Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Pescatore – San Francisco
Pescatore - San Francisco
Photo from Pescatore
Pescatore at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- đ Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41â$50
mentioned by 107 of the guests
#1902 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#116 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
534
Reviews
59.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Pleasant ambiance
- Flavorful dishes
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Variable food quality
- Noisy, tight space
The restaurant Pescatore, an authentic Italian restaurant nestled in the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood of San Francisco, invites you to a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal.
Known for its great coffee, it’s an ideal spot whether you’re starting your day or winding down. This charming eatery offers a true taste of Italy right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Pescatore
Pescatore offers a dining experience where the atmosphere and service often stand out. Guests frequently commend the excellent service and great atmosphere, making it a pleasant place to spend time.
However, the culinary journey can be a mixed bag, with some finding the food overpriced and lacking consistent flavor. Be mindful of potential extra charges that can impact the overall value of your meal.
Good
6.6
out of 10
534
Reviews
59.7%
Satisfaction
164
negative
51
neutral
319
positive
Pescatore holds an overall score of 6.6, placing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction at 59.7%, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment is drawn from a total of 534 customer opinions, with 319 positive remarks and 164 negative ones.
Looking closer, the Ambience (7.4) and Service (7.3) are generally well-regarded, suggesting a comfortable setting and attentive staff. The Food (6.7) receives an average score, while Value (2.7) is a notable concern, often cited for its high prices and additional fees.
What people like
- Attentive, friendly service
- Pleasant, classy ambiance
- Flavorful pasta and chicken
What people don't like
- Unexpected extra charges
- Inconsistent food quality
- Loud, cramped environment
If you prioritize a pleasant setting and good service, Pescatore could be a suitable choice for a casual meal. The 6.7 recommendation score suggests it’s worth considering, especially if you’re in the area and appreciate a nice atmosphere.
However, be prepared for potentially higher costs and variable food quality. It might not be the ideal spot if budget is a primary concern or if you’re seeking consistently exceptional culinary experiences.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pescatore
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Based on 167 positive remarks, many diners rave about the delicious and high-quality food here, often praising the variety of dishes and generous portions. The overall food score sits at a respectable 6.7, suggesting a generally positive culinary experience. However, with 60.9% customer satisfaction and 71 negative comments, some experiences were less stellar.
Concerns included food being bland or not authentic, overpriced dishes, and a limited menu, with some finding watery sauce or poor seasoning.
Food
274
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
71
negative
36
neutral
167
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
- High-quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Bland food flavor
- Lacks authenticity
- Overpriced dishes
Often praised
- foodThe restaurant was able to accommodate a party of around 20 of us for lunch after the event. Our experience was fantastic; the service was excellent, the staff helpful, and the food delicious!
- pastaThe pasta was delicious
- chocolate torteThe chocolate torte was a stand out for sure
- drinksThe food, drinks, and atmosphere are very good.
- pizzaThe pizza and cocktails were delicious
- FoodFood:4
- breakfastBreakfast is much better than the pasta
- chickenChicken was full of flavor and not dry
- chicken parmthe chicken parm was not only cooked well but incredibly well seasoned
- cocktailsThe cocktails had a sufficient alcohol content surprisingly
Frequently criticized
- foodfood was overpriced, lacked flavor, and the overall quality is poor
- dessertdidnât want to risk being disappointed on a $15 dessert
- drinksHowever, the service was quite disappointing. Our server didn't bring all of our drinks, and we had to wait for silverware. We were also promised water, which never arrived because our server was too busy making drinks and forgot about us.
- limited menunothing good to say about the very limited menu
- pizzapizza was not great
- risottoThe risotto was perfect except for the sweetness, like dessert sweet, not enjoyable at all
- salmonThe food was not good, and it cost an absolute fortune. My friend paid $34 for a small piece of salmon served on a large amount of rice. It felt like a total rip-off!
- vegetarian optionswerent many veggie options
- Bruschettathey run out of Bruschetta
- Fettuccine AlfredoFettuccine Alfredo would be literally fettuccine and Alfredo
Overall, the food scores a 6.7, offering many delicious and varied options. While 60.9% customer satisfaction suggests some mixed experiences, its worth a visit if youre open to trying a diverse menu, but be aware of potential inconsistencies.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The service here generally earns a good score of 7.3, with many guests praising the team. Out of 143 comments, 98 were positive, frequently highlighting attentive and friendly staff who provide impeccable service and create a memorable experience. Many appreciate the personalized touch and genuine care from the personnel.
However, customer satisfaction is a mixed 68.5%, indicating some inconsistencies. About 38 comments pointed to issues like poor service, slow service, and instances of staff attitude or long waiting time. Some experiences suggest a lack of attentiveness or flexibility, which can detract from the dining experience.
