Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Sorella – San Francisco
Sorella - San Francisco
Photo from Sorella
Sorella at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 110 of the guests
#1022 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#70 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
818
Reviews
74.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Food
- Attentive Service
- Relaxed Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High Price
- Small Portions
- Inconsistent Service
The restaurant Sorella invites you to experience authentic Italian dining in the vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood of San Francisco. This charming Italian restaurant is renowned for its exceptional dessert offerings, promising a sweet conclusion to your meal.
You’ll find a cozy yet upscale atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a trendy night out. With a focus on quality and a welcoming ambiance, Sorella ensures a memorable culinary journey for every guest.
Overview: Introducting Sorella
Sorella offers a dining experience where the culinary execution often shines, with many praising the food for its quality and memorable dishes. The service also frequently receives high marks, with staff often described as knowledgeable and welcoming.
However, some guests have found the value to be a point of contention, particularly regarding portion sizes relative to the cost. While the ambience is generally well-received, a few experiences suggest it can sometimes be inconsistent.
Good
7.6
out of 10
818
Reviews
74.8%
Satisfaction
161
negative
45
neutral
612
positive
Sorella holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.6 out of 10, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 74.8%, which also falls into the good category.
These figures are drawn from over 800 customer observations, with 612 positive remarks outweighing 161 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.9) and Ambience (7.9) both achieve strong scores, reflecting consistent positive feedback.
Service (7.7) also performs well, often highlighted for its attentiveness. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4), which registers as average, with some guests feeling portions don’t always align with pricing.
What people like
- Exceptional Food Quality
- Attentive, Friendly Service
- Modern, Relaxed Ambiance
What people don't like
- Small Portions, High Price
- Inconsistent Service Experiences
- Occasional Ambience Issues
Sorella presents a compelling option for those prioritizing excellent food and attentive service in a pleasant setting. If you’re seeking a meal where the culinary craft and hospitality are key, it’s certainly worth considering for a good experience.
However, be mindful of the value proposition; some find the portion sizes to be modest for the price point. With a Recommendation Score of 7.6, it suggests a generally positive visit, but managing expectations around cost and quantity will enhance your enjoyment.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sorella
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests are generally thrilled! With a solid score of 7.9 and a 77.3% customer satisfaction, its clear the kitchen is doing something right. Out of 490 opinions, 379 rave about delicious dishes like the calamari, Pici, and gnocchi, often highlighting the excellent house-made pasta and creative cocktails.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 72 negative comments. Some found portion sizes to be on the smaller side, and a few mentioned inconsistent seasoning or disappointment with specific items like the focaccia or certain pasta dishes. It seems theres room for minor adjustments.
Food
490
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
72
negative
39
neutral
379
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, innovative dishes
- Excellent pasta selection
- Great cocktails
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent seasoning
- Some dishes disappointing
Often praised
- foodThe team went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and celebrated. It offered GREAT value for a top tier experience and incredible food. I wish we could have tried every item on the menu!
- cocktailsI had a wonderful meal at this restaurant. The service and ambiance were great, and the cocktails were special. The food was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- pastaMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, particularly with the food. I had the squid ink pasta, which was the best pasta I've ever eaten. My friend ordered the lobster pasta, and she even mentioned that the pasta itself was so good it outshined the lobster in her dish.
- drinksThe drinks and the service only served to enhance the meal
- pastasthe appetizers, pastas, and the seabass where magnificent.
- FoodFood:5
- tiramisuThe focaccia, meatballs, salmon and tiramisu were excellent.
- meatballsThe focaccia, meatballs, salmon and tiramisu were excellent.
- menuDuring a recent holiday to SF, we had dinner here and I would highly recommend it. The food was delicious, with plenty of options on the menu. The service was also great.
- oystersWe started with sparkling rosé and a Negroni, and more. Food ordered included oysters, grilled calamari, cauliflower, agnolotti, osso bucco, and a pork chop, followed by dessert – see photos and excuse the half-eaten ones (we were hungry and it was delish)! The portions were perfect for sharing and even for having a treat the next day!
Frequently criticized
- foodThe oysters were not good. Once seated, everything we ordered tasted bad. The bread was bad, the crudo was inedible (and I eat fish regularly), the pumpkin pasta was just okay, and the ragu was simply bad.
- pastaThe pasta was al dente to the point of being undercooked
- portion sizethe portions of the mains were extremely small
- BroccoliniMy main course was good, but not super memorable. The broccolini needed salt, less citrus, and slightly more time roasting. Overall, the place has great promise.
