Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Casaro Osteria – San Francisco
Casaro Osteria - San Francisco
Photo from Casaro Osteria
Casaro Osteria at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 89 of the guests
#1029 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#74 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
597
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Pricey
- Loud environment
The Italian restaurant Casaro Osteria invites you to a delightful culinary journey in San Francisco’s vibrant Cow Hollow neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch or an intimate dinner.
This spot is particularly known for its great wine list, offering a superb selection to complement your meal. Enjoy a range of offerings from small plates to full entrees, alongside an impressive array of cocktails and hard liquor.
Overview: Introducting Casaro Osteria
Casaro Osteria generally offers a delightful dining experience, often praised for its authentic Italian food and inviting atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the effort put into creating a pleasant setting, making it a popular spot for various occasions.
While the culinary offerings receive consistent acclaim for their quality, some patrons have noted concerns regarding noise levels and occasional discomfort. The service is largely attentive, though a few experiences suggest areas for refinement, particularly concerning overall value.
Good
7.6
out of 10
597
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
112
negative
29
neutral
456
positive
Casaro Osteria earns a solid 7.6 out of 10, indicating a good overall performance that leaves most diners pleased. Customer satisfaction stands at a commendable 76.4%, reflecting that a significant majority of patrons have positive experiences.
This positive sentiment is drawn from 456 positive remarks against 112 negative ones, out of 597 total customer comments. Diving deeper into the experience, the Food (7.8) is clearly a highlight, consistently impressing patrons with its quality.
The Ambience (8) also scores well, contributing significantly to the dining experience. While Service (7.4) is generally effective, some experiences suggest room for improvement.
The main area for consideration appears to be Value (5.4), which falls into the average range.
What people like
- Authentic, delicious food
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Loud, uncomfortable ambiance
- Inattentive service
- High prices, extra fees
Casaro Osteria presents a compelling option for those seeking genuine Italian flavors in a lively setting. With a strong Recommendation Score of 7.7, it’s generally a place worth considering if you prioritize quality cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere.
However, be mindful of potential noise levels and the overall cost, as some find the pricing a bit steep. If you’re looking for a quiet, budget-friendly meal, this might not be your first choice, but for a flavorful Italian experience, it holds its own.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Casaro Osteria
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, its clear theres a lot to love! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a good 77.8%, many diners rave about the delicious and authentic Italian cuisine. Out of 356 total opinions, 277 were positive, frequently praising the amazing pizza, unique pastas, and high-quality ingredients, making for a truly tasty experience.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as indicated by 59 negative opinions. Some found the food quality to be average, with issues like soggy pizza, small portions, or dishes being too salty or bland. Specific items like the Carbonara and certain pasta dishes received criticism for lacking flavor or proper texture.
Food
356
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
59
negative
20
neutral
277
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious authentic Italian
- Amazing pizza
- High-quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Soggy pizza
- Small portions
- Salty or bland
Often praised
- foodIt felt like a lack of consideration for age and accessibility, which is something the staff should certainly consider, as not everyone in Cow Hollow is under 30. While the food is good, there are plenty of other options that offer both good food and better service.
- pizzaMy experience at this restaurant was top-tier, with perfect food. My friends and I shared several dishes, including pizza, pasta, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and salad, all of which were delicious. The service was nice and the atmosphere was also very pleasant.
- pastaI usually only order pizza at an Italian restaurant abroad, simply because I am very picky with everything else. But as I serendipitously happened to crash my friends' date, I tried the pasta and antipasti they ordered - and I was extremely impressed with the authenticity of every single dish on the table. If you go there try the artichoke - the best one I had in the bay area.
- cocktailsBeyond pizza, they offer a great selection of appetizers, first-course pastas, and second-course dishes. The cocktails and wine list were also impressive. The service was terrific, with the entire staff being attentive and friendly.
- pizzasThe food was delicious, the service was efficient and friendly, and the restaurant is very family friendly. We highly recommend the polpette and brussels sprouts appetizers, any of the pizzas, and the tagliatelle bolognese and mafaldine ragu napoletano pastas. They finish the meal with a tiny taste of lemon sorbet.
