Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Fiorella – San Francisco
Fiorella - San Francisco
Photo from Fiorella
Fiorella at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 56 of the guests
#1893 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#114 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
361
Reviews
62.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Italian food
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Questionable value
- Delivery delays
The restaurant Fiorella is an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, you can expect a delightful experience, especially if you have a sweet tooth, as they are known for their great dessert options. You can enjoy your meal indoors, or take advantage of their outdoor seating.
Overview: Introducting Fiorella
Fiorella offers a compelling dining experience, particularly noted for its well-regarded Italian fare. Guests frequently praise the quality of their pizza and the distinctive cacio e pepe, all enjoyed within a pleasant atmosphere and stylish decor.
However, some diners have encountered inconsistencies with the service, citing occasional delays and issues with staff responsiveness. Additionally, concerns about price and unexpected fees, like a 6% charge, suggest that value can be a point of contention for some.
Good
6.6
out of 10
361
Reviews
62.6%
Satisfaction
105
negative
30
neutral
226
positive
Fiorella achieves an overall score of 6.6, placing it in the average range, indicating a generally acceptable but not outstanding experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 62.6%, which falls into the mixed category.
This suggests that while many patrons leave content, a notable portion have reservations, reflecting a balanced but not universally acclaimed reception across 361 customer observations. Delving into specifics, Food is a clear highlight, scoring well at (7.1), often drawing praise.
The Ambience also contributes positively with a score of (6.9), creating an inviting setting. However, Service (5.7) and especially Value (4.8) present areas for improvement.
These insights are drawn from 226 positive remarks versus 105 negative comments, providing a clear picture of what resonates and what falls short.
What people like
- Delicious Italian food
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Friendly staff moments
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Questionable value
- Food delivery delays
Fiorella presents a mixed offering. While the culinary experience, particularly the Italian staples, often shines, and the atmosphere is generally appealing, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service.
The value proposition also warrants consideration, as some find the pricing and additional fees a bit steep. With a recommendation score of 7.1, Fiorella is worth considering if you prioritize good Italian dishes and a lively setting.
However, if impeccable service and clear value are your top priorities, you might approach with tempered expectations or opt for off-peak hours.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fiorella
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food at this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.1 score, though customer satisfaction is a bit more of a mixed bag at 67.4%. Based on 227 opinions, with 153 positive remarks, many rave about the delicious Pizza, authentic Cacio e Pepe pasta, and decadent Nonas meatballs, often calling it top-tier Neapolitan pie. However, some experiences werent as stellar, with 48 negative comments pointing to issues like lackluster pasta and small portion sizes.
A few even reported raw dough spots or cold pizza, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
227
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
48
negative
26
neutral
153
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality Neapolitan Pizza
- Inclusive Menu Options
- Delicious Prepared Plates
What people don't like
- Small Portion Sizes
- Inconsistent Pasta Quality
- Cold/Burnt Pizza
Often praised
- foodI had the best time here! Not only was the food amazing, but what really stood out was the service. Everyone had a big smile and was so friendly.
- pizzaFortunately, we took a wrong turn and went through a tunnel, and Voilà! We discovered great pizza, friendly staff, and a great vibe. (Now off to do some research about that fantastic wallpaper!)
- meatballsArancini and meatballs are always automatic orders
- aranciniarancini: well made with a good outer crisp and creamy interior
- bologneseBolognese is not too tomato forward, lots of meat, and a very creamy feel
- cacio e pepeTheir cacio e pepe was one of the best versions I’ve had
- crustHowever, the cacio e pepe didn't impress me, and while the pasta was decent and al dente, it wasn't noteworthy. The margarita pizza was solid with a great crust and would also be something I'd get again.
- pastaEven the simplest dish, Chittara alla Pomodoro, will knock your socks off. Simple doesn't mean boring and tasteless; this dish is packed with fresh flavors and the pasta is perfectly al dente. Thank me later.
- Italian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious Italian food, which offered a wide variety of appetizers, pizzas, pastas, and desserts. It's a great place for sharing.
