Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Che Fico – San Francisco
Che Fico - San Francisco
Photo from Che Fico
Che Fico at a glance
San Francisco Alamo Square
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 102 of the guests
#1829 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#109 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
707
Reviews
61.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Beautiful setting
- Tasty cuisine
- Welcoming staff
Frequently criticized
- Extra charges
- Expensive menu
- Noisy atmosphere
The restaurant Che Fico, an Italian restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Alamo Square neighborhood, invites you to an upscale dining experience. You’ll discover a truly great dessert selection that perfectly caps off any meal.
This trendy and romantic spot offers a cozy ambiance, making it ideal for a memorable evening out.
Overview: Introducting Che Fico
Che Fico offers a truly captivating dining experience, where the gorgeous atmosphere immediately sets a welcoming tone. Guests often praise the beautiful space and inviting vibe, making it a pleasant spot for various occasions.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value and the presence of unexpected charges. While the food generally receives positive remarks, these pricing issues can detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Good
6.7
out of 10
707
Reviews
61.2%
Satisfaction
219
negative
55
neutral
433
positive
Che Fico earns a respectable 6.7 out of 10, indicating a generally good experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 61.2%. This slight divergence suggests that while many aspects are well-received, some areas leave diners wanting more.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 707 customer opinions, with 433 positive and 219 negative remarks. The Ambience shines brightly with a score of (8.3), creating a memorable setting for many.
The Food also performs well at (7.4), with many finding the dishes quite enjoyable. However, Service registers an average (5.9), and Value is a clear area for improvement, scoring a low (2.6), reflecting concerns about pricing and additional fees.
What people like
- Gorgeous Ambiance
- Delicious Italian Dishes
- Friendly Staff
What people don't like
- Hidden Fees
- High Prices
- Loud Dining Room
If you prioritize a stunning setting and well-prepared Italian dishes, Che Fico is worth considering. The gorgeous atmosphere and generally delicious food contribute to a pleasant experience, especially for those seeking a vibrant dining environment.
However, be prepared for the cost, as the value can be a sticking point for some, particularly due to additional fees. With a recommendation score of 7, it’s a good choice if you’re aware of the pricing structure and are looking for a lively, aesthetically pleasing meal.
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%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
440
93.4%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
378
92.9%
- $$
- Telegraph Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
421
91.9%
- $$
- Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
733
92%
- $$
- Cole Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Che Fico
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems like there's a lot to love, with a solid score of 7.4. Many diners rave about the delicious food, especially the handmade pastas, amazing focaccia, and flavorful pizzas. Out of 372 total opinions, a whopping 258 were positive, highlighting a true celebration of flavor and culinary artistry.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 69.4%, suggesting some areas for improvement. Some guests found the portions to be small and overpriced, while others noted issues with food being too salty, bland, or even undercooked. These 72 negative comments indicate that while many dishes shine, consistency can sometimes be an issue.
Food
372
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
72
negative
42
neutral
258
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Handmade pastas
- Amazing focaccia
What people don't like
- Small, overpriced portions
- Salty or bland food
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodDespite a 10 minute wait even with a reservation, the food was up to par. My only complaint is that the rockfish was not fully correctly deboned and lacked certain depth in flavor.
- focacciaImmediately as you walk in, the greenery, the tasteful decor, open kitchen, and the buzz of a full restaurant make for a great ambiance. The focaccia was unreal, the suppli was a great starter, and the salads and pastas were unique and tasty! The place is expensive, but that’s something that you know going in, and all in all the food and environment really delivered!
- FoodFood was incredible
- pizzaThis cute Italian spot is a Divisadero classic, offering plenty of tasty pizza and pasta dishes, along with a fun weekend brunch menu. I visited with friends for brunch and we had a great time!
- dishesYeah, that's quite a claim. The best tip is to go with a group you don't mind sharing food with and try as many of the dishes as you can!
- pastaAhhhh the pizzzzzaa and the pasta so delicious.
- pastasThe pizza and pastas were delicious
- delicious foodDelicious food in a stylish setting
- tiramisuI don’t think I will be able to enjoy any old tiramisu as much after this one
- GnocchiThe pieces on the outside of the plate weren’t too badly covered in lemon so were able to enjoy those, but the middle pieces in our opinion were too acidic which was a bummer because the salmon cut was really good. Next, came the Gnocchi and it blew us away! The gnocchi melted into your mouth with each bite and it had the perfect amount of truffle on top.