- tiramisuWe got the tiramisu for dessert, which we ate in under 2 minutes
- Foodthe Food was delicious
- Italian foodAs Italians traveling in the States, if you're craving Italian food that won't disappoint and offers a respite from American junk food, head to Casaro Osteria without a doubt. I've traveled extensively, always refusing to eat Italian abroad because I love immersing myself in local culture and flavors.
- drinksdrinks are creative and strong
- arancinilike the arancini that had saffron inside
Frequently criticized
- foodI particularly enjoyed the pear gorgonzola salad, which was amazing, and the pasta was perfectly cooked. However, my main issues were that the food was a tad salty, and the restaurant was very loud. Being in the marina seems to attract a certain type of diner.
- pastaworst pasta I've ever experienced
- pizzathe pizza was very distasteful and soggy
- Mafaldine RaguMafaldine Ragu ($27): it came out looking cold(and it was), whilst the pasta was overcooked. Sauce lacked flavor.
- arancinithe arancini and it lacked flavor
- Arancini mozzarella stuffed fried zafferano risottoArancini mozzarella stuffed fried zafferano risotto
- Burratait was clearly cheap, as it had the consistency of a hard boiled egg with yogurt inside
- CabernetMy experience at the restaurant featured Cacio e pepe and pizza salsiccia e friarielli, both of which were good. I also had a Cabernet from Sonoma, which I felt was not worth the price. The total bill came to 93 dollars.
- Cacio e PepeThe Cacio e Pepe was so salty as to be inedible
- CarbonaraCarbanara was more like Mac and cheese.
If you're craving authentic Italian flavors and delicious pizza, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some pasta dishes or appetizers might be a bit inconsistent in terms of portion size or seasoning, so choose wisely!
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
Overall, the service here is quite good, with a solid score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 73.9%. Many guests raved about the attentive and friendly staff, highlighting great service from waiters and servers. Complimentary prosecco and appetizers also added a lovely touch, making 85 positive experiences stand out.
However, not every experience was perfect, with 28 negative comments out of 115 total. Some diners encountered issues like long waits for tables or food, slow service, and even instances of wrong food being delivered. A few mentioned waitstaff attitude or problems with table readiness, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
115
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
28
negative
2
neutral
85
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Staff are attentive
- Service is welcoming
- Complimentary items offered
What people don't like
- Long waits occur
- Service can be slow
- Some staff attitude
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for a birthday celebration with a large group of friends. We had an amazing birthday night with amazing service and food. My personal favorites were the cavatelli pasta with fava beans and the ziti genovese.
- staffI found this to be excessive. However, the staff was friendly and the setting was pretty.
- ServiceThe Service was excellent
- hostessThe hostess was friendly
- serverOur server was very attentive without being overly present
- waiterOur waiter was friendly and talkative and made the experience even better
- waitersThe waiters were so nice and caring
- waitressthe waitress was attentive and gave good explanations
- AldoAldo took great care of us!
- AntonioAntonio (the server) was OFF THE CHARTS
Frequently criticized
- serviceI was particularly unimpressed with the quality of their funghi pizza, which was served soggy and cold, suggesting it had been sitting out for a while. The service was subpar and inattentive, which was surprising given that there were four waitstaff present and the restaurant was less than half full. An accidental water spill was met with a glare and an attitude, which is unacceptable as these things happen.
- staffhost/staff aren't in touch with ageism
- attitudeThe service was subpar and inattentive, which was surprising given that there were four waitstaff present and the restaurant was less than half full. An accidental water spill was met with a glare and an attitude, which is unacceptable as these things happen. The only redeeming quality was the music selection, but not much else stood out.
- bad reviewsI would skip this place. Plus, I think there’s a good chance they remove bad reviews because I’ve definitely already written one that is now gone.
- billthey got our bill wrong twice
- dining room tablewas forced to sit outside due to being double booked
- food coming before drinksfood coming before drinks
- hospitalityhospitality & approach with those dining there is 0/10
- inability to reserveTBH, the inability to reserve is fairly frustrating, and they aren't trying to do anything about it. However, the food, drink, staff, and environment almost make it worth it.
