Highlights
- Great dessert
oChef » Firenze By Night – San Francisco
Firenze By Night - San Francisco
Photo from Firenze By Night
Firenze By Night at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 80 of the guests
#552 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#38 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
492
Reviews
81.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Gnocchi
- Family-like service
- Authentic ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Small portions
- Rushed service
The restaurant Firenze By Night invites you to experience authentic Italian flavors in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a memorable evening.
This Italian restaurant is renowned for its great dessert, ensuring a sweet end to your meal. Whether you’re seeking a casual dinner or a special occasion, you’ll find a welcoming spot here.
Overview: Introducting Firenze By Night
Firenze By Night offers a dining experience where the warmth of old school Italian food meets genuinely attentive service . Guests often rave about the culinary delights, particularly the gnocchi , which many find exceptional and memorable.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding small food portions and a general feeling that certain items can be overpriced . While the overall experience is largely positive, these aspects occasionally temper expectations for some patrons.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
492
Reviews
81.5%
Satisfaction
79
negative
12
neutral
401
positive
This establishment garners a strong overall score of 8.1, reflecting a generally positive reception, with customer satisfaction standing at a commendable 81.5%. These figures are supported by 401 positive remarks out of 492 total comments, indicating a well-regarded dining spot.
The Service (8.5) and Food (8.3) are particularly well-received, contributing significantly to the high praise. The Ambience (8.3) also contributes positively to the experience, often described as cozy and authentic.
However, the Value (3.4) score presents a clear area for improvement, with 79 negative comments highlighting concerns about pricing and portion sizes, which stands in contrast to the otherwise strong performance.
What people like
- Exceptional Gnocchi
- Attentive, family-like service
- Authentic Italian ambiance
What people don't like
- Perceived poor value
- Small food portions
- Occasional rushed service
With a solid recommendation score of 8.2, Firenze By Night is certainly worth considering if you appreciate classic Italian flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. It delivers a memorable dining experience, especially if you prioritize quality food and attentive staff.
Be mindful of the pricing, as some guests perceive it as less than ideal for the portion sizes. If you manage your expectations regarding cost, you’re likely to enjoy the authentic charm and culinary highlights this restaurant offers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Firenze By Night
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.3 and customer satisfaction at a strong 84.3%, it's clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 274 total opinions, a whopping 231 were positive, frequently praising the melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, authentic Italian menu, homemade pasta, and delicious veal dishes.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 35 negative opinions noted. Some found the sauce too salty or lacking flavor, while others felt the pasta was overcooked. There were also mentions of inconsistent food quality and surprisingly small food portions, which can be a bit of a letdown.
Food
274
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
35
negative
8
neutral
231
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Gnocchi melts in mouth
- Authentic Italian menu
- Homemade pasta
What people don't like
- Pasta lacked flavor
- Small food portions
- Inconsistent food quality
Often praised
- foodWe enjoyed the carpaccio, Lumache alla Rustica, Osso bucco, Gnocchi, Tortellini all Romano, Linguine con Vongole, and Tartufo di Chocolate and Tartufo Cappuccino. We were all blown away at how great the food was. The gnocchi melts in your mouth.
- gnocchignocchi as an appetizer and it was a perfect blend of tender pasta and velvety sauce, it was the best!
- Italian foodthe Italian food is the BEST I've EVER eaten
- Gnocchi FirenzeMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with delicious food and attentive service. The Gnocchi Firenze was a standout recommended dish. The kitchen was also happy to accommodate a shellfish allergy, which is a great plus for dietary restrictions.
- dinnerMy dinner experience was great, and I thoroughly enjoyed the drinks and desserts. I highly recommend looking for the specials.
- GnocchiThe gnocchi melts in your mouth
- Negronihave a Negroni or two
- Tartufo CappuccinoDon't miss their Tartufo Cappuccino
- carpaccioWe had the carpaccio, calamari, Tortellini, Capellini…so damn good
- cuisineserves cuisine that would still be a bargain at twice the price
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to poor service and small food portions. We felt like we didn't get much food on the plate. If you decide to go, I recommend ordering two meals, otherwise, you might end up like us, needing to get fast food on the way home.