- potatoesThe potatoes were also perfect. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Frequently criticized
- foodWhen my dining companion and I calmly asked for an ETA after waiting for an hour, an employee dismissively told us to “look around” and walked away. To make matters worse, the pizza was cold upon arrival.
- pastaThe pizza was the highlight of the meal. However, the pasta was a bit lackluster for the price ($25). I would consider returning, but I would skip the bolognese or try a different pasta.
- pizzaGiven the number of good Italian places in the area, I cannot recommend this establishment. I visited once for dinner, and the food was not good; they even refused to cut our pizza. I tried breakfast on another occasion, and the toast and bacon were burned, with small and pricey portions.
- portionsportions are smaller than expected
- saladWhile the atmosphere is nice and the service is extremely kind, I ended up quite disappointed with the food. The portion sizes were small, and the dishes we tried – the burrata, a salad, and the ragu pasta – were not worth the price. It's a shame because I always wanted to stop by as it looks charming.
- Fiorella breakfast sausagenot such a fan of the Fiorella breakfast sausage
- bolognese rigatoncine pastathe pasta noodles were chewy, undercooked, and inedible!
- brunch menuThe brunch menu was limited. Basically the standard menu with a few eggs items added.
- bufala crostinobufala crostino - horrible! very greasy and tasteless
- burrataWe had the burrata
If you're craving quality Neapolitan pizza or well-prepared Italian dishes with good dietary options, this place is worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistent pasta quality and smaller portion sizes, which might disappoint if those are your priorities.
Service (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed experience, reflected in its score of 5.7 and customer satisfaction at 52.8%. Based on 72 customer remarks, many guests have sung praises for the excellent service and warm hospitality , often singling out staff members for being friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. Even management gets a nod for caring about guest experiences and resolving issues.
However, it's not always smooth sailing. Some diners encountered issues with staff behavior , describing it as rude or inattentive. Concerns about being understaffed occasionally led to slow waiting times and a less-than-welcoming hostess attitude , which certainly put a damper on some visits.
Service
72
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
33
negative
1
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, caring staff
- Accommodating dietary needs
- Responsive management
What people don't like
- Rude staff behavior
- Slow, inattentive service
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceThe spring pea Arancini were particularly tasty, and the Budino for dessert was "to die for. " The atmosphere is really cool, and the service was great even though they were very busy. We were able to walk in and sit at the bar, which was fortunate as reservations are normally needed.
- staffFortunately, we took a wrong turn and went through a tunnel, and Voilà! We discovered great pizza, friendly staff, and a great vibe. (Now off to do some research about that fantastic wallpaper!)
- ServiceService:Dine in
- teamThank you to the team at Fiorella Russian Hill for helping me
- NicoleThe hostess Nicole was super accommodating
- NoemiEveryone had a big smile and was so friendly. Noemi made my day when I had to spend my birthday alone due to business travel; she was so sweet and personable. Thank you SO much for your incredible hospitality.
- StephanieOur server Stephanie is beyond awesome!
- allergiesallergies, requests, etc.
- billing issueI had a billing issue and they reached out personally to make it right
- customer servicecustomer service was top notch
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food was fantastic, and the atmosphere was also very enjoyable. However, the reason for the low service score is the attitude of the hostess. I witnessed her rudely dismiss people who came to ask about their orders, forcing them outside without even checking.
- orderOur order took almost 1 hour to be ready
- serverThe server didn’t seem interested in addressing the issue
- staffthe entire staff acted pretty unprofessional
- angry employeesemployees is very angry
- behavior employeesNot good behavior employees
- compensationMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. Our food was a 2 hours late, and there was no compensation or acknowledgment of the inconsideration and inconvenience. When my dining companion and I calmly asked for an ETA after waiting for an hour, an employee dismissively told us to “look around” and walked away.
- employeeemployee said “look around” and walked away
- employeesemployees is very angry every time
- ground pepperHowever, the pizza had very good flavor and was an average size for an artisan pie. The service was average; we had to ask for things like ground pepper on our salad, parmesan on our meal, and a set of utensils. I would go back for the pizza, but that's it.