- long waitlong wait in between courses
If you're looking for generally good service with friendly, attentive staff, this place often delivers. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies like longer waits or occasional service hiccups, especially during busy times.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8 and leaving 84% of customers satisfied. Many of the 79 positive remarks highlight the beautiful decor, inviting atmosphere, and cool vibes, with special appreciation for the outdoor patio and unique table settings. It sounds like a place that really sets the mood for a great dining experience!
However, out of 94 total comments, 10 negative observations point to some comfort issues. Some guests experienced cold drafts or found it too loud, while others noted wobbly tables or even dead plants. These minor snags suggest that while the overall aesthetic is strong, there might be a few spots that could use a touch-up for consistent comfort.
Ambience
94
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
10
negative
5
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful decor
- Inviting atmosphere
- Nice outdoor patio
What people don't like
- Loud environment
- Cold drafts
- Wobbly tables
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was quite positive. It's a good place with a lovely atmosphere and authentically Italian food. The menu offers big variety, and the food was pretty tasty, prepared freshly made with intriguing accompaniments.
- Atmospherethe Atmosphere was wonderful
- ambienceThe ambience inside is beautiful
- ambiancethe ambiance of the restaurant is very cute
- outdoor patioOutdoor patio was fine on a chilly night thanks to heaters
- patiosit on the patio under the shade
- vibeMore of a vibe
- Italian placeOur waiter was very helpful when maneuvering the menu. The cacio de pepe pasta was amazing, and I can honestly say this is my new favorite Italian place.
- Italian water pitchersThe service was outstanding, with our server being very attentive without being overly present, contributing to a perfect 5/5 score for service. The ambiance also received a perfect 5/5, especially their nicely set up parklet, complete with cotton tablecloths and beautiful Italian water pitchers at every table. We enjoyed sitting out and savoring the warm evening on August 23, 2023, during our dinner for two.
- Marina district locationgreat Marina district location
Frequently criticized
- ambianceambiance being a 0/10
- atmosphereit was suffocating hot inside
- birthday partythere was a huge birthday party right next to us and it was so loud
- chillyit was windy and chilly outside
- cold draftimpossible, by the cold that entered
- dead plantsThey have dead plants hanging on the outdoor shed.
- loudit's very loud
- owners childrenowners children running around, screaming and intruding on tables while people were trying to eat
- seating arrangementbeing put at the very very last indoor table
- table wobbledThe table wobbled significantly
If you're looking for a restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere and a great vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some guests have noted it can get a bit loud or have minor comfort issues like a cold draft. Overall, it promises a beautiful setting for your meal.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a silver lining! Many diners appreciate the happy hour menu as a real steal, finding the prices to be quite reasonable and the food well priced for the quality. Based on 15 positive remarks out of 32 total, some even consider it a good deal, especially given the location.
However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of just 46.9% and an average score of 5.4. There are 15 negative comments highlighting concerns about pricey food, feeling things are expensive, and the annoyance of extra fees like refill charges or a mysterious marina fee' on the bill.
Value
32
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour steals
- Reasonable pricing
- Quality well-priced
What people don't like
- High prices
- Unexpected fees
- Poor dish value
Often praised
- pricesI've visited twice and tried five different dishes, and I've loved all of them. The portion sizes are good, and the prices are reasonable. The staff are all friendly, but the service was a little slow during my last visit on 7/10.
- priceprice was pretty good
- PricesThe prices are quite affordable overall
- good dealIt was a good deal
- happy hour menuhappy hour menu that is a steal
- pizzaspizze dai 16 ai 24$ ma definibili assolutamente gourmet
- price pointgreat price point
- priceyYes, it’s a bit pricey, but for the quality, it’s more than fair
- pricingVery fairly priced too
- well pricedthe food is well priced and high quality
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant featured Cacio e pepe and pizza salsiccia e friarielli, both of which were good. I also had a Cabernet from Sonoma, which I felt was not worth the price. The total bill came to 93 dollars.
- billtotaling $150. I found this to be excessive
- expensiveexpensive with the dreaded extra fees
- extra feesMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the food was good, the portions were small and the prices were high, especially with the addition of dreaded extra fees. For example, a very small portion of linguine with clams cost $25, which became $26 after a 4% marina fee, though I'm unsure what that fee entails.
