Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Jackson Fillmore – San Francisco
Jackson Fillmore - San Francisco
Photo from Jackson Fillmore
Jackson Fillmore at a glance
San Francisco Pacific Heights
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 38 of the guests
#1919 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#113 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
278
Reviews
63.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Cozy atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Rude service
- Loud environment
- Dirty restroom
The restaurant Jackson Fillmore is an inviting Italian Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a truly authentic dining experience here, complete with a great wine list that perfectly complements their delicious offerings.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening or a casual meal, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere for you to enjoy.
Overview: Introducting Jackson Fillmore
Jackson Fillmore offers a mixed experience, balancing its culinary strengths with some operational shortcomings. Many guests praise the outstanding food, finding the dishes to be a consistent highlight, often served in a cozy atmosphere that feels genuinely inviting.
However, the dining experience can be uneven. While some appreciate the attentive staff, others have encountered rude service that detracts from their visit.
The loud environment and occasionally neglected facilities also present challenges for an otherwise pleasant meal.
Good
6.6
out of 10
278
Reviews
63.3%
Satisfaction
85
negative
17
neutral
176
positive
Jackson Fillmore registers an overall score of 6.6, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at 63.3%, indicating a mixed reception among diners. This suggests that while many find their experience acceptable, there’s room for improvement to truly impress.
These figures are drawn from 278 customer observations, comprising 176 positive and 85 negative remarks. Delving into specifics, the Food (7.3) stands out as a strong performer, generally well-regarded by patrons.
However, other aspects like Ambience (6.1), Service (5.6), and Value (5.2) hover around the average mark. While the food often hits the right notes, the overall dining environment and guest interactions appear to be areas where experiences can vary.
What people like
- Outstanding food quality
- Cozy atmosphere
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Rude service
- Loud environment
- Dirty restroom
Jackson Fillmore presents a classic case of strong culinary offerings overshadowed by inconsistent service and a sometimes-challenging environment. If your priority is well-prepared Italian dishes and you don’t mind a bustling, potentially noisy setting, you’ll likely find satisfaction here.
With a recommendation score of 6.8, it’s a place that could be worth a visit for the food alone, but manage your expectations regarding the overall dining experience. It might not be the ideal choice if a quiet, polished service is paramount to your evening.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Jackson Fillmore
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 73.6%, indicating a largely positive dining experience. Many of the 109 positive comments rave about the authentic Italian food, especially the delicious Pasta and unique Carpaccio di Zucchini, often complemented by an impressive wine list. However, not everyone leaves fully satisfied, with 33 opinions noting concerns.
Some found the food quality inconsistent, mentioning bland carbonara, watery sauce, or issues with food temperature. It seems there's room for improvement in consistency across all dishes.
Food
148
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
33
negative
6
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Italian food
- Excellent pasta dishes
- Impressive wine list
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland or cold dishes
- Watery sauces
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was one of outstanding food in a small, unpretentious setting. Our party of 8 each ordered something different, and everyone was totally pleased with their choices.
- Italian foodThis place used to be one of the best spots for Italian food in SF in terms of price/quality. Unfortunately, you can now get the same quality with better service and ambience for the same price just down the street.
- wineIt's the best date restaurant in the city. It's an unassuming neighborhood cafe that offers great wine, classic pasta dishes, and a cozy atmosphere. I highly recommend not missing the bruschetta starters and the tiramisu.
- bruschettaThey even give out little bruschetta pieces while you wait for your meal, which is a great appetizer
- carbonaraTheir carbonara is without a doubt my go-to
- pasta dishesIt's the best date restaurant in the city. It's an unassuming neighborhood cafe that offers great wine, classic pasta dishes, and a cozy atmosphere. I highly recommend not missing the bruschetta starters and the tiramisu.
- FoodFood:5
- gnocchiReally liked the gnocchi
- menuEverything on the menu is delicious
- tiramisuthe dessert (tiramisu) was excellent
Frequently criticized
- foodfood was served cold and was frankly gross
- GnocchiGnocchi served with someone’s hair inside
- Spaghetti CarbonaraSpaghetti Carbonara 5/10 - Spaghetti was cook nicely al dente, but the sauce and general flavour was bland
- aioliOur server never bothered to tell us about their specials, and we had to ask for a wine list. The calamari was a flavorless plate with a lump of tasteless lard that I think was supposed to be aioli. The main courses were fine, if not spectacular.
- appetizeraltogether skipped the appetizer we had ordered
- beer selectionThe service was notably poor; our waiter was rude and dismissive, acting as if he was too good to serve at a small restaurant. When asked about the beer selection, he simply said "wait" and walked away, only to return later with limited options. The carbonara, which used to be amazing, has significantly declined in quality.
