Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Cotogna – San Francisco
Cotogna - San Francisco
Photo from Cotogna
Cotogna at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 125 of the guests
#446 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#29 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
877
Reviews
80.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Attentive service
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High pricing
- Service inconsistency
- Loud environment
The restaurant Cotogna is an Italian restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. You’ll discover an upscale yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a special gathering.
Known for its great wine list, you can pair your meal with an exceptional selection of organic dishes and small plates. Whether you’re looking for a delightful dinner, a casual lunch, or a relaxing brunch, this spot offers a memorable dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Cotogna
Cotogna offers a dining experience where the culinary execution often impresses, with many finding the food quality to be a standout. Guests frequently praise the attentive service, noting how well they are taken care of, making for a special visit.
The restaurant’s setting also contributes positively, creating a beautiful ambiance for various occasions. However, some diners find the overall experience to be a bit pricey for what’s offered, questioning the value.
While the atmosphere is generally well-received, the noise level indoors can sometimes detract from the experience, especially during busy times.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
877
Reviews
80.8%
Satisfaction
114
negative
54
neutral
709
positive
Cotogna generally earns high marks, reflected in its strong Restaurant Score of 8.2. This positive sentiment is echoed by a Customer Satisfaction of 80.8%, indicating that most diners leave pleased.
With 709 positive remarks out of 877 total feedback points, it’s clear that many aspects resonate well with guests. The Ambience (8.6) and Food (8.3) are particularly well-regarded, often described as highlights of the visit.
The Service (8.1) also performs admirably, contributing significantly to the positive experiences. However, the Value (4.8) presents a notable contrast, falling into the average range.
This suggests that while quality is appreciated, some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with their expectations. This mixed feedback on value is an important consideration for potential diners.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Attentive, warm service
- Elegant, cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- High price perception
- Inconsistent service quality
- Loud indoor environment
With a solid Recommendation Score of 8.4, Cotogna generally delivers a memorable dining experience. If you prioritize expertly crafted dishes and a refined atmosphere, it’s certainly worth considering.
The dedicated team often ensures a pleasant visit, making it suitable for special occasions. However, be prepared for a higher price point, as value can be a point of contention for some.
While service is often excellent, there are occasional reports of inconsistency. If these factors align with your expectations, Cotogna could be a delightful choice for your next meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cotogna
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are overwhelmingly impressed! With a strong score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 82.5%, its clear the kitchen is doing something right. Out of 521 opinions, 430 rave about the delicious pastas, incredible flavors, and fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially the wood-fired pizzas.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 53 comments noting areas for improvement. Some found certain items like the tasteless truffle or lukewarm offal disappointing, while others mentioned small portions or dishes being over-salted. ' It seems consistency can be an issue for a few.
Food
521
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
53
negative
38
neutral
430
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh pastas
- Incredible flavors
- Outstanding food quality
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent flavor
- Lukewarm dishes
Often praised
- foodThe approach feels intentional and expertly executed, never fussy. The food offers a symphony of flavors, with each taste having its distinct moment. The crudo was particularly stunning, with aromatic tuna that was incredibly rich, complemented by fig and walnut for a sweetened tartness and smokiness that made each bite orgasmic.
- pastaMy experience at this high-end Italian restaurant was marked by great attention to detail on all the dishes and the ambiance. We opted for the set menu, which offered a great selection of vegetable options, pasta, and meat. The meal was wonderfully concluded by their amazing ice cream dessert.
- pizzaWhile they are known for their pasta, I have to say their margarita pizza is the best I've had in San Francisco. As a fan of New York style pizza, like Joe's Pizza, Cotogna's pizza is right up there. The food was rated a 5, and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5.
- dishesThe pizza is a thin crust pizza. We felt the server was pressuring us to order more drinks and food than what we wanted, to the point where we were made to feel uncomfortable that we didn’t order more, even though the two dishes were filling enough for the both of us.
