Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Ti Piacera – San Francisco
Ti Piacera - San Francisco
Photo from Ti Piacera
Ti Piacera at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 109 of the guests
#718 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#52 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
628
Reviews
79.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional food
- Inviting ambiance
- Live music
Frequently criticized
- Value concerns
- Loud acoustics
- Bill splitting
The restaurant Ti Piacera Ristorante invites you to a delightful Italian experience in San Francisco’s vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere perfect for a memorable evening.
This Italian gem is renowned for its great wine list, offering a superb selection to complement your meal. Whether you’re seeking a casual dinner or a trendy spot for happy hour, you’ll find it here.
Overview: Introducting Ti Piacera
Ti Piacera generally offers a pleasant dining experience, often highlighted for its exceptional food and a welcoming atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the live music that adds to the overall charm, making it a comfortable spot for an Italian meal, supported by attentive staff.
However, some diners have noted challenges with loud acoustics and occasional concerns regarding the value offered. While the culinary offerings are a strong point, these aspects can sometimes detract from an otherwise enjoyable evening.
It’s a place with clear strengths and a few areas for improvement.
Good
7.9
out of 10
628
Reviews
79.3%
Satisfaction
105
negative
25
neutral
498
positive
Overall, Ti Piacera earns a solid 7.9 out of 10, indicating a good dining experience, with customer satisfaction also reflecting this at 79.3%. This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial 628 customer observations, with 498 positive remarks outweighing 105 negative ones.
It suggests that most visitors leave feeling content with their meal and visit. Looking closer at the specifics, Food (8.2) stands out as a clear strength, consistently impressing diners.
The Ambience (8.1) also contributes significantly to the positive experience, often praised for its inviting atmosphere. Service (7.6) is generally good, though it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the food or atmosphere.
However, Value (5.1) appears to be a mixed bag, suggesting some guests find the pricing a bit steep for what’s offered.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Inviting ambiance
- Engaging live music
What people don't like
- Value for money concerns
- Loud acoustics
- Bill splitting issues
With a 7.9 recommendation score, Ti Piacera is generally a solid choice for Italian dining, especially if you prioritize excellent food and a pleasant atmosphere, perhaps with some live entertainment. It’s a place that delivers on taste and setting, making for a memorable evening for many.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some guests find the value proposition less compelling. If you’re sensitive to noise or require specific service accommodations like separate checks, it might be wise to manage your expectations.
Overall, it’s worth considering for its strengths.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ti Piacera
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 82.8%, it's clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 314 comments, a whopping 260 rave about delicious handmade pasta, rich sauces, and standout dishes like lamb shanks and irresistible tiramisu, often paired with excellent signature cocktails.
However, not every dish is a star. About 36 comments point to some misses, with a few finding the spaghetti bolognese unmemorable, bruschetta bland, or specific items like the chicken panini falling short. While most portions are generous, some felt certain dishes were on the smaller side or lacked proper preparation.
Food
314
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
36
negative
18
neutral
260
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious handmade pasta
- Rich, flavorful sauces
- Irresistible desserts
What people don't like
- Bland bruschetta
- Disappointing panini
- Unmemorable pasta
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was truly exceptional. It was one of the best meals I've ever had. My wife and I ordered the sole and the lamb entrée, and both were absolute perfection.
- pastaThe pasta and white wine the most gorgeous experience.
- tiramisuOur favorite was the ravioli, which was creamy and delicious! They also have incredible desserts, like their lava cake and tiramisu. We definitely would love to visit again.
- drinksOn the day of our visit, the staff was on top of everything, proving to be very helpful and attentive. The food was great, and so were the drinks. They also had live music, which was a lovely touch.
- FoodFood:5
- cocktailsThe cocktails were the absolute best
- lamb shankthe lamb shank and it was incredible
- meatballsThe atmosphere was warm and fun, and the locals were hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed my carpaccio with capers and greens, the fries, oysters, and meatballs. They also had my favorite whiskeys.
- spinach gnocchiMy experience at the restaurant was absolutely superb. I loved the spinach gnocchi, especially with the added chicken. The music, the wine, the ambiance, and the service all contributed to a wonderful time.
- winethe wine was delicious
Frequently criticized
- breadI chose to start eating to prevent my mussels from getting cold. The bread for the mussels only arrived when I was almost finished with my dish. Only after that were all the other dishes brought to the table.
- food qualityfood was very basic and not prepared well
- BruscettaThe Bruscetta was bland
- Bruschetta with BurrataEach order of the Bruschetta had two small crostini's with a small amount of Burrata
- Gorgonzola cream sauceno Gorgonzola cream sauce.
