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oChef » The Gold Mirror – San Francisco
The Gold Mirror - San Francisco
Photo from The Gold Mirror
The Gold Mirror at a glance
San Francisco West Portal
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#1257 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#92 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
340
Reviews
72.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Attentive service
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Steep prices
- Noisy space
- Parking issues
The restaurant The Gold Mirror, a classic Italian Restaurant, is a beloved establishment nestled in San Francisco’s charming West Portal neighborhood. You’ll discover a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic Italian cuisine.
With options like a private dining room and outdoor seating, it’s an ideal spot for any occasion. Whether you’re craving classic pasta or a robust glass of wine, this establishment offers a delightful culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting The Gold Mirror
The Gold Mirror generally delivers a satisfying meal, with many guests highlighting the delicious food and generous portions. The service often receives praise for being attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners.
However, the dining environment can be a point of discussion; while some appreciate the cozy family setting, others note issues with noise and the overall sense of space. Value for money also seems to be a mixed experience for some.
Good
7.4
out of 10
340
Reviews
72.4%
Satisfaction
61
negative
33
neutral
246
positive
The Gold Mirror achieves a solid Restaurant Score of 7.4, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a good Customer Satisfaction of 72.4%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from 340 customer opinions, with 246 positive remarks outweighing 61 negative ones. Looking closer, Food stands out with a strong (7.8), frequently praised for its quality and generous servings.
Service also performs well (7.1), with staff often described as attentive. While Ambience is rated as good (7), some find it a bit loud.
Value, however, is an average aspect (4.8), suggesting prices might be a concern for some.
What people like
- Delicious, generous food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Cozy, classic ambiance
What people don't like
- Steep prices
- Noisy, cramped space
- Parking difficulties
If you prioritize a satisfying meal and attentive service in a classic setting, The Gold Mirror is certainly worth considering. Its strong Recommendation Score of 7.8 suggests many guests would encourage a visit, especially for those who appreciate generous portions.
However, be prepared for potentially higher prices and a lively, sometimes noisy, atmosphere. If budget is a primary concern or you seek a very quiet dining experience, you might want to explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Gold Mirror
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a 7.8 score indicating it's quite good, and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 76.6%. Many folks raved about the traditional Italian American cuisine, praising the delicious food and often mentioning the huge portions and homemade quality, based on 151 positive remarks. However, not everyone was completely won over.
A few diners, in 24 negative comments, found some dishes to be salty food or heavy, with some feeling the flavors were a bit Americanized or even lack taste compared to what they expected.
Food
197
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
24
negative
22
neutral
151
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious cuisine
- Generous portions
- Authentic Italian
What people don't like
- Overly salty
- Too heavy
- Lacking flavor
Often praised
- foodMy husband and I celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary at this restaurant on April 29th. We had a wonderful experience, enjoying the great food and excellent service. Thank you for making our special occasion memorable.
- lasagnaMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious prawns, chicken sauté sec, and lasagna. The portions were terrific, making the 25-minute drive with my friend absolutely worthwhile.
- dessertsThe desserts are out of this world
- Caesar saladWhat a great find in the Sunset District for good Italian food! The starter bread was too yummy, and we had to push it away to save room for our starter Caesar and beet salads. For our main courses, we enjoyed the halibut, spaghetti bolognese with meatballs, and the short rib ravioli.
- Italian foodhas not become a mere caricature of Italian food
- TiramisuRecommended dishes:Tiramisu
- breadThe portions were terrific, making the 25-minute drive with my friend absolutely worthwhile. We also had Spumante, a salad, and bread. The parklet outside was a great option during the September 2023 COVID surge, providing a quieter atmosphere for in-depth conversation.
- cannoliI especially enjoyed the cannoli
- delicious foodThe classic decoration created a pleasant atmosphere, and the nice services made me feel welcome. I was impressed by the plenty options for delicious food. I’m glad I found this neighborhood restaurant and will come back for sure.
- portionsThe portions are exceedingly generous
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food is definitely very Americanized
- appetizerWe had our appetizer came after the main course
- Caesar saladHowever, for us, we would prefer less food with brighter flavors that are more representative of the original culture. The Caesar salad was heavily dressed with only one anchovy, presenting a very Midwest American style that reminded me of visits to Chicago.
- Italian eating experiencehoped we would have more of an Italian eating experience
- Milanaes vealMilanaes veal was more than a disaster ... impossible to eat that
- avocado salad with shrimpthe avocado salad with shrimp has to improve a lot!
