Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Frascati – San Francisco
Frascati - San Francisco
Photo from Frascati
Frascati at a glance
San Francisco Russian Hill
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 55 of the guests
#68 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
440
Reviews
93.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Top service
- Great food
- Cozy ambience
Frequently criticized
- Poor ventilation
- Food inconsistency
- High prices
The restaurant Frascati is an Italian Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s charming Russian Hill neighborhood. You’ll discover a truly memorable dining experience here, highlighted by its great wine list.
This spot offers an upscale yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening out. Prepare for an authentic taste of Italy right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Frascati
Frascati offers a generally delightful dining experience, often praised for its food and attentive service. Many guests appreciate the cozy yet elegant atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for a high-quality meal.
The staff, including the owners, frequently receive accolades for their genuine hospitality, contributing to a welcoming visit. However, some experiences at Frascati have been less favorable.
Concerns have been raised about the ambience due to occasional smell and smoke from the kitchen. While the food is largely celebrated, a few dishes, like the burrata appetizer, have sometimes missed the mark for some diners.
Excellent
8.9
out of 10
440
Reviews
93.4%
Satisfaction
18
negative
11
neutral
411
positive
Frascati achieves an impressive overall Restaurant Score of 8.9, reflecting a consistently high standard. This is strongly supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction rate of 93.4%, indicating that the vast majority of guests leave pleased.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 440 customer observations, with 411 positive remarks significantly outweighing the 18 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Service (9.3) stands out as particularly strong, often described as top-notch and genuinely hospitable.
The Food (8.9) also garners excellent feedback, with many dishes receiving high praise. The Ambience (8.7) contributes positively to the dining experience, though some minor issues have been noted.
Value (6.3), however, presents a more average picture, suggesting it’s not a primary draw for all diners.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Quality Food
- Charming Ambience
What people don't like
- Kitchen Ventilation Issues
- Inconsistent Dish Quality
- Perceived High Prices
Frascati generally delivers a highly satisfying dining experience, backed by a strong Recommendation Score of 9.2. If you prioritize excellent service and well-prepared food in a pleasant setting, this restaurant is certainly worth considering for your next meal out.
While some minor inconsistencies in certain dishes and occasional ventilation issues have been noted, these appear to be exceptions rather than the norm. For a reliable and enjoyable outing, Frascati stands as a solid choice, offering a memorable experience for most patrons.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Frascati
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an 8.9 score and an impressive 93.7% customer satisfaction, diners consistently rave about the delicious flavors and generous portions. Out of 253 total opinions, a whopping 237 were positive, frequently praising the homemade pasta, delightful desserts, and perfectly cooked dishes like the Duck Confit Risotto.
However, a small number of 10 negative comments suggest some areas for improvement. A few guests found the food quality inconsistent, with specific mentions of a disappointing burrata appetizer and concerns about pasta dish sizes. While these instances are rare, they highlight occasional preparation issues.
Food
253
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
10
negative
6
neutral
237
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious homemade desserts
- Perfectly cooked dishes
- Amazing flavors
What people don't like
- Poor food quality
- Small pasta portions
- Disappointing burrata
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, despite being in a bit of a rush. I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful and delicious food. The service was exceptionally friendly, which greatly enhanced my visit.
- dessertsbest coffees and desserts I've had in years
- pork chopThe food was perfection. We had the pork chop and the roast chicken and were very happy. We also loved the grilled bread salad.
- Italian foodsomsoish Italian food this is the place
- chickenHate to use the word "magical, " but I can only think of one other time where it hit this level of perfection - everyone had an enjoyable and care-free time - with no disappointments. I can personally attest to the following food: 5+: Filet mignon, gnocchi, chicken, beet salad, ice cream (made in house).
- dishesDishes were perfectly sized so you could enjoy the delicious flavors
- gnocchiHate to use the word "magical, " but I can only think of one other time where it hit this level of perfection - everyone had an enjoyable and care-free time - with no disappointments. I can personally attest to the following food: 5+: Filet mignon, gnocchi, chicken, beet salad, ice cream (made in house).
- wineI tried the burrata, risotto, and white chocolate bread cake, all of which were delicious. They also offer a wide selection of desserts, wine, and moscato. The vibes were great, contributing to an overall enjoyable dinner experience.
- BurrataBurrata which was creamy and flavorful
- bread puddingThe other two loved the fettuccine with bolognese. For dessert, we indulged in the best apple crisp and a decadent bread pudding, complemented by superb homemade ice cream. What truly elevated the experience was our fantastic, charming waiter.
Frequently criticized
- burrata appetizerthe burrata appetizer was a real letdown
- coffeecoffee that could improve for desserts
- food cookingMy experience at this restaurant was one to forget. It's a fake Italian restaurant, with food of poor quality and badly cooked. The atmosphere was terrible because there was no kitchen ventilation, resulting in a terrible smell and smoke.