If youre looking for a place with potentially stellar hospitality and attentive staff , its worth a try, especially if you catch them on a good day. Just be prepared that service can be a bit inconsistent, and you might encounter some waiting time or less-than-ideal staff behavior if they're busy.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a score of 6.9 and customer satisfaction at a solid 72.2%. Many customers appreciate the overall atmosphere, describing it as super cute, having good vibes, and a lovely menu and vibe. With 26 positive opinions, highlights include ample indoor and outdoor seating, an open kitchen, and a charming, trendy interior that creates a lively, good energy.
However, it's not without its quirks, as 9 negative opinions point out. Some found the atmosphere very loud, and seating could be very tight. Challenges like difficult parking and cold outside seating due to non-working heat lamps were also mentioned, suggesting some areas could use a little more attention for comfort.
Ambience
36
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute, trendy atmosphere
- Ample indoor/outdoor seating
- Lively, good energy
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- Loud, tight seating
- Cold outside seating
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere was great, classic neighborhood spot vibe with good energy
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Noise levelnot too noisy inside, easy to talk
- ambianceNice ambiance inside
- decorThe decor is similar to a retro bistro
- indoor and outdoor seatinglots of indoor and outdoor seating
- interiorTo cap off the meal, the most luxurious budino consistently leaves us saying 'wow'. The interior is very trendy and cute, with its custom wallpaper. We recommend making reservations via OpenTable, but be prepared for a slightly noisy dining room during peak hours.
- menu and vibeIt's a lovely menu and vibe
- open kitchenThe lunch menu differs from the dinner menu. The atmosphere inside is cosy and not too noisy, with an open kitchen. If the weather permits, the lovely outside seating is a great option.
- outside seatinglovely outside seating outside
Frequently criticized
- atmospherecreated an uncomfortable atmosphere for me as a customer
- heat lampHowever, it was a busy night, which resulted in slow service. We were seated at an outside table without a working heat lamp, and it became quite chilly after sunset. Despite these issues, it was overall a nice experience.
- kid friendlymay not be super kid friendly
- outside seatingput outside where it was freezing cold without heaters
- outside tablesat at an outside table without a working heat lamp
- parkingparking is challenging in San Francisco
- restaurant cleanlinessthe restaurant was not clean
- seatingAlthough the weather was perfect the seating was very very tight. We were being squeezed from both sides.
If youre looking for a lively spot with a cute, trendy vibe and plenty of seating options, this place is worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially challenging parking and a bustling, sometimes loud, environment, especially if youre sensitive to noise or prefer a quiet meal.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.8, there are definitely some bright spots! Many customers rave about finding great value and fantastic happy hour deals, with 9 positive comments pointing to reasonable prices and even a neighborhood special thats considered a hidden gem. It seems savvy diners can find some real bargains here.
However, the value proposition isnt always consistent, as reflected by a poor customer satisfaction of just 34.6%. With 15 negative remarks, many feel the restaurant is pricey or an expensive place in general. Specific concerns about wine prices and an added 6% fee frequently come up, suggesting that some costs can be a real surprise.
Value
26
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour deals
- Hidden gem specials
- Reasonable menu prices
What people don't like
- High menu prices
- Pricey wine glasses
- Unexpected added fees
Often praised
- pricesReasonable prices for SF
- Restaurant Week menutheir $45 Restaurant Week menu
- great valueone of the few great value places in sf
- happy hourthey have a nice happy hour
- happy hour dealsreally good deal. Would come back for their happy hour deals
- neighborhood specialneighborhood special is a hidden gem and arguably one of the best deals
- priceeverything priced ~$10, you can’t go wrong
Frequently criticized
- pricelackluster for the price ($25)
- 6% fee6% fee added for employee costs
- cake policycharge you $3 per person at your table for it
- expensive pastabeing the most expensive pasta on the menu ($25), as well as arriving late, the pasta noodles were chewy, undercooked, and inedible!
- expensive placeVery expensive place
- glass of wine$22 for what is basically a glass of wine is insane
- hide the costtry and hide it from customers
- overall experiencethey are more a 5/10 when taking everything into account
- priceyI visited once for dinner, and the food was not good; they even refused to cut our pizza. I tried breakfast on another occasion, and the toast and bacon were burned, with small and pricey portions. I will never return.
