Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » La Ciccia – San Francisco
La Ciccia - San Francisco
Photo from La Ciccia
La Ciccia at a glance
San Francisco Noe Valley
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#859 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#63 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
555
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Attentive service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Rude staff
- Long waits
The Italian restaurant La Ciccia, nestled in San Francisco’s charming Noe Valley, offers an authentic culinary journey. You’ll discover a truly upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Known for its exceptional wine list, this spot invites you to savor delicious organic dishes and vegetarian options. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or a relaxed lunch, you’ll find a welcoming ambiance and superb service.
Overview: Introducting La Ciccia
La Ciccia offers a delightful dining experience, often praised for its delicious food and friendly service . Guests frequently highlight the fresh ingredients and well-prepared dishes, creating a cozy vibe that feels welcoming.
It’s a place where the culinary offerings genuinely stand out. However, some experiences at La Ciccia have been marred by concerns over waiting time and occasional rude behavior from staff.
While many find the pricing fair , others have felt it can be overpriced for the overall experience, suggesting a mixed perception of value.
Good
7.8
out of 10
555
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
101
negative
38
neutral
416
positive
La Ciccia generally performs well, earning a solid restaurant score of 7.8, indicating a good overall experience. Customer satisfaction also sits at a respectable 75%, suggesting most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 555 customer observations, with 416 positive remarks outweighing 101 negative ones. The standout here is undoubtedly the Food, which achieves an excellent (8.1) score, reflecting its consistent quality.
The Service (7.4) and Ambience (7.8) also contribute positively, both rated as good, ensuring a pleasant dining environment. However, the perception of Value (3.9) is a notable area for improvement, falling into the poor category.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Cozy, lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Rude staff incidents
- Long waiting times
With a strong recommendation score of 8, La Ciccia is certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere. While the culinary experience is consistently praised, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and the pricing, which some guests find a bit steep.
If you’re seeking a place with genuinely delicious dishes and a cozy, bustling vibe, La Ciccia delivers. Just manage your expectations regarding the bill and potential wait times.
It’s a solid choice for a good meal, provided you’re prepared for these minor caveats.
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Verdict: Our expert take on La Ciccia
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 78.9%. Patrons rave about the exceptional flavors and authentic Sardinian dishes, with 265 positive remarks out of 336 total. Highlights include the spectacular Baby Octopus Stew, delicious spaghetti with bottarga, and perfectly cooked lamb, all praised for their quality and taste.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as noted in 45 negative comments. Some found the food quality inconsistent, with specific mentions of sea urchin pasta being too briny or flavors being lost. There were also occasional remarks about small portions and dishes being overly oily or salty, suggesting some variability in execution.
Food
336
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
45
negative
26
neutral
265
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Sardinian flavors
- Exceptional pasta dishes
- Tender seafood & lamb
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Small portion sizes
- Overly strong flavors
Often praised
- foodThe entire staff was amazing and accommodated our many challenging requests. I'm already planning to come back soon, not for any particular reason, but for the delicious food, wholesome vibes, and beautiful people ❤️🍝🐟. Whether you're planning a date, girls' night, or special events, book now – you won't regret it!
- calamaricalamari, the oven roasted prawns All were so flavorful and complex
- wineI enjoyed the beautiful regional Italian cuisine, particularly the great seafood and decadent pastas. The warm service and great wine made the meal even more enjoyable. It was easy to forget I was in San Francisco.
- FoodFood:5
- lambthe lamb were the stars of the evening
- octopus stewThe sea urchin pasta and octopus stew are to die for.
- baby octopus stewIt's a small, family-style restaurant with a cozy vibe, and the service is always friendly. We've tried pretty much everything on the menu at this point, and our favorite dishes are the roasted calamari, baby octopus stew, and oven roasted prawns. Everything is packed with flavor.
- roasted calamariroasted calamari: different than your typical fried calamari, but delicious
- wine listIt's modestly priced while delivering each pasta perfectly al dente. On top of it all, the service is very friendly and they have a fine wine list. It's absolutely an instant classic – I'll be back soon 😉.
- baby octopusthe baby octopus were a stand out
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food wasn't anything better than I could make at home.
- pastaWe ordered three dishes and was planning on ordering more later. The appetizer came out very quickly, but then the pasta came out a whole 50min later. While we were waiting for our pasta, people who came at the same time or even before us was getting their pasta or their main dishes.