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was one to forget. It's a fake Italian restaurant, with food of poor quality and badly cooked. The atmosphere was terrible because there was no kitchen ventilation, resulting in a terrible smell and smoke.
- gnocchiGnocchi was miserable
- larvae in my octopus salada squirming larvae in my octopus salad
- other itemsother items we ordered seemed to just barely miss the mark
- pasta dishMy pasta dish was way too small
- preparationbeing rushed
- stale breadHowever, the burrata appetizer was a real letdown. At $16 for only two pieces, served with stale bread, it felt underwhelming and overpriced, especially for sharing. For a group of three or four, this appetizer portion is not practical.
If youre seeking an Italian experience with truly amazing food, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While there are a few minor hiccups reported, the overwhelming majority of diners leave delighted, especially with the homemade pasta and desserts. Dont let a few small concerns deter you from a potentially fantastic meal!
Service (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.3 and a fantastic 96% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Based on 97 positive remarks out of 101 total, you can expect nothing less than immaculate service and courteous staff, often providing a personalized experience with genuine hospitality.
However, a tiny fraction of feedback, just 3 opinions, mentioned a slight hiccup regarding an apology or gesture, suggesting that one experience wasnt quite up to par. While these instances are rare, they highlight that even in excellent service, there's always a chance for a minor misstep.
Service
101
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Impeccable, warm service
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Owners' personal touch
What people don't like
- Lack of apology
Often praised
- serviceThe owners - host and hostess [both pros] - remembered us, and seated us in the front so our grandson could see the Cable Car. I can't see how the service could have been better. Hate to use the word "magical, " but I can only think of one other time where it hit this level of perfection - everyone had an enjoyable and care-free time - with no disappointments.
- staffentire staff were very friendly and made us feel at home
- ownersBut whatever you do, just make sure you get the chicken. John and Rebecca (owners) are absolute gems of human beings, and we love having them in our neighborhood.
- hospitalityThe staff were great, and the owners are phenomenal, nice, and attentive. Rebecca, I can’t thank you enough for your genuine hospitality and excellent restaurant experience! I will definitely be back!
- ServiceService:5
- waiterLater in the day, I secured a booking for a table, and in the evening, we enjoyed our dinner. Our meal was served by our Swiss-compatriot waiter from the Wallis, who engaged us in French conversation! The food, in particular the Risotto, was cooked to perfection.
- French conversationwith French conversation!
- authentic staffMy experience at this restaurant was delightful! It's an over-the-top cute neighborhood Italian bistro with authentic staff and a festive environment. The food was served hot, which was a great touch.
- charming waiterfantastic charming waiter
- conversationsThere were great conversations that didn't interrupt my dinner
Frequently criticized
- apologydidn't get even get an apology
- experiencemy experience was anything but
- gesturesome sort of gesture would have been nice
If youre looking for a dining experience where youll feel genuinely cared for, this is definitely the spot. The overwhelmingly positive feedback on service means you're likely in for a treat, making it a place well worth trying for its exceptional hospitality.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning an 8.7 score and an impressive 91.3% customer satisfaction. With 73 positive remarks out of 80 total, guests consistently praise the cozy atmosphere, romantic vibe, and welcoming venue. Many appreciate the neighborhood gem feel, often highlighting the candle light and San Francisco feel that makes for a memorable evening.
However, a very small number of guests, just 3 out of 80, had less favorable experiences. These rare comments pointed to issues with the atmosphere due to poor kitchen ventilation, which unfortunately led to smell and smoke in the dining area. This suggests an isolated concern rather than a widespread problem.
Ambience
80
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
3
negative
4
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, romantic atmosphere
- Charming neighborhood gem
- Welcoming, festive vibe
What people don't like
- Poor kitchen ventilation
- Unpleasant smell, smoke
Often praised
- atmosphereThe pasta was cooked perfectly, and the service is top notch. This little restaurant is so quaint but also so fancy, offering the freedom to enjoy a high-scale meal without a stuffy atmosphere. If you want to eat like the locals, you need to eat here.
- ambianceThe food, service, ambiance, etc are all amazing
- placeCute does not describe the place; it's cozy, elegant and comfortable.
- restaurantFantastisch, sfeervol en kleinschalig restaurant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- neighborhood restaurantWe took a chance. Frascati is a POPULAR NEIGHBORHOOD restaurant, with GREAT service, GOOD food, and FESTIVE atmosphere. It's an old-school SF neighborhood place - IYKYK.
- San Francisco feela true San Francisco feel
- ambienceThe food, service, ambience - all are always superb.
- being at FrascatiBeing at Frascati is like being in a movie, only much better!
