Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Bella Trattoria – San Francisco
Bella Trattoria - San Francisco
Photo from Bella Trattoria
Bella Trattoria at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 117 of the guests
#333 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#17 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
741
Reviews
84.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great food
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Pricey
- Slow service
The restaurant Bella Trattoria, an authentic Italian Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District, invites you to experience a culinary journey. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere perfect for any occasion, from a casual dinner to an upscale evening.
Known for its truly great dessert, this spot offers a delightful end to your meal. Whether you’re seeking a memorable dining experience or just a sweet treat, you’ll find it here.
Overview: Introducting Bella Trattoria
Bella Trattoria offers a genuinely pleasant dining experience, often praised for its inviting atmosphere and the warmth of its staff . Guests frequently commend the culinary offerings, finding the dishes to be a true delight that keeps them returning.
While the overall dining journey is largely positive, some minor points like occasional parking challenges or slightly dim lighting have been noted. However, these rarely overshadow the restaurant’s commitment to creating a memorable and comfortable setting for its patrons.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
741
Reviews
84.9%
Satisfaction
88
negative
24
neutral
629
positive
Bella Trattoria earns a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.4, reflecting a generally good performance across the board. This is supported by a solid Customer Satisfaction rate of 84.9%, indicating that most diners leave pleased with their visit.
Looking closer, the Food (8.5) stands out as a particular strength, followed closely by Service (8.3) and Ambience (8.3), all rated as good. However, Value (6.4) registers as average, suggesting some find the pricing a bit high for the experience.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 741 customer opinions, with 629 positive remarks outweighing 88 negative ones.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Attentive, warm service
- Cozy, welcoming ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value perception
- Occasional slow service
- Dim lighting, noisy
With a Recommendation Score of 8.3, Bella Trattoria is a solid choice if you’re seeking an establishment where delicious food and attentive service are paramount. It’s a place that consistently delivers on its core offerings, making for a satisfying meal out.
However, if budget is a primary concern, you might find the Value to be a mixed bag. For those prioritizing a cozy setting and well-prepared Italian dishes, Bella Trattoria is certainly worth considering for your next dining occasion.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bella Trattoria
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, earning a good score of 8.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 86.7% based on 364 positive comments. Guests rave about the incredible homemade pasta, especially the gnocchi, and appreciate the fresh ingredients that make for authentic Italian dishes and delicious desserts. However, not every dish hits the mark, with 43 negative comments noting some bland food and issues with pasta being undercooked or mushy.
A few diners also found the carbonara inconsistent and felt the menu choices could be more exciting, with some dishes lacking true Italian flavors.
Food
420
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
43
negative
13
neutral
364
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade pasta
- Delicious gnocchi
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Bland food
- Mushy pasta
- Inconsistent carbonara
Often praised
- foodWhether I'm in the mood for a cozy date night or a memorable celebration, this place delivers every time. The staff are exceptional and always make you feel welcome, while the food is an absolute delight. It truly feels like home, a special gem that keeps me coming back for more!
- pastaThe service was warm and generous, truly making my day. I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious pasta, and the bread service, especially with the most flavorful sundried tomatoes in olive oil, was a highlight. :)
- gnocchiThe broccoli and cauliflower appetizer was perfection, but the gnocchi entrée made me cry tears of joy. I have been eating gnocchi from my Italian mother's kitchen since I was a baby, but their gnocchi was to die for! It melted in my mouth and the gorgonzola flavors were sublime.
- FoodFood was full of flavor
- breadTheir gnocchi Gorgonzola is my favorite, and they make this delicious tomato oil preserve alongside the bread basket. The bread and all pasta is made in house. I’m gluten sensitive, but their pastas don’t bother me; I theorize they’re using great quality Italian flour!
- panna cottaa panacotta with berry compote was our cousin's fave (and also the toddler's)
- Italian foodmost authentic Italian food I have ever tasted
- delicious foodMy only suggestion for improvement would be to slightly brighten the dining area; while the ambiance is cozy and intimate, the lighting can be a bit too dim, making it hard to fully appreciate the beautiful presentation of the dishes. Parking can be challenging, but the warm atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly service make it well worth the effort. Overall, Bella Trattoria is a hidden gem that I highly recommend for a cozy date night or a delightful dinner with friends.
