Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » The Stinking Rose – San Francisco
The Stinking Rose - San Francisco
Photo from The Stinking Rose
The Stinking Rose at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 155 of the guests
#1672 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#104 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
808
Reviews
66.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- unique dishes
- lively atmosphere
- good service
Frequently criticized
- poor value
- inconsistent service
- crowded seating
The restaurant The Stinking Rose invites you to a truly unique Italian dining experience in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood. You’ll discover a place where the aroma of garlic fills the air, promising a memorable meal.
This historic Italian restaurant offers a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a fun gathering with friends. You can expect delicious food and a distinctive ambiance that sets it apart.
Overview: Introducting The Stinking Rose
The Stinking Rose offers a distinctive dining experience, particularly for those who appreciate a bold approach to flavors, with many finding the garlic-centric dishes quite memorable. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere and unique decor also contribute positively to the overall visit.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies, particularly regarding the actual garlic intensity in certain dishes. The service, while often praised, can sometimes be a point of contention, and the perceived price point has led to mixed feelings about its overall value.
Good
7
out of 10
808
Reviews
66.6%
Satisfaction
217
negative
53
neutral
538
positive
The Stinking Rose earns a respectable 7 out of 10 for its overall performance, indicating a generally good experience for many. However, customer sentiment is a bit more nuanced, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at 66.6%, suggesting a mixed bag for some patrons.
This perspective comes from a substantial body of feedback, with 538 positive remarks against 217 negative ones, drawn from over 800 customer comments. Diving into the specifics, the restaurant truly shines in its Ambience (7.5), creating a welcoming and engaging environment.
The Food (7.1) also holds up well, often praised for its unique character, and the Service (6.8) generally meets expectations. Where it falters, however, is in Value (3.3), which consistently receives lower marks, indicating that some diners find the pricing doesn’t quite align with the overall offering.
What people like
- Unique garlic dishes
- Lively atmosphere
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Poor value
- Service inconsistencies
- Crowded environment
The Stinking Rose, with a 7.2 recommendation score, offers a distinct experience that’s worth considering, especially if you’re keen on exploring a garlic-themed menu. Its vibrant atmosphere and generally good service contribute to a memorable visit for many.
However, be mindful of the value proposition, as some find it a bit pricey for what’s offered. If you prioritize a unique setting and specific flavor profile over strict budget adherence, this spot could be a fun culinary adventure.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Stinking Rose
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, its a flavorful journey, though with a few bumps! With a score of 7.1 (thats good!) and 67.8% customer satisfaction (a mixed result), many of the 301 positive opinions highlight delicious garlic-themed dishes, especially the Bagna Calda, ribeye steak, and unique garlic ice cream. However, 107 negative opinions out of 444 total suggest some inconsistencies.
Diners occasionally noted small portions, bland flavor, overcooked steak, or even a surprising lack of garlic in certain dishes, which is quite unexpected for this restaurant.
Food
444
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
107
negative
36
neutral
301
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent garlic dishes
- Unique garlic ice cream
- Delicious Bagna Calda
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portions
- Surprisingly bland dishes
Often praised
- foodEven the desserts incorporated garlic, which was a unique and successful twist. The reviewer suggests that if you do not like garlic, this restaurant may change your opinion if you give them a shot, that's how good they are. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect score of 5.
- garlicMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible! You have to love garlic, seriously! Everything I've ever had was amazing.
- garlic ice creamgarlic ice cream sounds crazy but it's actually very subtle but good
- Bagna CaldaThis is one of my favorite places in SF! The food is classic Stinking Rose, with standout dishes like the Bagna Calda, Garlic Mussels, Lasagna, Bolognese, and house pizza, all earning a perfect 5/5. Even the Burgundy house red wine was surprisingly good.
- FoodFood:5
- breadEverything I've ever had was amazing. The Garlic boat is my favorite, as long as the bread comes out warm – so ask for that. You honestly cannot go wrong with any dish, so take your pick!
- bagna caldaI highly recommend beginning with the bagna calda
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and the cocktails were excellent. It's a fun little place to sit and watch people pass by.
- dishesThe service was efficient, and the waiters were pleasant. The dishes were good. It's a friendly place that is well decorated!