- seltzer waterbrought us seltzer water before even giving us a chance to look at the menu, and we had to later find out that it costed us 8$
If you're hunting for a good deal, focus on their happy hour or special menus, as these often provide excellent value. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially higher costs, especially for drinks and certain dishes, which might feel a bit steep.
How are the prices at Fiorella?
You’re looking at roughly 45 per person – reported by 56 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 45, guests actually spend across a wide spectrum. Many opt for meals in the $21–$30 and $31–$40 ranges, while others go for the $41–$50 experience or even higher. It’s a nice mix of options!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 56 reviews.
A peek at how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an Italian spot in San Francisco. You’re getting a good mid-range experience without breaking the bank, and there are options for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fiorella
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Angry staff, poor service experience
My experience at this restaurant was marked by the poor behavior of the staff. The employees were not good and seemed very angry every time. I was not given my order inside, even though it was ready.
The service was a significant letdown.
- staff behavior1
- employees1
- order1
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Exceptional Pasta and Pizza, Worth the Splurge
My experience at this restaurant was largely defined by the excellent pasta and pizza. It's not easy to achieve such a high standard for cacio e pepe, which was cooked perfectly al dente and featured a well-balanced cheese and pepper flavor. The bottarga and Meyer lemon dish was another amazing highlight, with the deep-fried bottarga adding a delightful texture and the Meyer lemon aroma captivating the senses.
While the pizza dough could be a bit more airy, the kale pizza was still quite tasty. Desserts were just okay and not the standout of the meal.
- pasta9
- pizza8
- cacio e pepe10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Fantastic Meal and Service in San Francisco!
We were a group of 4 people and we absolutely loved our dining experience. My daughters enjoyed a pizza and a cheese pasta, while my husband and I savored spicy melon with ham and meatballs. Everything was exquisite!
The waiter was charming and incredibly helpful. If I return to San Francisco, I will definitely dine here again. It was great!
- pizza9
- cheese pasta9
- meatballs10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Italian with Great Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious Italian food, which offered a wide variety of appetizers, pizzas, pastas, and desserts. It's a great place for sharing.
The atmosphere was also very pleasant, with ample indoor and outdoor seating, and plenty of space for larger groups. The service was good, and the menu clearly indicates vegan or gluten-free options, including gluten-free pasta.
- Italian food9
- appetizers, pizzas, pastas, and desserts9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Cozy Cacio e Pepe and Lovely Outdoor Seating
My experience at the restaurant was delightful! I absolutely loved the Cacio e Pepe pasta. The lunch menu differs from the dinner menu.
The atmosphere inside is cosy and not too noisy, with an open kitchen. If the weather permits, the lovely outside seating is a great option.
- Cacio e Pepe pasta10
- lunch menu6
- atmosphere9
What Fiorella offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Fiorella Polk?
At Fiorella Polk, you can look forward to a cozy, casual, and trendy Italian dining experience in San Francisco’s Polk Gulch. They offer lunch, dinner, and dessert, with options for table service and outdoor seating. High chairs are available for families, and reservations are recommended for dinner.
What are the beverage and service options available at Fiorella Polk?
Fiorella Polk provides a comprehensive beverage menu including hard liquor, wine, coffee, beer, and cocktails. For your convenience, they offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. The establishment is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
What is Fiorella's overall standing and what are its strongest points?
Fiorella holds an overall score of 6.6. Its strongest aspects are its Food (7.1) and Ambience (6.9), which are frequently praised by guests.
Are there any common concerns about the service at Fiorella?
Yes, some patrons have reported issues with inconsistent service, including slow order times, staff attitude, and occasional rudeness from the hostess, contributing to a Service score of (5.7).
How is the value perceived at Fiorella?
Value at Fiorella receives a score of (4.8), indicating it’s a point of concern for some. Guests have mentioned high prices for certain dishes, unexpected fees, and smaller portions as reasons for dissatisfaction.