Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Ideale – San Francisco
Ideale - San Francisco
Photo from Ideale
Ideale at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 67 of the guests
#791 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#58 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
446
Reviews
79.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Italian food
- Cozy atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Inconsistent dishes
- High prices
The restaurant Ideale invites you to discover an authentic Italian dining experience in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood. As you step inside, you’ll immediately feel the romantic and cozy atmosphere, perfect for an intimate dinner or a special evening out.
This upscale Italian restaurant offers a delightful escape, where you can savor classic dishes alongside healthy and vegetarian options. Ideale promises a memorable culinary journey for you.
Overview: Introducting Ideale
Ideale offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often celebrated for its authentic Italian food and inviting atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the genuinely friendly staff, contributing to a welcoming feel.
However, some experiences suggest that the service can occasionally be inconsistent, leading to longer waits or less attentive moments. Despite this, the restaurant maintains a strong appeal for those seeking traditional flavors.
Good
7.8
out of 10
446
Reviews
79.1%
Satisfaction
82
negative
11
neutral
353
positive
Ideale earns a solid overall score of 7.8, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 79.1%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is built upon 446 customer opinions, with a strong lean towards positive feedback, comprising 353 positive remarks against 82 negative ones. The Food (8) is a clear standout, frequently highlighted for its quality and authenticity.
The Ambience (8.6) also receives high marks, creating a pleasant setting. While Service (7.3) is generally good, some experiences suggest room for refinement.
However, Value (5.2) appears to be a weaker point, with some finding prices a bit high.
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Welcoming, cozy atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service speed
- Some dishes inconsistent
- Perceived high prices
If you’re seeking authentic Italian flavors in a charming setting, Ideale is certainly worth considering. With a strong recommendation score of 7.9, it generally delivers on its promise of a good meal and a pleasant time.
It’s a place where the culinary experience and atmosphere often shine, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing taste and environment, even if the service pace or pricing occasionally warrants a second thought.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ideale
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, its clear this place generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction of 82.6%. With 209 positive remarks out of 253 total, diners frequently rave about the fresh bread, homemade pasta, and authentic Italian food. Many found the dishes simply delicious food, making for a truly satisfying meal.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 39 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Some guests mentioned issues with portion size and dishes being salty. There were also specific complaints about tasteless oil and rubbery steak', suggesting occasional inconsistencies in execution.
Food
253
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
39
negative
5
neutral
209
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade fresh pasta
- Authentic Italian food
- Delicious fresh bread
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Dishes can be salty
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodI was at this restaurant many years ago, back in 1996 if I recall correctly, and I still have a great memory of both the food, even though some dishes were a bit adapted to American tastes, and the place itself. The owner was very friendly and cordial; from Northern Italy, if I'm not mistaken.
- pastaAll the pasta is house made, soo good and fresh.
- Italian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed the great unpretentious Italian food. It's a place where locals and tourists mingle, and there's a clear reason why it has been a staple for years.
- pizzashared a pizza. All of it was great
- wine listThe wait staff was incredibly attentive but not overbearing. The wine list was extensive.
- wine selectiongreat wine selection that predominant from Italy
- winethe wine is good and affordable
- PizzaI visited with my cousin and Chef Umberto. I have to say this restaurant served the Best Pizza I’ve ever had. I opted for the Margherita style with added mushrooms and organic pears, and all I can say is Deeeelicious!
- bruschettaWe had a mouthwatering bruschetta for a starter
- bucatiniThe bucatini came out hot, guanciale perfect.
Frequently criticized
- pastapasta I ordered was with broccoli ragu but was swimming in oil
- foodthe service and food needs work
- cacio e pepeIt was super salty and the sauce was not creamy at all
- RAGU sauceThe bread was cold and drizzled with tasteless oil. My chicken plate had an overpowering RAGU sauce and the chicken seemed old. The lasagna was also cold and didn't seem fresh.
- beefthe beef could’ve been better cooked
- beef dishbeef dish that I could not chew
- breadcold bread drizzled with tasteless oil
- carbonaracarbonara, but both were extremely salty
- chickenchicken that seemed old
- chicken parmesanchicken parmesan taste like jar sauce
Overall, if you're craving authentic Italian flavors, especially pasta and fresh bread, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While there might be occasional hiccups with certain dishes or portion sizes, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a generally delicious dining experience.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with many guests raving about the friendly service and attentive staff who create a welcoming atmosphere. Customers often highlight the genuine hospitality and how they truly feel welcome. This positive sentiment is reflected in a good score of 7.3 and a solid 70.5% customer satisfaction, based on 86 positive observations out of 122 total.
However, it's not always smooth sailing. Some diners have noted concerns about waiting time and slow service, with a few mentioning a perceived lack of staff. There were also occasional hiccups with reservations not being honored as expected, contributing to the 33 negative comments received.