- bolognese Boosterexcited to get the bolognese Booster they only had
- calamariflavorless plate of calamari
- carbonaraThe carbonara, which used to be amazing, has significantly declined
- cheese raviolicraving cheese ravioli and they didn’t have it
If you're craving authentic Italian, especially pasta and unique starters, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few diners have noted inconsistencies in food quality, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot gets a lot of feedback, with 65 comments in total. Many guests rave about the friendly service, attentive staff, and even mention excellent service from the waitstaff, making them feel right at home. The overall score for service sits at an average 5.6, with a mixed 47.7% customer satisfaction, showing theres a good foundation to build on, especially with 31 positive remarks.
However, not all experiences have been stellar, with 29 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Some patrons encountered rude waiters, noted long waiting times, or felt the service was too rushed and at times indifferent. It seems theres a bit of inconsistency, with some feeling neglected or experiencing a less-than-welcoming attitude.
Service
65
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
29
negative
5
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent service
- Seated right away
What people don't like
- Rude, dismissive waiters
- Long waiting times
- Rushed, indifferent service
Often praised
- serviceThis place used to be one of the best spots for Italian food in SF in terms of price/quality. Unfortunately, you can now get the same quality with better service and ambience for the same price just down the street. It was loud, but without any music.
- staffWe are huge fans of the Artichoke appetizer and the Gnocchi, which has a hint of truffle, and the Chicken Noci main courses. The prices, including the wine, are reasonable, and the staff is friendly. The food is great.
- ServiceService:5
- NicoAny pasta you get is tasty, though. Nico is the man, and everyone that works there has been doing so for over 20 years.
- customer serviceThe bombalotti was absolutely to die for, a truly memorable dish. This, combined with superior customer service and a genuine Italian family feel, made it a must-visit on Fillmore St.
- excellent serviceMy experience at The Jackson Fillmore Trattoria was largely positive. It's a terrific neighborhood restaurant with fine food and excellent service. While it does get on the noisy side, the quality of the food and the general ambience made it worth it.
- friendly servicefriendly service. Will go back again
- ownerstill awesome with the same owner
- partyOur party of 8 had something different
- peopleThe people were great
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was notably poor; our waiter was rude and dismissive
- chairsaid “alright then, this chair is for customers”
- checkput down the check without our asking
- dignitycertainly not treated with either respect or dignity
- drink or dessertneglected to ask if we wanted another drink or dessert
- employeeone employee in particular stands out
- experienceyou gave me terrible experience
- ownervery rudely asked me if I knew what I wanted
- respectcertainly not treated with either respect or dignity
- rude waiterEspecially rude waiter
If youre looking for a place with potentially warm and attentive service, its worth a try, as many have had great experiences. Just be aware that some guests have encountered less-than-stellar interactions or longer waits, so your mileage may vary.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, many diners rave about the cozy atmosphere and lively vibe, often describing it as a beloved neighborhood haunt or a charming spot perfect for a date night. With 31 positive remarks among 52 total, guests frequently highlight the local vibe and authentic experience, sometimes even feeling like an Italian family gathering. The overall score for ambience sits at an average 6.1, reflecting these pleasant aspects.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, as 18 negative comments reveal concerns about it being quite loud inside and feeling crowded. Some found the restaurant to be on the noisy side, with specific mentions of dirty restrooms and dated decor. Customer satisfaction for the ambience is a mixed 59.6%, indicating that while many enjoy it, there are definite areas needing attention.
Ambience
52
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Lively neighborhood vibe
- Perfect for date night
What people don't like
- Very loud inside
- Can feel crowded
- Dirty restrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's the best date restaurant in the city. It's an unassuming neighborhood cafe that offers great wine, classic pasta dishes, and a cozy atmosphere. I highly recommend not missing the bruschetta starters and the tiramisu.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeAlthough this place is small but packs a punch
- Italian family feelreal Italian family feel
- ambiencebetter ambience
- authentic experienceIf it is authentic experiance you are looking for
- casual environmentOutstanding Italian food in a casual environment
- cozy atmospherecozy atmosphere of a true trattoria
- cute spotCute spot, local vibe
- date nightPerfect for date night
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereloud, uninspiring "whatever" wannabe Little Italy trattoria
- restroomIt was loud, but without any music. And the restroom is super dirty.
- bathroom accesssu acceso y la imagen
- bathroom imagesu acceso y la imagen
- crowdedToo crowded
- decordated decor echo chamber
- loudUnfortunately, you can now get the same quality with better service and ambience for the same price just down the street. It was loud, but without any music. And the restroom is super dirty.
- loud insidevery loud inside (100 dB)
- nice atmosphereCouples go out to eat for a nice atmosphere
- noisy sideIt's a terrific neighborhood restaurant with fine food and excellent service. While it does get on the noisy side, the quality of the food and the general ambience made it worth it.
If youre seeking a lively, cozy neighborhood spot with an authentic feel and dont mind a bit of noise, this place could be for you. However, if a quiet, pristine, and spacious environment is a must, you might find yourself disappointed. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found the prices to be quite reasonable, even for the wine, noting that you get what you pay for. Many have even called it the best value they can think of, especially appreciating the price/quality balance. Based on 5 positive remarks out of 13 total, theres a sense that the cost can be fair.