Frequently criticized
- foodThey explained they were training new people and apologized again, comping only our drinks. As noted in the pictures, the food looked like it was sitting out for a while. The food was not hot, and there was a film over the hollandaise sauce.
- pizzaFor the price the pizza is not the best
- crustthe crust didn't help, as it absorbed the sauce. The crust was quite thick and crunchy.
- flavorsI was eager to try this Italian restaurant, but unfortunately, the food fell short of expectations. The flavors were overpowering, with dishes either excessively salty or overly vinegary. The beets were so sour they were inedible, forcing me to send them back.
- food qualityThe food was alright, too pricy for the quality
- portion sizeextremely small portions. For the price and recommended family style, we really expected a more reflective portion size
- spaghettispaghetti felt a bit undercooked
- Agnolotti pastaLasagne Verde and Agnolotti pasta for entrees, and everything failed to impress
- Beets SaladCarne Crudo and Beets Salad for appetizers, ... failed to impress
- Carne CrudoCarne Crudo and Beets Salad for appetizers, ... failed to impress
If youre looking for a culinary adventure with standout dishes like focaccia and pasta, its definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for potentially smaller portions and a price point that might not always align with everyone's expectations.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 5.9, placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at 55.7%, which is pretty mixed. Many guests experienced wonderful hospitality from the staff, with positive comments often highlighting an attentive server and warm smiles. Youll find great suggestions and flawless service from the bartender and waiter mentioned in 83 positive opinions.
However, the service isnt always smooth sailing, as 63 negative opinions point to some significant issues. Some customers felt they were being rushing us by rude staff, while others noted passive aggressive behavior and slow service. There were also instances of inattentive service and staff with a wait staff attitude', suggesting inconsistency in the overall experience.
Service
149
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
63
negative
3
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Helpful recommendations
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude, snobby staff
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rushing customers
Often praised
- serviceThis is one of my favorite places in SF. The restaurant is beautiful and the service is always so good. For food, the steak tartare, lasagne, polenta, and any of their pastas are must-tries.
- ServiceService was prompt, quick, and unfussy
- staffThe atmosphere was fun, and the food was delicious, though it was somewhat pricey. I also appreciated the very good wine list and the friendly staff. However, the biggest letdown was that this Italian restaurant couldn't make espresso – which was quite surprising!
- recommendationsbasically recommended what we should order for the table. She did not steer us wrong!
- serverOur server was friendly and did a great job
- waitressOur waitress surprised us with a dessert at the end to celebrate our date night 🥰 I enjoyed the speed at which each dish came out. I appreciated how often our waitress checked in to see how we felt about each plate and provide recommendations. Overall, I enjoyed the food, the ambiance, and service but felt it was a bit pricey compared to other places that offer similar dishes here in the city.
- serversMy experience at this restaurant was that it was way overpriced for the quality of what was received. While it does have a nice vibe and great servers, which would normally earn it a 3 or even 4-star rating, I always deduct a star when a place includes hidden fees that don't go to the staff. If these are a cost of business, they should be included in the menu price, otherwise, it feels dishonest.
- waiterfriendly and helpful waiter who took good care of us
- AlimentariAlimentari and they did a much better job.
- Chefs tablesqueezed us in at the “Chefs table” even though we had no reservation
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food and service definitely does not match the atmosphere
- waiterIt appeared to be an issue to add a protein to the pesto pasta dish. The energy was a bit stiff, starting from the waiter who brought water to the table. The food was okay, I was not impressed.
- waitressthe waitress cut me off mid sentence
- staffWe left the restaurant with uneasy stomachs. I think the staff should take food safety protocols more seriously. I will not be returning.
- waiting timewe had to wait a long time for everything.
- waterMy experience at their Sunday brunch was sincerely one of the worst I’ve ever had at a restaurant. We were ready to order by the time they brought us water, which was a good 10-15 minutes after we sat down. Forty minutes went by and we were starving, so we ordered bloody mary’s to help the time pass.