- dessertvery rich the dessert
- dishesWe ordered the squid ink gnocchi and a salmon pasta, along with the grilled artichoke. The servers were nice, and the food was full of flavor, with dishes that complemented each other. This was our third visit, but our first time experiencing dinner service, and we will definitely be back.
Frequently criticized
- foodFood tasted like it came out of a trader joes box
- pastawife's pasta was undercooked
- tiramisutiramisu was cold and tasted like it had been in the refrigerator
- Carbonarathree portions of Carbonara, and they were all grainy and very average
- Italian flavorsHowever, each of the dishes, although presented very nicely, were slightly lacking. They missed that edge of true Italian flavors.
- Saran Wrap10 inch string of Saran Wrap out of my mouth
- Spaghetti CarbonaraHow can an Italian restaurant make carbonara taste so bland?!
- amatricianaamatriciana was made by someone who has never had the dish before
- breadThe bread that they brought at the beginning was not decent in my opinion, cold white bread.
- bruschettabruschetta consisted of mildly toasted bread, flavorless tomatoes
If you're seeking delicious homemade pasta and fresh Italian flavors, especially gnocchi, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some dishes might be a bit inconsistent, so stick to their acclaimed specialties for the best experience.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.3 and customer satisfaction at a strong 83.8%, its clear that most diners have a great experience. Many praise the friendly service, attentive staff, and professionalism, often highlighting exceptional hospitality and accommodating attitudes from individuals like Andreas and Gianluca.
Out of 198 remarks, a whopping 166 were positive! However, its not always perfect. About 29 comments pointed to areas for improvement, mentioning instances of slow service, inattentive waiters, and long waiting times.
Some guests also noted issues with confused hostesses or delays in getting water and menus. While these are fewer, they suggest there's still a little room to ensure every guest feels equally cared for.
Service
198
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
29
negative
3
neutral
166
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional hospitality
- Accommodating dietary needs
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Long waiting times
- Confused hostesses
Often praised
- serviceThe staff was wildly accommodating of our large group and allowed for a long, relaxed meal. The bar area didn't reflect the high quality of the dishes and the attentive, gracious service. I particularly enjoyed the incredible artichoke dish and the Matriciana.
- staffMy experience at this Italian spot was largely positive, marked by exceptional staff and a cozy, welcoming ambiance. I thoroughly enjoyed the pesto pasta; it was wonderfully fresh, packed with flavor, and not excessively greasy.
- ServiceThe Formaggi Misti dessert, a creme gelatin block with berries and syrup, was a new and now all-time favorite. The service was second to none; the staff clearly loves what they do and excels at it. This made it our daughter's favorite birthday meal ever!
- serversBeyond the product itself, the service and value are fantastic. The owner frequently visits tables to ensure everything is to standard, and servers recognize and make regulars feel valued. For the quality: price ratio, I don’t think you can do better.
- hospitalityHe took the time to be present with us and provided excellent local recommendations during our pit stop. Thank you so much for the hospitality, Andreas! You're the best!
- serverThe server is super nice, kind, well mannered
- waiterHe was friendly and witty and was very attentive without being intrusive
- waitersThe food was delicious; I honestly didn't want it to end. The waiters were extremely friendly, contributing to a wonderful dining experience.
- Felipeour waiter Felipe greeted us quite warmly right away
- GianlucaWe were welcomed by the brilliant Gianluca, who told us about the effort to source raw ingredients and work with Italian ingredients and style. I must say, we ate excellent homemade pasta and desserts.
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was very poor as the waiter simply wasn't into it
- orderthey appeared to have lost my order
- Very slowVery slow
- bartenderwaited for the bartender to finish talking
- billwaited 25 minutes just to get a bill
- compensationThey didn’t offer me anything for the trouble
- correctionwait another 10 minutes for the correction
- drink refillgot it after the bill was paid
- hostessesthe two young hostesses were confused
- menuthe menu was as confusing
Overall, you can expect a warm welcome and attentive service here, making it a great choice for a pleasant dining experience. While a few minor hiccups like occasional slow service might occur, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests it's definitely worth a visit.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 86.3%, guests consistently praise the cozy Italian décor, warm atmosphere, and relaxed feel, perfect for a date night. Out of 102 customer remarks, a whopping 88 were glowing about the setting.