- focacciaMy experience was that the food is very tasty; the carrots were especially yummy. However, I was disappointed with the semi-stale focaccia. The gnocchi was decent.
- meatballsThe meatballs were so overpowered with fennel that I couldn’t even taste the sugo
- portion sizesMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the portion sizes. While the food quality was rated a 4 and the atmosphere and service were excellent (both rated 5), I felt there was just not enough food for the price. I can't be paying $30 and not leave full.
- portionsHowever, the food was just okay overall; nothing truly impressed me. The portions were so small that we ended up needing to eat something else after dinner. : sob: On the positive side, the Potato leek focaccia was really good, though it only came with about six bite-sized pieces.
- trufflesEvery course was improperly seasoned, either too salty or lacking salt entirely. The truffles were flavorless, the ahi tartare was bland, and we discovered a long black hair in our main course. We informed our server, and they brought out another over-salted version.
- AranciniAracini was very dry and we also didn’t finish it.
Overall, if you're looking for an Italian spot with generally delicious and innovative dishes, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some portions might be on the smaller side, but the quality usually shines through.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a strong 75.5% customer satisfaction. Based on 142 positive remarks out of 188 total, many guests rave about the attentive and friendly service, often highlighting the professional staff and phenomenal team efforts that make dining special. However, not every experience is flawless, with 44 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement.
Some guests encountered long waits for tables or food, and a few mentioned issues with hostesses, waitresses, or even supervisors, citing unprofessionalism or a lack of attention to special occasions.
Service
188
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
44
negative
2
neutral
142
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Professional service
- Friendly team
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Unprofessional staff
- Poor management
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, marked by great food, excellent service, and a modern atmosphere. While parking in Nob Hill can be a bit challenging, allowing about 20 minutes to find a spot and 10 minutes to walk made it manageable.
- staffThe staff is friendly and welcoming and goes out of the way to make sure diners are happy and content.
- ServiceService was top notch
- waiterWe started at the bar, moved to a table, and spent $300+. The food was amazing and our waiter was great. We finished the night with a glass of Amaro, as Italians do, and it was so good that I asked the waitress for another glass.
- customer serviceTushar at the bar was a master of his craft and a gracious host. Sorella is a necessary stop for anyone coming to SF, but especially built for those seeking great food with an equal commitment to customer service.
- hostessIt was packed for the early bird seating 😊, but looking back, it was a great choice as we never felt rushed! We could not have asked for a better evening, beginning with the hostess at check-in who not only confirmed the occasion but clarified whose birthday it was 🎂. We were seated in our requested accommodation (booth) and the evening kicked off.
- serversThe place lacks food options and the dish size was insufficient, leaving my nephew and I hungry. While the servers were nice, they demonstrated a lack of knowledge about pasta. I experienced a 45-minute wait for spaghetti, only to not be served it at all.
- teamThe team guided by a wonderful manager works with impeccable efficiency and kindness
- wait staffThe main courses, hanger steak and boar pasta, were prepared perfectly. The wait staff, manager, and other assistant staff all work as a team, making the experience seamlessly happy and comfortable. It's a wonderful place and our new favorite!
- Chef FernandaChef Fernanda came to visit our table twice and is so passionate
Frequently criticized
- serviceterrible service ruined this neighborhood restaurant for me
- hostessAn acknowledgement that the wait was long would have been nice, or anything to indicate that this was out of the ordinary. The hostess seemed so frazzled, I wondered if she had worked in a restaurant before. I had mentioned in the reservation that we were celebrating my friend's birthday.
- managerThe manager took issue with us sitting on the same side of the table and spoke to us inappropriately
- supervisorI had a very bad experience that I will never repeat. I do not recommend dealing with them at all, especially because of their supervisor who was extremely rude and unprofessional. The service was below expectations, and there was no regard for customer satisfaction.
- waitressThis seemed like a positive sign. It took about another 20 minutes or so for the waitress to take a drink order, and at one point I began to wonder if she was ever going to come back to take our food order – again, annoying, but I can understand things get busy on a Saturday night. The kicker came when we ordered dessert and there was no mention of the birthday – no candle, no happy birthday wishes, nothing.
- ServiceService:2
- appetizer orderwaiter forgetting our appetizer order
- appetizersWhen we arrived, the hostess asked if we'd like some bubbly to celebrate; we said yes, but the bubbly never arrived. We had also ordered some appetizers, which didn't arrive until after our entree when we asked about it.