Service
122
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
33
negative
3
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting time
- Reservation issues
Often praised
- serviceThe food truly speaks Roman, and you can taste it in every dish. In the dining area, Gino, with his authentic Venetian accent, made sure we felt incredibly welcome and well taken care of. The service and atmosphere were both top-notch, contributing to a memorable dinner.
- staffThe atmosphere and feel were perfect for settling down and relaxing after a long day. The food was fresh and delicious, and the staff was really friendly. It's a great place to eat overall.
- ServiceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was super, and we were treated to fresh bread as an appetizer. The antipasti platter was exquisite, and the pasta was fresh and very fine.
- ownerI was at this restaurant many years ago, back in 1996 if I recall correctly, and I still have a great memory of both the food, even though some dishes were a bit adapted to American tastes, and the place itself. The owner was very friendly and cordial; from Northern Italy, if I'm not mistaken. As soon as we can travel again, I will definitely return to eat there.
- serverOur server was friendly and gave us time to sit and enjoy our meal.
- waiterMy experience with the food was disappointing; the pasta was mediocre and oily, and the gnocchi with tomato sauce was bland and not firm enough. While the service was good and the waiter was nice, the overall food quality was subpar. I felt that I could have achieved a similar quality meal from Trader Joe's for a fraction of the cost.
- GinoGino was friendly & suggested the perfect wine
- Italian serviceYou do feel Italian service here
- ItaliansItalians who are charming, competent, and jovial
- ServersServers are friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe charming atmosphere will transport you to a small Italian village in the north of Italy (if you have been). The staff is warm and welcoming, but the service could use a bit of work. Other than that, it's a great local spot!
- waiterwaiter telling us the house specials as he looked out the windows
- waiting timeI waited for about 15m before leaving.
- waitMy experience at this restaurant was marked by incredible pasta and desserts, both boasting great flavor and cooked to perfection. Despite the restaurant being super busy, the quality of the food truly made up for the wait. The host was also very apologetic about the delay, which was appreciated.
- waterjust water was placed on the table and not served
- alternative or compensationNo alternative or compensation offered
- breadbread wasn’t refreshed
- checkfrom the time we asked for our check to when we got it was about 20 minutes
- extremely long timeOur food took an extremely long time
- lack of staffThere was clearly a lack of staff on the floor
If you're seeking a dining experience with generally warm and welcoming service, this restaurant is a strong contender. While the staff often goes above and beyond, be mindful that on busier occasions, you might encounter some delays or minor reservation issues.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines with a fantastic score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93.1%. Based on 54 positive remarks, guests consistently rave about the great ambiance and authentic Italian experience. Many appreciate the cozy and nicely decorated dining rooms, the Italian music, and even the fresh garlic aromas that create a wonderful Roma vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating.
However, out of 58 total remarks, there were 4 negative comments to consider. A few guests found the ambiance to be dated decor, and some mentioned a loud party impacting their experience. One isolated incident also noted a dirty wineglass at the table, which certainly detracts from the overall atmosphere.
Ambience
58
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian vibe
- Cozy, romantic setting
- Indoor/outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Dated decor
- Loud atmosphere
- Dirty glassware
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was delicious, particularly the cacio e pepe and Amatriciana. The staff were fun and friendly, contributing to a nice cozy atmosphere. I highly recommend this restaurant.
- ambiancethe food, service and ambiance all shine.
- environmentMy experience at Ideale was authentic and delicious. If you’re in SF and enjoying the sites and sounds of North Beach, and want some great food in a relaxing environment, Ideale needs to be on your list. As a travel agent, I’m constantly seeking to share and recommend experiences that break from the tourist trap mold and believe Ideale has done exactly that.
- placegreat memory of ... the place
- Atmospherean atmosphere that was perfect
- Italian cornerun piccolo angolo italiano a San Francisco
- Italian hospitalityfeel the italian hospitality all around you
- Italian musicbe greeted by the Italian music
- Roma vibehad an authentic Roma vibe to it
- ambienceWant the freshest house-made pasta with a nice ambience? Come here, it's my favorite place to go whenever I'm in Little Italy.
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceI must add that all the food is delicious and the service & venue was phenomenal. Stop by for a fantastic meal, but just be prepared to drive around to find a place to park; it’s worth the walk!
- ambianceAmbiance isn’t great, dated decor
- atmosphereparty which was very loud
- wineglassdirty wineglass at the table
If you're looking for a restaurant with a truly charming and authentic Italian feel, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor decor or noise issues might pop up, the overwhelmingly positive atmosphere makes it a great choice for a romantic evening or a lively group dinner.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found pleasant surprises, noting reasonable prices for authentic Italian food and even decent prices overall, with some appreciating the generous bottle prices. Based on 4 positive remarks out of 13 total, theres a glimmer of hope here, though customer satisfaction for value is quite low at 30.8%. However, the picture isnt entirely rosy.