- EZcatermade no notice on their website and EZcater
- ParkingParking:Best to rideshare
- bill35 minutes after dessert just to get our bill
- bring all dishesproceeded to bring all our dishes at the same time
If youre looking for a place where service can be a highlight, be aware it might be a roll of the dice here. While many praise the attentive and friendly staff, others have encountered rudeness and slow service. It might be worth a try if youre feeling lucky, but don't go in expecting consistently stellar interactions.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! Che Fico really nails the atmosphere, scoring a solid 8.3 and leaving 86.4% of customers satisfied. With 89 positive remarks out of 103, guests consistently praise the beautiful space, vibrant atmosphere, and tasteful decor, creating a truly memorable experience.
However, its not all quiet contemplation. A few of the 9 negative comments point out that the restaurant can get quite loud, with noise level being a concern for some. Plus, parking can be a bit of a hassle, so plan ahead if you're driving.
Ambience
103
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
9
negative
5
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful space
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Tasteful decor
What people don't like
- Loud noise level
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe incredible freshness of the food was evident, and the friendly staff made for a wonderful experience. The gorgeous atmosphere is perfect for any occasion. I recently visited Italy, and the food here was even better!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was that it was way overpriced for the quality of what was received. While it does have a nice vibe and great servers, which would normally earn it a 3 or even 4-star rating, I always deduct a star when a place includes hidden fees that don't go to the staff. If these are a cost of business, they should be included in the menu price, otherwise, it feels dishonest.
- restaurantThe restaurant is gorgeous, really well interior design.
- ambianceThe ambiance is excellent, mixing a welcoming rustic vibe with art, natural colors, plants
- decorThe decor is really homey yet adventurous
- placegreat place
- spacehow beautiful the space is on its own.
- ambiencethe overall ambience was decent
- beautiful spacetheir space is beautiful
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- bathroomsThe decor is really homey yet adventurous. The bathrooms were the only thing that could use some improvement (cleanliness, music harmony with the main restaurant, lighting).
- energyIt appeared to be an issue to add a protein to the pesto pasta dish. The energy was a bit stiff, starting from the waiter who brought water to the table. The food was okay, I was not impressed.
- entranceingresso abbastanza brutto
- loudit is so freaking loud.
- noise levelit's quite loud inside
- parkingThat alone was worth our 15 minutes circling blocks for parking.
- restaurantThe restaurant was loud and boisterous
- special dinnerThis was a very special dinner
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere and a lively buzz, Che Fico is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially energetic dining room and consider ride-sharing or public transport to avoid parking woes.
Value (2.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
It seems when it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, leaning heavily towards the ouch side. Out of 83 customer remarks, a mere 3 found something positive to say, often noting it could be worth it for a special occasion or even reasonably priced for the experience. However, the overwhelming sentiment, reflected in 75 negative comments, points to a challenging situation.
With a score of just 2.6 and customer satisfaction at 3.6, value is clearly poor. Many diners experienced sticker shock due to junk fees, hidden fees, and surcharges, making the overall experience feel overpriced.
Value
83
Reviews
3%
Satisfaction
75
negative
5
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Special occasion worthy
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- Overpriced dishes
- Surprise charges
Often praised
- reasonably pricedhonestly, pretty reasonably priced
- special occasionfor a special occasion it's worth it
- value for moneyThe menu has lots of options, the food was delicious, and the service and cocktails were excellent. It’s expensive but worth it; probably my favorite restaurant in San Francisco.
Frequently criticized
- priceI appreciated how often our waitress checked in to see how we felt about each plate and provide recommendations. Overall, I enjoyed the food, the ambiance, and service but felt it was a bit pricey compared to other places that offer similar dishes here in the city.
- pricesEven the veggie lasagna at $32 seemed steep. While the food itself is good, it's not at these prices. The lasagne, in particular, could have used more sauce and was a bit too salty.
- dine-in feesurprise 10% “dine-in fee” left a bad taste
- bill10% fee added to my bill. You really need to reconsider that.
- junk feesAlthough the food is decent, I was really turned off by the hidden fees. I had eaten here several times and noticed it was expensive, but then a closer look at the bill showed the junk fees. I am not happy with it and won’t go back.
- pizzaThe pizza was a little ridiculously priced. $32 for one ~ten inch pizza
- 10% fee10% fee added to my bill. You really need to reconsider that.
- dine in feeadded 10% “dine in fee” is truly egregious
- hidden feesMy experience at this restaurant was that it was way overpriced for the quality of what was received. While it does have a nice vibe and great servers, which would normally earn it a 3 or even 4-star rating, I always deduct a star when a place includes hidden fees that don't go to the staff. If these are a cost of business, they should be included in the menu price, otherwise, it feels dishonest.
