Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Il cilentano – San Francisco
Il cilentano - San Francisco
Photo from Il cilentano
Il cilentano at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#1579 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#103 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
558
Reviews
69.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Cozy atmosphere
- Welcoming service
Frequently criticized
- Mandatory tip
- Bad smell
- Small portions
The restaurant Il cilentano Pasta Bar invites you to experience an authentic Italian journey right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood. This cozy Italian restaurant is renowned for its exceptional pasta dishes and boasts a great wine list, ensuring a perfect pairing for every meal.
Whether you’re seeking a casual dinner or a late-night bite, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Il cilentano
Il cilentano offers a mixed but generally positive experience. Many guests find the Italian fare delicious and the atmosphere cozy, authentic Italian feel , making for an enjoyable visit.
The warm and welcoming service from the staff often enhances the dining experience. However, some diners have noted concerns regarding mandatory gratuity and the overall value proposition.
There have also been instances of unpleasant aroma and inconsistent service , which can detract from an otherwise pleasant meal.
Good
7.1
out of 10
558
Reviews
69.9%
Satisfaction
154
negative
14
neutral
390
positive
Il cilentano achieves a respectable 7.1 overall score, indicating a generally good dining experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.9%. This suggests that while many leave content, a significant portion has reservations.
This assessment is drawn from 558 customer observations, with 390 positive remarks balancing 154 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8.2) truly shines, standing out as a strong point for the restaurant.
The Ambience (7.1) also contributes positively, creating a pleasant setting. However, Service (5.4) appears to be an average aspect, with experiences varying.
The Value (3.6) score indicates this is an area where many customers feel there’s room for improvement.
What people like
- Delicious Italian food
- Cozy, authentic atmosphere
- Warm, welcoming service
What people don't like
- Mandatory gratuity
- Unpleasant aroma
- Small food portions
Il cilentano presents a compelling case for its culinary offerings and inviting atmosphere. If you prioritize delicious Italian dishes and a cozy, authentic Italian feel, you’ll likely find much to enjoy here.
The 7.2 recommendation score suggests it’s worth considering for its strengths. However, be mindful of potential mandatory gratuity and small food portions, which have been points of contention for some.
While the warm, welcoming service is often praised, there are reports of inconsistent service. It’s a place with clear strengths, but also areas where expectations should be managed.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Il cilentano
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this restaurant generally earns high marks! With a strong score of 8.2 and a fantastic 83.1% customer satisfaction, many diners rave about the delicious pasta, fine wine, and amazing desserts. Out of 314 opinions, a significant 261 were positive, often highlighting high-quality ingredients and authentic Italian flavors.
However, not every experience was perfect, with 43 negative opinions noted. Some guests found issues with small portions, undercooked pasta, or bland flavors. A few also mentioned that the overall food quality could be inconsistent, indicating there's a little room for improvement in certain areas.
Food
314
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
43
negative
10
neutral
261
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Delicious homemade pasta
- Excellent gnocchi
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Undercooked pasta
- Bland food flavor
Often praised
- foodIf you're looking for great Italian food, you're going to find it here. The service is friendly, our orders were accurate, and the food is delicious! It's my new favorite Italian spot in the city.
- pastaMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional! I had the AMAZING pasta and gnocchi and loved it so much that I had to go back twice in one week. The service was great and the food was truly exceptional.
- gnocchiMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional! I had the AMAZING pasta and gnocchi and loved it so much that I had to go back twice in one week. The service was great and the food was truly exceptional.
- tiramisuWe then closed out dinner by sharing the tiramisu and the cannoli (I know, don’t judge). The tiramisu was good, but I personally liked the cannoli a bit better. We finished both.
- dessertEverything was perfect, pasta, wine and dessert.
- pasta dishesMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I enjoyed a nice selection of pasta dishes, with the tortellini vitello being particularly full flavored. The fettuccine with mushroom and artichoke hearts was perfectly cooked.