However, it's not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 8 negative comments mentioned it can get a bit noisy, and some found the lighting a touch too dim. Parking can also be a challenge, so plan accordingly.
Ambience
102
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
8
negative
6
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy Italian decor
- Relaxed date night vibe
- Warm atmosphere
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Dim lighting
- Challenging parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was excellent, and the bartenders engaged well with customers. Bella had a welcoming and authentic atmosphere. The recommendations and taste of our food and drinks were on point, and the menu had a lot of options.
- AtmosphereIt has a very "local" atmosphere
- ambianceMy experience at this Italian spot was largely positive, marked by exceptional staff and a cozy, welcoming ambiance. I thoroughly enjoyed the pesto pasta; it was wonderfully fresh, packed with flavor, and not excessively greasy.
- ParkingParking fairly easy on a Sunday night.
- cafeThe cafe was clean, quiet, and cozy.
- ambienceThe ambience in the restaurant was very nice tho
- vibeThe host, the waiters (the twins), the vibe, the atmosphere was AMAZING!
- DJ playing oldiesWe went around 3: 30 so it wasn’t too crowded. They had a DJ playing oldies, creating a good time. Everything we ordered was fresh and beyond what we expected.
- Italian décorThe cozy Italian décor, complete with murals and family photos
- Italyclosest you can get to Italy
Frequently criticized
- atmospherewe were seated in the bar with TV, pool table and fake video fire place
- bathroom redecorationOur server even surprised us with a complimentary ice cream for dessert. The bathroom was clean, though it could use a bit of redecoration and renovation.
- lightingthe lighting can be a bit too dim
- menu fontOne thing I didn’t like was the font of the menu.
- noisyIt was a bit noisy there
- parkingParking can be challenging in the area
- whole experienceI was disappointed with the menu choices and I would describe my recent experience as way over priced and mediocre at best. The service was still attentive and pleasant but overall, the whole experience was lacking.
If you're looking for a place with a genuinely inviting and charming atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that it can get lively, and you might need to factor in a little extra time for parking.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners feel theyre getting a good deal, with 11 positive remarks highlighting aspects like a fantastic 3 course menu and the overall quality/price rate. Guests often praise the reasonable prices for high-quality ingredients and generous portions, feeling its definitely worth the money. This contributes to a score of 6.4, suggesting a somewhat positive experience for many.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, as 8 negative comments point to some concerns. Some find the restaurant a bit expensive or even overpriced for whats offered, with mentions of high prices for certain items like olive oil and vinegar. This mixed sentiment is reflected in a customer satisfaction of 52.4%, indicating there's still room for improvement in perceived value.
Value
21
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great menu deals
- Reasonable pricing
- Good quality-price
What people don't like
- Some items pricey
- Can feel expensive
- Extra charges exist
Often praised
- pricesAbsolutely reasonable prices
- pricereasonable price
- 3 course menuThey had a 50 dollar 3 course menu, which sounds like a great deal
- moneyDefinintely worth the money!
- quality/price rateAn excellent quality/price rate
- quality:price ratioFor the quality:price ratio, I don’t think you can do better
- valuethe service and value are fantastic
- value for moneyThe food was very good, featuring high quality ingredients and generous portions. You definitely get what you pay for, indicating good value for money. The service was very good quality, with staff keeping the table clean.
Frequently criticized
- pricewas expensive for what it was
- expensivebit expensive for it
- experienceHaving been there a couple of times before, I think the kitchen is not what it used to be. I was disappointed with the menu choices and I would describe my recent experience as way over priced and mediocre at best. The service was still attentive and pleasant but overall, the whole experience was lacking.
- high pricesbei den Recht hohen Preisen
- olive oil and vinegarthey charge 5 dollars for olive oil and vinegar
- pricesI would suggest exploring the seafood restaurants at the Wharf for a much better value. On the positive side, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is good enough for a casual meal and drinks, though again, at premium prices.