- attitude of the hostessthe attitude of the hostess was disappointing
- birthday acknowledgementIt took about another 20 minutes or so for the waitress to take a drink order, and at one point I began to wonder if she was ever going to come back to take our food order – again, annoying, but I can understand things get busy on a Saturday night. The kicker came when we ordered dessert and there was no mention of the birthday – no candle, no happy birthday wishes, nothing. I had taken another friend here for her birthday a few months prior, so I know the restaurant is capable of acknowledging birthdays and had seen many other plates go by with candles.
If you value attentive and friendly staff, you'll likely have a great experience, as many guests do. However, be prepared for potential wait times or occasional hiccups with specific staff members, especially during busy periods.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
The ambiance here is definitely a crowd-pleaser, scoring a solid 7.9 and boasting a fantastic 84.5% customer satisfaction! With 82 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the relaxed but need-to-impress experiences, aesthetic, and fun atmosphere. Many loved the casual/nice vibe and classy atmosphere, finding it both chic and welcoming.
However, out of 97 comments, a few (14 to be exact) noted some downsides. Some found the restaurant a bit cavernous or sterile, while others mentioned it could get noisy or have off vibes. A few felt it lacked charm, suggesting it might not always hit the mark for everyone.
Ambience
97
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
82
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stylish, chic vibe
- Lively, fun atmosphere
- Relaxed yet impressive
What people don't like
- Can feel sterile
- Potentially too noisy
- Lacks warmth/charm
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, marked by great food, excellent service, and a modern atmosphere. While parking in Nob Hill can be a bit challenging, allowing about 20 minutes to find a spot and 10 minutes to walk made it manageable.
- ambiancePhenomenal ambiance! Relaxed yet cool, unpretentious
- vibewhat you can't miss here is the vibe from the phenomenal team
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeAmazing place amazing service, amazing food !
- Chinese themed barGreat Chinese themed bar
- Polk neighborhoodgreat addition to the Polk neighborhood
- San Francisco diningIt was evident that everyone genuinely enjoyed working there, contributing to the overall delightful atmosphere. This is the best of San Francisco dining, and we had a great time.
- aestheticExcellent overall aesthetic
- ambienceGreat ambience.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherepumped up the music to where it was borderline club vibe
- parkingalotting time for parking, very busy street
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- ambiancethe ambiance was totally off
- charmlacks professionalism and charm
- fine diningespecially as they're supposedly serving "fine dining"
- menu functionalitymenu lacks functionality
- restaurantThe gnocchi was decent. The service was good, but the restaurant feels a bit cavernous and has little warmth to it — literally and figuratively. I will need to come back and try it again.
- sceneryThere is no scenery
- vibesThe vibes were very very off
If youre looking for a place with a generally lively and stylish atmosphere that can adapt from casual to impressive, this spot is a great bet. While a few found it a bit sterile or noisy, the overwhelming majority enjoyed the vibe. Its worth checking out for a good time, especially if you appreciate a chic yet relaxed setting.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found bright spots, especially with offerings like the happy hour deals and affordable selections, including a fantastic oyster happy hour that many considered a steal. Despite an overall customer satisfaction of just 20.9%, there are 9 positive remarks among 43 total, suggesting that for certain experiences, like a great happy hour, guests felt they received good value. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily negative, with 31 negative remarks.
Many guests felt the experience was pricey or expensive, often citing issues like small portions for the price and unexpected costs such as a service fee or billing errors. This contributes to the score of 4, indicating an average performance, and the low customer satisfaction clearly points to significant concerns about the overall value.
Value
43
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
31
negative
3
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Affordable selections
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Hidden fees
Often praised
- priceThe staff were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, offering excellent advice for navigating the menu and the delivery of courses. The food was absolutely top-notch, and a steal at the price. The atmosphere was relaxed and low-key, yet still smart and suitable for special occasions.
- happy hourthis place is great for happy hour
- affordable selectionsaffordable selections, including BTG
- black truffle upchargeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by fantastic service and cocktails. The Truffled Parm budina was lovely and completely worth the black truffle upcharge. My main course was good, but not super memorable.
- oyster happy hourwent for the $1 oyster happy hour (a steal!)
- valueGREAT value for a top tier experience
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food quality was high and the service was good, the portions of the main courses were extremely small for the price. The saying 'the bigger the better' definitely doesn't apply here.