- Margherita PizzaThe Margherita Pizza was just edible with so much orange grease
- ParmesanParm that was in a bowl covered with Saran wrap
- Veggie PizzaThe Veggie Pizza was little too salty
- arugula walnut saladarugula walnut salad was bland and boring
- bruschettaWe tried the bruschetta, sausage pizza, and a cocktail. The bruschetta was really nothing to write home about and had very little flavor. However, the sausage pizza was good, and the cocktail was very good.
If you're looking for authentic Italian flavors, especially handmade pasta and rich sauces, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few specific items might not live up to the overall high standard, so choose your dishes wisely!
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally shines! With a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 76.9%, its clear many guests appreciate the experience. Out of 160 comments, 123 highlight the friendly staff, attentive service, and warm hospitality.
Many rave about the excellent service, often mentioning the owners welcoming presence and smooth reservation process. However, not every experience was perfect. 33 negative comments point to occasional issues like a waiter taking too long, rude staff, or a lack of basic courtesy. Some guests also encountered problems with separate checks, unaddressed dirty dishes, or a general lack of acknowledgment, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
160
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
33
negative
4
neutral
123
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent service
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- No separate checks
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. It's a great little neighborhood gem with a cool atmosphere and excellent service. The wait staff were particularly great.
- staffThey also had my favorite whiskeys. The staff were professional and friendly, and even though one of our drinks was made incorrectly, it still tasted fine. My fiancé, who is extremely particular about her martini, was understanding due to the bartender being clearly overextended.
- owner🎷 We had the absolute pleasure of collaborating with this beautiful restaurant, and it instantly made us feel at home. The owner is incredible—warm, passionate, and genuinely dedicated to creating an unforgettable dining experience. The food was outstanding: fresh, flavorful, and made with love.
- ServiceThe ravioli ai funghi al pesto were particularly recommended and lived up to expectations. The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a perfect 5/5. The food quality was outstanding, earning a 5/5 rating.
- bartenderThis water came from a karaffe that they refill. We let the bartender know, she was very apologetic however we could not stay to eat after that experience, as well as the unpleasant smell of the restaurant.
- hostWe came in to the restaurant almost empty at dinner time, which we were surprised about. The host was attentive and sat us immediately and served us water. The restaurant windows were open and all you could smell was cigar smoke from a person seated outside smoking.
- peopleThe people are super friendly here too
- reservationMy fiancé and I were staying around the corner from this beautiful restaurant and it was within walking distance. So we decided to go and made a reservation on OpenTable. I recommend making a reservation as it did get busy, but they were a very efficient team and executed with no problem.
- serverOur server was very responsive
- teamSo we decided to go and made a reservation on OpenTable. I recommend making a reservation as it did get busy, but they were a very efficient team and executed with no problem. It was the best decision because it was 10/10!
Frequently criticized
- serviceI would give more stars if possible. We did experience a dinner and show as a few groups were unwarrantedly complaining. One group had previously dined and dashed and was being called on it.
- greetingwhat a greeting
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the terrible service. The staff was very rude and in a hurry to bring the bill without asking if we had finished. They refused to provide separate checks, even when explained it was a work requirement.
- waiterHe did not repeat our order
- acknowledgmentnever got a single You're Welcome or even a smile
- alternativesHe did not offer any alternatives
- belligerent groupA second was a belligerent group
- courtesyexpect at least basic courtesy and unfortunately, that was completely lacking
- dined and dashedWe did experience a dinner and show as a few groups were unwarrantedly complaining. One group had previously dined and dashed and was being called on it. A second group was belligerent and couldn't decide on food or drinks, and later complained when a tip was suggested – summed up in one word: cheapskates.
- dirty dishesThe mustachioed waiter was much friendlier, while our waiter without the mustache was quite unhappy. Dirty dishes remained on our table for about 15 minutes, and no one cleared them, even though our waiter was just standing at the bar, not busy with anything. The service was simply at zero!
Overall, the service is a strong point, with many guests enjoying friendly and attentive staff. While most experiences are positive, be aware of occasional reports of inconsistency or rudeness. If warm hospitality is key, it's worth a try.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
The ambience here truly sets a delightful scene, earning a good score of 8.1 and a solid 83.6% customer satisfaction. Many of the 102 positive observations rave about the atmosphere, live music, and cozy spot, often highlighting beautiful lighting and a warm, relaxing vibe perfect for conversation, especially with live jazz. However, its not without its quirks, with 19 negative observations.