- menu priceinclude it in the menu price
If you're considering this place, be prepared for a potentially hefty bill, especially with unexpected add-ons. While some find it justifiable for a truly special occasion, those sensitive to high prices and hidden fees might find themselves disappointed.
How are the prices at Che Fico?
You’re looking at roughly 74 per person – reported by 102 diners. That puts it in the $71–$80 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, there’s a real mix. While many enjoy meals in the $51–$60 range, a significant number also go for the more premium options, spending over 101 $. This shows the restaurant offers a wide range of experiences, from solid mid-tier to high-end.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 102 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the diverse price points and the average, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to cater to different budgets while maintaining a certain quality.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Che Fico
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Mediocre Value, Solid Pasta & Pizza
My experience at this restaurant was very mediocre for the price. While the pasta and pizza were solid, we found that we should avoid everything else based on our experience.
- pasta7
- pizza7
- everything else2
- price2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Incredible Italian Food and Service
My experience at Che Fico was exceptional. The short braised rib ravioli was absolutely incredible, delivering rich, tender, and flavorful bites. The focaccia bread was perfectly soft and fluffy, with just the right amount of olive oil and salt.
Beyond the amazing food, the service was attentive and friendly without being overbearing. It's a must-visit spot in San Francisco🌉 for anyone who appreciates great Italian food done right.
- short braised rib ravioli10
- focaccia bread9
- service9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Worst Brunch Experience Ever
My experience at their Sunday brunch was sincerely one of the worst I’ve ever had at a restaurant. We were ready to order by the time they brought us water, which was a good 10-15 minutes after we sat down. Forty minutes went by and we were starving, so we ordered bloody mary’s to help the time pass.
The bloody marys were basically blended salsa and way too sweet. It was so awkward, but it was over an hour and fifteen minutes since we ordered and our food still hadn’t come, so I got up and asked our waiter for the check. They apologized and weren’t rude, but ran to the kitchen to check on our meals and of course immediately came out with our plates.
They explained they were training new people and apologized again, comping only our drinks. As noted in the pictures, the food looked like it was sitting out for a while. The food was not hot, and there was a film over the hollandaise sauce.
We left the restaurant with uneasy stomachs. I think the staff should take food safety protocols more seriously. I will not be returning.
- waiter6
- water2
- bloody marys2
- food1
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Italian Experience
I was hopeful for a more pleasurable experience at this restaurant during my short visit to San Francisco. It appeared to be an issue to add a protein to the pesto pasta dish. The energy was a bit stiff, starting from the waiter who brought water to the table.
The food was okay, I was not impressed. I had an amazing Italian restaurant experience in San Jose and will return there but not here.
- food5
- pesto pasta dish3
- energy3
- waiter3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Vegan Options & Friendly Service
My experience at the restaurant was really positive. The food was really really yummy, and the service was very friendly. They went above and beyond to make vegan pizza and vegan pasta for me, and both were great!
- food10
- service9
- vegan pizza9
What Che Fico offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Trending
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining experience can you expect at Che Fico?
At Che Fico, you’ll discover an upscale, trendy, and cozy atmosphere, ideal for a romantic evening in San Francisco. You can enjoy table service for dinner or brunch, with catering also available. Be sure to explore their great dessert options.
What beverage and dietary options are available at Che Fico?
Che Fico offers a comprehensive beverage selection, including a great wine list, cocktails, hard liquor, beer, and coffee. For dietary preferences, you’ll find thoughtfully prepared vegan and vegetarian options, alongside a menu of delicious small plates to share.
What is the overall dining experience like at Che Fico?
Che Fico offers a generally good dining experience, reflected in its overall score of 6.7. While the Ambience (8.3) and Food (7.4) are highly regarded, Service (5.9) is average, and Value (2.6) is a significant concern for many guests.
Are there any common complaints about Che Fico?
Yes, many guests express dissatisfaction with hidden fees and high prices, which significantly impact the perceived value. Some also find the dining environment to be quite loud.
What are the standout features of Che Fico?
Diners consistently praise Che Fico for its gorgeous ambiance and the quality of its Italian dishes, with many positive comments about specific items like focaccia and pasta. The staff is also frequently noted for being friendly.