Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » Piccino – San Francisco
Piccino - San Francisco
Photo from Piccino
Piccino at a glance
San Francisco Dogpatch
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 112 of the guests
#1320 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#96 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
608
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great ambiance
- Tasty food
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Tiny portions
- Rude staff
The Italian restaurant Piccino invites you to a delightful dining experience in San Francisco’s vibrant Dogpatch neighborhood. You’ll discover a menu crafted with care, offering a taste of Italy right here in the city.
Known for its truly great dessert, this spot promises a sweet ending to any meal. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a casual lunch, Piccino provides an atmosphere that is both upscale and inviting, perfect for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Piccino
Piccino offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its inviting atmosphere and vibe, making it a suitable spot for a date night or special occasion. Guests frequently appreciate the friendly staff and the overall positive experience they have.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value, with mentions of high price points and unexpected surcharges. While the food receives many positive remarks, there are occasional comments about small portions or dishes being overly salty.
Good
7.3
out of 10
608
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
134
negative
33
neutral
441
positive
Overall, Piccino garners a solid 7.3 score, indicating a good dining experience, which aligns well with a 72.5% customer satisfaction rate. This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial 608 customer remarks, with 441 positive observations outweighing 134 negative ones.
It suggests that most patrons leave feeling content with their visit. Looking closer, the Ambience (7.8), Service (7.6), and Food (7.5) all perform well, contributing significantly to the positive feedback.
However, the Value (3.2) stands out as a clear area for improvement, suggesting that while the experience is generally enjoyable, some guests find the pricing to be a notable drawback.
What people like
- Inviting Atmosphere
- Flavorful Pastas & Pizzas
- Friendly Staff
What people don't like
- Questionable Value
- Small Food Portions
- Inconsistent Host/Manager
Piccino, with a 7.4 recommendation score, generally delivers a pleasant experience, particularly if you prioritize a good atmosphere and well-prepared Italian dishes. It’s a solid choice for an evening out where the overall vibe and taste are key.
However, be prepared for the pricing, as the value aspect is a common point of contention. If you’re seeking generous portions or are sensitive to unexpected fees, it might be worth considering.
For a charming setting and enjoyable food, it’s certainly worth a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Piccino
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Overall, the food here earns a good score of 7.5, with customer satisfaction also landing at a good 74.9%. Many of the 256 positive observations frequently highlight the excellent quality of components, especially the delicious house-made pastas and thin crust pizzas, often praising the seasonal menu and fresh ingredients. However, some of the 66 negative comments raise concerns about the portion size, with dishes occasionally described as salty or overpriced.
A few experiences also noted food being bland, suggesting some inconsistency in flavor execution.
Food
342
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
66
negative
20
neutral
256
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- House-made pastas
- Thin crust pizzas
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Overpriced food
- Salty dishes
Often praised
- foodThe place itself is really nice, and the staff were very friendly. The food was good, although there was a bit of a wait for it to be prepared initially. Interestingly, once we ordered more, subsequent orders arrived at our table faster.
- cocktailsEverything was amazing including the cocktails
- funghi pizzaWhile the food was good, particularly the funghi pizza, the portions were really small and the overall experience felt overpriced. I liked the funghi pizza, but I forgot to take a pic.
- pastasExcellent pastas; some of the best in the city
- Italian foodThe best Italian food in San Francisco
- appetizersThe people were very nice and the service was great. Everything we had, from the appetizers to the dessert, was very tasty!
- dishesThe dishes are always flavorful and seasonal.
- menuThe portions were a bit small, which was a shame~ I ordered about 5 dishes, and every single one was delicious. They have a pretty extensive menu, so it would be great to order various dishes to share. Highly recommend, highly recommend~
- pastathe pasta and unique starters were really what blew me away
- pizzaThe service was great, and the prices were reasonable. I also enjoyed the very good cocktails and pizza. I will definitely be back.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy sister ordered the risotto when we went the other day and it was so salty that no one could help her eat it. Service was delightful, which is why I’m giving 3 stars because you couldn’t ask for better staff, but it’s disappointing when the food is incredibly salty that you can’t finish it. We saw people behind us order the risotto and almost wanted to warn them because it was unbelievably salty but ultimately didn’t.
- portionsIt was simple and clean, but completely delicious. The portions were a bit small, which was a shame~ I ordered about 5 dishes, and every single one was delicious. They have a pretty extensive menu, so it would be great to order various dishes to share.
- pizzaMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. One pizza was very salty and the other was undercooked. The place needed music.
- pastaHowever, the food and service proved to be disappointing, especially considering the price range. The cheese ravioli (quattro formaggi) was undercooked, with the pasta around the filling almost raw – a failed attempt at al dente. I informed the server about the texture, and while I didn't receive an apology, he offered to cook it longer.
- vegetarian optionsI wish they had more vegetarian options
- allergenstake better care of allergens
- appetitesTheir demeanor was so uninviting, it almost convinced me I'd stumbled into an exclusive "Customers Not Really Welcome" club. Despite this warm embrace, we optimistically sat down, only to later discover our appetites were as unfulfilled as our hopes for a pleasant greeting. Farewell, Piccino, it's been.
- baconWhat she left out was the bacon in it
- balanceWish it had better balance
- broccoli pastaBroccoli pasta loaded with lemon/citrus, inedible
If you're seeking fresh, Italian-inspired dishes with a focus on quality, the food here is generally a strong contender. Just be prepared for potentially smaller portions and a few reports of inconsistent seasoning or higher prices.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The service here generally shines, earning a 7.6 score and a 74.5% customer satisfaction. With 73 positive comments out of 98, guests frequently praise the friendly and fast service, highlighting attentive waiters and efficient staff. Many appreciate the quick food speed and thoughtful, intelligent service, making for a fantastic experience.
However, there are some areas for improvement, noted in 18 negative remarks. Issues include occasional slow service, forgotten orders, and long waiting times for tables. Some experiences mention unfriendly staff, rude managers, or uninviting greeters, which can detract from the overall dining experience.
Service
98
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
18
negative
7
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, fast service
- Attentive waitstaff
- Good recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude staff/manager
- Slow service
- Forgotten orders
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant for brunch was quite disappointing. While the staff was lovely and provided fantastic service, and the restaurant had a very nice vibe with an open, spacious interior, the food did not meet expectations, especially considering the price. The portions were extremely small.
- staffMy sister ordered the risotto when we went the other day and it was so salty that no one could help her eat it. Service was delightful, which is why I’m giving 3 stars because you couldn’t ask for better staff, but it’s disappointing when the food is incredibly salty that you can’t finish it. We saw people behind us order the risotto and almost wanted to warn them because it was unbelievably salty but ultimately didn’t.
- ServiceMy sister ordered the risotto when we went the other day and it was so salty that no one could help her eat it. Service was delightful, which is why I’m giving 3 stars because you couldn’t ask for better staff, but it’s disappointing when the food is incredibly salty that you can’t finish it. We saw people behind us order the risotto and almost wanted to warn them because it was unbelievably salty but ultimately didn’t.
- reservationmaking a reservation ahead of time is a must
- waitersHowever, the atmosphere was significantly let down by the front of house manager. Despite the wonderful waiters, the manager was super rude to his staff and not particularly pleasant to guests, which negatively impacted the overall ambiance, scoring a 2 out of 5.
- Julia's energyHer happy and warm energy always makes my day.
- chefThe tomato sauce was particularly good. Hats off to the chef!
- chef's tableMy dining experience was awesome and the food was fantastic! I definitely recommend getting a seat at the “chef’s table”. This spot is perfect for date night!
- fantastic experienceThe “sweet potato tortellini” hits that perfect sweet-and-savory balance, while the “endive salad” with fresh pear is light and refreshing. As usual, we had a fantastic experience. This place is our go-to whenever friends are visiting, and it’s never let us down.
- foodgot us the food quickly
Frequently criticized
- serviceI came for brunch at 12 on Saturday and found plenty of empty tables available inside, though only a couple outside. The service was a little slow because they were busy, but it was great otherwise. The food was amazing.
- managerSuper rude to his staff and not particularly pleasant to guests
- greeterAs for the reception, I believe the greeter was operating under the impression that "welcoming" was an ancient, forgotten art form. Their demeanor was so uninviting, it almost convinced me I'd stumbled into an exclusive "Customers Not Really Welcome" club. Despite this warm embrace, we optimistically sat down, only to later discover our appetites were as unfulfilled as our hopes for a pleasant greeting.