Some found it loud and crowded, making conversation difficult. There were also mentions of bad lighting and unpleasant smells, ' like cigar smoke or propane, which could detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
122
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
19
negative
1
neutral
102
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live music
- Cozy atmosphere
- Good for conversation
What people don't like
- Loud noise
- Bad smells
- Too crowded
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. It's a great little neighborhood gem with a cool atmosphere and excellent service. The wait staff were particularly great.
- AtmosphereFrom the moment we stepped into Ti Piacera, it felt like we had found a warm little slice of Italy in the heart of San Francisco. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a sunny banquette by the large windows that’s perfect for people watching on Polk Street while enjoying the afternoon light. 🌞 We absolutely loved the appetizers, including the creamy Burrata over crostini, crisp Calamari fritti, and deeply caramelized Roasted Brussels sprouts.
- ambiancelovely ambiance in this mid-ranged italian restaurant
- live musicI might have had my best Carbonara so far! The place is cosy and beautiful, enhanced by sweet and calming live music. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- vibeAmazing vibe with live jazz band
- restaurantThe restaurant itself to look very nice
- live JazzWednesdays live Jazz.... Wow. So talented young folks. Amazing music
- live jazz musicLive jazz music every Wednesday night, creating an elegant, cozy vibe
- musicMusic is interesting and not loud
- ambienceBeautiful ambience
Frequently criticized
- loudI also found the restaurant itself to look very nice. However, it was a bit too loud inside.
- acousticsthe acoustics can make it difficult to hear conversation
- atmosphereatmosphere felt like we were eating in a closet
- bad lightinglighting was bad
- car accessexcept for car access
- cigar smokeThe host was attentive and sat us immediately and served us water. The restaurant windows were open and all you could smell was cigar smoke from a person seated outside smoking. You couldn’t smell any food, which I thought was unusual for an Italian restaurant.
- conversationbarely have a conversation
- crowdedtoo crowded
- loud live musicvery loud live music
- music70s80s soundtrack didn’t match the vibe
If you're seeking a lively spot with fantastic live music and a cozy, romantic feel, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that it can get a bit loud and crowded, and occasionally, you might encounter some odd smells.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, guests often appreciate the 5.1 score, finding many aspects quite affordable, especially during their popular happy hour. With 13 positive remarks, customers frequently highlight the reasonable prices and even mention comped meals, making some experiences feel like a real win. However, the value proposition isn't always clear-cut, leading to a mixed customer satisfaction of 40.6%.
With 17 negative sentiments, some diners express frustration over high prices for certain items, unexpected automatic gratuity, and even charges for bread or hidden fees, which can certainly add up.
Value
32
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
17
negative
2
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable options available
- Great happy hour deals
- Comped meals appreciated
What people don't like
- Automatic gratuity common
- Unexpected charges occur
- High item prices
Often praised
- happy hourespecially during their happy hour
- pricea very fair price for San Francisco
- $2 off beers and appsMy experience at the restaurant was great, especially during their happy hour, which runs from 3 to 6 pm. They offer $2 off beers and apps, and I particularly appreciated the chilled glasses for beer. It's the little things that make a difference!
- Price🥂 The service was friendly, knowledgeable, and never rushed; our server was attentive without hovering and made thoughtful recommendations. 💁♀️ While the price is moderate to slightly upscale ($25–$35 for entrées), it was worth every bite. 💸 If you’re looking for a comforting Italian meal with a touch of elegance and a seat by the window to take in the neighborhood scene, Ti Piacera truly lives up to its name.
- affordableheerlijk en betaalbaar eten
- comped mealscomped both the wrong meal her original meal
- dessertsAlthough the restaurant initially brought out the wrong dish, they rectified the mistake promptly without us needing to complain. They replaced it with her original order and generously comped both the incorrect and correct meals, as well as our desserts. The Tiramisu and espressos were particularly on point.
- drink chargesreduced the charges for drink
- price per person$100+
- prices$ wise very reasonable
Frequently criticized
- automatic gratuityextremely frustrated that our group of 6 was charged a 20% large group automatic gratuity
- billaccused of walking out on your bill
- price$26 for 4 Crostini's with a small bit of Burrata cheese
- Pellegrino sparkling waterPellgrino Selter 0.25 für 6$ ein wenig heftig
- bill splittingimpossible to negotiate and it is the only bémol
- breadcharge for the bread
- charged almost 10 US dollars more in tipscharged almost 10 US dollars more in tips than I had given
- cheapskatesSummed up in one word-cheapskates
- costpretty basic for the cost
- hidden feethey didn’t inform us of that. It was hidden very well
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. While you can find some affordable gems, especially during happy hour, be mindful of potential extra charges like automatic gratuity or hidden fees. Its worth trying if youre strategic, but be prepared for some items to feel overpriced.