Service
143
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
38
negative
7
neutral
98
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly Staff
- Attentive Service
- Impeccable Service
What people don't like
- Poor Service
- Slow Service
- Unattentive Servers
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's centrally located and offers excellent service. The staff were professional and always attentive, especially the owner.
- staffStaying at the adjoining hotel, it felt almost instinctive to eat at this restaurant. The staff is truly courteous and kind, especially two girls who were always smiling. The pizza and the main courses were good.
- serverour server, Jose, was quite possibly the best we've ever had
- waiterthanks to Ryan the waiter who made it even more pleasant
- ServiceService and ambiance is great.
- attentiveHe was very attentive to our every need
- impeccable serviceMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. It's a real Italian restaurant with an elegant atmosphere and impeccable service. They offer a great variety of dishes, and everything we ordered was delicious and served in considerable portions.
- personnelWhile the price per person is between $50â100, the overall experience felt worthwhile. The service was good, with nice personnel, although there was a slight delay in getting an ice bucket for the white wine, requiring two requests. Overall, the food and atmosphere were standout aspects.
- Jesus, Gabriela, and IrvingJesus, Gabriela, and Irving were very attentive and kind
- JoseFrom our server, Jose
Frequently criticized
- servicePoor rating because of service. Worst service ever
- managermanager who was not interested in the customers dining experience
- serverour particular server did not care!
- staffthe staff would not remove it
- waitresstreated us like we was interrupting her or we owed her something
- attitudehis whole attitude changed
- breakfast hoursSign inside says breakfast 7-11 am. Sign out side stated 7-10:30 am.
- chefEither their âchefâ never tasted the real focaccia or is unable to cook
- closing timeAs I walked over, the waiter decided to lock the door right in my face, even though I had arrived far before closing time. This was my experience at the restaurant.
- customer serviceTerrible customer service from the bartender, waiter and worse of all the manager
While the service often shines with friendly and attentive staff, leading to many positive experiences, be aware that customer satisfaction is a bit mixed. You might encounter some inconsistencies, so it's worth trying, but keep an open mind about potential delays or less engaging interactions.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.4 score, and a solid 80.3% customer satisfaction! Many guests, accounting for 53 positive remarks out of 66 total, loved the nice atmosphere, elegant atmosphere, and fabulous vibe. The décor and ambiance, often complemented by wonderful music and even a lovely singer, create a truly pleasant setting for a dinner date or a relaxed evening.
However, not everyone found the atmosphere perfect, with 10 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. A recurring concern was the noise level, with some finding the restaurant or place super loud, making it hard to hear. A few also noted a lack of outdoor seating or tight seating, which detracted from an otherwise welcoming environment.
Ambience
66
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Wonderful music
- Pleasant setting
What people don't like
- Very loud
- Tight seating
- No outdoor seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was really nice. It's a low key yet classy establishment. We enjoyed delicious penne pasta with sauce and veggies, and clam linguine.
- locationwalking distance from anywhere in Fishermanâs wharf area
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- musicThe Salmon cooked with shrimp in sauce was plump and melted into the pasta. I remember the music being fun. Yum!
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a very nice place to relax and enjoy a drink. The staff was very friendly and helpful, contributing to a great atmosphere.
- restaurantvery nice restaurant
- ambianceService and ambiance is great.
- ambienceAwesome ambience
- chefâs cookingit was fun to see the chefâs cooking
- cleanlinessThe staff is friendly and cordial. The ambiance is a bit dated but clean.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere does not meet the $37 price point
- bathroomthere is no bathroom
- experienceThe atmosphere was also an issue; it's a small place, but it was super loud, making it impossible to hear each other across the table. I'm not trying to be mean, but it wasn't a good experience or meal. I wouldn't go there again to waste my money.
- outdoor seatingthere was no outdoor seating unfortionatly
- placeNot the same place as it used to be
- restaurantrestaurant is LOUD
- seatingseating was a little tight
- suboptimal atmosphereI had high hopes for this restaurant, but unfortunately, my experience was marred by poor service and a suboptimal atmosphere. This is particularly disappointing considering they automatically add an 18% gratuity to all parties.
- welcoming environmentwe wanted a welcoming environment
If youre looking for a place with a great vibe, good music, and a pleasant setting, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that it can get a bit loud, so it might not be the best choice if youre seeking a very quiet, intimate conversation spot.
Value (2.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
Based on 51 customer opinions, a tiny fraction (just 1 positive remark) noted that the prices were reasonable. However, with a score of 2.7 and customer satisfaction at a mere 2%, its clear that this positive sentiment is an outlier, suggesting value isnt a strong point here. The vast majority of feedback, with 45 negative remarks, points to significant concerns about the overall value.
