Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Il Casaro – San Francisco
Il Casaro - San Francisco
Photo from Il Casaro
Il Casaro at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 152 of the guests
#1047 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#73 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
645
Reviews
75.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Hidden costs
- Price concerns
The restaurant Il Casaro is an Italian Restaurant located in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. You can look forward to a truly authentic experience, highlighted by their great coffee.
This cozy spot offers a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner. Whether you’re seeking late-night food or a delightful lunch, this spot has you covered with its diverse offerings.
Overview: Introducting Il Casaro
Il Casaro offers a generally positive dining experience, where guests frequently praise the authentic pizza and other Italian dishes for their quality ingredients and delicious flavors. The service often stands out, with staff noted for being attentive and friendly, contributing to a welcoming visit.
However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the value, specifically around pricing transparency and additional charges that can appear on the bill. While the atmosphere is often described as lively and vibrant, a few experiences suggest it can sometimes be a bit too noisy or warm for comfort.
Good
7.6
out of 10
645
Reviews
75.7%
Satisfaction
120
negative
37
neutral
488
positive
Il Casaro earns a solid 7.6 overall, reflecting a generally good dining experience for many. Customer satisfaction sits at a respectable 75.7%, indicating that a significant majority of guests leave content.
This positive sentiment is supported by 488 positive opinions compared to 120 negative ones, out of 645 total customer comments. The restaurant truly shines in its Service (7.9), which is frequently commended, and its Food (7.7), particularly the quality of its Italian offerings.
The Ambience (7.8) also contributes positively, often described as lively and authentic. However, Value (4.7) presents a notable area for improvement, with some guests expressing concerns about pricing and unexpected charges.
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Excellent service
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unexpected extra charges
- High drink prices
If you’re seeking a vibrant spot with genuinely good Italian food and attentive service, Il Casaro is certainly worth considering. The positive feedback on their dishes and staff is consistent, making it a strong contender for a satisfying meal out.
However, be mindful of the bill, as some guests have reported issues with pricing transparency and additional fees. With a 7.8 recommendation score, it’s clear many enjoy their visit, but a quick check of the menu and your bill could prevent any surprises.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Il Casaro
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a solid 77.9% customer satisfaction. Many of the 299 positive remarks rave about the authentic Italian pizza, praising its super light dough, crispy crust, and the use of fresh ingredients. The smoky flavor from the wood-fired oven also gets a lot of love.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 64 negative opinions noting some misses. Concerns include bland flavor in certain dishes, a crust that was sometimes too soft or gummy, and instances of cold food. A few found the carbonara to be less than authentic.
Food
384
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
64
negative
21
neutral
299
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian pizza
- Super light dough
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Bland flavor
- Gummy/soft crust
- Unauthentic carbonara
Often praised
- pizzaI can only thank the staff at Casaro with 5 stars for helping me manage a group reservation that grew from 8 to 17 people in less than 48 hours. Additionally, the pizza was good and the place was informal, perfect for a noisy reunion among friends.
- food. We had an absolutely lovely experience at this place with delicious food and great service.
- pizzasMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially concerning the pizzas. I had one of the best pizzas I’ve eaten, featuring a super light dough. The four cheese pizza was amazing; they balanced the cheese flavor perfectly without overdoing it.
- ingredientsMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding! I had the best full EVOO meal 🫒, featuring the cleanest ingredients that were not burnt at all. The quality cheese was also exceptional.
- doughthe dough was still excellent, light and well-made as always.
- FoodFood:5
- burrataordered burrata they brought mozzarella which we loved anyway
- lasagnaI highly recommend the lasagna; it's delicious and the portions are very large. We ordered 3 dishes, dessert, and drinks.
- Italian foodMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found it to be certainly the best Italian food in the US. The quality of the products was extra, leading to truly outstanding dishes.
- Italian pizzaGreat Italian pizza. Probably one of the best I've had in my life.
Frequently criticized
- pizzaThe food tastes great and all the servers are great. The pizza is a little gritty, but otherwise, it’s perfect. The atmosphere is also a 5/5.
- foodThe food was very disappointing
- crustThey really nailed the simple taste, which I appreciated. However, the crust was too soft for my personal preference.
- beet saladDon't call it a beet salad if you're only going to put like 3 thin slices of beets into it
- flavorThe rich, creamy flavor I expect from this pizza was missing.
- Asparagi dishAsparagi" dish also tasted unseasoned
- LambruscoLambrusco was too sweet too
- Neapolitan pizzareally disappointed by the Neapolitan pizza
- Nutella and banana pizzaNutella and banana pizza" would have been better if they had used a non-salted dough
- Pasta alla CarbonaraPasta alla Carbonara, which was cold
If you're craving authentic Italian pizza with fresh ingredients and a great crust, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some other dishes might occasionally miss the mark on flavor or authenticity, so stick to their pizza specialties for the best experience.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
Overall, the service here shines brightly! With a solid score of 7.9 and a customer satisfaction of 79.1%, its clear most diners have a great experience. Based on 139 comments, with 110 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the kind staff, quick service, and attentive waiters.