How are the prices at Ti Piacera?
You’re looking at roughly 47 per person – reported by 109 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around this mark, the prices are quite spread out. Many guests enjoy meals in the 21 – 40 $ range, while others opt for a more premium experience, spending upwards of 90 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 109 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian restaurant in San Francisco. It offers options for different budgets, making it accessible while still allowing for a more upscale experience if desired.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ti Piacera
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Happy Hour Deals!
My experience at the restaurant was great, especially during their happy hour, which runs from 3 to 6 pm. They offer $2 off beers and apps, and I particularly appreciated the chilled glasses for beer. It's the little things that make a difference!
- happy hour9
- $2 off beers and apps10
- chilled glasses for beer9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Small portions, high price
My experience at this restaurant involved ordering two Bruschetta with Burrata and my son had Linguine Carbonara. We also shared an appetizer-sized Calamari. Each Bruschetta order came with two small crostini and a minimal amount of Burrata.
My son found the Linguine Carbonara to be just 'okay, but nothing special. ' We both drank tap water. While the food tasted acceptable, the quantity was insufficient to justify the total bill of $76.
00 before tip. I found the price of $26 for four crostini with a small amount of Burrata to be excessive, especially considering the likely low cost for the restaurant. I'm questioning if I'm missing something, as I don't dine out frequently anymore.
While I don't want to be overly harsh, the restaurant needs to offer more to encourage repeat visits. On a positive note, the waiter was nice and pleasant.
- Linguine Carbonara5
- Calamari5
- waiter8
- Bruschetta with Burrata2
- food quantity2
- total bill2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Neighborhood Gem with a Music Quibble
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive. It's a great little neighborhood gem with a cool atmosphere and excellent service. The wait staff were particularly great.
My only suggestion for improvement would be to play music from the Italian/Mediterranean region, as the 70s/80s soundtrack didn't quite match the vibe.
- atmosphere10
- service10
- wait staff10
- music3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Exceptional Carbonara and Relaxing Atmosphere
I can confidently say this was the best carbonara I’ve had in over seven years. As a devoted carbonara lover, I’ve found that discovering a truly well-made version on the West Coast is far more difficult than one might expect. Ti Piacera’s rendition was exceptional—the best I’ve tasted since my time in Italy.
I ordered mine without mushrooms or scallions. I highly, highly recommend it. I first visited Ti Piacera with a friend for lunch, and one of the immediate highlights was the atmosphere—it’s a rare pleasure to find a restaurant where you can actually enjoy a conversation without shouting over the noise.
The carbonara was so memorable that I found myself craving it all week and ultimately placed a delivery order just to have it again.
- carbonara10
- rendition10
- atmosphere9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A Gem in San Francisco!
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. It's a gem of a place with a beautiful ambience. The food was absolutely divine, authentic, and tasty.
I particularly enjoyed the chicken parm and the chicken Marsala. I also had a fab cocktail. I would strongly recommend this lovely stop for anyone visiting San Francisco.
- ambience10
- food10
- chicken parm9
What Ti Piacera offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- 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
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Ti Piacera?
At Ti Piacera, you can enjoy a romantic and cozy Italian dining experience. They offer lunch, dinner, and even brunch, with table service available. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially if you’re planning a special evening. You’ll find seating and high chairs for children.
What are the beverage and food offerings at Ti Piacera, and what about accessibility?
Ti Piacera boasts a great wine list, hard liquor, cocktails, and beer, alongside coffee and happy hour drinks. You can also find small plates and vegetarian options. For convenience, the restaurant offers wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. Parking can be difficult, with paid street parking usually available.
How does Ti Piacera rate overall, and what are its main strengths?
Ti Piacera holds a good overall score of 7.9. Its strongest aspects are its Food (8.2) and Ambience (8.1), with Service (7.6) also rated positively.
Can I expect live music at Ti Piacera?
Yes, many reviews highlight the presence of live music, often jazz, which enhances the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere, particularly on Wednesday nights.
What are some potential drawbacks to consider before visiting Ti Piacera?
Some diners have pointed out loud acoustics and concerns regarding value for money. Issues with bill splitting and occasional service inconsistencies have also been mentioned.