- calamari steakCalamari steak is heavily soaked in egg
- chicken disha late chicken dish had an oddly lingering fish taste
- food qualityFood was well below average
- heavyVery heavy and not very flavorful
If youre craving hearty, traditional Italian-American fare with generous servings, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might lean a bit heavy or salty for certain palates, so its good to manage expectations.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note with a score of 7.1, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 68.1%. Based on 49 positive remarks out of 72 total, many guests praised the quick seating and the attentive, friendly service. Specific mentions often highlighted excellent staff like waitress and server Eddy, making for a great overall experience.
However, not all experiences were seamless, with 22 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some patrons encountered significant waiting time and reported poor service that felt rushed. Issues like attentiveness of the staff and disjointed service were also noted, suggesting inconsistencies in the overall guest experience.
Service
72
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
22
negative
1
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Friendly service
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Poor service
- Inattentive staff
Often praised
- serviceIt's no surprise this restaurant has been in business for over 50 years. We enjoyed dinner on a Saturday night, and despite the place being busy, the service was very good. Our server, Eddy, was incredibly attentive and always available when needed.
- staffJohnny and the rest of the staff was fantastic
- Good serviceGood service from staff
- ServiceService was great
- Chef DominicThe food was most excellent, and the staff was outstanding. Chef Dominic took special care of us. I have been coming here for 10 years.
- DoordashDoordash actually brought everything on time
- Jocelyn & FrancescaWe were very pleasantly surprised with the service. Jocelyn & Francesca were a delight and SUPER attentive. Water and delicious warm bread came quickly, which is one of the things I look for.
- attentiveWe were very pleasantly surprised with the service. Jocelyn & Francesca were a delight and SUPER attentive. Water and delicious warm bread came quickly, which is one of the things I look for.
- bartendersThe bartenders know how to make a drink
- driveWorth the 25 minute drive
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience with this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative due to significant issues with their delivery service and parking availability. We were told the truth that the service sucks. Our need for parking was unmet, with only curbside delivery available.
- waiting timelittle slow cause restaurant full of people
- attentiveness of the staffattentiveness of the staff (saw some people getting visibly upsey
- communication with serversno real communication with servers (1 not an English speaker), had to ask for menu, no drinks offered
- deliveryours delivery hard time to search
- experienceI was left standing for minutes before anyone attended to me. What was supposed to be a quick pickup turned into a very confusing and uncomfortable experience.
- food distributionFood served family style not equally distributed
- parking availabilityparking for only curbside delivery line
- poor servicebut poor service!
- reservationsWhile the weather was warm enough, this location was further from the restrooms and made it a bit more challenging for our niece to find us. I wish we had known that reservations were mandatory to avoid this situation.
If youre looking for a place with generally good service and dont mind the possibility of a slight wait, it's worth a try. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, especially during busy times, as some guests experienced slower or less attentive service.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The vibe here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 69.8%. Many appreciate the old school San Francisco feel and vintage vibe, with 44 positive remarks highlighting the cozy family setting and versatile indoor and outdoor seating, including a unique redwood deck and heaters. Its often described as lively and intimate, creating a pleasant dining experience.
However, not everyone finds it perfectly serene, with 12 negative comments pointing to some drawbacks. Concerns include loud people and general noise making conversation difficult, and some found the place a bit cramped. ' While outdoor seating is a plus, a few mentioned it could be uncomfortably cold, even with heaters, detracting from the overall atmosphere.
Ambience
63
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
12
negative
7
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy family setting
- Versatile seating options
- Vintage SF vibe
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Feels cramped
- Cold outdoor dining
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was family style and I enjoyed it
- ambianceThe ambiance is intimate, relaxing and beautiful
- barpointed out the bar which seems to be from when this was initially a New Orleans speakeasy
- decorThe place has really nice decor
- parkletWhat other parklet has a redwood deck
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- big partiesrecommend them for big parties
- classic decorationclassic decoration created a pleasant atmosphere
- cozy family settingMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! The food was great, and the cozy family setting made it feel like home. The friendly service further enhanced the welcoming atmosphere.
- dining boothssat outside in the well built dining booths
Frequently criticized
- outside seatingWe sat outside.. so that sorta sucked
- atmosphereNoisy
- loud peopleThe atmosphere was family-style, which I enjoyed. However, there were some really loud people at the bar whose rough talk detracted from the experience. I believe they might have been connected to the restaurant and could have toned it down a bit.