- dessertsThe desserts are really good too
- drinksSO many wonderful before- and after-dinner drinks
- panna cottaThe panna cotta was a delightful way to end the meal
- wineEverything was perfect, pasta, wine and dessert.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe server seemed uninterested in taking our order and was quite rude. The food was mediocre. Overall, it was a dining experience I wish to forget.
- portionsThe mandatory gratuity was a hefty 20% of the after-tax amount. While the food was good, it wasn't great, and the portions were very small. Specifically, the seafood risotto was swimming in oil and undercooked.
- Italian foodSo much bad Italian food in North Beach
- bruschettaThe bruschetta was something you’d expect from Olive Garden
- pastaNone of the pasta seemed homemade
- spaghettiSuper heavy oily broccoli rabe spaghetti
- Al denteshe told me it was supposed to be like that because it was “Al dente”
- Cilento traditionhas of Cilento tradition as a mojito served in a ski lodge: nothing
- breadMy experience at this restaurant was one of terrible value. We were charged $3 each for two small plates of mediocre bread. The mandatory gratuity was a hefty 20% of the after-tax amount.
- burrata and artichoke appetizerburrata and artichoke appetizer came from a jar, served with under ripe tomatoes
If you're looking for authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and delicious pasta, this place is definitely worth trying. Just be prepared that some experiences mention smaller portions or occasional inconsistencies in preparation.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a lot to talk about! Many guests, accounting for 79 positive remarks, frequently praise the friendly staff, personable owner, and excellent hospitality. Diners often highlight the personal service from Santo and helpful wine recommendations, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
However, the overall picture is quite mixed, reflected in an average score of 5.4 and a customer satisfaction of 49.4%. A significant 78 negative comments point to issues like rude personal, owners bad behavior, severe disrespect, and even claims of racial discrimination, with some feeling rushed or encountering poor customer service skills.
Service
160
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
78
negative
3
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Personal owner service
- Excellent hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude owner/staff
- Severe disrespect
- Racial discrimination claims
Often praised
- serviceservice is very warm and welcoming
- ownerThis was my first time visiting an authentic Italian restaurant. The owner personally waited on our table and recommended his most popular dishes, paired with an excellent bottle of wine. The atmosphere was intimate and cozy with dim lighting, making it a great place to have a date.
- staffthe staff are friendly and welcoming.
- Santoowner Santo was very friendly
- ServiceSanto always makes the best combination, he meticulously prepares every dish creating clean and balanced flavors, he gives you the best suggestions.
- hostThe host was very engaging and informative
- wine recommendationshe almost incredulously responded, “Everything on the wine list is worth getting
- SantosAmazing food, good prices, and the best view in North Beach. Thank you to Santos, the owner and waiter extraordinaire, for the evening. Xox
- attentionLa atención 10 puntos
- bartenderThe bartender was a super nice guy
Frequently criticized
- serviceI visited this restaurant last night with a date, hoping for a nice, traditional Italian experience. Unfortunately, I encountered the worst service I have ever experienced. After being seated and ordering a glass of wine, we began looking at the menu.
- ownerThe food was good, but the service was terrible. After our visit, I learned about other reviews mentioning the owner being racist, which unfortunately made sense of the poor treatment we received.
- serverTo our surprise, the server then brought the bill. When I inquired about the second glass of wine, the server stated, "It's clear you guys don't want to order anything, so you're done. " We explained we had ordered another glass of wine and hadn't decided on food yet.
- menuWas shown to a table for 3 but wasn’t handed a menu
- service dogsWhat kind of a place doesn’t allow service dogs?
- waitressalso the waitress because i did not wanted
- ADA infoaccept any information I had about service animals
- Asian looking ladyAn Asian looking lady handed me the menu without as much as a smile
- annoyed serviceService eher genervt von Gästen
- bad wordshe also said bad words
This place offers a truly polarizing service experience. While you might encounter incredibly warm and personal service from a friendly staff, be aware that a significant number of guests have reported rude personal and owner's bad behavior, making it a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.1 and a good 71% customer satisfaction, many guests rave about the atmosphere, vibes, and cozy, authentic Italian feel. Out of 62 opinions, 44 were positive, often praising the views and late-night spirit that make it a lovely place to be.