- cable car routeright on the cable car route and that gave it an extra special touch
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was terrible
- kitchen ventilationIt's a fake Italian restaurant, with food of poor quality and badly cooked. The atmosphere was terrible because there was no kitchen ventilation, resulting in a terrible smell and smoke.
- smell and smokeIt's a fake Italian restaurant, with food of poor quality and badly cooked. The atmosphere was terrible because there was no kitchen ventilation, resulting in a terrible smell and smoke.
If you're seeking a charming, cozy, and romantic spot with a distinct neighborhood feel, this place is absolutely worth a visit. While a tiny fraction of guests noted ventilation issues, the overwhelming majority rave about the delightful atmosphere, making it perfect for a memorable night out.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 6% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the prices to be quite reasonable, with several folks mentioning that their prices were good and even more than reasonable. Based on 4 positive comments out of 6 total, it seems like a decent number of people felt they got a fair deal. The overall score for value sits at 6.3, indicating its somewhat positive, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66.7%.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. A couple of diners felt that certain items, like a chicken dish, were on the pricier side, and one specific burrata appetizer was deemed expensive at its price point. With 2 negative comments, there's definitely some room for improvement, suggesting that while many find the value fair, some specific menu items might feel a bit steep.
Value
6
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
What people don't like
- Certain dishes expensive
Often praised
- pricestheir prices are very reasonable
- priceat a decent price
Frequently criticized
- burrata appetizerAt $16 for just two pieces
- priceThe atmosphere and staff were great, receiving a perfect score. I had the chicken, which was decent but expensive. Despite the cost, I enjoyed the experience.
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. While many find the general prices quite reasonable, be mindful that some specific dishes might feel a bit expensive. If youre looking for generally fair pricing, youll likely be pleased, but check the menu carefully for those higher-priced items.
How are the prices at Frascati?
You’re looking at roughly 68 per person – reported by 55 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 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, our data shows a good number of guests also opt for more premium experiences, with prices often stretching into the $81–$90 and even $91–$100 ranges. So, there’s a nice mix of options!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 55 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its an Italian spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a solid mid-range experience with room to splurge if youre feeling fancy. Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for quality without breaking the bank entirely.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Frascati
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Always Amazing Dining Experience
My experience at Frascati has always been a delight! I haven’t had a disappointing experience or dinner. It’s always so amazing.
I highly recommend trying the homemade cream for dessert! Wow. 😮
- experience10
- dinner10
- homemade cream10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Favorite Neighborhood Spot!
My favorite neighborhood spot in Russian Hill. The food is great, and the desserts are homemade. John and Rebecca, the owners, are super hospitable, and the wait staff is wonderful.
- food9
- desserts9
- owners10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Excellent Mains, Disappointing Appetizer
I really enjoyed my experience at this restaurant overall. The food was excellent, particularly the main courses. The chicken was cooked to perfection, boasting beautifully crisped skin and great flavor.
The risotto was rich and creamy with just the right bite, and the wine pairings were very well chosen. The service was attentive and contributed to a great experience. However, the burrata appetizer was a real letdown.
At $16 for only two pieces, served with stale bread, it felt underwhelming and overpriced, especially for sharing. For a group of three or four, this appetizer portion is not practical. Despite the appetizer issue, the main dishes and service made for a great overall experience.
- food9
- chicken10
- risotto9
- burrata appetizer2
- stale bread2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Italian Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed great Italian food with warm, inviting service. It truly offers a true San Francisco feel.
If you're looking for excellent food and service, it's worth the trip!
- Italian food10
- service10
- San Francisco feel9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Charming Italian Bistro with Authentic Charm
My experience at this restaurant was delightful! It's an over-the-top cute neighborhood Italian bistro with authentic staff and a festive environment. The food was served hot, which was a great touch.
- authentic staff9
- festive environment9
- food8
What Frascati offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining experience can you expect at Frascati?
At Frascati, you can look forward to an upscale, romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for dinner, offering table service and a delightful dessert selection to complete your meal.
Are reservations required or recommended for dining at Frascati?
Yes, reservations are required to dine at Frascati, and dinner reservations are highly recommended. The restaurant accepts reservations, so it’s best to plan ahead to secure your table.
How does Frascati rate overall, and what are its strongest aspects?
Frascati holds an excellent overall Restaurant Score of 8.9. Its strongest points are Service (9.3) and Food (8.9), both receiving high praise. The Ambience (8.7) is also well-regarded, though Value (6.3) is more average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the dining experience at Frascati?
Guests frequently commend the exceptional service and the quality of the food, with many highlighting specific dishes like the pork chop or gnocchi. The cozy and elegant ambience also contributes to a pleasant visit.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks mentioned by diners at Frascati?
Some diners have noted occasional issues with kitchen ventilation, leading to smell and smoke. There have also been isolated reports of inconsistent dish quality, such as with the burrata appetizer or gnocchi, and concerns about certain items being expensive.