Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Great wine list
oChef » Fior d’Italia – San Francisco
Fior d'Italia - San Francisco
Photo from Fior d’Italia
Fior d'Italia at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 138 of the guests
#1158 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#80 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
756
Reviews
74.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Lively ambiance
- Attentive service
- Delicious food
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Noise level
- Lingering odors
The restaurant Fior d’Italia, an exquisite Italian Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood, invites you to experience a truly memorable dining occasion. You’ll discover a place where culinary tradition meets a lively atmosphere, complete with captivating live music that sets the perfect backdrop for your meal.
This historic establishment offers a cozy yet upscale setting, ideal for a romantic evening or a delightful gathering with friends, ensuring you a fantastic time.
Overview: Introducting Fior d'Italia
Fior d’Italia offers a classic Italian dining experience, often praised for its vibrant ambiance and the engaging live music that fills the space. Guests frequently highlight the warm and attentive staff, contributing to a memorable visit.
However, some patrons have noted that the lively atmosphere can sometimes become quite loud, making conversation challenging. There are also occasional concerns regarding the overall upkeep of the dining environment, suggesting a mixed experience for some.
Good
7.5
out of 10
756
Reviews
74.6%
Satisfaction
154
negative
38
neutral
564
positive
Fior d’Italia earns a respectable overall score of 7.5, indicating a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 74.6%, which aligns well, suggesting most guests leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 756 total opinions, with 564 positive remarks outweighing 154 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Ambience (8.2) is a standout, frequently lauded for its classic decor and lively atmosphere.
Food (7.6) and Service (7.3) also perform well, consistently receiving positive feedback. However, Value (4.1) is a clear area for improvement, with many finding the pricing to be a significant drawback.
What people like
- Lively <strong>ambiance</strong>
- Warm, attentive <strong>service</strong>
- Delicious <strong>food</strong> offerings
What people don't like
- Questionable <strong>value</strong>
- Loud <strong>environment</strong>
- Unpleasant <strong>odors</strong>
With a recommendation score of 7.7, Fior d’Italia presents itself as a solid choice for those seeking a traditional Italian meal with a lively atmosphere. It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of good food and engaging service.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and a bustling, sometimes noisy, setting. If you prioritize a vibrant dining experience over strict budget adherence, this establishment could be a worthwhile visit for you.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fior d'Italia
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.6 score which is quite good, and a solid 75.8% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the authentic Italian flavors, especially the delicious homemade pasta and tender meats, making for truly substantial meals. With 297 positive comments out of 392 total, its clear the kitchen is doing a lot right.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some diners found certain sauces bland or tasteless, and there were occasional complaints about overcooked seafood and overly salty dishes. These 73 negative remarks suggest theres still room for consistency in every plate.
Food
392
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
73
negative
22
neutral
297
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Fresh homemade pasta
- Delicious, substantial meals
What people don't like
- Tasteless, bland sauces
- Overcooked, rubbery seafood
- Overly salty dishes
Often praised
- foodThe ambiance was enhanced by live music from a very skilled piano player, with whom I enjoyed a conversation about music after dinner. The food was excellent; my tortellini were brilliantly crafted, and the lasagna was masterfully delicious. I highly recommend embarking on this culinary journey of Italian cuisine as a celebration of life, love, and family.
- pastaThroughout the evening, our waitress was charming, helpful, and attentive. The food was excellent, featuring tasty homemade bread, wonderful pasta, and a panna cotta to die for. We shared a bottle of house merlot, which was very good.
- lasagnaThe ambiance was enhanced by live music from a very skilled piano player, with whom I enjoyed a conversation about music after dinner. The food was excellent; my tortellini were brilliantly crafted, and the lasagna was masterfully delicious. I highly recommend embarking on this culinary journey of Italian cuisine as a celebration of life, love, and family.
- gnocchiThe happy hour calamari was amazing, and the salume and bread were perfect bar bites. It was delightful to watch my two-year-old great nephew devour an adult serving of gnocchi while the rest of us enjoyed our pastas and fish. The service, food, and ambience were all on point.
- calamaria huge, delicious bowl of calamari
- mealHaving dined at many Italian restaurants, I can confidently say this is the oldest in the US for a reason. My experience was the single best meal I have had in years. Thank you for making my wife and myself’s trip to San Francisco so memorable!
- tiramisutiramisu is much better than the average one in Italy 🇮🇹
- Caesar saladThe best part of the meal was the Caesar salad.
- breadThe delicious, classic Tagliatelle Bolognese and a shared Caesar salad were more than enough for my daughter and me. The bread served with the meal was hearty, fresh, and crusty. The pianist played a request beautifully.