However, not everyone is charmed. Some of the 17 negative comments point to issues like an unappetizing odor or even that it smelled like vomit. Others found the lighting problematic, mentioning harsh overhead lighting or a lack of class, suggesting the overall atmosphere could use some refinement.
Ambience
62
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
17
negative
1
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy Italian feel
- Great views
- Open till late
What people don't like
- Unpleasant odors
- Harsh lighting
- Lacks class
Often praised
- atmosphereI was a bit worried until my wife looked at the menu 😂. We experienced great food, a friendly family-run business, a nice atmosphere, and the fact that they are open late. We can't recommend them more highly!
- restaurantthe restaurant was extremely relaxing
- locationIt's in a great location with a lot of foot traffic
- viewsthe views are worthy of a photo op
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiencehighly recommend this place for their ambience
- auraloved the aura of the place
- best viewthe best view in North Beach.
- cleanlinessone of the cleanest restaurants in sf
- cozy, authentic Italian feelThe restaurant has such a cozy, authentic Italian feel
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereDefinitely lacking in good atmosphere
- aromaThis was evident in the dishes, the atmosphere, and especially the service. Upon entering, we were met with a rather 'memorable' aroma, and not in a good way. The dishes were just ordinary Italian fare, not at all typical of the region.
- black wall paintdrückt die schwarze Wandfarbe sehr aufs Ambiente
- classAbsolutely no class
- lightingRoom was dim and lit with a black light vibe
- mobility stepswasted the few precious steps out of my wheelchair
- overhead lightingexcept for the harsh overhead lighting
- place smellthe place smelled very bad
- smaller corner tableforced to sit in smaller corner table
- smellit smelled like an ecseptic tank
Overall, if youre looking for a place with a generally good atmosphere, especially for a cozy, late-night Italian vibe with potential views, its worth a visit. Just be aware that some guests have experienced significant issues with unpleasant smells or lighting, which could impact your experience.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, this restaurant presents a bit of a challenge. With a score of 3.6 and customer satisfaction at 27.3%, its clear theres significant room for improvement. However, among the 22 customer observations, 6 did find some positives, noting good prices and a fair price for meals, with some appreciating that wine bottles were reasonably priced.
The majority of the 16 negative comments, however, paint a different picture. Many felt the experience was a ripoff due to expensive food and poor overall value. Recurring issues included unexpected bread charges and mandatory gratuity or forced tips being added to the bill, leaving many feeling the meal price was simply not worth it.
Value
22
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
16
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair meal prices
- Reasonable wine bottles
What people don't like
- Mandatory gratuity
- Expensive food
- Unexpected bread charges
Often praised
- billBill came out exactly right.
- fair priceat a fair price
- good pricesgood prices and the best view in North Beach.
- pricea good meal at a decent price
- pricesFair prices
- wine bottlesWine bottles were reasonably priced.
Frequently criticized
- breadthe $15 bread left to be desired
- priceFor that price you would expect more
- tipincreased the tip after I had paid
- added tip to billTrinkgeld wurde einfach schon mal auf der Rechnung selbstständig eingetragen
- billThe dishes were just ordinary Italian fare, not at all typical of the region. The bill, however, was crystal clear: as salty as the Tyrrhenian Sea, with a creative addition – a fixed 'tip' added to the bill as if it were standard practice. Unfortunately, this 'courtesy' seemed to be reserved only for Italian diners.
- bread with oil and vinegarit was an up sale/add-on order of bread with oil and vinegar
- expensive foodTeuere Essen
- fixed 'tip'The dishes were just ordinary Italian fare, not at all typical of the region. The bill, however, was crystal clear: as salty as the Tyrrhenian Sea, with a creative addition – a fixed 'tip' added to the bill as if it were standard practice. Unfortunately, this 'courtesy' seemed to be reserved only for Italian diners.
