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oChef » Il Pollaio – San Francisco
Il Pollaio - San Francisco
Photo from Il Pollaio
Il Pollaio at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 46 of the guests
#490 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#27 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
362
Reviews
84.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Grilled chicken
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Dated decor
- Limited seating
- Rude service
The restaurant Il Pollaio, an authentic Italian restaurant in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, invites you to a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Whether you’re craving a robust dinner or a light lunch, this spot offers a welcoming experience for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Il Pollaio
Il Pollaio offers a distinctly casual and cozy dining experience, often described as feeling like a home kitchen. Many appreciate the friendly service and comfortable atmosphere, though some note the decor could use an update.
It’s a place where the focus is clearly on the food and the welcome. The culinary offerings, particularly the grilled chicken, generally receive high marks for being fresh and satisfying.
However, a few diners have encountered issues with food quality, mentioning instances of dry chicken or burnt food. Despite this, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive and practical dining choice.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
362
Reviews
84.3%
Satisfaction
38
negative
19
neutral
305
positive
Il Pollaio earns a solid 8.2 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong 84.3% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
With 305 positive remarks against just 38 negative ones out of 362 total comments, the feedback leans heavily towards approval. Diving into the specifics, Service leads the way with an impressive (8.5), often praised for its friendliness.
The Ambience also scores well (8.3), contributing to a comfortable setting. Food, a central focus, maintains a good standing (8.2), while Value (7.1) is considered fair, especially given the generous portions.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Delicious grilled chicken
- Cozy, casual atmosphere
What people don't like
- Dated decor
- Limited seating
- Occasional rude service
With a strong recommendation score of 8.3, Il Pollaio generally delivers a satisfying experience. It’s a solid choice if you’re seeking a casual, comfortable spot with reliably good grilled dishes and friendly service, especially if you appreciate a home-like atmosphere.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food preparation and the somewhat dated decor. If you prioritize a no-frills, value-driven meal over a polished setting, this spot is certainly worth considering for its core strengths.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Il Pollaio
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at 85.2%, it's clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 229 opinions, a whopping 195 praise the delicious grilled chicken, fresh ingredients, and deliciously cooked, moist meat.
However, not every dish is a home run. There are 25 opinions that mention some hiccups, like chicken being overcooked or dry and tasteless. A few experiences even cited burnt food and disappointing sides like cold canned beans.
Food
229
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
25
negative
9
neutral
195
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Grilled chicken
- Fresh ingredients
- Moist meat
What people don't like
- Dry chicken
- Burnt food
- Tasteless sides
Often praised
- foodWhile I wouldn't initially classify it as an Italian restaurant, it's a great spot for grilled chicken. I've dined here often and have consistently enjoyed the food. It's fresh, offers great prices, and the staff is really nice.
- chickenThe chicken, the spilt pea soup, the pan fried zucchini…. Il Pollaio never disappoints.
- grilled chickenEvery time I dine here, the meals are great. I particularly enjoyed the tasty grilled rabbit and the tasty grilled chicken. The food is always fresh, and the service is awesome.
- FoodThe Food Was Delicious
- half chickenWe went for dinner before a show and it was delicious and very reasonably priced. My companion enjoyed a bowl of Lentil soup and a half chicken, while I had a caprese salad with grilled Italian sausage. They grill the food to perfection.
- split pea soupGreen salad with split pea soup and the pork chops grilled with onions and potatos. Every bit of it was perfect
- pork chopspork chops grilled with onions and potatos. Every bit of it was perfect
- Combination SaladMy top pick is the Combination Salad, which comes with beans.
- bean saladMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with the combo meal. I highly recommend ordering the combo, which includes half grilled chicken and bean salad. You won't regret it because you will love eating the moist and juicy chicken.
- chicken sandwichHuge sandwich, on a big roll, plus plenty of pesto and sun-dried tomatoes.
Frequently criticized
- chickenThe chicken was actually pretty dry and forgettable
- coleslawSlaw come with a vinegar based Italian style dressing on the side which did not go well with it.
- foodAll of our food was burnt with no flavor
- friesThe fries and salad I could pass on
- saladthe salad that you can either order with sandwich is already on the sandwich
- Italian restaurantsUnlike other Italian restaurants which fill their food with cheese and refined flour
- breadAll of our food was burnt with no flavor. My bread was black and hard; even salt didn't help. The food was served as if they were forced to.