- corkagethat is the most I have ever paid
- price pointAt this price point I expected a lot better
- billThe bill came out to a whopping $375
- billing errorsthey made multiple billing errors, overcharging us significantly
- cancel reservation fee$20 per person to cancel a reservation is a bit bogus
- dinner for fourA dinner for four that left us all still quite hungry set us back $360
- expensiveWe asked our waitress for recommendations since it was our first time and ordered everything she suggested. I feel bad because I genuinely want to support female chefs, but I am truly offended by how expensive and awful that dinner was.
- expensive experienceOverall, a really expensive and surprisingly disappointing experience.
- over pricedI think it was over priced
If you're looking for specific deals like happy hour, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared for potentially high prices, small portions, and unexpected fees that could make the overall experience feel expensive and not worth the cost for a full meal.
How are the prices at Sorella?
You’re looking at roughly 85 per person – reported by 110 diners. That puts it in the $81–$90 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, a good number of guests opt for more premium experiences, with a significant cluster of prices well over 100$. This suggests a menu that successfully offers both solid mid-range options and more indulgent choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 110 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to cater to a range of preferences, offering both a comfortable mid-range meal and more premium options, which is a smart approach.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sorella
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Experience: Cozy and Attentive Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing! The service was exceptional, with the girl at the bar being very attentive and the waiter incredibly sweet. The food was also amazing, contributing to a very cozy atmosphere.
I felt very well taken care of throughout my visit.
- place10
- service10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Top Notch Family Italian Gem
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's my favorite spot in Fairfax. The food is awesome, with the chicken Marsala and all the pastas being my top choices.
They also boast a very good and extensive wine list. The atmosphere is incredibly cozy, and the service is consistently great. It's a truly top-notch, family-run Italian restaurant that's a clear favorite among the locals.
- food10
- chicken Marsala10
- pastas10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Amazing Food, Terrible Manager Experience
I'm trying to understand the experience I just had. We started at the bar, moved to a table, and spent $300+. The food was amazing and our waiter was great.
We finished the night with a glass of Amaro, as Italians do, and it was so good that I asked the waitress for another glass. All of a sudden, a man in a green sweater came over and accused us of stealing a glass of amaro? I was caught so off guard that I was flabbergasted by this experience.
I can no longer recommend this place. As others have said in reviews, there appears to be a supervisor that harasses the guests at this restaurant. Do not come here.
For a Michelin restaurant, they should be removed for this experience alone. Such a shame.
- food10
- waiter8
- Amaro9
- man in green sweater2
- experience2
- supervisor1
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
3
Disappointing Pasta Experience
I appreciated that the restaurant offered a happy hour. However, my primary reason for visiting an Italian establishment was to enjoy a pasta dish with a creamy sauce, but I was surprised to find that no pasta options were available. The service was decent, though I still felt like just another customer.
I'm not in a hurry to return.
- happy hour7
- creamy sauce5
- service7
- pasta dish2
- feeling like one of many3
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A Hidden Gem with Outstanding Pasta!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's truly a hidden gem with the best pasta I've ever had. The flavors and presentation were outstanding, and the drinks were also delicious.
Chef Fernanda is incredibly kind and talented. We find ourselves returning for more every chance we get, eager to experience the seasonal dishes!
- pasta10
- flavors9
- presentation9
What Sorella offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Sorella?
At Sorella, you’ll discover an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for dinner. You can enjoy table service and indulge in delicious desserts. The restaurant also accepts reservations, with dinner reservations highly recommended to secure your spot.
What types of beverages and accessibility features does Sorella offer?
Sorella boasts a great wine list, along with hard liquor, cocktails, coffee, and beer. For your convenience, the venue is wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restrooms. You’ll also find a gender-neutral restroom and a bar onsite.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Sorella?
Sorella generally receives good feedback, with a Restaurant Score of 7.6 and Customer Satisfaction at 74.8%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.9), Service (7.7), and Ambience (7.9), though Value (4) is an area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about dining at Sorella?
Diners frequently praise Sorella for its exceptional food quality, often highlighting delicious pasta dishes and cocktails. The attentive and friendly service, along with a modern and relaxed ambiance, also contribute significantly to positive experiences.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by Sorella's patrons?
Some patrons express concerns regarding the value, specifically mentioning small portion sizes for the price. There are also occasional reports of inconsistent service experiences and minor issues with the ambiance, such as music being too loud.