- cocktailsThe entire vibe is so elegant & relaxing. Between curry tortellini, lasagna, tiramisu, cocktails—everything was so good that we ate here two nights in a row while we were in SF. We can’t wait to come back ♥️
Frequently criticized
- foodI don't understand why this place has such good reviews? Compliments to the good service and warm atmosphere ;) However, the food was, at best, meh! I had the linguini tutto mare ($40), which had a sauce that was indistinctly red and tasteless.
- breadvery stingy with the bread
- escargotsnails were off, having a tinny taste
- pastaThe others were just below average
- polentaThe polenta was way to soupy and really took away from the dish
- Alfredo sauceThe Alfredo sauce tasted just like something you'd get from a grocery store
- Aperol SpritzOrdered an aperol spritz and it came by/4 full?
- Bacche Alla cremaBacche Alla crema (cream and berries) and a version poached pear in cream and it was literally fresh fruit in heavy cream
- Catch of the Dayacrid bright yellow color and very bitter sauce
- Italian optionsway better Italian options in the area
If you're craving authentic Italian, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially for its fresh pasta and savory dishes. Just be mindful that while many meals are delicious, a few reports mention inconsistent flavors or overseasoning. Overall, it leans heavily towards a satisfying culinary journey.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with a score of 7.3 indicating its quite good. Many of the 131 positive remarks praise the "friendly staff, " "attentive servers, " and the "warm welcome" guests receive. Special shout-outs often go to individuals like Lalo, Antonio, and Fabian for their exceptional hospitality and professionalism.
However, with a customer satisfaction of 69.7%, its a bit of a mixed bag. Out of 188 comments, 51 pointed to issues like slow service, inattentive waiters, and occasional rude or disrespectful attitudes. Some felt pressured to order or experienced poor communication.
Service
188
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
51
negative
6
neutral
131
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm, welcoming service
- Professional wait staff
What people don't like
- Slow service times
- Inattentive servers
- Poor waiter attitude
Often praised
- serviceMy group and I really enjoyed our time here. The food and service were wonderful. The only negative was the volume of the music; it was too loud, and a number of our group mentioned they had trouble conversing.
- staffWhat a delightful experience! This restaurant offers a lovely vibe, fabulous staff, and delicious food. I will definitely come back for sure.
- waiterOur waiter was outstanding – communicative, punctual, and shared fascinating stories about the restaurant, San Francisco, and past celebrity patrons, along with his jokes! He was the best! I highly recommend this place for the best Italian meal in the city!
- ServiceService provide for an Experience you MUST Enjoy
- waitressThe food is Italian-inspired, priced well, tastes excellent, and the portion size is perfect. We owe our enjoyable evening particularly to the dedicated and interested waitress, Marie/Maria (name as per bill). Through her very pleasant, open, and warm demeanor, she gave the evening a special charm.
- LaloThis is one of my regular spots, and I always enjoy sitting at the bar with Eric or Watson. Lalo at the door is a welcoming and friendly host who really helps liven up the place. It's the kind of establishment where people seem to truly "live, " and I believe that's due to its incredibly welcoming atmosphere.
- wait staffWhat a wonderful dining experience! Fabian took good care of us, and the wait staff was delightful. It was like a night in Italia.
- friendly staffextremely friendly staff
- hospitalityHe really made our night with his delicious Tiramisu martini. Best hospitality ever, and we can’t wait to go again!
- hostWarmly greeted by the host
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service really brought the experience down. Our waiter had an attitude
- serverIt's definitely not a place for a romantic or intimate dinner as it was loud and the service was spotty. Our server seemed preoccupied and neglected our requests. Despite the cool room on a rainy weekend, the garage dish heaters provided warmth.
- waiterThe waiter we had was obnoxious and not good!
- serverssome servers will be attentive to your needs and some, like ours, had no desire to serve us
- DinnerDinner was served 30 minutes after ordering
- ServiceService was another key disappointment. The waiters were abundant but clearly not there to serve
- attention to detailDespite the restaurant being less than half-full on a Monday evening, we were essentially abandoned at our table. There was zero attention to detail, and the requested special acknowledgment for my husband's birthday was completely forgotten. The point of arranging a special dinner is for the service to elevate the experience, not destroy it.
- attentive to customersMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a waiter with a bad attitude. He was Latino and didn't take the time to attend to customers, never being attentive. We had to ask him to bring bread, refill sodas, and butter.
- communicationpoor communication ruined
- cup of wineasked for another cup of wine, they never gave us 😒
If you value a warm welcome and generally attentive staff, this place is often a hit. However, be prepared for the possibility of occasional slow or inattentive service, which can sometimes detract from the experience.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 86%. With 129 positive remarks out of 150, guests consistently praise the delightful live piano music and old-school Italian feel. Many appreciate the warm atmosphere and historic interior, creating a cozy and welcoming vibe.
Yet, 14 negative comments point to some minor issues. A few found the space loud or noted a noisy table, which sometimes made conversing difficult. There were also occasional mentions of a strange smell or the volume of the music being too high, potentially impacting the overall experience.
