Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Bambino’s – San Francisco
Bambino's - San Francisco
Photo from Bambino’s
Bambino's at a glance
San Francisco Cole Valley
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 111 of the guests
#111 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#6 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
733
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Genuine hospitality
- Inviting ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Value concerns
- Service delays
- Noise levels
The restaurant Bambino’s Ristorante is a charming Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s picturesque Cole Valley. You’ll discover a truly inviting atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a casual meal with friends.
Known for its great wine list, this spot promises a delightful culinary journey. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a relaxed lunch, Bambino’s offers a warm escape with authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Bambino's
Bambino’s offers a truly delightful dining experience, often praised for its fresh Italian meals and the genuine hospitality from the staff. Many guests appreciate the welcoming and authentic ambience that makes for a memorable visit, whether for a special occasion or a casual dinner.
While the culinary offerings generally impress, some diners have noted specific dishes that didn’t quite hit the mark. There are also occasional mentions of value concerns and, at times, a slightly noisy environment, though these seem to be less frequent observations.
Excellent
8.8
out of 10
733
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
48
negative
11
neutral
674
positive
Bambino’s earns a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.8 , reflecting a consistently positive experience for most patrons. This high rating is supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction of 92% , indicating that the vast majority of guests leave content.
These figures are based on a substantial 733 customer observations, with 674 positive remarks outweighing the 48 negative ones. Diving into specifics, Food stands out with an excellent score (9), frequently highlighted for its quality and flavor.
Ambience also receives high marks (8.8), contributing significantly to the dining pleasure, while Service is rated very well (8.5) for its attentiveness. The primary area for potential improvement appears to be Value (6.5), which, while not poor, suggests some guests find the pricing a bit steep for the overall experience.
What people like
- Delicious Italian cuisine
- Warm, genuine hospitality
- Inviting, authentic ambiance
What people don't like
- Value perception issues
- Occasional service lapses
- Potential for noise
Bambino’s comes highly recommended with a Recommendation Score of 9 , making it a strong contender for your next Italian meal. If you prioritize excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll likely find it a rewarding experience, despite a few minor points.
While some guests have noted concerns about value or occasional service hiccups, these seem to be outweighed by the overall positive impressions. It’s a place worth trying if you appreciate genuine hospitality and well-prepared Italian dishes, offering a consistently pleasant dining outing.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Italian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
761
94.6%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
420
92.9%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
378
92.9%
- $$
- Telegraph Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
440
93.4%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
421
91.9%
- $$
- Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
442
91%
- $$
- North Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Bambino's
Food (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Wow, the food here is a real standout! With an excellent score of 9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 94.5% across 435 opinions, its clear diners are thrilled. Many rave about the delicious tiramisu , cannelloni , and perfect pizza crust , all made with fresh ingredients and great flavors.
However, its not entirely without a few minor hiccups, with 17 negative remarks. Some found the pizza crust a bit thick, the sauce occasionally lacking, or the mushroom pasta overwhelming. A few even mentioned the carbonara being tasteless or too much oil .
Food
435
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
17
negative
7
neutral
411
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent Italian food
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients
- Delicious homemade desserts
What people don't like
- Thick pizza crust
- Tasteless carbonara
- Too much oil
Often praised
- foodThe owner himself took the time to interact with us, showcasing remarkable hospitality and making us feel like valued guests. The food at Bambino’s is nothing short of spectacular. Each dish is crafted with wonderful flavors that delight the palate.
- tiramisuThe experience was delicious. The pasta was fresh, the tiramisu was delish, and the salad was crisp. It was a perfect lovely dinner.
- dessertsMy experience at Bambino's was a delightful blend of cozy, formal, and familiar. The delicious meals and perfect desserts made for a memorable evening. The dining area is wonderfully suited for both important celebrations and simple family dinners, enhanced by beautiful decorations and lighting.
- Tiramisutrust his Tiramisu, and he didn’t disappoint!!
