Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Cesarios – San Francisco
Cesarios - San Francisco
Photo from Cesarios
Cesarios at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 121 of the guests
#1246 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#89 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
673
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Cozy ambiance
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Pricing concerns
- Tight seating
- Host issues
The restaurant Cesarios, an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco’s Lower Nob Hill, invites you to discover a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a casual meal or a romantic evening, complemented by a great dessert selection that promises a sweet ending to your visit.
Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, you can expect delicious Italian flavors.
Overview: Introducting Cesarios
Cesarios offers a classic Italian dining experience, often praised for its flavorful cuisine and the attentive nature of its servers. Many find the overall atmosphere to be quite pleasant, contributing to a generally positive meal.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the proximity of seating and occasional unwelcoming interactions from the host upon arrival.
Good
7.4
out of 10
673
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
147
negative
28
neutral
498
positive
Cesarios holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.4, with Customer Satisfaction at 74%, indicating a generally positive reception among diners. This solid performance is supported by 498 positive comments out of 673 total, suggesting that many guests leave content.
The Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.7) are particularly strong points, frequently highlighted for their quality and inviting feel.
What people like
- Authentic Italian dishes
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- High prices/fees
- Cramped table spacing
- Inconsistent host welcome
For those seeking a traditional Italian meal in a cozy setting, Cesarios presents a compelling option. While the culinary offerings and atmosphere generally impress, be mindful of potential seating arrangements and pricing.
The Recommendation Score of 7.7 suggests it’s a place worth considering for a satisfying experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cesarios
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
Diners are largely delighted with the food, giving it a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.4%. With 260 positive remarks among 336 total, many rave about the authentic Italian meal and how dishes are fresh and full of flavor. Favorites like lobster ravioli and truffle gnocchi frequently earn high praise.
However, some of the 63 negative comments point to areas for improvement. Issues like eggplant parmigiana being chewy and tough or steak described as bland and tough occasionally surface. There are also mentions of rubbery pasta and a general lack of flavor in certain dishes, suggesting inconsistency.
Food
336
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
63
negative
13
neutral
260
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian flavors
- Fresh, delicious dishes
- Excellent pasta options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent eggplant texture
- Bland steak reported
- Some dishes lack flavor
Often praised
- foodThis restaurant is suitable for a date course, offering a classic and quiet atmosphere with friendly servers. The food was also delicious and good. However, if you go as a pair, the distance between tables at certain seats is so close (it feels like you're dining at the same table) that it can lead to awkward situations.
- pastaWhat a great proposal for eating delicious pasta! The prices are normal, ranging from $20 to $30, and the portions are abundant.
- Italian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great little place with great Italian food. I would definitely eat here again and would recommend it to anyone.
- FoodFood:5
- breadThe dinner also came with complementary bread which was good also
- carbonaraThe restaurant itself is very cozy and inviting, offering an authentic Italian cuisine experience that truly feels like a neighborhood family restaurant in Italy. The food was amazing; I had the carbonara and my husband enjoyed the chicken Parmigiana. We finished with creme brulee and Tiramisu.
- dishesAll dishes are especially good and of quality
- gnocchiThe menu offered a delightful array of traditional Italian dishes bursting with robust flavors. I particularly enjoyed the velvety smooth gnocchi and the delectable seafood risotto; every bite was a true delight. The impeccable service and attention to detail completed the outstanding dining experience.
- lasagnaThe servers were quick and on the ball. We had lasagna and chicken parmesan with pasta, and it was delicious. When we arrived, the host seemed a little put out that we didn't have a reservation, which felt very awkward and unwelcoming, but they seated us anyway.
- lobster raviolilobster ravioli were absolutely amazing
Frequently criticized
- foodAlthough this restaurant was well-rated on Google, all 9 of us were very disappointed with our dishes. It was far from the Italian restaurants we are accustomed to frequenting.
- breadCrustless bread served with butter packets
- flavorthe food quality and flavor honestly one of the worst
- veggiesThe veggies that came with it were from a frozen mix.
- BologneseThe Bolognese had marinara with it for some reason
- Caesar saladCaesar salad was below average
- Coca-Colacoca cola senza bollicine
- Crab cakesCrab cakes burnt/overdone
- Eggplant Parmesanthe Eggplant Parmesan. We thought it was too dry
- Eggplant parmEggplant parm soggy
If youre craving Italian, this spot generally delivers a delicious experience. While most dishes are well-loved, be aware that a few items, like the eggplant parmigiana or steak, have received mixed reviews. Its worth a try for the many flavorful options.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 71.8%. With 127 positive remarks out of 177 total, many guests rave about the friendly staff, attentive waiters, and impeccable service. The hospitality often makes diners feel truly welcomed and well-cared for.
However, not all experiences are perfect. Some 43 negative comments point to issues like long waiting times and an unwelcoming host. A few found the staff unprofessional or encountered reservation issues, leading to frustration and a less-than-ideal start to their meal.