- dessertBut what is really insane is the meringata we had tonight. Never in my life have I eaten something as delicious as that dessert. I am literally begging for that to be a staple on the dessert menu; I don’t know how to live life without it anymore.
- agnolottiWe ordered the squid appetizer, the raviolo (giant ravioli), and the agnolotti. Both the squid and the agnolotti had amazing flavor and almost tasted like it was Asian inspired. My wife loved the raviolo, she really liked the sweet and saltiness of it.
- FoodFood was top-notch
- ravioliThe ravioli is worth trying, it was smaller than expected but very delicate and delicious.
- corn pastaThe service was great. I was particularly impressed with the pasta dishes; the corn pasta was incredible, and so was the gramigna. As a fan of pistachio, I had to try the mezze maniche, which was a delightful choice, though it was a bit too salty.
- food qualityCotogna is famous for its pizza, which is an absolute must-try. The food quality felt like it could rival a 3-star Michelin restaurant, all enjoyed in a comfortable setting just a 10-minute walk from downtown.
Frequently criticized
- pastaHowever, the lobster pasta, a dish I was looking forward to, missed the mark. The pasta was tougher than al dente, and the dish lacked a distinct lobster flavor. Given the high price point, this made the meal disappointing overall.
- foodfood was over salted to our taste
- swordfishthe swordfish was so fishy and overly salty
- BurrataI've had much better "Burrata" elsewhere; the portion and flavor were underwhelming.
- Cocktails2 Cocktails. Rating 3/5
- Lambexcept the Lamb. Lamb wasn't my favorite meat
- Old FashionedOld Fashioned was really tiny
- Salame Piccante pizzaMeat Pizza - Salame Piccante with Jimmy Nardello pepper & opal basil ($29). Rating 3/5
- TAGLIATELLE AL TARTUFObiggest disappointment was the TAGLIATELLE AL TARTUFO. It was lukewarm
- Tagliatelle with raguthe horseradish taste was a little too pungent for me
If you're looking for a culinary experience with delicious, high-quality Italian food, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might have smaller portions or occasional flavor inconsistencies.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
The service here generally shines, earning a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.5%. Based on 165 positive remarks out of 213 total, guests frequently praise the friendly service and attentiveness of the staff and servers. Many highlight the attention to detail and excellent service that makes dining a truly special experience.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 39 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests encountered wait time issues, disinterested staff, or a lack of flexibility with reservations. There were also occasional mentions of late dishes or incorrect orders, suggesting some inconsistencies in service delivery.
Service
213
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
39
negative
9
neutral
165
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent personalized service
- Goes above and beyond
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Reservation inflexibility
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Cotogna was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment I walked in, I sensed how special the restaurant is, thanks to its clean, modern space and warm, attentive service. Every single ingredient used was incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor.
- staffWe came for a casual dinner and had the most special experience on Friday night. The staff were beyond accommodating for our 1-year old, and took very good care of the adults at our table as well. This experience reminded us of why we love restaurants like Cotogna; we just felt taken care of.
- ServiceExcellent Service
- serverThe outdoor seating was impeccably designed, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere with lush plantings, sturdy tables, a softly scented blanket, and a perfectly calibrated heat lamp. From the moment we sat down, our server made us feel truly welcome; he was friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly sweet to our daughter, immediately offering her buttered pasta – a thoughtful gesture. This set the tone for a relaxed, enjoyable dining experience, even with a little one.
- attention to detailSparks flew above us, so they turned off the heat and eventually moved us inside to sit at the Chef's counter. I was mesmerized seeing the team's level of attention to detail as they prepped each item. In particular, watching Simon operate the grill and cook many dishes of lamb, cod, steak florentine, and roasted chicken perfectly every time.
- experienceThe service, the food, and the whole vibe made it our favorite special place to go. The entire experience was perfection. Thank you to the team!
- anniversaryIn my experience, they are second to none. They unexpectedly made my anniversary with my partner extra special. They made me look great, thank you guys!