- valuemuch better value
If youre looking for a good deal, especially with their multi-course options, you might find the value here quite appealing. However, be mindful that some items could feel a bit pricey, so its worth checking the menu if budget is a primary concern.
How are the prices at Bella Trattoria?
On average, you’ll spend around 48 per person – from 117 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning slightly higher.
While the average sits in the $41–$50 range, we see a good number of diners also enjoying meals in the 21-40$ bracket. This suggests a nice mix of options, catering to various budgets within the mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 117 reviews.
This graph compares the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an Italian restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range experience, with options that can cater to both a slightly more casual outing and a more special occasion.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bella Trattoria
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Favorite Italian Spot in SF!
We found this place accidentally and have been delighted every time we've come here. It is our favorite Italian spot in San Francisco. Most recently I ate the Veal bone marrow, Lobster Ravioli, and Gnocchi Gorgonzola.
The pasta dishes were richly creamy, flavourful, and amazing. The sangiovese we ordered was smooth. The complimentary bread and dip is great too.
Servers are courteous and attentive. Overall a great time.
- Veal bone marrow9
- Lobster Ravioli9
- Gnocchi Gorgonzola9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Phenomenal Italian Cuisine and Great Experience
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely WOW. I had phenomenal and authentic Italian cuisine. The food was very good, featuring high quality ingredients and generous portions.
You definitely get what you pay for, indicating good value for money. The service was very good quality, with staff keeping the table clean. While the service was a bit slower, it was noted as normal for European culture and not problematic.
This pace allowed for enjoyable company and conversation. I will absolutely be bringing people here in the future.
- Italian cuisine10
- food9
- ingredients9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Italian with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was excellent, and the food was delicious. While the menu was initially a bit overwhelming, we both found dishes we enjoyed.
The quality and quantity of the food were perfect, and we even received complimentary treats. It offered a more authentic Italian feel rather than typical Italian-American. The atmosphere was quiet during our afternoon visit, which was exactly what we needed.
They also have lots of gluten-free options, and the pasta was very well made.
- service10
- food10
- menu6
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Accommodating Staff & Delicious Dishes
My experience at this restaurant with a work group was fantastic. The staff was wildly accommodating of our large group and allowed for a long, relaxed meal. The bar area didn't reflect the high quality of the dishes and the attentive, gracious service.
I particularly enjoyed the incredible artichoke dish and the Matriciana. Unfortunately, I ate too much to try the affogato, so I'll need to return with my handsome lover for dinner and dessert.
- staff10
- large group10
- meal8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Food, Pleasant Service, Cozy Atmosphere
My experience at the cafe was delightful. I enjoyed a meal that included pasta with chicken and mushrooms, pizza diavola, and fried trout. The trout was cooked perfectly.
The service was both polite and pleasant. The cafe itself was clean, quiet, and cozy, making for a very comfortable dining experience.
- pasta with chicken and mushrooms9
- pizza diavola9
- fried trout8
What Bella Trattoria offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dietary options and drinks can you find at Bella Trattoria?
At Bella Trattoria, you’ll discover a diverse menu with vegan, vegetarian, and organic dish options. For beverages, you can choose from a great wine list, cocktails, beer, coffee, and hard liquor, with special happy hour drinks also available for you to enjoy.
What should you know about planning your visit and the atmosphere at Bella Trattoria?
Planning your visit to Bella Trattoria is simple; they accept reservations, with dinner reservations recommended. You’ll experience a casual yet upscale atmosphere that feels both cozy and trendy, ideal for a romantic evening. They also offer convenient dine-in, takeout, and delivery, including no-contact options.
How does Bella Trattoria score overall?
Bella Trattoria achieves a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.4. Its Food (8.5), Service (8.3), and Ambience (8.3) are rated good, while Value (6.4) is considered average.
What is the ambiance like at Bella Trattoria?
Customers often describe the ambiance as cozy, welcoming, and authentic, with some noting Italian décor and a pleasant atmosphere. However, some opinions mention it can be a bit noisy or have dim lighting.
Is Bella Trattoria considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some customers find the prices reasonable and the quality-to-price ratio excellent, others perceive it as expensive or offering less value compared to alternatives.