- 40 clove chickenThis was my second visit. They offer some non-garlic options, but I indulged in the Bagna Calda, 40 clove chicken, and Count Vladimir's Sizzling Garlic Prime Ribeye Stake. For dessert, we tried the garlic ice cream, which was a very fun novelty to try, though not something I'd eat daily.
Frequently criticized
- foodHowever, the food was a letdown, scoring only a 2. I was confused because the food didn't taste like garlic, which I expected. The steak was described as suuuuper fatty and borderline inedible.
- food qualityThe waiters were inattentive, which made the service feel lacking. While the portions were large, the food itself was tasteless. Most concerningly, I experienced an upset stomach after eating the pasta with seafood.
- garlic flavorexpecting an explosion of garlic flavor which isn't the case
- menuThe menu has also undergone a transformation, losing many of the standout items
- garlicMy experience at the restaurant was pleasant. The food was decent, though I felt there wasn't enough garlic in it. The ice cream was a peculiar experience, but definitely a must-try.
- garlic ice creamgarlic ice cream was where all their garlic went
- garlickyNot garlicky enough!
- lasagnaLasagna was definitely not what you would expect
- portion sizethe portion size is too small
- portionsportions are also small
If you're a garlic enthusiast ready for a unique culinary adventure, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for some potential inconsistencies in portion size or flavor, and choose your dishes wisely to maximize the garlic experience.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot gets a solid 6.8, which is pretty good! Many of the 115 positive comments praise the staff for being attentive and friendly, often noting quick and efficient service. Guests frequently mention excellent wait staff and servers who make the experience enjoyable, with some even highlighting specific individuals like Jose and Carlos.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 64.6%, with 60 negative opinions pointing to some bumps in the road. Common complaints revolve around long waiting time for seating, especially with reservations, and occasional slow service. Some guests also experienced issues with the host or felt the staff lacked awareness, leading to frustration.
Service
178
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
60
negative
3
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Excellent wait staff
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Poor host experience
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food, the great location in North Beach, and the great service. The Spanish translation also highlights "Buena comida, buen servicio y buena ubicación en North beach, " reinforcing the positive aspects of the meal, service, and location.
- staffThe food was delicious, and the service was excellent. The staff were more than happy to suggest dishes for first-time visitors. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere and unique decor also added to the experience.
- ServiceService:5
- reservationThe ambiance there is lovely, perfect for enjoying a meal and then taking a stroll through the lively streets filled with music and laughter. I highly recommend making a reservation, especially if you want to sit outside and fully immerse yourself in the experience. I booked online, but a phone call with a patient approach or leaving a message on their voicemail can also work – it's quite humorous!
- serversThe servers were tops and attentive
- wait staffThe wait staff sing in a roaring unison the birthday song
- JoseJose was our waiter and he is a great at his job
- attentiveVery attentive and pleasant to be around
- greetingWas greeted and seated quickly
- tableThe staff is friendly and very good at checking in on customers. We booked a table in advance and I would suggest the same, especially for large parties of 6 or more. And don't forget to grab a souvenir!
Frequently criticized
- serviceEveryone dining seemed miserable, and the food looked pretty mid and unappealing. Based on the long wait despite a reservation and the poor service, we decided to leave, as there are plenty of other options in the area.
- waiting timeAlthough it took a little over an hour to seat us after the reservation, the food and service we were provided was so good it was worth the wait! Everyone in our party of 5 enjoyed their food and was so happy with the waiters’ service, they were so friendly and attentive and even sang happy birthday to my sister.
- ServiceService was challenging as they appeared short staffed
- reservationhad to wait, despite our reservation
- waithad to wait, despite our reservation
- hostTheir shrimp, which used to be properly garlicky, is now just served on a cast iron plate with (nice) shrimp. The waiters were great, but the host was not.
- serverMy family and I visited this restaurant in SF a few years ago. We experienced horrible service, as we sat at a table for 40 minutes waiting for a server to take our order. The servers repeatedly passed by us, ignoring our existence and not even making eye contact, making us feel invisible.
- English speaking staffnobody here speaks English so communication is going to be difficult
- The Stinking RoseWe took the trip for the 4th of July, a three-day weekend. San Francisco is beautiful, and the people are so nice, but I won't EVER go back to The Stinking Rose. You should never treat people who travel so far like that on someone's birthday.