- birthday messageEven after enjoying a full 3 courses, I left feeling nicely full. The staff was incredibly nice, and they even printed a birthday message on the placemat, which was a lovely touch. I ordered the Snow peas, radish, wild ramp Linguine, ragù con mare Tortellini, nettle and brown butter, and the Huckleberry Marscapone tart.
- menuI would make a reservation, although we asked nicely and they were able to fit us in. The wait staff are very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. All of the food was delicious with robust flavors.
- teamthe team went above and beyond making our moment truly special
Frequently criticized
- serviceService was off...seemed stuffy and he disappeared for a long while
- staffWhy would your staff harass and assault a young YouTuber just for having a camera? This experience was extremely negative due to the staff's unacceptable behavior.
- wait time1hr. 30min-2hr wait and they will text us when a table is available. I never received any text/call even after 3hrs+
- reservationWithout a reservation on weekdays, you’ll have to wait about 2 hours
- serverThe pizza is a thin crust pizza. We felt the server was pressuring us to order more drinks and food than what we wanted, to the point where we were made to feel uncomfortable that we didn’t order more, even though the two dishes were filling enough for the both of us.
- waiting timewaited nearly 1 hour between the starter and the pasta
- booking systemMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly disappointing due to a deceptive booking system. My girlfriend and I showed up for our 5-year anniversary, only to be turned away.
- calendar invitecalendar invite for the reservation
- confirmation emailconfirmation email for the reservation
- customer servicetheir customer service is any indication of their food...then it would be BAD
If youre looking for a place where the staff often goes above and beyond, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While there might be occasional hiccups with wait times or reservation flexibility, the overwhelmingly positive service experiences suggest youll likely be well taken care of.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.6 and a strong customer satisfaction of 88.6%. With 109 positive comments out of 123, guests frequently praise the warm and welcoming atmosphere, often highlighting its romantic vibe and thoughtful touches like personalized place mats. Many also appreciate the comfortable outdoor seating complete with heaters and blankets.
However, it's not entirely perfect. A smaller number of 11 comments pointed out some drawbacks. Some found the noise level indoors to be a bit much, while others mentioned a tight space.
There were also a few isolated issues with electrical heaters and distractions from al fresco seating by the curbside.
Ambience
123
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, romantic atmosphere
- Personalized details
- Cozy outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Loud indoor noise
- Tight indoor space
- Outdoor seating distractions
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's a casual Italian restaurant run by Michael, the head chef from the hard-to-get-into Quince. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere was perfectly relaxed, making it easy to just pop in. Cotogna is famous for its pizza, which is an absolute must-try.
- ambianceThe $22 cucumber salad, while nicely plated and refreshing, didn't quite justify its price tag, though other menu items felt worth it. Overall, the beautiful ambiance and top-tier kitchen talent made for a memorable dining experience, and I would absolutely return.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantOverall, I thought everything was good, but it just didn't live up to the hype that I'd been hearing about. The staff/service is phenomenal though, and the restaurant is beautifully setup, so you should absolutely make a reservation for a date/anniversary here.
- ambienceambience was equally impressive
- outdoor seatingWe did outdoor seating in the winter and the heaters made for a comfortable dinner
- vibeinside the vibe is fancy casual
- placeplace is cozy but elegant enough for a night out
- experienceenjoyed our meal and experience
- patiothe patio was especially nice with cute blankets provided
Frequently criticized
- al fresco seatingal fresco seating though heated and partitioned is by the curbside and can be a bit of a distraction
- atmosphereatmosphere was also not very warm
- bathroomsbathrooms were not the cleanest
- casual attirejudged from the person at the front. We were wearing casual attire
- dining hallTo finish, I had a cup of decaf coffee, which I'd rate as Starbucks quality. The decor is nice and restrained, but the dining hall is quite packed. The lack of soft surfaces to absorb noise created a loud cacophony.