- Italian foodMy experience at Bambino's Ristorante, located at 945 Cole Street in San Francisco, was excellent. They offer a wide selection of delightful Italian food, from starters and pasta to delicious pizzas. The atmosphere is welcoming and home-style, complemented by comfortable seating and friendly service.
- FoodFood came in fast and checked on me if the food was as expected
- pizzaThey offer large portions of fresh Italian meals. I particularly enjoyed the great salads, pizza, and steak. There's truly something for everyone here.
- portionsThe portions are generous yet I still always find a way to clean my plate.
- breadEspecially the bread that came in the beginning
- dessertThe food and dessert were delicious!
Frequently criticized
- calzonethe calzone and it looked very good but it was all cheese and didn’t taste good
- Cioppinoand the Cioppino
- Pasta Amatricianatoo heavy tomato sauce both on the Pasta Amatriciana
- bad mealnever had a bad meal here
- carbonaracarbonara rather tasteless
- cheeseit was all cheese and didn’t taste good
- margheritaAvoid the margherita
- mushroom pastamushroom pasta and it was legitimately 80% mushrooms
- oil and cheesebecause of too much oil and cheese
- pastado not recommend the pasta
If youre looking for an Italian meal that truly shines, especially with its homemade desserts and fresh ingredients, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few dishes might miss the mark for some, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a delicious experience.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction at a high 86.3%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 183 total comments, a whopping 158 praise the staffs friendliness, attentiveness, and genuine hospitality, often highlighting the owner's warm interaction and quick seating.
You can expect a wonderful, unhurried dining experience. However, not every visit is perfect. About 21 comments mention areas for improvement, including instances of slow service, long wait times, or a perceived lack of staff attention.
Some guests felt rushed or experienced delays in order transmission, suggesting that while generally excellent, there can be occasional hiccups in attentiveness or speed.
Service
183
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
21
negative
4
neutral
158
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm owner interaction
- Excellent hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Lack of attentiveness
Often praised
- serviceThey offer a wide selection of delightful Italian food, from starters and pasta to delicious pizzas. The atmosphere is welcoming and home-style, complemented by comfortable seating and friendly service. What truly stood out was the genuine hospitality, a refreshing change from typical Italian restaurant chains that often have fake ambience and rip-off prices.
- staffI tried Bambino’s for the first time last night with my mom and loved the experience. The staff was very friendly and you could tell they took a lot of pride in making delicious and high quality food. The tomato and burrata came with fresh pesto.
- ownerAmong their pesto varieties, the Basil Pesto truly outshines the creamier alternative, earning our admiration. Kosta, the owner since the early 1990s, is the person to request upon arrival. The establishment exudes a nostalgic, old-world ambiance.
- ServiceService:5
- hostthe host was so sweet and patient
- waiterMy waiter was very attentive and personable.
- Costaask for Costa when you come he’s sooo kind
- chefThe food is authentic and served with love. It's a treasure where the owner greets you and the chef comes to say hello, creating a wonderful feeling. I appreciated that I didn't feel rushed during my visit.
- hospitalityThe atmosphere is welcoming and home-style, complemented by comfortable seating and friendly service. What truly stood out was the genuine hospitality, a refreshing change from typical Italian restaurant chains that often have fake ambience and rip-off prices. Bambino's provides all of this at reasonable prices.
- serverThe food had great flavors, and the service was impeccable. Talking with our server and the owner made our experience wonderful. The restaurant was also spotless clean.
Frequently criticized
- servicesignificantly impacted my perception of the service
- waiting timeit took them an hour to get it ready
- feeling rushedThe owner initially served us but then graciously helped the busy kitchen, and another awesome waiter took over. Despite the busyness, we never felt rushed and truly felt like we were dining in our own family’s restaurant. It's a lovely spot for a casual or date night.