However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at a low 38.5%. Others feel the experience isnt worth the time and money, describing the wine as overpriced and the overall price as simply too high. With 5 negative comments, it's clear that many believe their money was wasted, leading to an average score of 5.2.
Value
13
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good price/quality
- Best value
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Overpriced wine
- Wasted money
Often praised
- pricesThe server never came by to see if we needed anything. The prices were fine for what you got, with no complaints there. Overall, I don’t think we’ll be back as it was all so indifferent, and there are better choices nearby, like Chouquets.
- best valueBest value I can think of
- price/qualityThis place used to be one of the best spots for Italian food in SF in terms of price/quality. Unfortunately, you can now get the same quality with better service and ambience for the same price just down the street.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe atmosphere was that of a dated, loud, and uninspiring echo chamber, a wannabe Little Italy trattoria. I believe you'd have a better experience eating heat lamp pasta at Sbarro in the mall food court, and you'd save $55 of the $70 you wasted here. I have a copy of our receipt.
- moneyWhy are you flagging my review? Sorry but you gave me a terrible experience and wasted my money.
- time and moneythis place is just not worth the time and money
- winewine is also overpriced
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? While some find the prices reasonable, the low customer satisfaction suggests you might want to weigh the overall experience carefully. If you're looking for a guaranteed great value, this spot might disappoint.
How are the prices at Jackson Fillmore?
You’re looking at roughly 60 per person – reported by 38 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the full picture, customer spending here is quite varied; while the average sits at 60 $, you’ll find options for those looking to spend less, and a good number of diners also enjoy more premium experiences, with some spending well over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 38 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the variety of price points available to guests. It offers flexibility for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Jackson Fillmore
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
SF Gem: Best Italian Date Night Spot
This is an SF gem. Definitely some of the best Italian I've found. 🫶🏼💖💝💯 Perfect for date night.
- best Italian10
- date night9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Must-Visit Italian Gem on Fillmore St.
My experience at Jackson Trat was fantastic! The bombalotti was absolutely to die for, a truly memorable dish. This, combined with superior customer service and a genuine Italian family feel, made it a must-visit on Fillmore St.
- bombalotti10
- customer service10
- Italian family feel9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
A True Neighborhood Gem
This place is a true gem, a real sleeper that's been around for 40 years for a good reason, especially in one of San Francisco's wealthiest neighborhoods. The food is amazing, the service is great, and they make you feel like you're at a best friend's house. It's not a 3-star Michelin restaurant, and I love that about it.
Do yourself a favor and go eat here. I've been three times, ordered something different each time, and it was all amazing.
- food10
- service9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Food, Great Carbonara
My experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing, primarily due to the food quality. The half chicken was exceptionally poor, almost entirely bones, and I found myself still thinking about how terrible it was even after leaving. The tiramisu was also below average and disappointingly small.
However, the carbonara and the zucchini were great. Despite these few positives, the overall experience was not worth the time and money, especially considering the additional 6. 5% SF “mandate fee”.
The main issue remains the disappointing food, particularly the chicken and dessert.
- carbonara8
- zucchini7
- SF “mandate fee”5
- half chicken1
- tiramisu3
- food2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Service Ruins Decent Meal
This neighborhood gem offers decent food that satisfies but doesn't particularly impress. Unfortunately, the service leaves much to be desired. It appears to be run by a single employee who handles hosting, waiting, and even acting as a bouncer.
During our dinner, while we were enjoying the last of our wine, this employee approached our table, raised his voice, and demanded, “You have to leave now, I need the table. ” This created an awkward situation, with other diners glancing over, making us feel as though we had committed a significant offense.
- food6
- service2
- employee1
- table1
What Jackson Fillmore offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Casual
FAQs
Do you need a reservation to dine at Jackson Fillmore?
Yes, dinner reservations are recommended at Jackson Fillmore, especially if you’re planning to enjoy their table service. They accept reservations to ensure you have a seamless dining experience.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Jackson Fillmore?
At Jackson Fillmore, you can expect a casual and romantic atmosphere, perfect for various occasions. They offer a diverse menu with healthy and vegetarian options, complemented by a great wine list, beer, and coffee.
How does Jackson Fillmore generally rate?
Jackson Fillmore holds an overall score of 6.6 with 63.3% customer satisfaction. While Food (7.3) is a strong point, Ambience (6.1), Service (5.6), and Value (5.2) are more in the average range.
What do customers appreciate most about Jackson Fillmore?
Many patrons frequently praise the outstanding food , particularly the classic pasta dishes and tiramisu . The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff also receive positive remarks, making it a popular spot for a date night .
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Jackson Fillmore?
Some customers have noted issues with rude service and a loud environment . There are also occasional comments about dated decor and the cleanliness of the restroom , which can detract from the overall dining experience.