Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Rose’s – San Francisco
Rose's - San Francisco
Photo from Rose’s
Rose's at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 106 of the guests
#1400 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#95 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
473
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great ambiance
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Cramped seating
- Service lapses
The cafĂ© Rose’s invites you to experience a taste of Italy right in San Francisco’s charming Cow Hollow neighborhood. Known as an Italian restaurant, you’ll find yourself drawn to its cozy and casual atmosphere.
Whether you’re starting your day or winding down, you’ll appreciate the truly great coffee that makes this spot a local favorite. It’s a trendy destination where you can relax and savor the moment.
Overview: Introducting Rose's
Rose’s offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its delicious food and a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the attentive and friendly service, making for a comfortable visit where you don’t feel rushed.
However, the experience isn’t without its drawbacks. Some visitors have found the seating arrangements to be crowded or uncomfortable, and there are occasional reports of forgetful service.
The primary concern for many appears to be the perceived high prices.
Good
7.3
out of 10
473
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
106
negative
24
neutral
343
positive
Rose’s achieves a respectable overall score of 7.3, indicating a good performance, and boasts a solid 72.5% customer satisfaction rate. This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial 473 customer observations, with 343 positive remarks outweighing 106 negative ones.
Delving into specifics, the Ambience (7.7) and Food (7.5) are clear standouts, consistently earning high marks. Service (7.3) also contributes positively to the experience.
However, the Value (3.2) score is notably low, suggesting that many customers feel the cost doesn’t quite align with the overall offering.
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Crowded, uncomfortable seating
- Occasional service lapses
If you prioritize a delightful meal in a pleasant setting with good service, Rose’s is certainly worth considering. The strong scores for food and atmosphere suggest a place where you can enjoy a relaxed visit, especially if you’re not overly concerned with the bill.
However, be prepared for prices that some find steep, and potentially crowded seating. With a recommendation score of 7.5, it’s a solid choice for those seeking quality food and ambiance, but perhaps not for budget-conscious diners or during peak hours if you prefer more space.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Italian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
420
92.9%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
761
94.6%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
440
93.4%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
378
92.9%
- $$
- Telegraph Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
421
91.9%
- $$
- Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
733
92%
- $$
- Cole Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Rose's
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 75.3%. With 210 positive remarks out of 279 total opinions, many diners rave about the delicious breakfast pizza, the thin crust pizza, and the unique Salmon Cozy sandwich, often praising the homemade feel of the dishes. However, not every dish is a winner, as indicated by 52 negative comments.
Some found the burger dry, while others were disappointed by bland bread pudding or flavorless scrambled eggs. There were also mentions of mediocre food and some dishes not living up to expectations, suggesting a bit of inconsistency.
Food
279
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
52
negative
17
neutral
210
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious unique menu
- Tasty pizza crust
- Homemade feel
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland dishes
- Dry burger
Often praised
- foodfood is delicious. delicious simple green salad
- coffeecoffee authentic and friendly
- breakfast pizzaI had the breakfast pizza. It was smoke ham with 2 overmedium eggs. Something different and I have to say very delicious.
- pizzaThe pizza is again light with sauce and the dough is crunchy
- Salmon CozyThe Salmon Cozy is light, yet has a sweet Italian dressing taste
- breadThe bread on many dishes is light, fluffy, and just a quality product.
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the good breakfast and the bread. They also offer lunch and pizza.
- breakfast pizzasOne of their breakfast pizzas is also a great option.
- french toastThe french toast was completely bread putting, but it was a wonderful dessert.
- salmon cozyI was served by my favorite waitress/server, who was so professional, attentive, and efficient. I enjoyed my favorite entree, the salmon cozy, and a delicious simple green salad with an excellent vinaigrette. I also had a warm frothy cafe au lait served in a bowl a la francaise.
Frequently criticized
- pizzaThe pizza is a thin bread with a few slices of salmon, not worth it for the price.
- foodthe food is expensive and is trying too hard
- breakfast pizzareally bad breakfast pizza, misleading description because it is not a pizza
- burgerThe burger was dry and the burger bun was not toasted
- coffeeMy smoked salmon breakfast pizza, my son’s chicken sausage with polenta, and my husband’s soft scrambled egg sandwich all needed help from hot sauce or salt and pepper. Service was friendly but a bit forgetful—we didn’t get sugar and cream for our coffee until it had gone cold. That said, we still enjoyed our time because we were in great company, and thankfully, there was no rush to leave.
- crustThe crust has no body at all, it's all crispy
- American hamUnfortunately, it was not tasty at all. For the price paid, I expected better quality ingredients, such as Italian prosciutto instead of what seemed to be the cheapest disgusting American ham.
- European onesdon’t taste or look like European one anymore
- Hot ChocolateThe Hot Chocolate was a warmish chocolate which was a let down
- Smoked Salmon pizza crustSmoked Salmon pizza crust is different now.