Many customers felt the final bill was inflated due to unexpected service charges and surcharges, leading to accusations of price gauging and feeling that items were simply overpriced. This indicates widespread dissatisfaction with what customers receive for their money.
Value
51
Reviews
2%
Satisfaction
45
negative
5
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Unexpected fees added
- Wildly overpriced items
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- pricesPrices were reasonable
Frequently criticized
- priceExpensive. The food was fine. Poor rating because of service.
- billfigured there must be a discount. The prices were expensive but for downtown bougie breakfast and mimosas I was like, it will be fine. We had two mimosas coffee and two meals 80$ menu price, I got a bill for 111$ with a 18% service charge!
- pricesThe prices are a bit expensive
- 18% gratuityadd an 18% gratuity to all parties automatically
- 7% "SF mandate" chargemysterious 7% "SF mandate" charge added
- 7% surchargea 7% surcharge to offset the cost of Labor
- SF feesWatch out for those extra SF fees though
- auto tipping policyforced to tip almost $200 due to the auto tipping policy
- children's pizzaHowever, I found the pricing for the pizzas to be peculiar. The children's pizza costs almost as much as the regular-sized one, with only a minimal difference in size. I would appreciate more appropriate proportions for the children's pizza.
- coffee pricesPrices for coffee seemed ridiculous
If you're prioritizing value, this restaurant might not be the best choice for you. The overwhelming sentiment points to high prices and unexpected fees, making it a potentially disappointing experience for your wallet. Be prepared for a higher-than-expected bill.
How are the prices at Pescatore?
Youâre looking at roughly 47 per person â reported by 107 diners. That puts it in the $41â$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, itâs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 47, most diners tend to spend between 21$ and 50$, showing a clear sweet spot. However, there’s also a good number of guests enjoying more premium options, with some spending well over 60$.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 107 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its an Italian restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair for the mid-range experience it offers. Theres a good spread of prices, so you can likely find something that fits your budget, whether you’re looking for a casual meal or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pescatore
Price per Person
- $21â$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Food and Attentive Service
My experience at Pescatore was wonderful. The pizza and cocktails were delicious. I stayed at Hotel Zoe and visited Pescatore multiple times during my stay.
The staff, Jesus, Gabriela, and Irving, were very attentive and kind. I will definitely return the next time I'm in San Francisco.
- pizza9
- cocktails9
- Jesus, Gabriela, and Irving10
Price per Person
- $31â$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
2
Expensive Pizza, Disappointing Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The pizza was not great, and considering the price of a glass of wine, the overall bill for two people with a tip came to $75. It felt like a nutty price for what we received.
- pizza2
- glass of wine3
- price2
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Good Pasta, Mixed Service
The pasta was good. The service was very attentive, but not everyone was equally helpful. The place is serious.
- pasta8
- service6
- place5
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Service from Justo!
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. The service was excellent, particularly from our server, Justo. He made our night so much better by being very attentive to our needs and always smiling.
When a dish wasn't cooked to my liking, he sincerely ensured it was fixed right away. We are definitely coming back. Thanks, Justo!
- service10
- server Justo10
- attentive9
- dish cooked4
Price per Person
- $21â$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
4
Okay Italian, but not authentic
My experience at this restaurant was okay, but rather mediocre. The food was good, but not as authentic as one would hope for in an Italian restaurant. The quality was alright, but it didn't really convince me.
For me, it was a one-time visit; I wouldn't necessarily come back.
- food5
- quality6
- authenticity3
What Pescatore offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Pescatore?
You can expect a cozy, casual, and quiet atmosphere at Pescatore, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with table service. Enjoy their great wine list, hard liquor, cocktails, and beer, alongside excellent coffee and small plates.
Is Pescatore accessible and what amenities does it provide?
Yes, Pescatore is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restrooms. You’ll find free Wi-Fi and an onsite bar for your convenience. Parking is easy with a paid lot and street parking, usually with plenty of spots.
How does Pescatore generally rate?
Pescatore holds an overall score of 6.6, indicating an average to good experience. While Ambience (7.4) and Service (7.3) are well-regarded, Food (6.7) is decent, but Value (2.7) is a significant concern.
What do customers enjoy most about Pescatore?
Many appreciate the attentive staff and the classy atmosphere. Dishes like pasta and chicken parm are often highlighted for their flavor and quality.
Are there any common complaints about Pescatore?
Yes, customers frequently mention the high prices and unexpected service charges. Some also find the food quality inconsistent and the dining area can be loud and have tight seating.