Service
177
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
43
negative
7
neutral
127
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Impeccable, quick service
- Welcoming hospitality
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Unwelcoming host/staff
- Reservation issues
Often praised
- serviceAs an Italian, I can confidently say it's one of the top 3 Italian places in SF. The lobster ravioli was outstanding, complemented by outstanding service and extremely reasonable pricing. The super affordable and exquisite lunch menu is a definite highlight.
- staffThe atmosphere is very low-key and quiet, offering nice views of the city. The staff were friendly, though I quickly got the impression that reservations are the norm, suggesting it might not be a typical walk-in spot. The food was above average and tasty.
- serversThis restaurant is suitable for a date course, offering a classic and quiet atmosphere with friendly servers. The food was also delicious and good.
- ServiceService:5
- waitressThis is NOT a wheelchair or child friendly place. Our waitress was wonderful, but another, more seasoned waitress seemed eager for us to leave, even asking if we were ready to go and starting to clean the table before we finished, which was not appreciated. Be cautious with the service charge; it's meant to include the tip, yet they still suggest an additional tip.
- waiterOur waiter was friendly and funny
- owner and staffMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. It's a super cozy restaurant with a super friendly owner and staff. If you're looking to escape to Italy for a short while, this place is definitely worth trying.
- serverEven though I'm comfortable eating alone, I felt particularly welcomed by the whole staff. My server was wonderful; she recommended a great Cabernet and the creme brulee was a fantastic suggestion. My entree, spaghetti and prawns, was cooked perfectly, and the shrimp tasted very fresh.
- ChablisSquisito! The service was very good, with special thanks to Chablis for his attention. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner.
- EveEve provided terrific service
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service and the fact that the waiter wore black gloves felt like we were not welcome and acted unprofessional
- waiting timewaited about 15-30 minutes after our respective reservations
- hostWe had lasagna and chicken parmesan with pasta, and it was delicious. When we arrived, the host seemed a little put out that we didn't have a reservation, which felt very awkward and unwelcoming, but they seated us anyway. There were several empty tables, even with a few being reserved, so I'm not sure why we were received like that, but the meal was delicious anyway.
- reservationWe had lasagna and chicken parmesan with pasta, and it was delicious. When we arrived, the host seemed a little put out that we didn't have a reservation, which felt very awkward and unwelcoming, but they seated us anyway. There were several empty tables, even with a few being reserved, so I'm not sure why we were received like that, but the meal was delicious anyway.
- staffThe staff acts like it's an inconvenience for you to be there.
- waitwait almost 30 minutes for a table
- ServiceService:2
- UberEats orderOrdered UberEats and I guess somebody forgot to unlist them
- apologyI had booked via the app, but upon arrival, I was made to wait over 20 minutes. Despite being in a hotel setting, we received no assistance or clarification, not even an apology. We were left waiting for half an hour.
- assistancenot given any assistance or clarification
Overall, the service is often a highlight, making for a pleasant dining experience. If you value attentive and friendly staff, it's worth a try. However, be prepared for occasional inconsistencies like potential wait times or reservation hiccups, especially during busy periods.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.7 score and a solid 78.7% customer satisfaction. Many guests, in 96 positive remarks, rave about the cozy, charming atmosphere and authentic Italian decor that makes you feel right at home. The quiet atmosphere and lovely views from window seats also contribute to a delightful experience, often enhanced by pleasant music.
However, not everyone is entirely charmed, with 20 observations pointing out some areas for improvement. Some found the seating tight and cramped space a bit uncomfortable, while others noted a stale smell or felt the decor needs an update, mentioning filthy red velvet curtains and worn dining chairs.
Ambience
122
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
20
negative
6
neutral
96
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, charming atmosphere
- Authentic Italian decor
- Quiet, intimate setting
What people don't like
- Seating feels cramped
- Decor needs update
- Occasional stale smell
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this authentic Italian gem in Union Square was wonderful. We chose this restaurant for our Thanksgiving dinner, and it provided a cozy and charming atmosphere. The food was excellent; we enjoyed the bruschetta, veal saltimbocca, and linguine carbonara.
- restaurantsmall but very cozy and delicious restaurant
- ambianceexudes a warm and inviting ambiance, making you feel right at home
- placeI think this place is underrated
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- musicMy husband accidentally found this place, and it was wonderful! The charming atmosphere, pleasant music, a delightful host, and amazing food combined for an unforgettable afternoon. It truly felt like we had visited Italy!
- environmentthe environment giving high quality vibes
- experienceit turned out to be an amazing experience
- locationmoi ben situado na rĂşa sutter, a tres minutos a pe de Union Square
- noise levelnot loud despite being pretty full
Frequently criticized
- seatingcertain seats are so close
- atmosphereatmosphere was lacking
- placethe place was empty
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- dining chairsthe dining chairs need to be replaced
- dining roomThe dining room is cramped
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- red velvet curtainsFilthy red velvet curtains
- spacevery, very tightly packed
- space between tablesThe space between tables is very tight
If youre seeking a cozy, intimate Italian vibe for your meal, this place is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for potentially snug seating and dont expect ultra-modern decor; its charm lies in its traditional feel.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a mixed bag. While the overall score for value hovers at an average 4.6, and customer satisfaction is a rather poor 39.5%, some diners did find things to appreciate. Based on 38 comments, 15 positive remarks highlighted reasonable prices, a good wine list, and an exquisite lunch menu offering great value.