Many highlight the friendly young man servers who ensure a warm welcome and efficient meal delivery. However, its not always perfect. While the positives outweigh the negatives, 22 critical comments point to areas for improvement.
Some experiences mention slow service and frustrating wait time for orders, with a few even encountering rude staff or an unpleasant attitude. It seems consistency can be an issue, particularly during busy periods.
Service
139
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
22
negative
7
neutral
110
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Quick, attentive service
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed tasty authentic pizza and more, complemented by excellent service and reasonable prices. I'm already looking forward to returning soon!
- staffI can only thank the staff at Casaro with 5 stars for helping me manage a group reservation that grew from 8 to 17 people in less than 48 hours. Additionally, the pizza was good and the place was informal, perfect for a noisy reunion among friends.
- ServiceService was very good
- waiterMy carbonara was quite good as well. The waiter spoke fluent Italian, which was a lovely touch. The food arrived so quickly, it seemed like we'd only just placed our order.
- Joanspecial praise to Joan, the guy who looked after our table
- serverI especially loved the vegetables, which carried so much flavor and umami from the olive oil and calamari. We were seated outdoors, and the server very kindly rearranged the tables so we’d be in the shade (tysmm!). It was cheerful to see people indoors watching football and cheering (and singing) after Real Madrid scored a goal.
- serversall the servers are great
- waiterskelnerzy dla niezdecydowanych doradzą coś dobrego
- Amazing serviceSuch great food and great atmosphere. Amazing service, great food, prompt and delicious. We will be back!
- Italian guyWe were welcomed by a polite and kind Italian guy. We ate an excellent pizza!
Frequently criticized
- servicethe team members were a bit ignorant? We sat down, received a menu, decided what to order and we were sat waiting for at least 20 min
- staffthe staff seemed unwelcoming and dismissive
- attitudeHer attitude absolutely shocked and insulted us
- orderWe are currently at the restaurant and it’s taking way too long for the order to come. The service is very slow.
- order placementit took a little bit to get our order placed
- person picturedthe person pictured was so rude and inconsiderate
- phoneI went in with a party of nine, and unfortunately, seven of us got food poisoning and were sick within a couple of hours. It's disappointing that they don't pick up their phone, as I would have liked to discuss the over $300 we spent.
- reheat itdeclined to reheat it
- serve drinksDeclined to serve drinks without food
- serve platescan’t even reach your table to serve plates
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and efficient service, this spot is a good bet. While there are occasional reports of slow service, the overwhelming majority of experiences suggest youll be well looked after. Go for the warm welcome, but be prepared for potential waits during peak times.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a solid 7.8 score and 79.7% customer satisfaction, both indicating a good experience. Out of 79 total opinions, 63 rave about the lively atmosphere, authentic experience, and great outside seating, making it a cute date night spot. Many appreciate the energy and the overall vibe.
However, 11 opinions point to some drawbacks. Concerns include limited table space, high noise levels, and it sometimes being very hot. Finding parking can also be a bit of a challenge, which might detract from the overall atmosphere for some.
Ambience
79
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
11
negative
5
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Authentic experience
- Great location
What people don't like
- Loud noise
- Limited space
- Parking difficulty
Often praised
- atmospherethe service and atmosphere were also excellent, both rated 5/5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placethe place informal, perfect for a noisy reunion
- ambiancethe restaurant has a very nice ambiance
- locationthe location had a great atmosphere
- ambiencethe ambience was lively and vibrant.
- areaarea nice
- authenticAuthentic and cute date night spot
- authentic experienceWhat an authentic experience!
- barAm besten man setzt sich an die Bar
Frequently criticized
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the ambiance was not the best, the service was very good and the food was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the Polpetti al Sugo, which was the best I've ever had.
- atmosphereThe pizza was underbaked on top and burnt beyond recognition on the bottom, a combination I didn’t think was possible. When I politely asked about it, the staff seemed unwelcoming and dismissive, creating an awkward atmosphere that made the situation even worse. To make matters worse, when I requested a replacement, they served another pizza that was practically raw in the center.
- hygiene standardsit does not comply with hygiene standards at all
- musicleider hat nur ein Bisschen die sehr laute Musik gestört
- noiseTipp für Lärmempfindliche: Packt eure Oropax ein.
- table spaceNo wasting of their table space!
- tablesadded so many tables that probe can’t even get out of their chairs
- tourist baitLooks like an ordinary tourist bait
- very hotWas very hot so wish they had AC
If youre seeking a lively, authentic spot with good energy and dont mind a bit of a crowd or potential parking hunt, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially bustling environment.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot gets an average score of 4.7, though customer satisfaction sits at a poor 37.2%. Based on 43 opinions, with 16 leaning positive, many guests found the prices to be fair and reasonable, often highlighting the value for money as unbeatable. They felt the pricing was appropriate for the quality, making it a decent choice.
However, 23 negative opinions reveal significant concerns. Many felt scammed by unexpected charges like extra fees, business surcharges, and even a mandatory 20% tip. Guests were frustrated by unlisted prices and charges for items like water or extra cheese, leading some to conclude the experience was simply not worth it.