Ambience
150
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
14
negative
7
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live piano music
- Old-school Italian feel
- Warm, cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Occasional strange smell
Often praised
- atmosphereThe wine and cocktails were also top-notch. The atmosphere was lively and full of joy, exactly what we wanted for our special day. It's also a perfect Sunday spot in San Francisco for live music and great vibes.
- live musicThe atmosphere was lively and full of joy, exactly what we wanted for our special day. It's also a perfect Sunday spot in San Francisco for live music and great vibes. I highly recommend this place!
- ambiance🇮🇹🍷 From the moment I stepped in, the warmth of the staff and the lively live music wrapped me in a cocoon of happiness. 🎵🎉 The joyous tunes created the perfect ambiance for a leisurely afternoon that flew by. The live music added that extra touch of magic, making it an unforgettable time.
- ambienceClassic decor and ambience with vintage photos and white tablecloths set the tone.
- pianistAlthough they were a bit busy, this is not an excuse for awful food and subpar service. The pianist played beautifully, but the overall experience was disappointing. We spent about $700 on appetizers, drinks, and main courses.
- piano playerThere was a piano player who helped with the ambiance
- decorthe decor was modern, yet with old-world touches
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- live pianistOne individual's laughter progressed from sounding like Muttly from the Wacky Races to Harold the Hyena 😂. On the plus side, there was a live pianist playing all the classic standards. Overall, an 8/10 experience.
- live piano musicWe wouldn’t recommend this place if you’re looking to indulge in timeless Italian food. There was nice live piano music. It may be better for just cocktails and dessert if you’re wanting to check out the oldest Italian restaurant in the nation.
Frequently criticized
- ambienceThe server kept taking our plates without asking if we were finished, which was frustrating. I think being there midday may have killed the ambience.
- buildingDas Gebäude ist etwas in die Jahre gekommen und riecht deshalb doll
- conversingThe food and service were wonderful. The only negative was the volume of the music; it was too loud, and a number of our group mentioned they had trouble conversing.
- jazz bandthe jazz band seemed a little too loud because it was in such a small space.
- loudit is loud
- main dining room smellThe main dining room smelled like a sewer
- menusThe menus had clearly seen better days
- noisy tablemarred by a super noisy table next to us
- parkingThe atmosphere was pleasant, scoring a 4/5. While parking was somewhat difficult to find, the free street parking was a plus. The price per person is between $30–50.
- restaurant smellsThe restaurant smells faintly of mildew/trash smell
If youre looking for a charming, historic old-school Italian feel with delightful live piano music, this place is a strong contender. Just be mindful that it can get a bit loud' during busy times, so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter setting.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the price and menu prices quite reasonable, especially given the quality and historic ambiance. Many appreciated the quality-price ratio, with a few even calling it good value. Based on 7 positive remarks out of 26 total, these guests felt their experience was well-priced and worth the cost.
However, the overall value score hovers at an average 4.1, and customer satisfaction is a rather poor 26.9%. A significant 16 comments out of 26 expressed concerns, frequently labeling the restaurant as overrated or simply over price. Many found it on the pricey side, with some even reporting dishonest billing practices and unexpectedly high charges for off-menu items.
Value
26
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable menu prices
- Good quality-price
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Overpriced experience
- Dishonest billing
- Unexpected high charges
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious and offered at a reasonable price. The service was great, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.
- $100 for 2 people$100 for 2 people… it’s worth it
- good valueGood value
- menu pricesWe found the menu prices reasonable considering the historic heritage of the restaurant.
- pricesPrices are fair for the quality, history, and ambience
- quality-price ratioWe are connoisseurs, and the pasta was to die for (especially after 10 days of US food 🤪). For a very acceptable quality-price ratio. The service was perfect, kind, and very professional.
Frequently criticized
- billSubsequent reviews revealed similar experiences where off-menu items are offered without prices, leading to unexpectedly high charges. My advice: always confirm prices for off-menu offers and meticulously double-check your bill.
- priceFor the price, we found this place to be quite mediocre. The history lured us in, but the food and experience were disappointing overall.
- billing practicesdishonest billing practices
- charged me for the foodThey charged me for the food anyway, even though I sent it back.
- checkwas the check
- costgiven the cost
- extra appetizerstwo extra appetizers added
- mealI mentioned the issue with the fish sauce to the waiter, who said he'd inform the chef, but no adjustment was made to the bill. Overall, it was a VERY expensive POOR QUALITY meal. We will not order food again, but will definitely return for the jazz.
- off-menu offerscharges unexpectedly high amounts
- overratedOverrated to say the least.
If youre considering this spot, be aware that while some find the value acceptable, a significant number feel its overpriced and even report billing issues. It might be worth it if you prioritize ambiance and quality over strict budget, but proceed with caution and always double-check your bill.
