Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Flour Water – San Francisco
Flour Water - San Francisco
Photo from Flour Water
Flour Water at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 125 of the guests
#1367 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#97 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
910
Reviews
69.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional pasta
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Loud environment
The restaurant Flour Water in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District invites you to experience exceptional Italian cuisine. You’ll discover a truly memorable dining experience at Flour + Water, highlighted by its great wine list.
This Italian restaurant offers a blend of upscale, romantic, and cozy atmospheres, perfect for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Flour Water
Flour Water offers a compelling dining experience, often celebrated for its exceptional food and enjoyable atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight the attentive service, making for a generally pleasant visit.
However, some find the overall value to be a sticking point, with concerns about the cost. While the culinary offerings, especially the pasta, receive high praise, a few patrons note issues with loud music and feeling somewhat rushed during their meal.
It’s a place with clear strengths, but also a few areas that could refine the experience.
Good
7.3
out of 10
910
Reviews
69.1%
Satisfaction
219
negative
62
neutral
629
positive
Flour Water earns a respectable overall score of 7.3, indicating a generally positive reception. Customer satisfaction stands at 69.1%, suggesting a mixed but largely favorable view among diners.
This feedback is drawn from a substantial 910 opinions, with 629 positive and 219 negative remarks providing a comprehensive picture. The culinary experience is a clear highlight, with Food scoring an impressive (7.6).
Ambience also contributes positively at (7.5), creating an inviting setting, complemented by solid Service at (7). However, the restaurant’s Value (3.7) is a significant area for improvement, often cited as a concern by guests.
What people like
- Exceptional pasta dishes
- Attentive, friendly service
- Pleasant, cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- High cost, poor value
- Loud, noisy environment
- Uncomfortable seating
Flour Water presents a strong culinary offering, particularly if you prioritize well-crafted dishes and a generally pleasant setting. With a recommendation score of 7.3, it’s certainly a place worth considering for its strengths in food and service.
However, be prepared for the price point, as the value aspect is a common concern. If you’re seeking a quiet, budget-friendly meal, this might not be your ideal spot, but for a quality pasta experience, it delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Flour Water
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a solid 7.6 score and 74% customer satisfaction. Out of 570 comments, a whopping 422 rave about the delicious and creative pastas, often highlighting fresh made pasta and flavorful dishes. Many also praise the excellent pizza, making it a memorable meal.
However, there are some areas for improvement, with 107 negative remarks. Some found the tasting menu disappointing, citing issues with portion sizes and overly salty dishes. A few also noted that the pizza crust could be inconsistent, and vegetarian options sometimes felt limited or egg-heavy.
Food
570
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
107
negative
41
neutral
422
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pastas are creative
- Pizza is delicious
- Food is flavorful
What people don't like
- Tasting menu disappoints
- Portions are small
- Food can be salty
Often praised
- foodWe were a group of four and shared some appetizers: their seasonal squash appetizer and arancini – both were delicious. I had the veal pappardelle which was rich but delicious; everyone loved the food. The service was initially very attentive, but as we took time to make our minds up, I think it irritated our server.
- pastaMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful, though it didn't quite reach a 5-star rating. Overall, the food was good, with the pasta cooked to perfection and the flavor combinations on point. We started with the stracciatella with melon, which was on the sour side but served as a very good appetizer, especially when paired with their homemade sourdough.
- pizzaMy experience at the restaurant involved walking in and being seated at a communal table. The delicious pizza and pasta were great, but the veg bits we ate were actually the highlight of the meal. It was a dinner with a price range of $50–100 per person.
- FoodFood was delicious and unique fantastic flavors
- tasting menuEvery dish on the tasting menu was so unique, memorable and absolutely perfect!
- mealFrom the wait staff to the chefs, it was evident that a lot of care and thought was put into each and every aspect of the meal. We loved every bite and are already counting the days until we can return! I also heard their pizzerias are phenomenal, so I'm looking forward to visiting one of those soon.
- pasta tasting menuWe opted for the pasta tasting menu, and it was a culinary journey
- pastasThe pastas in this restaurant is all home made with high quality.
- aranciniThe arancini and scarpinocc are not to be missed.
- flavorsThe service was incredibly friendly and attentive, making the overall dining experience very pleasant. The food itself was delicious and unique, with fantastic flavors that I would rate a perfect 10/10. I highly recommend this place!
Frequently criticized
- foodIn fact, it crashed and burned. In short, food was mediocre and service was atrocious. When the waitress asked us if we had any questions about the menu, I asked if she could distinguish the farfalle with braised duck from the tagliarini with braised pork; was one richer than the other, etc.