If youre looking for creative and often delicious dishes, especially their pizzas and unique sandwiches, this place is worth a try. Just be aware that some items might not always hit the mark, so choose wisely. Overall, its a solid choice for a good meal.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.3 score and 72.9% customer satisfaction. Many of the 70 positive remarks praise the friendly staff, attentive waitstaff, and great service, often highlighting excellent menu recommendations. Guests frequently mention specific servers like Kristen, Jesse, and Aina for their outstanding care.
However, not everyone had a perfect experience, with 25 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests encountered rude staff, long waits, or felt the service was forgetful and rushed. There were also instances of hostesses being snippy or waitstaff pushing the bill too soon.
Service
96
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
25
negative
1
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great recommendations
- Quick, efficient service
What people don't like
- Rude staff encounters
- Long waiting times
- Forgetful service
Often praised
- serviceThe ambiance, service, menu and location are like seeing an old friend.
- staffVery friendly staff and manager Jesse was extremely welcoming and helpful
- ServiceOur server was Christine, I think. Lol.
- waitressThe prices were affordable compared to other restaurants, especially considering that San Francisco remains an expensive city. The waitress was very attentive and very friendly.
- great servicetheir great service
- ChristineChristine did a great job serving us
- Outstanding serviceI experienced quality food served super-attentively in a great relaxing atmosphere. All dishes ordered were five stars and so was their outstanding service. Wish I lived nearby to come more often!
- ParkingParking was easier than I thought
- StaffThe Staff is the friendliest with quality service throughout your time at Rose’s.
- Super-attentivelyfood served super-attentively
Frequently criticized
- serviceIf the weather is nice, it's a good place to eat sysco food on a dirty backyard cookout table, with questionable service.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marred by rude staff and a disappointing meal. I ordered an omelette without spinach, but it arrived with spinach.
- clienteleIt felt like they cater to a specific clientele, and I did not seem to be part of it. They seemed to brown their hash, but not their clientele, which was very disrespectful.
- wait staffthe wait staff weren’t friendly at all
- ServiceService was... a bit forgetful
- checkWaited 20 minutes for them to come get the check
- customer interactionhow you speak with customers
- disrespectfulVery disrespectful
- hostessThe hostess was extremely rude and snippy.
- long waitsIt's always a perfect brunch. Be aware that they don't take lunch reservations, and there can be long waits on nice weekend weather days. A helpful hint: show up a little after lunch for shorter waits on the weekend.
The service here generally shines, making it a good choice for a pleasant meal. Most guests rave about friendly, attentive staff, but a few experiences mention rudeness or long waits. If you prioritize attentive care, it's worth a try, but keep an eye out for occasional hiccups.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
The restaurants ambience truly shines, earning a 7.7 score and a 78.5% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a generally good experience. With 62 positive remarks out of 79 total, guests frequently praise the wonderful atmosphere, outdoor seating, and cozy feel. Many appreciate the great vibe and the calm atmosphere, making it a relaxing spot for conversation.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 13 negative comments. Some found the indoor seating to be uncomfortable or crammed, especially for larger groups. There were also concerns about cleanliness, with mentions of unsanitary conditions and dirty tables, particularly regarding the booth couches and backyard cookout table' areas.
Ambience
79
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great outdoor seating
- Cozy, calm atmosphere
- Relaxing, great vibe
What people don't like
- Unsanitary conditions
- Crowded indoor seating
- Uncomfortable booth seating
Often praised
- atmosphereService was friendly but a bit forgetful—we didn’t get sugar and cream for our coffee until it had gone cold. That said, we still enjoyed our time because we were in great company, and thankfully, there was no rush to leave. Even though the food didn’t shine this time, I’m giving the restaurant a 4/5 because I remember how wonderful it once was.
- ambianceThe ambiance, service, menu and location are like seeing an old friend.
- placeIt was the first time I've had a decent cup of tea in America, and the croissant might be the best I've ever had anywhere. The place was very busy, but we didn't feel rushed.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- outdoor seatingI discovered some interesting options on the menu, including dozens of flavors of Italian soda and unique presentations of sandwiches, like the salmon cozy which is salmon and veggies wrapped in toasted flatbread. There's plenty of outdoor seating, with tables that are fully covered, and seats in the afternoon sunshine. The service is friendly and efficient, and the menu changes often.
- locationThe ambiance, service, menu and location are like seeing an old friend.
- Great relaxing atmosphereWhat a great cafe in a peaceful neighborhood! I experienced quality food served super-attentively in a great relaxing atmosphere. All dishes ordered were five stars and so was their outstanding service.
- beautiful viewThis is one of my go-to places in the city. I love the food and the beautiful view. I bring my family as often as I can.
- calm atmosphereenjoyed the calm atmosphere
- chandelierThat one chandelier was memorable
Frequently criticized
- atmospherevery mournful atmosphere here
- backyard cookout tableIf the weather is nice, it's a good place to eat sysco food on a dirty backyard cookout table, with questionable service.
- booth couchesThe booth couches are a place to avoid
- crowdedits very crowded meaning that the tables are very close together
- indoor seatingSlightly uncomfortable indoor seating and crammed
- lighting and decorationyou may not see beautiful lighting and decoration
- parkingParking was a bit difficult.