- raviolimediocre ravioli that tasted like chef boyardee
- sauceThe sauce might be a too salty for my liking.
- Caprese Saladtomatoes had no taste
- Double Caesar saladDouble Caesar salad was tiny
- Fettuccine with seafoodFettuccine with seafood was overcooked
- Italian orange sodaUnfortunately, it turned out to be a poorly made mocktail.
- Mozz starterThe double Caesar salad was surprisingly tiny, not even close to being covered, which was disappointing compared to previous visits. The Mozz starter lacked flavor and felt overpriced. The penne dish didn't taste fresh, and the sauce was not very flavorful.
- PennePenne didn’t taste fresh
- TiramisuI could actually taste the granulated sugar. I’ve had much better..
If you're craving authentic Italian flavors, especially their renowned gnocchi and homemade pasta, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might be inconsistent, and consider asking about portion sizes if you have a big appetite.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and a customer satisfaction of 87.2%, its clear guests feel well taken care of. Based on 102 positive remarks, diners consistently praise the attentive and knowledgeable staff, often highlighting the friendly, family-owned and run atmosphere and heartfelt service.
However, not every experience was perfect. A small number of 14 negative comments mentioned instances of rushed service, with some finding the waitstaff rude or impatient. While these seem to be isolated incidents, theyre worth noting for a complete picture.
Service
117
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
102
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, knowledgeable staff
- Family-run hospitality
- Heartfelt, genuine service
What people don't like
- Rude, impatient staff
- Rushed service
- Poor service
Often praised
- serviceIf you want true old school Italian food with service that treats you like family, this is the place to go. The food was excellent, and the service was top-notch, making for a wonderful dining experience.
- staffWe enjoyed an amazing dinner featuring perfectly cooked escargot and the yummiest braised lamb we've ever had. Despite arriving late and being the last to leave, the staff was exceptionally kind and accommodating. The lovely ambience, reminiscent of Florence with its statue of David and panoramic backdrop, was quite enjoyable.
- bartenderBartender, waiters and management are very friendly and welcoming.
- PaoloWe had the pleasure of running into Firenze by Night in San Francisco recently. It was a busy night and we did not have reservations, but Paolo went out of his way to accommodate our party of 5 for dinner. We started with some cocktails and proceeded to order our food.
- chef/ownerVery welcoming chef/owner at the door who genuinely got to know us
- customer serviceThe customer service was great—the staff were lovely and attentive!
- hospitalitythe hospitality is truly exceptional
- welcomeThey're welcome us like we're family!
- European style serviceOld World’ European style service which is, sadly, all too rare in America.
- Fabio and PauloMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! Fabio and Paulo were great, providing excellent service. The food was so good that we ate there two nights in a row.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by unpleasant service. We visited with the intention of having just starters and a drink, but the waiter persistently urged us to order main dishes, reminding us several times.
- waiterimportuned by the waiter to order the main dish
- bread and still wateroffered her bread and stilled water... assumed it was complementary
- spoonIncluding the time to order, preparation time, and to eat properly, count 1 hour. As I talk a lot to translate back and forth between our friends and my children, the spoon to eat my pasta was cleared before I even used it. I ate the topping (shrimp and fish but few calamari) with a fork, cut some spaghetti with a knife to have a little, but did not ask to take the rest away as I was staying in a hotel without a refrigerator.
- timetime is relatively limited for dinner... count 1 hour
- tipthe waiter threw it back at me
- wait staffWait staff stressed.
- waiter disclosurewaiter disclosing that
- waitstaffMy experience at this restaurant was surprisingly bad, possibly due to an off night. The waitstaff was rude and made us feel very rushed. The pasta was overcooked and lacked flavor.
