences. With 53 positive remarks out of 91 total, guests often praise the attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly staff, noting instances of excellent service. Specific shout-outs go to servers who make the experience extra special.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with a score of 6.3 placing it in the average range and customer satisfaction at a mixed 58.2%. About 36 negative comments highlight issues where guests felt ignored, experienced slow service, or encountered haughty and understaffed' teams, suggesting inconsistency in delivery.
Service
91
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
36
negative
2
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Excellent customer care
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Felt ignored
- Understaffed teams
Often praised
- serviceThe portions were also HUGE! We greatly enjoyed the friendly and attentive service. This is truly a neighborhood gem in a pretty competitive area.
- staffOur server Eric and the staff were FANTASTIC
- ServiceService was genuinely lovely—warm, knowledgeable, and attentive
- serversEric and his counterparts are wonderful servers
- attentiveThey were so attentive and accommodating
- servershe was the only one there for this shift
- Chef MattChef Matt killing it
- Chef Matt and his teamChef Matt & his team were super welcoming and cool
- QuiennahQuiennah was such a great server
- SonjaSonja is serving smiles and a little bit of fun sass.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, similar to a previous visit to SPQR where expectations were high but reality fell short. The space is beautiful, but the service was pretty weird. I was seated at a dirty table.
- waiterAlthough we were greeted and seated quickly, not much else kept up with the speed or friendliness. Our waiter just seemed tired and his heart was not into being hospitable, perhaps because it was late in the day. The food was very visually appealing, but nothing to write home about.
- another tableanother table was frustrated and have to leave the restaurant because they has been asking for help many times and no one responded to them
- attentive serviceall the staff seemed to ignore us
- attitudethat is when the attitude began
- checkshe immediately brought the check.
- checked onWe suggest staying away from the brisket as it was extremely dried out. We were never checked on and just felt ignored, but it seemed like that’s how all of the tables were. Overall, not a positive experience.
- dessert menubrought the dessert menu to the table.
- discriminationblatant discrimination against Asians
- experienceSuper rushed experience. :/
Overall, service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While many rave about attentive and friendly staff, others have faced frustrating delays or felt overlooked. If you're willing to roll the dice, you might get a fantastic server, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits all the right notes, boasting a strong 7.7 score and a solid 79.3% customer satisfaction. Many guests, with 46 out of 58 comments, rave about the decor and vibe, calling it a beautiful space with a cozy feel. The open kitchen and comfortable seating also contribute to a very pleasant experience.
However, a few of the 8 negative remarks point to some minor snags. Some found it hot inside or noted noise level issues, with conversations reflecting loudly. A couple of guests also mentioned tables are also VERY close together or being seated at a makeshift table, which can detract from the overall comfort.
Ambience
58
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful decor
- Cozy vibe
- Open kitchen view
What people don't like
- Loud noise
- Close tables
- Temperature issues
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's an approachable place to get great food, offering a detail-oriented but not stuffy atmosphere. Chef Matt and his team were super welcoming and cool.
- AtmosphereThe Atmosphere was also very good
- ambiancewe enjoyed the ambiance but the music could have been a bit louder
- interiorLovely airy interior
- open kitchenWe enjoyed the ambiance, though the music could have been a bit louder. Being seated in front of the open kitchen added a bit of spectacle to the experience. The service was warm and friendly, only slightly intrusive.
- spaceGood space
- Chef's CounterSit at the Chefs Counter for front row seats to the show!
- MusicMusic is jamming here this morning
- bathroomsBathrooms were super cute
- beautiful spaceBeautiful space
Frequently criticized
- Atmosphere:2Atmosphere:2
- dirty tableSeated at a dirty table
- hot insideIt was hot inside the nearly empty restaurant
- loudso it is very loud
- makeshift tableseated us at a makeshift table near the entrance
- noiseConversations reflect and make the space noisy
- tables are also VERY close togetherTables are also VERY close together
- temperatureA bit on the chilly side in terms of temperature
This spot generally offers a beautiful and inviting atmosphere, making it a solid choice for a pleasant outing. While some minor issues like noise or warmth, and snug seating, occasionally pop up, the overall good vibes make it worth checking out.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, some folks have found a lot to love! With 4 positive remarks out of 11 total comments, many appreciate the price point and prices here, often describing them as reasonably priced. Guests have enjoyed fantastic food and even a great wine list at accessible prices, feeling the cost was more than fair.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with 6 negative remarks. The score of 5.2 indicates an average performance, but customer satisfaction sits at a poor 36.4%. Many feel the price is too high for what you get, with small portions and a sense of having spent way too much for the value received, expecting better quality for the cost.
