Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » MONTESACRO – San Francisco
MONTESACRO - San Francisco
Photo from MONTESACRO
MONTESACRO at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 55 of the guests
#1173 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#82 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
380
Reviews
74.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Attentive service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
- Loud interior
The restaurant MONTESACRO Marina is an Italian Restaurant located in the vibrant San Francisco Marina District, where you can discover a truly great wine list. This cozy and romantic spot offers a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for a memorable dining experience.
You’ll find a welcoming ambiance whether you’re looking for a relaxed dinner or a lively happy hour with friends.
Overview: Introducting MONTESACRO
MONTESACRO offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests praising the delicious food and the warm, inviting ambience. The culinary offerings, from pinsa to pasta, often hit the mark, creating memorable meals for many visitors.
However, some experiences at MONTESACRO are tempered by concerns over value, with mentions of unexpected charges and prices feeling a bit high. While the service is often attentive, there are occasional reports of slow responses or less-than-ideal interactions.
Good
7.5
out of 10
380
Reviews
74.2%
Satisfaction
79
negative
19
neutral
282
positive
Overall, MONTESACRO garners a solid 7.5 Restaurant Score, reflecting a generally positive reception. Customer Satisfaction stands at a respectable 74.2%, indicating that most diners leave content.
This positive sentiment is supported by a significant number of positive remarks, with 282 favorable comments against 79 less favorable ones, out of 380 total customer observations. Diving deeper, the Food (7.9) is clearly a standout, frequently praised for its quality and flavor.
Service (7.5) also performs well, with staff often noted for their attentiveness. The Ambience (7.1) contributes positively to the experience, creating a pleasant setting.
However, Value (3.6) is a notable area for improvement, suggesting that pricing and billing practices sometimes fall short of expectations.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices, hidden charges
- Inconsistent service speed
- Noisy, bright interior
MONTESACRO presents a compelling option for those seeking flavorful Italian cuisine and a pleasant setting. With a strong 8.1 Recommendation Score, it’s clear that many diners find the experience worthwhile, particularly appreciating the culinary execution and the welcoming atmosphere.
If you prioritize excellent food and a cozy vibe, MONTESACRO is certainly worth considering. Be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep, and prepare for potentially lively acoustics.
Overall, it’s a place that delivers on taste, making it a solid choice for an Italian meal.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Italian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
761
94.6%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
420
92.9%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
440
93.4%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
378
92.9%
- $$
- Telegraph Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
421
91.9%
- $$
- Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
733
92%
- $$
- Cole Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on MONTESACRO
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Diving into the food, its clear theres a lot to love here! With a good score of 7.9 and 78% customer satisfaction, diners frequently rave about the delicious pinsa, pasta, and creative cocktails. Many appreciate the fresh ingredients, excellent gluten-free options, and delightful desserts, with 170 positive remarks out of 218 total.
However, 34 opinions point to some areas for improvement. Some found certain pasta dishes, like the carbonara, to be bland, and the bread occasionally arrived cold. A few also noted issues with excessive salt, dry pinsa texture, or smaller portion sizes.
Food
218
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
34
negative
14
neutral
170
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pinsa, pasta
- Excellent gluten-free menu
- Creative, tasty cocktails
What people don't like
- Bland pasta dishes
- Occasional excessive salt
- Dry pinsa texture
Often praised
- foodI went out for dinner with 2 friends this weekend and we ended up spending 3 hours there enjoying the food and hanging out. The entire staff was incredibly friendly from the second we walked in, and the food was just so damn tasty! We ate a huge assortment, but some favorites were definitely the focaccia de muratore, the carbonara, and literally every dessert on the menu.
- pizzaI had a great time at Montesacro Marina. The food was excellent, especially the pizza. The only negative was that they wouldn't seat us at a window table even though it was free.
- pastapasta and drinks were all great
- pinsaMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful! I had delicious pinsa and was very pleased with the welcome in French. We would have loved to return if we didn't live so far away (Reunion Island).
- FoodFantastic Food
- cocktailsGood cocktails, too
- grilled octopusbest grilled octopus I had in a really long time
- Italian foodserve authentic Italian food
- Vegetarian optionsVegetarian options:Various and good options
- appetizersHaving been to the Montesacro in Walnut Creek & loved it, this Marina location lived up our high expectations. Authentic and not only are the pasta and pinsa pizzas divine, the appetizers are unique and tasty. We enjoyed the spinach salad with sliced persimmons and the sardines.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was a bit too salty and oily.
- pastathe pasta needs a little bit more work
- Carbonaracarbonaras came out of the kitchen with rigatoni noodles
- Italian dishesItalian dishes are like what they served us
- PinsaThe plates were dirty, and the water bottle was visibly yellow and dirty from the inside. In terms of food, the Pinsa was too dry in texture. While the atmosphere was rated a 4 and food a 3, the service received a low score of 2, likely due to the overall experience.