- table of 4crammed for a table of 4
- tablestables are very close together
- tables or chairsThe service is beyond shocking. They rarely clean the tables or chairs, and we had to wipe down chairs with accumulated food from the night before upon arrival. The wait staff have no time or training to engage in small chit-chat; it's basically a transaction to them.
If you're looking for a place with a generally good atmosphere, especially for outdoor dining and a relaxed vibe, this spot is worth a visit. However, be mindful that indoor seating can sometimes feel crowded or less comfortable, and some cleanliness issues have been noted.
Value (3.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
While the overall sentiment around value is quite low, a few diners did appreciate that the prices were considered affordable, especially given San Franciscos reputation for being an expensive city. This positive feedback, though rare, suggests some found the offerings reasonable, highlighting prices as a positive. However, the general consensus paints a different picture, with value scoring a 3.2 (poor) and customer satisfaction at 5.3 (mixed).
With 16 negative comments compared to just 1 positive, many found items like the expensive pizza and other dishes overpriced, feeling the cost simply wasnt justified for the quality received.
Value
19
Reviews
5%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices noted
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- High cost
- Not worth price
Often praised
- pricesThe cuisine was very good, with a multiple and varied choice of dishes. The prices were affordable compared to other restaurants, especially considering that San Francisco remains an expensive city. The waitress was very attentive and very friendly.
Frequently criticized
- priceFor such a price, they could use Italian prosciutto
- Price per person30$ for some overcooked, salty pasta
- billOn the bill they charged it separately which is unfair
- breakfast for twoI really enjoyed the smoked salmon pizza, and the drip coffee was fine. I was a bit surprised when breakfast for two came out to $100, but such is life.
- costalbeit overpriced
- cost cuttingNow it's flat and dense. Cost cutting?
- expensive pizzaThe very expensive pizza
- juicecosts 6 dollars
- moneyI wouldn’t spend the money for a full meal again. It would be a good place for a cup of coffee and a pastry, but the food is expensive and is trying too hard.
- overpricedjust overpriced.
If youre looking for great value, this might not be your spot, as many feel the prices are too high for what you get. While some dishes might be enjoyable, be prepared for a potentially overpriced experience that could leave you feeling its not worth it for the price.
How are the prices at Rose's?
You’re looking at roughly 34 per person – reported by 106 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 34, its interesting to see that many diners actually spend a bit less, with a good number of prices clustering in the $21–$30 range, alongside those in the $31–$40 bracket. Theres a nice mix, so you can find options across different price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 106 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an Italian restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, allowing for both more budget-friendly and slightly more indulgent dining experiences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rose's
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Pizza and Pasta!
What an experience! The pizza was wonderful, possibly the best I've ever had! The soup from the dish of the day was very tasty, and the handmade pasta was amazing!
I visited twice in three days! I will go again on my next visit to San Francisco!
- pizza10
- soup8
- handmade pasta10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Breakfast with Calm Atmosphere
My friend and I had an amazing breakfast experience. We ate a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the calm atmosphere. The food and service were both rated a perfect 5 out of 5, contributing to a truly enjoyable meal.
- breakfast experience10
- calm atmosphere10
- food10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing backyard cookout experience
If the weather is nice, it's a good place to eat sysco food on a dirty backyard cookout table, with questionable service.
- sysco food5
- backyard cookout table2
- service2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Coffee, Breakfast, and Service
We stumbled across this great spot for coffee and breakfast after visiting the Mrs. Doubtfire house. The food was lovely and the service was great.
It's a quiet place, making it easy to talk.
- coffee9
- breakfast9
- food9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Neighborhood Gem Needs a Toilet Upgrade
This is a beloved neighborhood place that has been a part of the community for decades. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5. However, it's time for an upgrade to the toilet.
- neighborhood place10
- toilet2
What Rose's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at Rose's Cafe in San Francisco?
At Rose’s Cafe, you can enjoy a full range of dining experiences. You’ll find options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with both counter and table service available. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Does Rose's Cafe cater to specific dietary needs or preferences?
Yes, Rose’s Cafe offers a variety of choices to suit your preferences. You’ll find healthy options and a good selection of vegetarian options on the menu. Plus, you can enjoy coffee, tea, wine, and beer, with happy hour drinks also available.
How does Rose's generally perform according to customer feedback?
Rose’s holds a good overall score of 7.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 72.5%. Its strongest areas are Ambience (7.7) and Food (7.5), with Service (7.3) also performing well, though Value (3.2) is a notable weakness.
Is Rose's considered good value for money?
Based on customer opinions, Rose’s is often perceived as expensive and not offering good value. Many mention high prices for items like pizza and breakfast, leading to a low Value score of 3.2.
What is the typical atmosphere like at Rose's?
The atmosphere at Rose’s is generally described as relaxing and pleasant, with positive mentions of its ambiance and beautiful views. However, some customers have found the indoor seating to be crowded and uncomfortable.