- electrical heaterssnafu with their electrical heaters in the outside seating area. Sparks flew above us
- looked at meway they looked at me I felt uncomfortable
- noiseresulted in a loud cacaphony
- noise levelNoisy indoors...if I came again (for pizza), I would do so when I could eat outside
- restaurantYour restaurant is beyond unethical
If youre looking for a restaurant with a genuinely charming and romantic atmosphere, especially with cozy outdoor options, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that the indoor noise level might be a bit high for some, so consider outdoor seating if thats a concern. Overall, the ambience is a major draw.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests felt the experience was truly worth it, especially considering the high-end bistro prices and the overall quality. With a score of 4.8, it lands in the average range, but 5 positive opinions highlighted that the price point exceeded expectations, making it feel totally worth it for the quality and thoughtful details. However, the value proposition is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 25%.
Out of 20 total opinions, 11 negative ones frequently mentioned a high price tag, finding it pricey for what was offered, and even issues like a reservation cancellation fee. Many felt the food wasn't impressive enough to match the cost, expecting better service for the money paid.
Value
20
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the experience
- Exceeded expectations
- High quality
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Not worth price
- Cancellation fee
Often praised
- high-end bistro pricesat high end bistro prices
- pricethe price was worth it for the experience
- price pointWe were struck by the beautiful details, from the china to the linens, all thoughtfully chosen, along with sourcing ingredients from their own farm and local purveyors. The quality of every element exceeded expectations for this price point, truly blowing us away. The three-Michelin-star influence from Quince next door is woven into the experience at Cotogna, elevating it far beyond what we anticipated.
- price-to-valueI was happy with the overall quality.
- worth itit's totally worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceOverall, it was a pleasant experience, though the food was average and overpriced.
- $100 chargeimmediate $100 charge to our card
- 40 dollar dishestricked into ordering 40 dollar dishes that taste like actual cardboard
- price tagnot impressive enough to match its price tag
- priceybut pricey for what it was
- reservation cancellation feeposted there was a reservation cancellation fee
- service for moneyexpecting service for the money you pay
- wine listwine list expensive
If you're seeking a high-end experience where quality justifies the cost, you might find the value here. However, be prepared for potentially steep prices and consider if the overall experience truly aligns with your expectations to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at Cotogna?
Youre looking at roughly 82 per person – reported by 125 diners. That puts it in the $81–$90 category. For an Italian Restaurant, thats definitely on the higher-end side.
While the average sits here, a significant number of guests are actually spending 101 $ or more, indicating a premium experience rather than a casual one.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 125 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Given the premium pricing, wed say it feels fair if the quality of the Italian experience matches the spend. Its definitely positioned for those seeking a higher-end meal, not a casual weeknight dinner.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cotogna
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
An Unforgettable Italian Culinary Experience
My experience at Cotogna was absolutely wonderful. This restaurant is a true gem in San Francisco, offering a perfect blend of warmth, sophistication, and unforgettable flavor. Every dish we tried was a masterpiece, both in presentation and taste.
We started with the prosciutto puff pastry, which was light, flaky, and beautifully balanced with the savory richness of the prosciutto. The raviolo was pure heaven on a plate, with delicate pasta filled with creamy perfection and a luscious egg yolk center that made every bite feel indulgent. Another standout was the agnolotti pasta, featuring perfectly al dente pasta and a filling so flavorful and comforting it almost defies description.
The lamb pasta was exceptional, with a depth of flavor, tender lamb, and subtle herbs making it one of the most memorable pasta dishes I’ve ever had. Cotogna truly creates an experience beyond just serving food. The service was warm and professional, and the atmosphere was cozy yet refined.
Every bite reminded us why this restaurant is so beloved. If you appreciate Italian cuisine prepared with heart, precision, and creativity, Cotogna is a must-visit.
- prosciutto puff pastry9
- raviolo10
- agnolotti pasta9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Spectacular Spot, Highly Recommended!