- appetizer selectionappetizer selection seemed lacking
- authentic Italian foodnot it, the pinsas were ok, but by no means pinsas
- breadthe bread cold
- bread basketdid not receive the bread basket until 8pm
- carbonaraI got the carbonara and I found it very bland
Overall, if you're seeking delicious Italian food, especially pinsa and pasta, with great gluten-free choices and cocktails, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might occasionally miss the mark on seasoning or portion size.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
The service here generally hits a high note, with a solid score of 7.5 indicating a good experience and a strong 74.5% customer satisfaction rate. Many guests frequently praise the friendly staff, often served with a big smile and finesse, making for wonderful service and attentive care. With 73 positive remarks out of 98 total, it seems they often get it right.
However, it's not always smooth sailing, as 24 negative comments highlight some areas for improvement. Some patrons found the service to be slow, with instances of feeling understaffed or experiencing waiting time for basic requests. A few even encountered a rude waiter, suggesting that consistency can sometimes be an issue.
Service
98
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
24
negative
1
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm, welcoming service
- Personalized recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rude waitstaff
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceThe establishment should clarify this distinction for customers, as both are tasty but very different. The place itself looks neat, and the service is good. They offer both indoor and outdoor tables, which are ample enough for both big and small groups.
- staffThe atmosphere was great for gatherings, and the food was superb. The staff were really friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable about the menu. Their recommendations are strongly advised for your first time since there's so much to choose from.
- ServiceWe enjoyed the spinach salad with sliced persimmons and the sardines. Service was friendly and attentive. Cozy vibe.
- recommendationsThe flavors of dishes in all courses, including dessert, tasted genuine and natural, which was a great experience. I would definitely ask the servers for recommendations of both food and beverages. P.
- LuigiI sat at the bar with Luigi serving and had a good dinner. The beet salad was phenomenal, and the margherita pinsa was pretty good.
- bartenderThe bartender was super kind
- ownermeet the owner, who was also extremely nice
- BartenderBartender was fun to watch
- ErinErin looked after us and made our day, absolutely lovely
- Jacapo and LuigiAnd omg the pinsa de pistachio dessert, I will be dreaming about that. I have to give a special shoutout to Jacapo and Luigi who took such great care of us; we had a blast talking to them all night. I raved about our experience to so many friends and can’t wait to going back!
Frequently criticized
- serviceEverything I asked for - check, spit bucket, knife, etc. I had to ask at least 2-3 times
- waiterpoured by the waiter who knows nothing about wine
- waiting timemade us wait 30 minutes or so for my mom and I
- checkfor a check
- chefThe chef refused to let the server serve it
- opening hourstold us that they don’t open until 2:00 when google says they open at 11:30
- rushed so rudelyjust a shame we were rushed so rudely
- serverrefused to let the server serve it
- service by one waiterthe service by one waiter was appalling. Very rude.
- tablesomeone to clear our table
If you're looking for a place with generally warm and attentive staff, this spot is often a great choice. Just be aware that on occasion, you might encounter slower service or a less-than-stellar interaction, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
Hey there, food explorers! When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark. With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at a good 70.6%, many folks rave about the warm atmosphere and how its a cute little spot.
Out of 51 total comments, 36 were glowing, praising the lovely atmosphere and calling it a unique experience perfect for a romantic date night or enjoying the spirit of Europe. However, its not all sunshine and roses. About 11 comments pointed out some areas for improvement.
Some found the smell off-putting, while others mentioned it could get loud inside. A few also felt the lighting was a bit bright or the decor was lacking, suggesting the atmosphere inside left a bit to be desired compared to expectations.
Ambience
51
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm atmosphere
- Cute little spot
- Unique experience
What people don't like
- Nasty smell
- Loud inside
- Lacking decor
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere were also very positive
- placeThe place looks neat
- vibeService was friendly and attentive. Cozy vibe. Wish the owners can open a few restaurants on the Peninsula too!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Italian placeAmazing Italian place
- cocktail barTop cocktail bar
- cute little spotit is a cute little spot
- cute spaceIt’s such a cute space
- dining areaWarm and inviting dining area
- indoor and outdoor tablesthey have indoor and outdoor tables enough for big or small groups
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe place was suuuper noisy on this Friday night
- atmosphere insideAtmosphere inside left a bit to be desired
- cleaningHopefully they get the cleaning sorted out
- decorIt was definitely better than another marina pinsa spot, Roma Antica. The atmosphere inside left a bit to be desired; it was a little bright with not much decor. Given the sheer number of Italian spots in the marina, it likely needs a refresh to compete against spots like A16 and Norcina.
- expectationthe expectation is definitely not the reality
- lightingIt was definitely better than another marina pinsa spot, Roma Antica. The atmosphere inside left a bit to be desired; it was a little bright with not much decor. Given the sheer number of Italian spots in the marina, it likely needs a refresh to compete against spots like A16 and Norcina.
- loud insideit was extremely loud inside the restaurant
- people waiting for tablespeople waiting for tables around where people are sitting enjoying their meals as they stare and it’s not very comfortable
- platesThe plates were dirty
- smellthe smell the place has. I don’t know what it was but it has pretty nasty smell
If youre looking for a place with a generally warm and inviting feel, especially for a cozy evening, youll likely enjoy the ambience here. Just be aware that it can get a bit noisy, and there might be an occasional odd smell, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few guests found some bright spots, particularly with happy hour prices and generally reasonable prices for their meals. With 3 positive remarks, some felt they got a good deal, like paying just $38 for two drinks and a Pinsa, including the tip. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with a score of 3.6 and customer satisfaction at a mere 23.1%.