- tasting menuYou'd be better off spending your money flying out to Chicago for overpriced Italian food, as that at least feels a bit more worthwhile. I do not recommend the tasting menu; it's better to go a la carte if you're there.
- pastaFound the pasta wasn’t al dente (to the tooth)slightly over cooked.
- pizzaWhen she said she really couldn't eat it when it was that burnt, the waitress said "well, that's a wood-fired oven pizza and that's the style" which was her third condescending remark, like we only knew Pizza Hut or something. My wife politely but firmly said she knows what wood-fired pizza was, but that this was burnt on the bottom, turning over a slice to show the abundance of black char. They took away the pizza and a nicer waitress brought us a complementary budino to try to make up for this disaster of a dining experience.
- disheswaiter recommended 4-5 dishes for 2 people but personally I think you can clock out after 2.
- pastasAlthough everything we ordered looked beautiful, sadly 2 of the 3 pastas were really uninteresting. Starters were good but we left feeling disappointed with mains.
- FoodFood was disappointing
- appetizersappetizers also on the creamy side
- crustThe vibe was a little sterile, and we felt rushed at the end, receiving our check as soon as we ordered coffee and halfway through dessert. The pizza was decent with a very chewy crust, but the pasta was delicious, featuring a corn flavor. I might come again, but it's not a must-visit.
- dessertthe dessert was just kinda odd and was tough to eat
Overall, the food here is a strong contender, especially if youre a fan of inventive, fresh pasta and delicious pizza. While the tasting menu might be a gamble and some dishes can be salty, its definitely worth a visit for a flavorful Italian experience.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note, with a score of 7. Many guests, based on 120 positive opinions out of 184 total, rave about the attentive staff and impeccable service, often highlighting how accommodating they are, especially with dietary restrictions. Youll find the team, from hostesses to servers, frequently described as friendly and going the extra mile to make your dining experience special.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 65.2%, indicating theres still room for improvement. Some of the 55 negative experiences mention frustratingly long wait times, occasional condescending remarks from staff, or a general feeling of poor service. Issues like rushed interactions or less-than-ideal wine recommendations have also popped up, suggesting consistency can be a challenge.
Service
184
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
55
negative
9
neutral
120
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Impeccable service
- Allergy accommodation
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Pushy service
Often praised
- serviceThe food was fantastic, and I appreciated being able to try two pastas, ricotta and sourdough, 50/50 since I was dining alone. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the service was kind and attentive. I found the prices reasonable, with great portions and quality that were comparable to what I'd pay at home.
- staffFrom the staff, the food, the drinks, and the environment.
- ServiceService is super friendly and attentive
- serversThe playlist, impeccably curated by music director Andy, added to the ambiance. Our servers, Christian and Alfredo, were knowledgeable and friendly. We indulged in the nine-course pasta tasting menu, which was nothing short of transformative.
- reservationsReservations for Flour+Water are hard to come by, but setting up an alert does work.
- waitThe wait was long but absolutely worth it
- allergy accommodationThey were able to accommodate my allergy and the substitute dish was one of my favorites of the night!
- customer servicecustomer service was excellent
- managerMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, thanks to the super friendly staff, especially the young manager who really aimed to please. They offer a good variety of different pastas.
- waiterour waiter told us we would not be able to do the tasting menu
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe were walk-ins and thankfully could get seated, but the communal table felt really tight and not very romantic. The vibe was a little sterile, and we felt rushed at the end, receiving our check as soon as we ordered coffee and halfway through dessert. The pizza was decent with a very chewy crust, but the pasta was delicious, featuring a corn flavor.
- serverThe server splashed wine when pouring it then didn’t wipe the glass
- wait timehad to wait for a long time for water and order
- waiterIt was a palace of cheese and brown butter. When I asked about vegan options, the waiter suggested pork ravioli and an octopus ragu, which was laughable in San Francisco. Definitely do not recommend.
- 1-hour waitespera de 1 hora
- AI agentHowever, we encountered issues before arriving. When we attempted to call to inform the restaurant that we would be running behind by a few minutes, we were greeted by a useless AI agent. Upon checking, the hostesses had no idea of the issues.
- ServiceService was pretty meh
- breadWe asked for bread when we first sat down and none was brought to us until halfway thru the meal.