- feethey charge a fee when you dine there
- iced teaI spent $15.00 for three small glasses of iced tea.
- marina fee4% marina fee whatever that means
- pasta dishesThe pasta itself was decent, but the price did not justify the dish. Pasta dishes range from $26 to $27. I ordered the pesto pasta for $21, and for an additional $6, I added burrata, which I regretted.
- pizzaif overpriced. You see a $17.00 pizza and expect it to serve two people, but it doesn't.
- pricey foodas if their pricey food was not enough
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? If you're eyeing the happy hour menu or value quality over cost, you might find a good deal. However, be prepared for potentially pricey food and watch out for those extra fees on your bill, as they can quickly add up.
How are the prices at Casaro Osteria?
On average, you’ll spend around 45 per person – from 89 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning a little higher.
While many guests find great value in the 21-40$ range, there’s also a good number enjoying meals around the average and even up to 90$+, showing a nice mix of options for different tastes and budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 89 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the range of options available. It seems like a place where you can enjoy a lovely meal without breaking the bank, or splurge a little for a special occasion.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Casaro Osteria
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Pasta Experience
Overall, I was disappointed. The pasta itself was decent, but the price did not justify the dish. Pasta dishes range from $26 to $27.
I ordered the pesto pasta for $21, and for an additional $6, I added burrata, which I regretted. For that price, I received the equivalent of a tablespoon of burrata. There were four of us: one beer, one glass of wine (the children drank water), and four pasta plates, totaling $150.
I found this to be excessive. However, the staff was friendly and the setting was pretty.
- pasta7
- staff8
- setting8
- price3
- pasta dishes3
- burrata2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Delicious Food and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. The hostess was friendly and seated us at a nice table in the back. Justice, our server, was incredibly helpful with his recommendations.
The food was delicious, and the cocktails were equally delicious. The atmosphere was great, and I'm eager to return to try their pizzas.
- hostess9
- Justice9
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Italian with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. They serve authentic Italian cuisine that is not revisited, made with genuine products. The staff was very kind and friendly.
Considering it's San Francisco, the prices were not exaggerated, especially in relation to the quality of service provided.
- authentic Italian cuisine9
- genuine products9
- staff10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Impressive Pizza, Pasta, and Cocktails!
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. I was particularly impressed by the pizza and pasta. The Mule at Capri cocktail was also exceptionally good.
Furthermore, Erick at the bar provided top-notch service. I would return specifically to visit him and enjoy his cocktails.
- pizza9
- pasta9
- Mule at Capri cocktail10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Happy Hour Pasta and Tiramisu Delight
During happy hour, the restaurant was not crowded, and the service was fast. We enjoyed several appetizers and the three pastas offered on the happy hour menu. The pesto pasta was my favorite.
For dessert, we had the tiramisu, which was so good we finished it in under 2 minutes.
- service8
- pesto pasta9
- tiramisu10
What Casaro Osteria offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking options available when you visit Casaro Osteria?
When visiting Casaro Osteria in Cow Hollow, you should know that finding a parking space can sometimes be somewhat difficult. Paid street parking is available in the vicinity, so you may need to factor in a little extra time to secure a spot before enjoying your meal.
Can you bring your dog to Casaro Osteria?
Yes, if you’re dining at Casaro Osteria, you’ll be pleased to know that dogs are allowed outside. This makes it a great option if you want to enjoy a meal on their outdoor seating with your furry companion by your side.
What is the overall dining experience like at Casaro Osteria?
Casaro Osteria generally offers a good dining experience, with an overall score of 7.6 and 76.4% customer satisfaction. Guests particularly appreciate the Food (7.8) and Ambience (8), while Service (7.4) is also well-regarded. Value (5.4) is considered average.
Is the atmosphere at Casaro Osteria suitable for all occasions?
The restaurant often provides a lovely atmosphere and a cute ambiance, with options like an outdoor patio. However, some guests have found it to be quite loud or occasionally uncomfortable due to temperature or seating arrangements.
How is the pricing at Casaro Osteria perceived by customers?
While some customers find the prices reasonable and even a “good deal” for the quality, others consider it a bit expensive, especially with additional fees. The Value (5.4) score reflects this mixed perception.