Many guests felt the experience was over priced, with concerns about the bill and the general cost of dishes. With 6 negative comments out of 13, it seems a significant portion of customers found the prices to be quite high, leading to an average 5.2 score for value.
Value
13
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable food prices
- Generous bottle prices
What people don't like
- Felt overpriced overall
- High dish prices
Often praised
- bottle pricesand the bottle prices are really generous here.
- decent pricesMy experience at this lovely Italian restaurant on Grant Ave in North Beach, SF, was excellent. It offered everything one would expect from a good eatery, with decent prices. The management is seasoned and clearly experienced in Italian cuisine.
- pricea un buen precio
- reasonable pricesMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic. I discovered an authentic Roman Italian food offering, complemented by incredibly friendly service and very reasonable prices. It has quickly become my new favorite Italian place.
Frequently criticized
- pricepour un prix assez élevé
- billWhen the bill came his meal was still on it
- cost1/10 the cost
- over pricedOverall felt over priced
- pricesprezzi decisamente alti per noi italiani
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag. While some find the prices fair, a notable number of guests feel its overpriced. If youre budget-conscious, you might want to check the menu carefully before committing.
How are the prices at Ideale?
You’re looking at roughly 51 per person – reported by 67 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 51, our data shows a pretty wide spread, with many guests spending less in the $21–$30 and $41–$50 ranges, but also a good number opting for more premium experiences above 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 67 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the variety of price points available. It seems to cater to different budgets, offering both more accessible and premium dining experiences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ideale
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Italian Gem!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed authentic Italian food, with particularly delicious homemade pasta. The wine selection was excellent, and the personnel were very nice.
I highly recommend this place.
- authentic Italian food10
- homemade pasta10
- wine selection9
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Service and Bland Food
My experience at the restaurant was not ideal. I had to trap a waiter to get seated, and upon arrival, I noticed a dirty wineglass at the table. When I made a joke about it, the waiter proceeded to ignore me all night, only speaking to my date and even giving the bill to her.
I paid and left a minimal tip. The signature pasta was pretty tasteless, requiring me to ask for parmigiano to add flavor. Even the sundried tomatoes lacked taste, and the pasta was more 'un dente' than 'al dente'.
- waiter2
- wineglass2
- signature pasta2
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Good Food, High Price, Slow Service
We made reservations, but unfortunately, a large party ahead of us seemed to have placed their food orders first. Our food took an extremely long time to arrive. Four out of five entrees were served, and the fifth entree was essentially still being cooked, as the waiter/owner was forthcoming with this information.
To compensate, we were given a glass of wine. I inquired about a small side salad to accompany my entree, and the waiter suggested arugula and tomato with cheese, which was perfect. However, when the bill arrived, the small salad was priced at $18.
The overall sentiment from our table was that the food was good but not exceptional, though the Tiramisu was exceptional! We felt the experience was overpriced, and the service wasn't great. We had to ask for more wine, water was simply placed on the table, and our bread was not refreshed.
- glass of wine7
- food6
- Tiramisu9
- extremely long time2
- small side salad3
- over priced2
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
6
Good Food, High Price
The ambiance and staff were friendly. The menu of the day was very good, although the portion size was small for a rather high price.
- ambiance8
- staff8
- menu of the day7
- portion size4
- price3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Authentic Italian Gem in SF
My experience at Sapori di Roma was truly ideal for savoring the original Italian taste. The restaurant offers a unique and unforgettable experience, with a pinch of love and a sprinkle of friendliness. I highly recommend it – it's a must-visit!
- original Italian taste10
- friendliness9
- love9
What Ideale offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need a reservation to dine at Ideale?
Yes, dinner reservations are highly recommended at Ideale, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours. The restaurant accepts reservations, ensuring you can secure your table for an enjoyable Italian dining experience in North Beach, San Francisco. Planning ahead helps guarantee your spot.
Is Ideale accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Absolutely. Ideale is committed to providing a comfortable experience for all guests. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring ease of access throughout the restaurant for your visit to this San Francisco Italian spot.
What are the main strengths of Ideale?
Ideale is highly regarded for its authentic Italian food, especially the fresh pasta and pizza, and its cozy, welcoming atmosphere that evokes an Italian corner.
Are there any common concerns at Ideale?
Some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies in service speed, with reports of long waits, and a perception that the value for money could be improved due to higher prices.
How does Ideale score overall?
Ideale achieves an overall score of 7.8. Its Food scores 8, Ambience 8.6, and Service 7.3, while Value is 5.2.