- helloa simple hello would be nice
- hostThe host couldn't clearly explain the seat and menu options
- order forgottenthey forgot our order
- outdoor seatingrequested outdoor seating, but the host disregarded this
- racistI can't help but think it was racist because there were so many parties around us
- reservationThis is an upscale, yet neighborhood joint. We were turned away from the half-empty dining room because we didn't have a reservation, but we were directed to the bar next door for drinks and small bites. The server was very friendly, but didn't introduce herself.
- serverThe server was also rude to us
Overall, the service is a strong point, often described as friendly and efficient. While there are occasional hiccups with wait times or specific staff interactions, it's generally a reliable choice for a pleasant dining experience.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to atmosphere, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7.8 and an impressive 84.5% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks love the vibe. Out of 129 comments, a whopping 109 praised its charming atmosphere, warm and inviting vibe, and versatile indoor and outdoor seating, making it perfect for anything from a casual hang-out to a special date night.
However, not everyone was completely charmed. A smaller number of 16 comments pointed out some downsides, with a few mentioning pretentious vibes or issues with noise levels. Some found the seating uncomfortable or were placed in a weird entryway, ' which occasionally detracted from the overall experience.
Ambience
129
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
16
negative
4
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming, inviting atmosphere
- Versatile seating options
- Great for occasions
What people don't like
- Can feel pretentious
- Occasional noise issues
- Some seating awkward
Often praised
- atmosphereSitting on the terrace, the lighting, trees, and yellow painted walls created a cute, cozy, and warm atmosphere. Even though it was outdoor seating, there were heaters, so it wasn't cold~ The food.
- vibelove the vibe both inside and outside
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- chef's countersat at the chef's counter and enjoyed watching the team prepare meals
- locationperfect location for a night out, celebrations, or a lovely evening
- ambianceambiance is pleasant and buzzing
- barThis is an upscale, yet neighborhood joint. We were turned away from the half-empty dining room because we didn't have a reservation, but we were directed to the bar next door for drinks and small bites. The server was very friendly, but didn't introduce herself.
- bar areaThe menu, while relatively short and simple, was creative and varied enough to satisfy most diners, including vegetarians. I also appreciated the nice outside terrace space and the modern, classy indoor restaurant with a nice bar area. The food was excellent, and the service was top-notch.
- date nightWe had a nice date night here. The food was great, and the service was good.
- experienceI found it to be one of the best Italian restaurants in town, with food that tastes good. The team was friendly, contributing to a great experience overall.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere despite the wonderful waiters was marred somewhat by the front of house / manager guy
- seatingwe were seated in a weird entryway by the door which was nice and private, but disruptive when people walked in and out
- decorIt’s basic in decor and doesn’t have much atmosphere to the place.
- musicOne pizza was very salty and the other was undercooked. The place needed music. However, the staff were prompt and friendly.
- noisementioned that it was loud, they stopped briefly but then continued
- patioToo windy at the patio
- placeThis place is not what it used to be
- pretentious vibesgives off pretentious vibes
- serverThe host's response was, 'that’s too much information for you ladies, let me just get you seated. ' Adding to the discomfort, a server was making loud noises with silverware right next to us and talking loudly to another server throughout our meal. While they briefly stopped when I mentioned the noise, they soon resumed.
- tablesTables felt uncomfortably close.
Overall, if youre looking for a place with a great atmosphere, especially for a special occasion or a cozy evening, this restaurant is a strong contender. Just be mindful of potential noise or seating preferences, and youll likely have a fantastic time.
Value (3.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems there's a small but vocal group who found some bright spots. Out of 39 customer remarks, 3 highlighted that the prices were reasonable and the value exceptional for the quality received. Despite a low overall score of 3.2, some guests felt the food was very reasonably priced for its great quality.
However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 34 negative remarks, points to significant concerns. Many felt the experience was overpriced , citing surcharge issues, hidden fees , and generally high prices for small portions or average quality. The customer satisfaction, at 7.7, suggests some overall enjoyment, but the value aspect clearly needs attention.
Value
39
Reviews
7%
Satisfaction
34
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Exceptional food value
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- Overpriced dishes
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceFood is very reasonably priced for the great quality
- pricesPrices are reasonable
- valuefor what you're getting the value is exceptional
Frequently criticized
- priceThe crunchy, munchy texture of both stood out to me. However, the food here is on the pricey side, and the drinks can add up to the bill quite quickly, so be careful if you're dining on a budget.