My experience at Cotogna was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment I walked in, I sensed how special the restaurant is, thanks to its clean, modern space and warm, attentive service. Every single ingredient used was incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor.
I particularly enjoyed the caprese salad, tuna crudo, agnolotti, and pappardelle – it was truly sublime. The cocktails and wine were also superb. This has quickly become a top favorite spot, and I cannot wait to go back!
- space10
- service10
- ingredient10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Meal Despite High Recommendations
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, especially given its high recommendations. I found the food to be very mediocre, with everything I tried falling between 'meh' and 'ok'. The suppli were dry and served at room temperature, to the point where the cheese had hardened and fallen out.
The tuna crudo was acceptable but unremarkable. While the raviolo was okay, the pasta edges felt dry. The swordfish was particularly problematic, being overly fishy with a strong smell and excessive saltiness.
Overall, the flavors were simple and flat, dominated by salt and butter, and lacked attention to detail. Considering the bill of $158 for four dishes and a glass of wine (before tips), this was a very disappointing meal. I usually don't review places I don't enjoy, but I was taken aback and wondered if I had simply ordered the wrong dishes.
- tuna crudo5
- raviolo5
- food3
- suppli2
- swordfish2
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Exceptional Italian Lunch Experience
Our group of three had an amazing lunch at Cotogna, a choice we made while vacationing and extensively traveling in Italy. The service was outstanding; our server was knowledgeable about the menu, helpful, friendly, professional, and attentive. We enjoyed two unique and delicious salads.
I personally savored my decadent ravioli with a ricotta, brown butter, and egg yolk center. The panna cotta with hazelnuts was also a highlight. We highly recommend Cotogna; you owe it to yourselves to try it.
- service10
- salads9
- ravioli10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Great Food, Horrible Timing
We arrived at 6: 50 PM, expecting a waitlist. We were told it would be 2. 5 hours, but we were seated at 8: 15 PM.
We patiently waited at a nearby bar (Comstock) and enjoyed much better drinks and appetizers there than our actual dinner. After being seated, we ordered a bottle of wine and our two pasta entrees. The pasta arrived within 5 minutes.
We were halfway through our pasta when our bottle of wine finally showed up. We switched to glasses because our meal was nearly over and we no longer needed a whole bottle. The glasses arrived after our meal was finished.
It was frustrating to wait so long to be seated, then feel so rushed, and be in and out within 40 minutes. The food was great, but the timing was horrible. There are so many other great dinners in SF that treat you right.
Don’t come here if you’re expecting service for the money you pay.
- food10
- pasta9
- drinks/apps8
- timing1
- wait time2
- service for money1
What Cotogna offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Cotogna?
At Cotogna, you can enjoy an upscale, romantic, and cozy Italian dining experience in San Francisco’s Chinatown. They offer lunch, dinner, and brunch with table service, and reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and brunch, to secure your seating.
Does Cotogna accommodate special needs and offer outdoor dining?
Yes, Cotogna is wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience. You can also enjoy your meal outdoors with their available outdoor seating, and dogs are allowed if you wish to bring your pet.
How does Cotogna generally perform according to customer feedback?
Cotogna receives a strong **Restaurant Score** of **8.2** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **80.8%**. Its **Ambience** (8.6), **Food** (8.3), and **Service** (8.1) are highly rated, though **Value** (4.8) is seen as average.
Is Cotogna considered good value for money?
While some customers feel the experience justifies the cost, many perceive Cotogna as pricey or overpriced, especially concerning certain dishes and the wine list. The **Value** topic score is 4.8, indicating mixed opinions on its price-to-quality ratio.
What is the atmosphere like at Cotogna, and is it suitable for quiet conversation?
Cotogna offers an elegant and cozy ambiance, with options for outdoor seating. However, some diners have noted a significant noise level indoors, describing it as a “loud cacophony,” which might make quiet conversation challenging during busy times.