- noisevery noisy - noise from adjacent room, poor sound barrier
- packeda little packed for a pandemic
- parkingNo parking, expect to walk a block
- placePlace is small and a bit cramp
- presentationPresentation by dinner sponsor hard to hear and slides were unreadable given the screen was a wrinkled table cloth or sheet hanging from a wall
- rough talkThe atmosphere was family-style, which I enjoyed. However, there were some really loud people at the bar whose rough talk detracted from the experience. I believe they might have been connected to the restaurant and could have toned it down a bit.
- tablesTables are not not very tight
If youre looking for a lively, classic San Francisco spot with a cozy, vintage feel and flexible seating, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that it can get a bit noisy and potentially feel a little snug, especially if youre sensitive to sound or prefer a very quiet meal.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to value, some folks have found things to appreciate, noting that the prices are fair and, for the price, the portions are generous. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.8, there are a couple of positive remarks out of 8 total, specifically mentioning fair prices and good price points. However, the picture isnt entirely rosy.
A significant number of customers, representing a poor 25% satisfaction, felt the price was a bit steep, with some even calling the prices a total joke for whats offered. With 3 negative remarks out of 8, it seems many found it simply too expensive.
Value
8
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Portions are generous
What people don't like
- Prices are steep
- Too expensive
Often praised
- fair pricesthe prices are fair
- priceFor the price, the portions are generous
Frequently criticized
- priceprice was a bit steep
- pricesfor the prices they are charging a total joke
If youre looking for generous portions, you might find some value here. However, be prepared that many customers felt the cost didnt quite match the experience, making it potentially too expensive for what you get. Its a bit of a gamble on whether youll feel it's worth it.
How are the prices at The Gold Mirror?
On average, you’ll spend around 52 per person – from 45 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
However, looking at what people actually spend, it seems there’s a pretty wide spread. While the average is 52, a good chunk of diners spend less, in the 21 – 50 $ range, but there are also quite a few who go for more premium options, spending 71 $ or even over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for an Italian spot, especially with the variety of price points available. It seems like you can find something whether you’re looking for a more casual meal or a special occasion.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Gold Mirror
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Spectacular Renovation, Excellent Food!
My experience at Gold Mirror was spectacular! The renovation is absolutely 1st class. The perfect setting combined with excellent food makes this one of the city's best neighborhood restaurants.
The new place has a great, comfortable environment. Thank you Gold Mirror for making our neighborhood even nicer. We've missed you!
- renovation10
- setting9
- food9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Gold Mirror: A Lifelong Favorite!
As a lifelong visitor from San Francisco, I can confidently say that we always make it a point to come back to Gold Mirror! We were excited to see the renovations.
- renovations9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Love The Gold Mirror!
My experience at The Gold Mirror was absolutely wonderful. The food and drinks were delicious, and the service was top-notch. I'm eagerly awaiting their reopening because I need my fix!
- food10
- drinks10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Italian, Always Busy!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's incredibly busy all the time, which is a testament to its quality. The food here is the closest thing to getting actual food from Italy.
The atmosphere was great, and the service was also very good.
- food10
- atmosphere8
- service7
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Wonderful Flavors, But Over-Salted
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The flavors of the food were truly wonderful, but they have a tendency to over-salt. The recommended dish, Chicken Marsala Sec, was a highlight.
The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a perfect 5/5. The food itself was rated 4/5, and the price per person was on the higher end, exceeding $100.
- flavors of the food8
- Chicken Marsala Sec7
- Service10
- over salt3
What The Gold Mirror offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
FAQs
Is The Gold Mirror accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, The Gold Mirror ensures a comfortable experience for all guests. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, making it easy to enjoy your Italian meal in San Francisco’s West Portal.
What dining options and amenities does The Gold Mirror offer?
The Gold Mirror provides a variety of dining options including dinner, dessert, and catering, with table service and seating available. You can also enjoy a full bar onsite with cocktails, wine, and beer, plus a gender-neutral restroom.
What is the overall customer sentiment for The Gold Mirror?
The Gold Mirror has a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.4 and a Customer Satisfaction of 72.4%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.8) and Service (7.1), while Ambience (7) is generally good, and Value (4.8) is average.
What do customers enjoy most about The Gold Mirror's atmosphere?
Many customers enjoy the intimate, relaxing, and beautiful ambiance, often describing it as a cozy family setting with classic decoration. The unique parklet and dining booths are also frequently mentioned positively.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Yes, some diners note that the restaurant can be quite noisy and feel a bit cramped. Additionally, parking can be challenging, and some find the prices to be on the steeper side.