- drinksdrink can add up to the bill
- price rangedisappointing for the price range
- surchargeundisclosed 6% surcharge, never mentioned until the bill came out
- amountOne pasta dish was undercooked in my view. Overall, we had a lovely time but feel maybe at over 200 dollars we paid a high amount. Unfortunately, this restaurant uses a 6% "sf mandate" fee rather than implement this through their menu item prices.
- chargeit’s really a 6.5% charge
- dish pricepriced as if they were entrees at around $30 per dish.
- expensiveExpensive for the mid-tier flavors
- food:valuefood:value has gone down a little
- hidden fee6% hidden fee added to the final check
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a mixed bag on the value front. While some find the quality justifies the cost, a significant number of guests feel its overpriced due to hidden fees and small portions. Go in with your eyes open, especially regarding the final bill.
How are the prices at Piccino?
You’re looking at roughly 54 per person – reported by 112 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average sits here, the actual spending is quite varied! We see a good number of guests spending less, in the 21 – 40 $ range, and also a significant portion enjoying more premium options, pushing into the 71 – 101 $+ brackets. This suggests a menu that caters to different budgets or dining experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 112 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for an Italian restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to offer options for various budgets, which is a smart move. If you’re looking for a solid mid-range Italian meal, this spot could be a great choice, with room to splurge if you wish!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Piccino
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Experience, Overpriced Food
My experience at this restaurant was just OK, at best. The portions were super small for the price, and I encountered the smallest meatballs I have ever eaten. The pasta was over-cooked, acidic, and soaked in water/sauce, and it was served in a small cup for over $30.
The mushroom pizza was decent and the only thing worth remembering. The drinks were also very expensive, and the decor and ambience were very average. I cannot understand why this restaurant demands such high prices and receives praise.
- mushroom pizza7
- decor and ambience5
- portions2
- meatballs1
- pasta2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great food, marred by rude manager
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was excellent, earning a perfect 5 out of 5. However, the atmosphere was significantly let down by the front of house manager.
Despite the wonderful waiters, the manager was super rude to his staff and not particularly pleasant to guests, which negatively impacted the overall ambiance, scoring a 2 out of 5.
- food10
- waiters10
- atmosphere2
- manager1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Divine Pasta and Desserts!
I loved the vibe of this place! Sitting in front of the open kitchen, where you can watch your food being prepared, truly enhanced the experience. The pasta and appetizers were fantastic – fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated.
My favorite part, however, was the dessert. The gianduia was a perfect balance of flavors: sweet ice cream coated in chocolate, a touch of bitter dark chocolate drizzle, a salty caramel-like shard, and a tangy passion fruit drizzle that tied it all together. Absolutely divine!
- vibe10
- open kitchen9
- pasta9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Wonderful Experience with Great Food and Service
My experience at the restaurant was truly wonderful! It was a delight to see Julia, whose happy and warm energy always brightens my day, both at the coffee shop and the restaurant. The rest of the staff were equally efficient and friendly.
The food was delicious, and the beautiful vibe all around made for a perfect evening.
- Julia's energy10
- rest of the staff9
- delicious food10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Italian Food and Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great Italian food and found the cocktails from the new bar to be absolutely delicious. The service was also exceptional; our servers, Giulia and Katie, were very sweet and attentive.
- Italian food9
- cocktails9
- servers10
What Piccino offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What dining options are available at Piccino?
At Piccino, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner services. You can choose between comfortable table seating or counter service. Additionally, dessert is a highlight, and catering services are available for your special events.
Does Piccino cater to specific dietary needs and offer a diverse drink menu?
Yes, Piccino is committed to accommodating various dietary preferences, offering healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options. For beverages, you’ll find a great wine list, beer, cocktails, and hard liquor. They also serve excellent coffee and a great tea selection, alongside happy hour drinks.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Piccino?
Piccino generally receives good feedback, with a 7.3 overall score and 72.5% customer satisfaction. The Ambience (7.8), Service (7.6), and Food (7.5) are well-regarded, though Value (3.2) is a notable concern.
Is Piccino suitable for a special occasion or date night?
Yes, many guests find the atmosphere and vibe at Piccino to be quite appealing, making it a popular choice for date night or celebrations. The chef’s counter also offers a unique experience.
What are common concerns customers have about Piccino?
Customers frequently mention that the price can be high, with small portions and sometimes unexpected surcharges. There are also occasional comments about inconsistent service from the manager or host.