- food arrivalBy the time our food arrived the restaurant was closing down
- lack of attentionthe real kicker was that no one spoke to us
- lack of staffComplete lack of staff
- order transmissioncomputer did not transmit our order
- serverThey could use another server
- serversThe fried calamari, angel hair pasta, and chicken Marsala were particularly standouts. My only feedback for the restaurant is that the servers could be more attentive. Even though the restaurant was not crowded, we had to ask for water refills a few times.
- waitDefinitely not worth the wait
If you value a warm welcome and attentive staff, this restaurant is definitely worth trying, as the service is largely excellent. Just be aware that on rare occasions, you might encounter a bit of a wait or a less attentive moment, but the positives heavily outweigh these minor concerns.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.8 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 94.1%, its clear guests adore the vibe. Out of 102 comments, a whopping 96 rave about the warm atmosphere, cozy ambiance, and how it feels like a neighborhood gem.
Many appreciate the cleanliness and welcoming, home-style feel, making it perfect for relaxing or celebrations. However, a few of the 6 negative comments mention that the atmosphere can sometimes be crowded and noisy, especially during peak times. While not a deal-breaker for most, some found the bustling environment impacted their experience, and a couple even wished parking wasnt such a hassle.
Ambience
102
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
96
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming home-style feel
- Cozy, intimate ambiance
- Spotless clean restaurant
What people don't like
- Can be crowded
- Can be noisy
- Parking is difficult
Often praised
- atmosphereWe visited 3 times during our recent holiday. Each of the dishes was fantastic, with a great atmosphere and friendly staff. I thoroughly recommend this restaurant, and especially suggest getting the tiramisu – you won’t regret it!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's the quintessential neighborhood spot with great food, friendly service, and a wonderful ambiance. We celebrated a birthday here, and they kindly brought us a tiramisu and led the happy birthday song.
- restaurantI'm looking forward to coming back again soon. A wonderful restaurant!
- spotLovely spot for casual or date night
- ambienceMy experience at this restaurant was very good. I enjoyed real Italian food, and the authentic ambience contributed to a wonderful atmosphere. The waiter was very very nice, adding to the positive experience.
- experiencethe experience is everything we desired
- placeIt's a good place for lunch and dinner where one can eat, visit and relax.
- RestaurantRestaurant was spotless clean
- artthe art
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was that it was popular, which meant it was crowded and noisy. Despite the atmosphere, the food was good, and the service was decent considering the conditions.
- parkingI just wish parking wasn’t such a pain.
- crowdedMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive; I've never had a bad meal here. Even on weekend nights, it's never very crowded, which is a pleasant surprise. It's a solid Italian restaurant if you're craving pasta or pizza in Cole Valley.
- special nightA special night spoiled
If youre looking for a restaurant with a genuinely warm, cozy, and welcoming atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that it can get a bit lively and crowded, especially on busy nights, so plan accordingly. Overall, its a charming spot that most guests absolutely love.
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found Bambinos to be quite a pleasant surprise! With 9 positive remarks out of 13 total, guests frequently praised the reasonable prices and rates, even for affordable wine. While the overall score for value sits at an average 6.5, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 69.2%, many feel they can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine without breaking the bank.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. With 4 negative remarks, some customers felt that a modest meal could still lead to a hefty bill, with mentions of extra tip requests. There's a sentiment that for a certain price, you might find better options elsewhere, suggesting room for improvement in perceived value for some.
Value
13
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable wine
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- High cost for meal
- Extra tip requested
- Better value elsewhere
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this Italian restaurant was exceptional. It's a top-tier Italian restaurant with reasonable prices, which is a rare find these days. Every dish is prepared to the highest standards using very fresh ingredients.
- priceThe food was excellent, and the atmosphere was comfortable and relaxed, fitting for a restaurant that has been a Cole Valley fixture for 45 years. We enjoyed the roasted garlic and brie as a starter, had wonderful and reasonably priced wine, and savored two nightly specials: Brussels sprout chicken Caesar with polenta croutons and a delicious pomodoro and funghi pizza with especially tasty crust. We capped our meal with a tiramisu made with love in-house by the owner, with whom we had a nice chat at the end.