- attitude of the staffdisappointed with the service and attitude of the staff
If youre looking for friendly and attentive staff, youll likely find it here, but be prepared for potential waits, especially if you have a reservation. It's worth a try for the good service, but manage your expectations regarding seating times.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to the ambience, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 73.6%, its clear most folks enjoy the atmosphere. Based on 163 total opinions, with 120 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the excellent patio, outdoor seating, and the overall atmosphere and vibe, often highlighting the unique decor and fun opportunities for people-watching.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 32 negative comments pointing to some drawbacks. Concerns often revolve around seating being cramped or small tables, and a noticeable noise level. Some long-time patrons also feel the ambiance has changed, suggesting its lost a bit of its old school atmosphere or unique charm.
Ambience
163
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
32
negative
11
neutral
120
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent outdoor seating
- Unique, fun atmosphere
- Great people-watching
What people don't like
- Cramped, small seating
- High noise level
- Lost old vibe
Often praised
- atmosphereThe staff were more than happy to suggest dishes for first-time visitors. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere and unique decor also added to the experience. It’s definitely a must-visit spot when in San Francisco!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. The atmosphere was fun, and the staff was professional, complemented by a great location. I thoroughly enjoyed my entrée, the ravioli with blue cheese garlic sauce and chicken, which was delicious.
- decoryou should spend a few minutes looking at the decor
- outdoor seatingdelightful, particularly due to its outdoor seating
- placeGreat place in the city for dinner.
- ambienceall the ambience lets you feel like a good human being
- vibeOnly good thing is the vibe
- ambiancecreating a welcoming ambiance
- interiorThe interior feels like a cozy, family run pizza parlor.
Frequently criticized
- parkingtook over an hour to find parking and parking garages were full
- spaceMy experience at this restaurant was different from the original location. This location is much smaller, and they really cram you in as tight as they can. The food also just doesn't have the same pop it once did.
- atmosphereThe atmosphere has declined
- crowdedSuper crowded the day we went
- seatinghow uncomfortable all the seating looked (crammed, with pedestrian traffic rubbing against people’s food)
- ambianceThe ambiance is no longer the lively and welcoming space I remember
- barsqueeze into the bar full of other people
- colder inside upstairsit was colder inside upstairs than it was outside
- entryVery small entry
- garlic hangingsad to not see the types of garlic hanging
If youre looking for a lively spot with great outdoor dining and a unique, fun vibe, youll likely enjoy the ambience here. Just be prepared that seating can feel a bit tight and it might get noisy, especially if you're expecting a quiet, intimate setting.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
A rare few have found a silver lining in the price here, mentioning that the authentic, fresh food and delicious cocktails didnt "break the bank, " making for a lovely overall experience. These positive thoughts, though few (just 2 out of 23 comments), suggest that a decent "food at a decent price" *can* be found by some. However, the overall picture for value is quite bleak, with a score of 3.3 (poor) and customer satisfaction at a very low 8.7% (poor).
The overwhelming sentiment, reflected in 18 negative remarks, is that this is an "overpriced place" and an "expensive" "tourist trap. " Many feel its simply not a great value, with terms like expensive and overpriced frequently popping up.
Value
23
Reviews
8%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced experience
- Not great value
- Tourist trap
Often praised
- priceThe food was authentic and fresh, and the cocktails were delicious. It also doesn't break the bank, making it a lovely overall experience.
Frequently criticized
- priceHe also found the pasta and sauce to be only mediocre. Considering the poor presentation and mediocre taste, this entrée was a definite disappointment and not worth the $40 price. I would return to the restaurant, but would advise against ordering that specific entrée.
- pricestoo small in compare to the prices
- PriceOverpriced & under seasoned
- drinksexpensive. $38 for 4 people including tip (1 beer, 1 glass of house red, 1 lemonade and 1 coke)
- expensiveWhile the pizza itself was decent and in a classical Italian style (oven fired), the overall experience was that it's a tourist spot and a place you can go to say you were there. It's very expensive and not a great value, but it is an experience.
- large piefor 25 small large pie
- overpriced placejust another overpriced North Beach place
- price per personDinner at this restaurant is expensive
- tourist trapsadly now just another tourist trap
- valueNot a great value
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially steep bill that many feel doesnt match the quality or portion sizes. While a few find decent food, the consensus is that it's often an overpriced experience. If value is a top priority, you might want to explore other options.