However, the 21 negative comments paint a different picture. Many were concerned about various service fees, hidden fees, and alleged higher tax rates, leading to feelings of being overpriced or even double charged. These issues significantly impacted the perception of overall value for money.
Value
38
Reviews
39%
Satisfaction
21
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable food prices
- Affordable lunch menu
- Good wine value
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- High service charges
- Tax bill issues
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious Italian food with good service and good prices. I tried the creamy pesto fettuccine, Cesar salad, and cheesy garlic bread, all of which were incredibly flavorful.
- pricethe price is surprisingly reasonable for San Francisco
- drinkA good deal for the $10 drink.
- lunch menuSuper affordable and exquisite lunch menu
- pricedReasonably priced
- pricingAs an Italian, I can confidently say it's one of the top 3 Italian places in SF. The lobster ravioli was outstanding, complemented by outstanding service and extremely reasonable pricing. The super affordable and exquisite lunch menu is a definite highlight.
- valueGreat value
- wine listThe wine list includes some excellent wines at very reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- taxadd an extra 2% (~10% instead of SF’s ~8%) to the tax on their bills
- hidden fee2% hidden fee to pocket the difference
- service chargebe careful with the service charge
- billneither was that bill
- double chargeAs Argentinians, we went to eat and they charged us twice! They wash their hands of it and blame the bank.
- everythingeverything was overpriced
- expensiveExpensive
- higher tax rateMy experience at the restaurant involved being illegally charged a higher tax rate to hide the fact that they were still charging fees that are now illegal. I have reported this incident.
- illegal feesMy experience at the restaurant involved being illegally charged a higher tax rate to hide the fact that they were still charging fees that are now illegal. I have reported this incident.
- priceOver priced
If you're considering this place, be mindful of the bill. While some find the food and drink prices fair, a significant number of guests reported issues with unexpected fees and charges. It might be worth trying if you stick to the lunch menu, but proceed with caution regarding the final cost.
How are the prices at Cesarios?
You’re looking at roughly 44 per person – reported by 121 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 44, prices actually show a nice spread; many guests enjoy meals in the 21 – 40 $ range, but a notable number also go for more premium options, spending 71 $ and up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 121 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
Considering it’s an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, the pricing feels quite fair. We think it offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those wanting to splurge a little.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cesarios
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
7
Great Food, Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was great, earning a perfect score. However, the service was terrible.
The waitresses were so rude, walking away in the middle of me ordering without saying a word and ignoring me when I asked to place a to-go order. The atmosphere was decent.
- food10
- atmosphere6
- service1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Amazing Lasagna, Wish Veggies Were Cooked More
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive, especially with the lasagna, which was amazing! I appreciated that they served bread, a nice touch not found everywhere. However, I wished the veggies were a bit more cooked or grilled.
The sauce was super tasty, and the overall food quality was rated a 4. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated a 5, and the service received a perfect 5. The noise level was moderate.
- lasagna9
- sauce8
- bread8
- veggies4
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
6
Good Portions, Lacking Special Taste
My experience at the restaurant was decent. The food tasted ok, and I appreciated the good sized portions from the Italian menu. However, I found that it was less of the special taste I was expecting.
- food taste6
- sized portions8
- special taste5
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Great Service & Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious, fresh, and well-prepared. The service was great, and the atmosphere was lovely.
It's an absolute recommendation!
- food9
- service9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Timeless San Francisco Dining Experience
My experience at this old-style restaurant was like stepping back in time to 1950s San Francisco. The professionals tending to the guests provided excellent service. The food was simple, hearty, and delicious.
Soft music played in the background, contributing to a wonderfully quiet atmosphere where conversation was easy. It was a great meal overall.
- professionals10
- food10
- atmosphere10
What Cesarios offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you find at Cesarios?
At Cesarios, you can enjoy a range of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable table service and seating. The atmosphere is designed to be both romantic and casual, making it suitable for various occasions.
Are reservations recommended at Cesarios, and what payment methods are accepted?
Yes, dinner reservations are highly recommended at Cesarios to ensure you secure your table. For your convenience, you can pay using credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Cesarios?
Cesarios generally receives good feedback, with a Restaurant Score of 7.4 and Customer Satisfaction at 74%. The Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.7) are highly rated, while Service (7.3) is also considered good. However, Value (4.6) is an area where many customers express dissatisfaction.
What do customers appreciate most about the food at Cesarios?
Diners frequently praise the authentic Italian dishes, with many highlighting the delicious pasta, gnocchi, lasagna, and lobster ravioli. The quality of the ingredients and robust flavors are often mentioned as key strengths.
Are there any common concerns regarding pricing or value at Cesarios?
Yes, several customers have expressed concerns about the pricing and overall value. Issues include dishes being considered overpriced, unexpected service charges, and additional taxes, leading to a perception of poor value despite some finding the lunch menu affordable.