- affordable wineaffogato, affordable wine and the best people
- ratesThe rates are reasonable for San Francisco
Frequently criticized
- billIt was a bit slow to get the bill
- extra tipThey want extra tip
- modest mealA modest meal cost us over $100, which sucks
- pricefor $25, you can do much better
If youre looking for reasonable Italian fare, Bambinos often delivers good value, especially for wine. However, be mindful of the final bill, as some found it pricier than expected for a casual meal. It's a mixed bag, so go in with clear expectations.
How are the prices at Bambino's?
You’re looking at roughly 39 per person – reported by 111 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Digging into the numbers, we see a nice spread. While the average hovers around 39, a big chunk of guests actually spend in the $21–$30 range, showing there are some fantastic value options. Then there’s a good number of diners who go for the $41–$50 experience, proving this spot can cater to different tastes and budgets.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 111 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers flexibility, allowing guests to enjoy a great meal without always breaking the bank, while also providing options for a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bambino's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Massive Portions, Delicious Food, Great Owner!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The portions were massive, ensuring I left completely satisfied. The food was delicious, exceeding my expectations.
What truly elevated the experience was the owner, who made the entire visit even better. I definitely recommend checking it out!
- portions9
- food10
- owner10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Wonderful Dining Experience with Great Food and Staff
What a wonderful dining experience! The restaurant itself is cozy and intimate, with a candle burning at every table and tasteful decorations. The food really hit it out of the park - you could taste the fresh, high quality ingredients.
And the portions were impressive, so come with an appetite. But best of all was the really warm and friendly staff! We will definitely be coming back.
- restaurant9
- food10
- ingredients9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Family Favorite with Delicious Italian Classics
My whole family loves the food here, and I do too! You guys have finally convinced my brother to try the creamy marinara, and he LOVES it. The spaghetti with meatballs is incredible, and the pizzas (especially the one with Canadian bacon and Italian sausage, forgot the name) are great.
I would highly recommend this spot to about anyone 😁
- creamy marinara10
- spaghetti with meatballs10
- pizzas9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Delicious Italian Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was excellent! The atmosphere reminded me of Italy. The waitress was incredibly kind and very smiley.
Our pasta dishes, the Spicy Pesto and Carbonara, were both delicious and generous in portion size. We also tried desserts for the first time here – Tiramisu and Crème brûlée – and we absolutely did not regret it!
- atmosphere10
- waitress10
- pasta dishes10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Italian in SF!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional! It's the best Italian I've had in San Francisco. The staff is incredibly kind, and the food is both comforting and delicious.
We came with a group of friends to wine and dine while catching up. The owner initially served us but then graciously helped the busy kitchen, and another awesome waiter took over. Despite the busyness, we never felt rushed and truly felt like we were dining in our own family’s restaurant.
It's a lovely spot for a casual or date night.
- Italian food10
- staff10
- food9
- feeling rushed2
What Bambino's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Bambino's Ristorante?
At Bambino’s Ristorante, you can look forward to a romantic, cozy, and casual atmosphere. They offer a full range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating and table service available.
Does Bambino's Ristorante cater to specific dietary needs and offer accessibility features?
Yes, Bambino’s Ristorante provides excellent options for various dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian dishes, alongside organic selections. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Bambino's rate overall?
Bambino’s holds a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.8 and an excellent Customer Satisfaction of 92% . Its Food (9) and Ambience (8.8) are particularly well-regarded, with Service (8.5) also scoring highly. Value (6.5) is the main area for improvement.
What are the standout features of Bambino's?
Guests frequently praise Bambino’s for its delicious and fresh Italian food, including pasta, pizza, and desserts. The genuine hospitality and attentive staff, often including the owner, also contribute significantly to a positive dining experience.
Are there any common concerns at Bambino's?
Some diners have expressed concerns regarding the perceived value for money, with a few finding meals a bit pricey. There are also occasional mentions of service delays or a slightly noisy atmosphere, though these are less common.