- burgerdecided to get the burger instead
- burger pattyThe patty, though I asked for medium rare, was well done
- cheddar cheesepay extra for a thin slice of cheddar cheese
If you're craving well-prepared grilled chicken and fresh ingredients, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might occasionally suffer from being overcooked or lacking flavor, so stick to their specialties.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The service here truly shines, with many guests raving about the friendly staff and the dedicated owner service. Customers frequently highlight the professionalism and attention from the team, noting how fast service contributes to a great experience. With a good score of 8.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 86%, it's clear why 49 out of 57 comments are glowing.
However, a few experiences mention distracted servers and rude people, leading to mediocre service or a lack of hospitality. While these 5 negative comments are a small fraction, they point to occasional inconsistencies that could be improved.
Service
57
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive owner
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Distracted servers
- Rude staff
- No hospitality
Often praised
- serviceThe great combination salad was also a hit. The friendly service made the meal even better, and the great prices for the North Beach area were a pleasant surprise.
- ServiceMy experience at this restaurant was The Best! The service was Fast and Friendly, and the food was absolutely Delicious. I am definitely going to return.
- staffThe staff at Il Pollaio is wonderful. Over the years, I've seen many great people work there, but a few have been around for a long time, and they are exceptional.
- PaulaWhat a great place! Paula was wonderful, and the chicken was great! I had the lamb the second time I visited.
- waitressThe waitress was super friendly and professional
- Kind workerKind worker expected
- attentionNice attentions!!t!!!!
- cooksamazing job the cooks do
- customer serviceamazing customer service
- friendlyEveryone was friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was horrible, and the people were very rude
- hospitalityThere was no hospitality at all
- serversthe servers were real distracted
- waitressour waitress which I have never seen before. She clearly didn't want to be there
If you're looking for a place with genuinely warm and efficient service, this spot is definitely worth trying. The staff often goes above and beyond, making for a very pleasant dining experience, though be aware that a rare off day might occur.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner, scoring a 8.3 for ambience and boasting a strong 84.4% customer satisfaction. With 38 positive opinions out of 45, guests frequently praise it as a casual place with a cool feel and a cozy atmosphere. Many describe it as a great little spot that feels warm, comfortable, and even like dining in someones home.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A couple of opinions (2 out of 45) point to areas for improvement, specifically mentioning the decor looking a bit run down. Additionally, some found the seating to be limited, suggesting it might be tight during busy times.
Ambience
45
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
2
negative
5
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, casual vibe
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Great little spot
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Run-down decor
Often praised
- atmosphereIt felt like walking into someone's home and dining in their kitchen. Be prepared for a little bit of a wait, but enjoy the atmosphere. I recommend ordering a little bit of everything from the menu, as you're sure to have an amazing meal.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placecomfortable place for roast chicken
- casual placeThe service was also excellent. It's a great casual place with genuinely great food and service.
- locationOver the years, like everything else in America, I've seen the price go up. It's more of a locals' place, and they do prefer their regular customers they know, but it's a great no-frills, solid square meal in a fantastic location.
- Italian restaurantsitting in a Italian restaurant in Italian town
- casual, fun placeCausal, fun place for eats
- cool feelhas a cool feel to it
- cozythe restaurant was not big, but cozy
- dining alonegreat spot for dining alone
Frequently criticized
- decorThe decor looks a bit run down
- seatingThe char-grilled chicken was particularly great and is clearly what they are known for. However, the place is small with not a lot of seating, so carryout may be a better plan during busy times.
If you're looking for a warm, casual, and cozy spot with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that the decor might be a bit rustic, and seating can be limited, so plan accordingly, especially during peak hours.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at a good 74.2%, many diners feel theyre getting a great deal. Folks often praise the fair price, good value, and reasonably priced options, highlighting the overall affordability based on 23 positive remarks.
However, its not entirely without its critics. A handful of 6 comments did touch on concerns like shrink inflation and some items being too expensive, questioning the cost of certain dishes. While these are fewer, they suggest that not every item feels like a steal to everyone.
Value
31
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are fair
- Offers good value
- Reasonably priced options
What people don't like
- Some items pricey
- Shrinkflation concerns
Often praised
- priceThis is such a great little place with a nice variety on the menu. We went for dinner before a show and it was delicious and very reasonably priced. My companion enjoyed a bowl of Lentil soup and a half chicken, while I had a caprese salad with grilled Italian sausage.
- pricesI've dined here often and have consistently enjoyed the food. It's fresh, offers great prices, and the staff is really nice. This place is suitable for dining alone or with friends.
- $13 mealspecial $13 meal now. Yum.
- affordabilityMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive. It's a relatively affordable and comfortable place for roast chicken. The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated highly by the reviewer.