How are the prices at The Stinking Rose?
You’re looking at roughly 51 per person – reported by 155 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits here, actual spending is quite varied. We see a good mix of guests spending in the 41-50$ range, and also a fair number enjoying more premium options above 100$.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 155 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an Italian restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those ready to splurge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Stinking Rose
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
My Favorite Bohemian Gem!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. It's my most favorite restaurant, offering a truly Bohemian feel. The food was absolutely delicious, and I particularly enjoyed it.
The atmosphere was also a highlight, contributing to a fantastic overall experience.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- Bohemian feel9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
A Delicious Night Out in North Beach
San Francisco offers a vibrant day and night experience, and as a foodie, I always enjoy exploring the city's culinary scene with friends. This time, we returned to our favorite spot, The Stinking Rose in the North Beach area. The ambiance there is lovely, perfect for enjoying a meal and then taking a stroll through the lively streets filled with music and laughter.
I highly recommend making a reservation, especially if you want to sit outside and fully immerse yourself in the experience. I booked online, but a phone call with a patient approach or leaving a message on their voicemail can also work – it's quite humorous! We arrived on time and secured one of the last colorful outdoor tables.
I ordered the Chicken Alfredo, and my friend had the same with shrimp. Our server, Jose, was incredibly kind and respectful, leading to an interesting discussion about tourism's impact post-COVID-19. It's great to see things improving, as the restaurant was very crowded on a Friday night.
For parking, I suggest using a nearby paid lot to avoid the challenges of street parking. I wholeheartedly recommend The Stinking Rose for a memorable dining experience in North Beach.
- Chicken Alfredo9
- Chicken Alfredo with shrimp9
- Jose10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Garlic Heaven, Worth Returning For
My experience at this restaurant was truly centered around garlic-based cuisine, living up to its name. We thoroughly enjoyed every single dish served to us and were so impressed that we came back for more. The food quality was excellent, earning a perfect score.
The service was also top-notch, receiving a perfect score, and the atmosphere was rated a 5 out of 5. While parking was somewhat difficult to find, the overall dining experience, especially the food, made it a memorable dinner.
- garlic based cuisine10
- every single dish10
- food10
- parking space3
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Worth the Wait for Delicious Food!
I was so excited that the restaurant reopened. It had been on my ‘want to go’ list for a long time, and it was definitely worth the wait. The food was delicious, and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive.
- food10
- staff10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
The Stinking Rose: A San Francisco Gem
My wife and I honeymooned in San Francisco last year and, among the many places we ate, The Stinking Rose was our absolute favorite. The food was even better than the most upscale restaurants we tried, and the service was superior as well. I had the "sizzling garlic prime ribeye stake" and my wife ordered the sea bass; both were incredible – high quality, flavorful, and cooked perfectly.
Our waiter, Jose, was exceptional at his job, being very attentive and pleasant. The Stinking Rose left such a lasting impression that we returned this year for our anniversary, bringing our whole family. We ordered the same dishes, and they were just as we remembered.
It was great to see that the restaurant has maintained its high standards. Jose even stopped by to catch up after our meal. This place is a true gem in San Francisco.
- food10
- service10
- sizzling garlic prime ribeye stake10
What The Stinking Rose offers
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
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at The Stinking Rose?
Yes, reservations are accepted at The Stinking Rose, and they are highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit for dinner. You can secure your spot to enjoy their unique Italian offerings and ensure a smooth dining experience in their popular North Beach location.
What kind of atmosphere and accessibility can you expect at The Stinking Rose?
The Stinking Rose offers a casual, cozy, and historic atmosphere, making it a trendy and romantic spot in North Beach. You’ll find it to be wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
How does The Stinking Rose generally perform?
The Stinking Rose holds an overall score of 7, with Customer Satisfaction at 66.6%. Its Ambience (7.5), Food (7.1), and Service (6.8) are rated well, though Value (3.3) is a notable area for improvement.
Is The Stinking Rose truly a garlic-lover's paradise?
While many praise its unique garlic-infused dishes, some diners have expressed that the garlic flavor isn’t always as intense as expected. It’s a distinct theme, but individual experiences with garlic levels can vary.
Is The Stinking Rose considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find it doesn’t “break the bank,” many others perceive it as expensive and not offering great value, especially given the portion sizes and overall experience.