If youre looking for a dining experience where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this spot is definitely worth trying. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests you'll enjoy top-notch hospitality, though a rare off-night could mean a less-than-stellar interaction.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, scoring a solid 8.3 and boasting a fantastic 87.7% customer satisfaction! With 64 positive remarks out of 73 total, guests consistently rave about the cozy ambiance, neighborhood vibe, and the feel of an old school Italian restaurant. Many appreciate the intimate setting and welcoming atmosphere, making it perfect for a special occasion or just a lovely dinner experience.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 8 negative comments mention that tables can be a bit close, sometimes leading to more noise than desired and less intimacy. There were also a couple of mentions about the place being cold or the A/C unit' struggling on hot nights, so temperature might be a minor concern for some.
Ambience
73
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy ambiance
- Authentic Italian vibe
- Intimate setting
What people don't like
- Close tables
- Noise level
- Temperature issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service and atmosphere were both top notch. Cozy vibes
- ambianceThe ambiance was so different
- ambiencelovely ambience that reminded us of Florence
- placea nice place to treat yourself
- Firenze By Nightit has never disappointed
- Italian family-owned restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. It's a true Italian family-owned restaurant, authentic to its heritage and its future. I'm already planning for it to be a destination for our next trip to San Francisco.
- Italian musicgreat old skool Italian music playing
- SF experiencean authentic SF experience
- San Francisco experienceClassic San Francisco experience
- authentic Italian restaurantthis is a true authentic Italian restaurant
Frequently criticized
- A/C unitThe single A/C unit couldn't keep up
- atmosphereThis restaurant is not setup for a very hot night.
- commercialnot commercial
- intimacyThe food was pretty good, rating a 4/5, and I particularly enjoyed the Gnocchi Firenze. However, the tables were kind of close to each other, which reminded me of restaurants in Italy but also led to a lot more noise and less intimacy. Despite the atmosphere, I would go back just for the hands down 5/5 service.
- noiseThe food was pretty good, rating a 4/5, and I particularly enjoyed the Gnocchi Firenze. However, the tables were kind of close to each other, which reminded me of restaurants in Italy but also led to a lot more noise and less intimacy. Despite the atmosphere, I would go back just for the hands down 5/5 service.
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The place was cold and uncomfortable, which detracted from the overall dining experience. The food was mediocre, with nothing standing out.
- tablesThe food was pretty good, rating a 4/5, and I particularly enjoyed the Gnocchi Firenze. However, the tables were kind of close to each other, which reminded me of restaurants in Italy but also led to a lot more noise and less intimacy. Despite the atmosphere, I would go back just for the hands down 5/5 service.
If you're seeking a charming, authentic Italian atmosphere with a lively yet intimate feel, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that it can get a bit bustling, and seating might be cozier than some prefer. Overall, it promises a memorable experience.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few guests found some bright spots, praising the Californian wines for being reasonably priced and appreciating the fresh ingredients at a good price. Some even felt their meal was a great value, suggesting it could be a bargain. However, with a score of just 3.4 and customer satisfaction at a low 14.3%, these positive experiences are unfortunately quite rare.
The overwhelming sentiment, based on 22 negative comments out of 28 total, points to significant concerns. Many found items like starters, cocktails, and entrees to be overpriced or pricey. A recurring frustration was the extra charge for basics like water and bread, which some felt was a HUGE RIP OFF and often undisclosed, leading to an expensive overall experience.
Value
28
Reviews
14%
Satisfaction
22
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced wines
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Overpriced food items
- Charges for water
- Charges for bread
Often praised
- Californian winesCalifornian wines were reasonably priced.
- good priceFresh ingredients at a good price.
- great valueMeal was a great value
- pricewould still be a bargain at twice the price
Frequently criticized
- breaddidn’t realize bread costs $3.50.
- overpricedI personally find it overpriced for very mediocre food.
- waterI was charged $6.50 for WATER!!!
- water and breadCharged for water and the bread which they didn’t even disclose
- HUGE RIP OFFHUGE RIP OFF!!!
- Mozz starterMozz starter ... was overpriced
- bowl of pastaThe Fettuccine with seafood was overcooked. Considering the price of $28-30 for a bowl of pasta, I don't understand how this place maintains a 4. 7 rating.