- decent priceI highly recommend it, especially when paired with a salad. The portion size was generous, offering a lot of food for a decent price. I was even able to take the rest of the chicken home for lunch the next day, just needing to pack a salad.
- good valuefor SF a good value at $20
- overall valueThe grilled chicken and pork chops were great. The staff was friendly, the portions were generous, and the overall value for a San Francisco restaurant is excellent.
- price is quite fairprice is quite fair for everything
- reasonably pricedThis place is a piece of old San Francisco. I experienced great food that is reasonably priced, with a no frills atmosphere. It brought back fond memories, as my dad used to take me here forty something years ago!
- whole chickenget the whole chicken - it's a great deal
Frequently criticized
- chickenwho can afford a $40 on chicken
- cost300% the cost
- priceToo expensive and not the quality or taste expected!
- sandwichesthe sandwiches were $11.00 a piece
- sausagemust have paid an arm and leg for one sausage
- shrink inflationa slight case of shrink inflation from the last time
Overall, if youre looking for a place where your wallet wont feel too light, this restaurant is generally a solid bet. Most customers find the pricing quite reasonable, making it a worthwhile stop for good food without breaking the bank.
How are the prices at Il Pollaio?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 46 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 31, most guests actually spend a bit less, with prices frequently clustering in the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix, offering options for both mid-range diners and those looking for a slightly more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 46 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian spot in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to different budgets while still delivering a quality experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Il Pollaio
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Food, Service, and Value!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. The food was very good, and the price was reasonable. We also received excellent service from the staff, who were super friendly.
I would recommend this place 100%.
- food9
- price8
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
What a delightful experience at this small, unpretentious restaurant! The food was excellent, with delicious dishes. The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was wonderful.
What more could one ask for?
- food10
- dishes10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Home-Style Food and Warm Service
What a lovely, soulful place. The food was delicious, very much like home-style cooking, which is so hard to find in San Francisco. The owner herself provided the service, and it's clear she is passionate about her work and in the right place.
- home-style cooking9
- owner service10
- soulful place9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
A Taste of Tradition and Innovation
My experience at Il Pollaio, the legendary “henhouse” in North Beach, was a delightful exploration of flavors. Established in 1984, this restaurant specializes in grilled chicken with both Italian and Argentinian influences, offering moist meat with crispy skin. While the grilled chicken is a highlight, my personal favorite was the Half Coniglio (Rabbit), generously seasoned with lemon and paired with a Peroni.
I appreciated finding this rare and healthy, nutritious rabbit meat, a lean protein good for the heart. The steamed potatoes with parsley were also delicious, reminiscent of a Portuguese Club in Newark. The owners, the Castelluccis, have an amazing story of pursuing their “American Dream, ” which is worth looking up.
I do wish their menu would include "coniglio alla cacciatora, " a comforting "Hunters Rabbit Stew. " Overall, it was a memorable dining experience, enhanced by the rich history of the establishment and the unique culinary offerings. Public transport options are also convenient, with several Muni bus lines stopping nearby.
- grilled chicken8
- Half Coniglio (Rabbit)9
- Rabbit meat9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Chicken, Easy to Digest!
My experience at this little restaurant in San Francisco was wonderful! I make a point to visit any time I'm in town. Bravo!
I have dietary restrictions and cannot eat spicy foods nor onion, but their chicken was easy to digest and delicious. The atmosphere was rated a 5, service a 5, and food a 5. The wait time was non-existent, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
The price per person was between $10–20 for dinner.
- chicken9
- atmosphere10
- service10
What Il Pollaio offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does Il Pollaio offer?
At Il Pollaio, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert. Table service is available for your convenience, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed experience during your visit.
Can I make a reservation at Il Pollaio, and what payment methods are accepted?
Yes, Il Pollaio accepts reservations, making it easy to plan your visit. For payments, you can use credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a hassle-free transaction.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Il Pollaio?
Il Pollaio holds a strong overall score of 8.2, with customer satisfaction at 84.3%. Patrons particularly appreciate the Service (8.5), Ambience (8.3), and Food (8.2), while Value (7.1) is also considered good.
What kind of dining experience can I expect at Il Pollaio?
You can expect a casual and cozy atmosphere, often described as feeling like dining in someone’s home. The service is frequently noted for being friendly and welcoming.
Is Il Pollaio known for any specific dishes or value?
Yes, the grilled chicken is a consistent highlight, often described as fresh and delicious. Many customers also find the restaurant offers good value, with generous portions at a reasonable price.