- forced a tipThey forced a tip in the end by filling in the tip and total on our check
- mandatory gratuityMandatory gratuity was 20%
When considering value, this spot seems to be a gamble. While a few diners found the prices fair, the overwhelming sentiment points to an expensive experience with unexpected charges. If you're looking for clear, upfront pricing and good value, you might want to explore other options.
How are the prices at Il cilentano?
You’re looking at roughly 45 per person – reported by 85 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.
Interestingly, while the average is 45, the prices are quite spread out. Many guests find options in the $21–$30 and $31–$40 ranges, while others opt for a more premium experience, with prices going well above 70 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco. Theres a good range of options, so you can tailor your meal to your budget, whether youre looking for a casual bite or a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Il cilentano
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Still Amazing After Four Years!
My experience at Il Cilentano Pasta Bar was fantastic, just as it was four years ago. My daughter absolutely loved their gnocchi, describing it as perfectly soft and full of flavor. We also enjoyed the pizza, fresh bread, and appetizers, all of which were delicious.
The restaurant has a wonderfully cozy and authentic Italian feel, complemented by friendly and welcoming staff. It remains one of our favorite spots in San Francisco for fresh, homemade pasta! 🇮🇹🍝
- gnocchi10
- pizza9
- fresh bread9
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was very good, and the restaurant itself is beautiful. Santo, the staff member, was a very nice guy, contributing to a great overall experience.
- food9
- restaurant9
- Santo9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
1
Kicked out for not wanting Coke
My experience at the restaurant was extremely negative. I was kicked out by the manager and the waitress because I did not want a 200 ml Coke and returned it. The can was still closed.
- manager1
- waitress1
- coke1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Incredible Pasta, Worth Returning
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their incredible pasta dishes. I tried the truffle gnocchi, homemade sausage rigatoni, and mushroom agnolotti, all of which were fresh, light, and lovely. I was so impressed that I'd skip other courses next time and just order double the pasta.
The owner was friendly and funny, and the bill came out exactly right. The pasta was so delicious that despite spending a lot, including a bottle of wine, I'm seriously considering going back tonight to try more of the menu.
- pasta dishes10
- truffle gnocchi9
- homemade sausage rigatoni9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Severe Disrespect and Discrimination Experienced
I specifically took a taxi to this restaurant for a meal, but they served me tap water. I very patiently asked if I could have bottled water instead, and whether it was available for purchase. I asked twice.
When the food was served, the man (referring to the staff) suddenly took my plate away from the table and loudly told me to get out of the restaurant. After I left, the man in the picture started giving me the middle finger, which I saw. I went back and asked why he did that.
When I started recording, he became hesitant and his attitude improved significantly—probably because he was afraid I would post it online. I truly experienced severe disrespect and humiliation. As an Asian visiting the United States for the first time, I felt this was a clear case of racial discrimination.
- bottled water5
- tap water2
- get out of the restaurant1
- middle finger1
What Il cilentano offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Do you need a reservation to dine at Il cilentano Pasta Bar?
Yes, dinner reservations are highly recommended at Il cilentano Pasta Bar, especially if you plan to dine during peak hours. While they do accept walk-ins, securing a table in advance ensures you won’t miss out on their delicious Italian offerings.
What accessibility options and late-night services does Il cilentano Pasta Bar offer?
Il cilentano Pasta Bar is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Additionally, if you’re craving Italian flavors late into the evening, you’ll be pleased to know they offer late-night food options.
How does Il cilentano rate overall?
Il cilentano holds a solid **7.1** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **69.9%**. Its **Food** (8.2) is a standout, while **Ambience** (7.1) is also well-regarded. **Service** (5.4) is average, and **Value** (3.6) is a notable area for improvement.
What do diners appreciate most about Il cilentano's food?
Diners frequently praise Il cilentano for its delicious Italian offerings, particularly the pasta and gnocchi , often described as exceptional . Desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta also receive positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns regarding the dining experience at Il cilentano?
Some patrons have expressed concerns about mandatory gratuity and the perceived value for money. There are also occasional mentions of unpleasant aroma in the dining area and inconsistent service experiences.