- checkThey then brought the check with our dessert
- condescending remarksservice to be so condescending
If you're looking for a place where the staff often goes above and beyond, especially with dietary needs, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for the possibility of a wait or an occasional hiccup in service, as experiences can sometimes vary.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
The ambience at this spot generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 73.8%. Many guests rave about the intimate atmosphere, often describing it as a great space with a cozy and sophisticated feel. The curated playlist frequently gets a shout-out for enhancing the overall vibe, contributing to 79 positive sentiments out of 107 total observations.
However, not everyone finds it perfect. Some diners mentioned the music being too loud, contributing to a noisy environment that can make conversation difficult. A few also found the chairs uncomfortable for longer sittings, and occasional chilly drafts were noted, accounting for 21 negative observations.
Ambience
107
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
21
negative
7
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate atmosphere
- Curated playlist
- Cozy setting
What people don't like
- Loud noise levels
- Uncomfortable seating
- Chilly drafts
Often praised
- atmosphereThe waiter’s attitude was also kind of… meh… especially for a place like this. However, the food itself, particularly the pasta, was excellent, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance was both cozy and sophisticated
- vibethe vibe is part rock 'n' roll, part nonna’s house
- ambiencedefinitely fone back for the ambience
- vibesStaff and vibes were nice
- placeHowever, I wasn't blown away by any single dish; there wasn't an "eye-opening moment" for any particular item, which might have been influenced by the corporate setting or the wine. Despite this, F+W is a wonderful place, and I feel I've only scratched the surface of what it offers. I'm eager to return and explore more.
- private roomMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with excellent pasta served very professionally and kindly. We dined in a private room upstairs which was nicely appointed. However, the experience was marred by a very loud refrigerator or freezer which could not be turned off.
- AmbienceWe ended with the duck, which also really impressed us in taste and texture. Ambience was great and service was excellent :)
- Communal tableThe Communal table was filled with really friendly people.
Frequently criticized
- musicoverly loud pop music that added nothing but noise
- atmosphereuneasy entitled atmosphere that ruined my whole night
- noiseI would eat their pizza all the time if I lived nearby. The space is small and modern, a bit loud, but the service was perfect.
- attirerefused based on how we were dressed, in St. Patty’s attire
- bar tableWas seated at bar table, chairs are not comfortable
- chairschairs are not comfortable for 1.5 hour
- communal tablethe communal table felt really tight
- conversationLuckily, we loved the food and wine, and the great service. As good as it was, I’m not sure I’d give it a second try because of the need to strain to have a conversation.
- lightplace can have more light i think, it was a struggle to see the menu
- loud refrigeratormarred by a very loud refrigerator or freezer
If you're seeking a restaurant with a generally intimate and sophisticated vibe, this place is a strong contender, especially if you appreciate a good playlist. Just be aware that it can get a bit loud, and seating comfort might be a minor concern for some.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
It seems the Value here is a bit of a mixed bag, leaning heavily towards disappointment. Out of 49 comments, 8 customers found the experience worth it, noting that the prices were reasonable for the quality and quantity of the food, making it a worthwhile experience for them. However, the overall sentiment is quite low, with a score of just 3.7 and customer satisfaction at a poor 16.3%.
A significant 36 comments highlighted issues, frequently mentioning the high price point and feeling that the food was overpriced. Many also expressed frustration over fees, surcharges, and junk fees, feeling there was a lack of value for money and even a bait-and-switch tactic.
Value
49
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
36
negative
5
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the experience
- Quality justifies cost
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- Overpriced food
- Poor value
Often praised
- priceI love mushrooms and was delightfully surprised by the truffle and morels included in this dinner. For the price, you will leave very full. The staff was nice.
- pricesThe atmosphere is very straight forward, and it was a bit hot and stuffy inside even with the windows open, but the food is outstanding. I also thought the prices were reasonable given the quality of the food. I highly recommend trying Flour and Water if you have not already!
- worth itThe place is expensive but totally worth it.
- costfor more than a 1/4 of this places cost
- experienceit was worth it for the experience
Frequently criticized
- priceWe opted for the tasting menu, which included about 8 courses and cost around $430 for two people with wine. Unfortunately, I felt it was definitely not worth the price, as I've had much better pasta experiences in the city.
- moneyMy experience at this restaurant was underwhelming and felt incredibly rushed, especially considering the very expensive meal. While the Arancini was the best dish and the pasta was interesting, the overall experience was not worth the money. We went for my husband’s birthday, and despite asking for dishes to arrive one after another, they were brought all at once, even with the check arriving alongside our dessert.