How are the prices at Fior d'Italia?
On average, guests spend around 54 $ per person, based on 138 reviews. This places the restaurant in the $51–$60 price range. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning slightly higher.
Looking at the full picture, prices are quite varied; while the average is 54 $, many diners spend less, and a good number also opt for more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 138 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Considering the average spend and the variety of price points available, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian restaurant in San Francisco. It offers options for different budgets, from a good mid-range meal to something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fior d'Italia
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
5
Good Food, Dishonest Billing Practices
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of good food and significant issues with billing and communication. We were drawn in by an amazing appetizer photo on Google Maps. When we inquired about it, the waitress informed us it was no longer available.
She offered similar options, and we chose the Burrata con Pomodori Basilico e Olio, also ordering our main courses. Impressively, she later returned stating the chef would prepare something similar to the photo we saw, which felt like great service and accommodation. The food itself was good.
However, the bill included two extra appetizers, totaling around $70. When we questioned this, the waitress became argumentative, insisting we had ordered three appetizers and claiming we should have known they weren't complimentary. After a frustrating exchange, she apologized only to process the payment.
Subsequent reviews revealed similar experiences where off-menu items are offered without prices, leading to unexpectedly high charges. My advice: always confirm prices for off-menu offers and meticulously double-check your bill.
- food8
- appetizer photo9
- willingness to accommodate9
- billing practices2
- communication3
- waitress2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Homemade Pasta and Great Service
This was my 1st time visiting from LA. The service was great, and the bartender was very nice and knowledgeable. The food is delicious, especially the homemade pasta and the calamari, which were fresh and tasty.
I will definitely be coming back on my next visit.
- service9
- bartender9
- food10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Amazing Food, Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves. The food was absolutely amazing — fresh, flavorful, and true to authentic Italian taste. However, the service really brought the experience down.
Our waiter had an attitude, used slang language, and threw tantrums when we asked for simple things that were part of his job. For a place with such great food, I expected better professionalism and hospitality.
- food10
- service1
- professionalism2
- hospitality2
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food, Sublime Atmosphere
My wife and I wanted a nice place to celebrate our San Francisco sojourn. Despite her gluten intolerance and my issues with white flour, we found promising choices on the menu. I chose the Osso Buco and she the striploin.
Both meals were absolutely delicious. Our waiter was attentive but not overbearing. We did make a slight flub ordering the $150 Brunello Montalcino wine, hoping it would match one we had in Italy, but a $50 or $60 Chianti would have been just as good.
Regardless, it was our choice. The food was great, the atmosphere was sublime and rich, and the experience was very appreciated.
- Osso Buco10
- striploin10
- waiter8
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Authentic Italian Experience in the Italian Quarter
Our recent dining experience at the Fior d'Italia transported us back to evenings spent in Manhattan's Little Italy. The classic decor and ambience, complete with vintage photos and white tablecloths, set a wonderful tone. Being frequent customers, we were warmly greeted by an impeccably dressed maitre d' who exchanged pleasantries in Italian.
Our jovial waiter provided efficient service without making us feel rushed. The four of us enjoyed a variety of dishes, all of which were delicious and substantial. The restaurant offers a comprehensive wine list and a full bar.
We found the menu prices reasonable, especially considering the restaurant's historic heritage. The beautiful bar area, with its heavy woodwork, truly felt like an authentic Italian trattoria. It's definitely worth stopping for dinner when you're in the Italian Quarter!
- classic decor9
- ambience9
- impeccably dressed maitre d'10
What Fior d'Italia 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
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
Is Fior d'Italia accessible for all guests?
Yes, Fior d’Italia ensures a comfortable experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, making it easy for all patrons to enjoy their visit to this Italian restaurant in North Beach.
What kind of atmosphere and special offerings can you expect at Fior d'Italia?
At Fior d’Italia, you can anticipate an upscale, historic, and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a special evening. You’ll also enjoy live music, a great wine list, and delicious desserts, complementing your Italian dining experience.
What is the overall dining experience like at Fior d'Italia?
Fior d’Italia offers a generally good dining experience, with an overall score of **7.5**. Its **Ambience** (8.2), **Food** (7.6), and **Service** (7.3) are well-regarded, though **Value** (4.1) is a notable concern.
What can I expect from the atmosphere at Fior d'Italia?
The atmosphere is often described as lively, with classic decor and live music contributing to a vibrant setting. However, some guests have found the environment to be quite loud, and there have been occasional mentions of unpleasant odors.
Is the food at Fior d'Italia worth the price?
While the food generally receives good reviews for its quality and taste, with dishes like pasta and lasagna often highlighted, many customers express concerns about the overall value for money. The **Value** score of 4.1 suggests that pricing can be a significant drawback for some.