Value
43
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
23
negative
4
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are fair
- Good value offered
What people don't like
- Unexpected extra fees
- Hidden surcharges
- Feelings of being scammed
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed tasty authentic pizza and more, complemented by excellent service and reasonable prices. I'm already looking forward to returning soon!
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great spot with decently priced offerings. I particularly enjoyed the lasagne, which was absolutely delish.
- pricingMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed non-American pizza and pasta with very reasonable pricing. As a light lunch for three, we ordered the margarita and calamari.
- value for moneythe value for money is unbeatable
Frequently criticized
- billThe pizza was very tasty. However, there were two items on the bill that were not transparent. You should be careful here.
- pricesPrices too high for a regular (one-person) sized pizza
- $300I went in with a party of nine, and unfortunately, seven of us got food poisoning and were sick within a couple of hours. It's disappointing that they don't pick up their phone, as I would have liked to discuss the over $300 we spent.
- Business surchargedisappointing, they seem to feel inclined to add... a Business surcharge
- Vermentino white wineVermentino" white wine, which was priced at three times its retail value
- cash or creditonly accept cash or credit
- cost of employing peoplecost of employing people is fundamentally wrong
- extra cheese chargeThe pizza itself was very tasty. However, I was charged an extra $4 for cheese on a cheese pizza, and this additional charge was not mentioned on the menu. Additionally, we were asked if we wanted still or sparkling water, which is normally free in the USA, but we were charged $6 for it.
- extra feeExtra fee tacked on to adjust for inflation and cost of employing people is fundamentally wrong
- inflationadjust for inflation and cost of employing people is fundamentally wrong
While some find the prices fair and value for money good, a significant number of guests felt scammed by unexpected extra fees and surcharges. Proceed with caution and scrutinize your bill, as the value proposition can be quite inconsistent.
How are the prices at Il Casaro?
You’re looking at roughly 33 per person – reported by 152 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 33, most guests actually tend to spend a bit less, often landing in the $21–$30 range. There’s a nice mix, though, with plenty of options for those looking for a more premium experience too!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 152 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good range of options, so you can tailor your meal to your budget without feeling short-changed.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Il Casaro
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Pizza and Unwelcoming Service
I rarely leave negative reviews, but my experience here was truly disappointing. The pizza was underbaked on top and burnt beyond recognition on the bottom, a combination I didn’t think was possible. When I politely asked about it, the staff seemed unwelcoming and dismissive, creating an awkward atmosphere that made the situation even worse.
To make matters worse, when I requested a replacement, they served another pizza that was practically raw in the center. It felt like the kitchen had no idea how to handle the oven properly. Overall, it was an unpleasant dining experience, and I left feeling frustrated and unwelcome.
Definitely not a place I’d recommend for authentic pizza.
- pizza1
- staff1
- atmosphere1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Cash Only Surprise, Great Food!
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was excellent, rated a 5, and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5, the payment situation was a significant issue. I arrived expecting to pay with a debit card, only to discover they only accept cash or credit.
This inconvenience led me to use Uber, which was frustrating 😕.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- cash or credit3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Pizza and Pasta with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the great pizza, which was very yummy. I highly recommend adding the peppers or using the chili oil for a touch of spice.
I also really loved the pesto pasta. The service and staff were great, and the atmosphere was pleasant. It was a quiet environment, making it easy to talk.
I also appreciated the large vegetarian selection and the fact that it's highly recommended for vegetarians. The wait time was non-existent, and parking was free street parking, although finding a spot was somewhat difficult.
- pizza9
- peppers8
- chilli oil8
- parking4
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Excellent Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The food was excellent, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was wonderful. I highly recommend this place; it's where you want to eat.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Chili Oil and Italian Staff!
My experience at the restaurant was amazing 😍😍. The chili oil and chili were amazing too. I also loved that the stuff were Italian 😍😍😍💞💞🫶🫶.
- chili oil10
- chili10
- stuff10
What Il Casaro offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Il Casaro Pizzeria accessible for all guests?
Yes, Il Casaro Pizzeria ensures a welcoming experience for everyone. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, making it easy for all patrons to enjoy their visit.
What dining options and services does Il Casaro Pizzeria offer?
Il Casaro Pizzeria provides table service for lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. Dinner reservations are recommended, and you can also choose from no-contact delivery, takeout, or standard delivery services.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Il Casaro?
Il Casaro generally receives good feedback, with an overall score of 7.6 and 75.7% customer satisfaction. Guests particularly appreciate the Service (7.9), Food (7.7), and Ambience (7.8), though Value (4.7) is an area some find less appealing.
Is the food at Il Casaro considered authentic and high quality?
Yes, many customers praise the food at Il Casaro, noting the authentic Italian flavors, quality ingredients, and dishes like pizza with a super light dough. Some even describe it as the best Italian food they’ve had.
Are there any common concerns regarding pricing at Il Casaro?
Some customers have expressed concerns about pricing, mentioning issues with bill transparency, prices being too high for certain items, and unexpected additional charges like business surcharges or fees for water.