- overpricedWe went for my husband’s birthday, and despite asking for dishes to arrive one after another, they were brought all at once, even with the check arriving alongside our dessert. The food was good, but it was very overpriced. It was okay, but not enjoyable enough to justify the cost.
- surchargefollowed by another 1% surcharge
- $400 billnot happy with the food given the $400 bill.
- 1% feeAnd then they charge a 1% fee to give to a nonprofit.
- SF mandates6.5% for SF mandates. Why does that have to be a separate fee?
- bait-and-switchthis is downright dishonest. Just raise your prices instead of this bait-and-switch
- costcost me a fortune
- dinner costThe service also left room to be desired, as upon being seated, we were informed that they would serve 2 dishes at a time. The dinner cost $450 for two tasting menus and 3 glasses of wine, and the value isn’t there.
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially high bill and scrutinize the charges. While some find the unique experience worth the cost, many customers felt the restaurant was "overpriced" and didnt deliver value for money, especially due to added fees.
How are the prices at Flour Water?
You’re looking at roughly 81 per person – reported by 125 diners. That puts it in the $81–$90 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s firmly in the higher-end territory.
While the average sits here, the price distribution actually shows a significant number of guests enjoying a more premium experience, often spending well over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 125 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a higher-end Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair for the quality and experience youd expect. Its a place where youre likely paying for excellent ingredients and a memorable meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Flour Water
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
4
Disappointing Evening After Many Good Ones
I've enjoyed several 5-star meals here over the years, but tonight's experience was very disappointing. My server splashed wine when pouring it and then didn't wipe the glass, causing it to drip every time I picked it up. The arancini were mushy and difficult to handle.
Of the three half pasta servings offered at the bar for solo diners, one was overcooked and another so undercooked that I had to send it back. I'm hoping this was just an off night for execution, as I've come to expect much better from this restaurant.
- server2
- arancini3
- pasta servings2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fantastic Dog-Friendly Pizza Experience!
Our experience at Flour + Water Pizza Shop was wonderful, especially as dog parents! We enjoyed dining outside with our dog, and the staff were incredibly welcoming and accommodating. The pizza was fantastic, served hot from the oven with a perfectly crispy thin crust.
I particularly enjoyed that the pepperoni wasn't too salty and the cheese had a beautiful melt. While the bottled drinks were a bit pricey, the overall experience was worth it. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor area being ideal for enjoying a meal with your furry friend.
We're eager to return and try more pizza flavors! 🐾🍕
- staff10
- pizza10
- crust10
- drinks5
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
An Unforgettable Culinary Art Experience
My experience at this restaurant was nothing short of extraordinary. It's my favorite restaurant and offers a truly food as art experience that will blow your mind. I highly recommend living and breathing the moment; it was simply insane.
- food as art10
- moment10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Amazing Food, Exceptional Service!
I had a great experience dining solo at the bar last night. The food was amazing, and I especially loved that they offered half portions of pasta, allowing me to try multiple dishes. The service was exceptional, and the wait time was not long.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience.
- food10
- half portions of pasta9
- service10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Great Food and Service, But Loud Music
Four of us had a wonderful dinner tonight at F&W. The staff were extremely attentive and helpful when choosing the food and wine. One drawback is the music; overly loud pop music that added nothing but noise.
How about something that adds to the atmosphere? I will never understand why a restaurant thinks that loud music is a good idea in an intimate restaurant. We could barely hear our own conversations.
Luckily, we loved the food and wine, and the great service. As good as it was, I’m not sure I’d give it a second try because of the need to strain to have a conversation.
- food10
- wine10
- service10
- music2
- conversation3
What Flour Water offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Can you make reservations and what dining options are available at Flour + Water?
Yes, reservations are required and dinner reservations are highly recommended at Flour + Water. You can enjoy various dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service and comfortable seating. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
What kind of atmosphere and accessibility features does Flour + Water offer?
Flour + Water provides an upscale, romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere for your enjoyment. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Flour Water rate overall?
Flour Water holds a 7.3 overall score, with Food (7.6), Ambience (7.5), and Service (7) performing well. However, Value (3.7) is a notable concern.
What do customers enjoy most about Flour Water?
Many guests praise Flour Water’s excellent pasta and creative flavors. The atmosphere is often described as enjoyable, and the staff are generally seen as attentive and friendly.
What are common complaints about Flour Water?
Frequent concerns at Flour Water revolve around the high price and perceived lack of value. Some also mention issues with loud music and uncomfortable chairs, impacting the dining experience.