- charge for breadthey charge for bread and don’t disclose that
- cocktailsCocktails a little bit pricey
- entreeWhen your entree is $30 and salad is $12 why the hell are you charged for bread and especially for WATER???
If you're considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially pricey experience, especially with unexpected charges for basics like bread and water. While a few found specific items to be a good deal, the general consensus suggests you might find better value elsewhere, making it a place to approach with caution.
How are the prices at Firenze By Night?
On average, you’ll spend around 58 per person – based on what 80 guests reported. That places this Italian spot in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, thats comfortably mid-range.
While the average is here, the pricing isnt clustered; we see a good spread, with many diners spending both less and more, suggesting a diverse menu.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 80 reviews.
Comparing value for money: how this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, making it a solid choice for a quality meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Firenze By Night
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Italian Experience
We visited this restaurant for an Italian dinner, drawn in by the great reviews. The customer service was excellent, with lovely and attentive staff. However, the food was a letdown.
The "Italian" orange soda, suggested as a non-alcoholic option, was a poorly made mocktail. While the bread for the table was amazing, fresh with excellent pesto, the grilled vegetables were disappointing, essentially a cold salad. The off-menu white sauce vegetarian pasta, though agreed to, was charged as a special and tasted half-hearted and below average.
The Tiramisu had a noticeable granulated sugar taste, and I've had much better. Overall, it was an extremely disappointing experience, feeling overpriced for very mediocre food. I won't be returning or recommending this place.
- customer service10
- staff10
- bread for the table9
- Italian orange soda2
- grilled vegetables3
- white sauce vegetarian pasta2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Elegant Dining with a Fashionable Flair
My experience at this restaurant was quite striking. It's a posh restaurant tucked beneath a building that looked as if it were constructed from Lego blocks, presenting a beautiful skirt with an unimaginative blouse. The patrons were dressed as if attending the opera, and I was pleased to see the otherwise unfashionable Francians putting on the ritz for Firenze by Night.
- posh restaurant8
- patrons7
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Classic Italian Gem in North Beach
My experience at this old school Italian restaurant in North Beach was wonderful. It's a place that still offers a very nice dining experience with white tablecloths, making it ideal for a special occasion dinner like a birthday or graduation. The menu has so many great things, and the Saturday nights Osso Bucco is incredible.
The great friendly staff made me feel totally welcome from the moment I walked in the door.
- old school Italian restaurant8
- very nice dishes8
- white tablecloth8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Italian Gem
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. It felt like a family-run establishment, far from commercial. I highly recommend it.
- family-run10
- commercial9
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Dinner with Family
My experience at Firenze By Night was amazing. My brother and I met up for dinner in North Beach. Paolo greeted us at the door like family, and Nadia took care of us at our table.
We started with the recommended antipasto plate and stuffed mushrooms, which were delicious. We enjoyed a bottle of Chianti with our meal and appreciated that we were never rushed, allowing us to talk and have fun. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the fresh ingredients were offered at a good price.
Thank you.
- antipasto plate9
- stuffed mushrooms9
- Chianti8
What Firenze By Night offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need a reservation to dine at Firenze By Night?
Yes, Firenze By Night accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak hours. This helps ensure you secure your table in their cozy and romantic setting for an enjoyable Italian dining experience.
What kind of atmosphere and drinks can you expect at Firenze By Night?
At Firenze By Night, you’ll find a romantic, cozy, and casual atmosphere, perfect for a trendy night out in North Beach. You can enjoy a wide selection of beverages, including hard liquor, wine, coffee, beer, and cocktails, alongside your Italian meal.
How does Firenze By Night rate overall?
Firenze By Night holds a strong 8.1 overall score with 81.5% customer satisfaction. Its Service (8.5), Food (8.3), and Ambience (8.3) are highly regarded, though Value (3.4) is a notable concern.
What are some standout dishes or experiences at Firenze By Night?
Many guests praise the gnocchi for its tender texture and rich flavor. The restaurant is also known for its attentive service, often described as treating guests like family.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Firenze By Night?
Some diners have found the restaurant to be overpriced, particularly noting small food portions. There are also occasional comments about feeling rushed during service.