Value
11
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Accessible wine prices
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Small portions
- Poor value
Often praised
- price pointat a price point that feels more than fair
- pricesThe food was decent, but the service felt slow, especially considering the dining space was only half-full. On the positive side, they have a GREAT wine list featuring really fun Italian wines at accessible prices. The bathrooms were super cute, and the overall design was decent, taking into account the narrow space.
- reasonable pricesReasonable prices
- reasonably pricedfood we got was fantastic and reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was a bit too pricy, and the portions were small. The oat latte I received was disappointing, although the ones that came out later appeared to be better.
- pricesgiven the prices Mattina charges, I expect good food
- spent way too muchfeeling we spent way too much for what we got.
- valueprepare your wallet for a wallop. Four small dishes and a Diet Coke set me back over a hundred big ones
If youre looking for a bargain, this might not be your spot, as many feel the prices dont match the portions or quality. However, if youre selective and find those reasonably priced' gems, you might be pleasantly surprised. Proceed with caution and manage your expectations on cost.
How are the prices at MATTINA?
You’re looking at roughly 52 $ per person – reported by 64 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the market offers a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly to premium, your 52 $ sits nicely in the middle of this diverse landscape.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 64 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian spot in San Francisco. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank, especially when you consider the variety of price points available in the city.
Customer Reviews: what people think about MATTINA
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Excellent Food, Service, and Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. I've tried dishes from both the brunch and all-day menus, and they have all been outstanding. Specifically, the housemade jam, crespelle, milk bread bun, arugula & apple salad, lumache pasta, and chocolate torta were all delicious.
I've never had a bad dish here. The servers were super friendly, and the ambiance was quiet and relaxing.
- housemade jam10
- crespelle10
- milk bread bun10
- bad dish1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Pesto and Salty Chicken
My experience at the restaurant was largely disappointing. The green pesto was just 'meh', lacking any real flavor. The chicken skewer was excessively salty, making it difficult to enjoy.
I don't recall the other pasta dish, but it wasn't good either.
- green pesto5
- chicken skewer2
- other pasta3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Food, Minor Bruschetta Issue
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive! We absolutely loved this place and will definitely be back. The food was great, with the pasta, salad, skewers, and tiramisu being particularly amazing.
The only minor miss for me was the bruschetta, which was a bit oily. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a perfect 5. It was a quiet and easy place to talk during our lunch.
The food itself was rated a 4.
- food8
- pasta10
- salad10
- bruschetta4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Understaffing Ruins a Beautiful Space
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to significant understaffing. On a Sunday morning prime time, there was only one person working the front of house. As expected, we had to wait forever, even for water.
We also noticed many people waiting at the front for a long time before leaving. The food seemed to be rush-prepared, suggesting the back of house was also understaffed. While the space itself is beautiful, the restaurant needs to hire more people to make us want to return.
- beautiful space4
- staffing1
- wait forever1
- people waiting1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Mixed Experience with Pasta and Service
My experience at the restaurant was just okay. We ordered the pasta pie, but it was unfortunately cold in the middle, suggesting it wasn't warmed up sufficiently. On a positive note, the little gem salad was pretty good, and another pasta dish we ordered was thankfully warm.
My main complaint regarding service was that my partner's dinner arrived about 10 minutes before mine, which felt like an odd timing. While he was kind enough to share, this could be awkward for a first date or business dinner.
- little gem salad7
- pasta dish8
- pasta pie2
- partner’s dinner3
What MATTINA offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Do you need a reservation to dine at MATTINA Restaurant?
Yes, MATTINA Restaurant accepts reservations, and it is recommended to make dinner reservations, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours. This ensures you secure your preferred seating time for a delightful Italian dining experience in Lower Pacific Heights.
What kind of dining options and accessibility features does MATTINA Restaurant offer?
MATTINA Restaurant provides a range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with both counter and table service. You’ll find it to be wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What is the overall dining experience like at this restaurant?
This restaurant generally offers a good dining experience with an overall score of 7.4 and 73.8% customer satisfaction. Guests particularly appreciate the Food (7.8) and Ambience (7.7), though Service (6.3) and Value (5.2) are more moderate.
What kind of food can I expect at this restaurant?
This restaurant is known for its quality food, with many positive remarks about dishes like pasta, arancini, and biscuits. While generally well-received, some opinions note that certain dishes can be heavy, oily, or have small portions.
Are there any common issues or things to consider before visiting this restaurant?
Some diners have found the restaurant to be loud and the tables quite close together. There are also occasional concerns regarding the value for money and inconsistencies in service, so it’s good to manage expectations in these areas.