Out of 13 total comments, 10 were negative, frequently mentioning high prices for a casual spot, random charges, percentage fees, and a mandatory service charge. This indicates that the price point often doesn't match the experience, leading to poor perceived value.
Value
13
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour prices
What people don't like
- Hidden charges
- Mandatory service charge
- High price point
Often praised
- happy hour pricesHappy hour prices are great
- price$38 for two drinks and a Pinsa including tip
- pricesPrices were reasonable
Frequently criticized
- billthey were all defensive that we must paid for the special menu
- service chargeWhile the food was okay, it was nothing to write home about. Despite loving the look and feel of the place, the mandatory 20% service charge and the poor service mean I have no plans to return.
- menuCheck the menu they add random charges
- percentage feesadd random charges and percentage fees
- pricethe price is high for this more casual category.
- price pointmediocre at best—especially considering the price point
- pricesthe only authentic thing here were the prices for the bad food
- random chargesmenu they add random charges and percentage fees
If you're considering a visit, aim for happy hour to potentially find some good deals. Otherwise, be prepared for a potentially high bill with unexpected charges, as the overall value often disappoints.
How are the prices at MONTESACRO?
You’re looking at roughly 58 per person – reported by 55 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps even leaning towards a higher-end experience.
While the average hovers around 58, our data shows a good mix of spending, with many guests opting for experiences in the $61–$70 and even $71–$80 ranges, suggesting there’s plenty of room to indulge beyond the average.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 55 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair for the quality and experience youd expect. It offers options for a solid mid-range meal, but also allows for a more indulgent evening if you choose.
Customer Reviews: what people think about MONTESACRO
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Stellar Gluten-Free Experience!
I didn't even know it was gluten-free! The bread and meatballs as appetizers were stellar. The pasta was great as well.
My experience was surprisingly good, especially considering the gluten-free aspect.
- bread9
- meatballs9
- pasta8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Incredible Gluten-Free Italian Gem!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing! I've visited twice in the last week and am already eager to return. I sampled the San Lorenzo pinsa, the suppli (which are like arancini), the amatriciana pasta, the gnocchi, and the zucca arrosto.
Every single dish was delicious! For those with Celiac disease, it's important to note that their entire menu and kitchen are 100% gluten-free. You would genuinely never guess, as the flavors are just like the authentic versions.
Reservations are recommended. A huge thank you to the owners and staff for this incredible dining experience!
- San Lorenzo pinsa10
- suppli10
- amatriciana pasta10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Gluten-Free Dining Experience
I recently had a wonderful dinner with a group of friends who have Celiac Disease. We were eager to try the new 100% gluten-free menu, and I'm happy to report it met or exceeded our expectations. The Suppli was a particularly nice treat.
Beyond the food, the staff were super nice and lovely to interact with. We even had the pleasure of meeting the owner, who was also extremely nice and ensured we felt well after our meal. I would definitely eat here again.
My only feedback is that the pasta needs a little more work to reach its full potential.
- gluten-free menu9
- Suppli9
- staff10
- pasta4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A Celiac's Dream Come True!
As someone who has lived with Celiac disease my entire life, my experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible. The food was delicious, and I can honestly say it's a place 'to die for' for Celiacs. The owner was amazing, and I'm already looking forward to becoming a regular at this gem.
I wholeheartedly give it a 10/10.
- food10
- owner10
- place10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Gluten-Free Italian Gem!
It was an incredible experience to find an Italian restaurant that is celiac-safe and all gluten-free nearby. The food was excellent, and the owner and staff were great hosts. I will definitely bring more friends to come visit!
- Italian restaurant10
- gluten-free restaurant10
- food10
What MONTESACRO offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner 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
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is MONTESACRO Marina accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, MONTESACRO offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience. While finding a parking space can sometimes be somewhat difficult, paid street parking is available in the Marina District.
What dining options and special offerings can you find at MONTESACRO Marina?
At MONTESACRO, you can enjoy dinner and dessert with table service in a romantic, cozy, or casual setting. They offer small plates, organic dishes, and extensive vegan and vegetarian options. You’ll also find a great wine list, cocktails, and happy hour drinks and food.
What is the overall dining experience like at MONTESACRO?
MONTESACRO generally offers a good dining experience, with a Restaurant Score of 7.5 and Customer Satisfaction at 74.2%. The Food (7.9), Service (7.5), and Ambience (7.1) are well-regarded, though Value (3.6) is an area where some customers have concerns.
Does MONTESACRO offer good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some customers found specific deals or prices reasonable, the overall sentiment for Value (3.6) is lower, with mentions of high prices, mandatory service charges, and unexpected fees.
Is MONTESACRO a good place for authentic Italian food?
Many customers praise MONTESACRO for its authentic Italian food, highlighting dishes like pinsa, pasta, and focaccia. The Food score of 7.9 reflects a strong positive reception for its culinary offerings.