- mealThis is the kind of dish one might excuse on a casual beach day, but it's unacceptable at a place like this. Overall, it was a very mediocre meal priced at top dollar. It's sad to see this once great restaurant decline so significantly.
- breadThe most disappointing aspect was a prosciutto special appetizer, which consisted of a few strips of ham for $36. It lacked any discernible flavor and was served with forgettable bread. For the price, I expected more, perhaps a garnish, capers, or even fancier bread.
- calamariall you could taste was salt and olive oil
- dessertThe food was unbelievably good and delicious. However, the dessert was a bit weak, not living up to the explosive expectation set by the main course. It's a flavor destination that should not be missed.
- Baby OctopusBaby Octopus was overpowered by the stew base
- Italian restaurantLa Ciccia used to be the best Italian restaurant in SF… Unfortunately, with the change of ownership that’s no longer currently the case.
- Lamb and Beef RagúLamb and Beef Ragú was dry and the meat was still lumpy
- Sardinian menuweird Sardinian menu
If you're seeking an authentic Sardinian culinary adventure with standout pasta and seafood, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many dishes are celebrated for their exceptional flavor, there might be some inconsistency in execution or portion sizes on occasion.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 72.1%. Many of the 80 positive remarks praise the friendly and attentive staff, often highlighting the passionate owner/manager and their excellent wine suggestions. Guests frequently feel welcomed and well-cared for, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, not every interaction is perfect, with 25 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Some guests encountered issues with waiter personality, lack of clear communication, and occasional long waiting times. A few experiences mentioned a dismissive owner/manager attitude, which unfortunately left some feeling disrespected.
Service
111
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
25
negative
6
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Passionate owner/manager
- Great wine suggestions
What people don't like
- Rude waiter behavior
- Poor communication
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceWe’ve been coming here a bunch over the past year and took our parents here whenever they are in town. It's a small, family-style restaurant with a cozy vibe, and the service is always friendly. We've tried pretty much everything on the menu at this point, and our favorite dishes are the roasted calamari, baby octopus stew, and oven roasted prawns.
- staffA good part of the staff in the dining area are Italian
- ServiceService +++ attentive and really welcoming
- ownereven the owner who came out to ask us about our dining experience
- ownersThe owners greet you at the door and warmly check
- friendly serviceMy experience at this restaurant was like visiting a family-owned establishment. The atmosphere was lowkey and had a neighborhood feel, complemented by modest decor and extremely friendly service. The food was above average, with fresh ingredients used at a fair price.
- reservationi think reservation is a must!
- serverAlthough our table wasn't ready upon arrival for our reservation, the owner graciously offered us Prosecco and allowed us to relax on their back porch. Our server was incredibly friendly and provided excellent recommendations, even offering to replace a wine I didn't love. The food was fantastic, with very fair prices for the quality and quantity.
- serversThe staff is professional, fun, and lively! Tomasso and Vadim are two of my favorite servers and always make sure my wine glass is never empty! I like to sit at the bar, have some dinner, get a little work done, and watch other diners come and go.
- teamCheryl and team are lovely, very warm and welcoming
Frequently criticized
- waiting timewait “a few minutes.” That “few minutes” turned into 20 minutes
- serverThe seafood pasta with squid ink and the lamb were the stars of the evening. Unfortunately, I cannot review the dessert as our "server" never returned for our order after tossing dessert menus at us. Despite noticing us trying to get attention, our server was oblivious.
- waiterRude, entitled and arrogant waiter
- clear communicationWhen I followed up to check on the table, the owner/manager(?) was dismissive and made me feel as though I was being unreasonable for asking. I understand that delays can happen, especially during a busy evening or bad weather, but the lack of clear communication and the owner/manager’s rude attitude made the experience frustrating and uncomfortable. A little kindness and transparency could have gone a long way in turning this around.
- explanationno explanation like sorry we are booked
- feeling disrespectedleft feeling disrespected and undervalued as customers
- food serviceand food service I have experienced so far
- host's rude behaviorMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly disappointing due to the host's rude behavior. We arrived with our child, and a waiter kindly offered to get a high chair for an empty table.
- kindness and transparencyI understand that delays can happen, especially during a busy evening or bad weather, but the lack of clear communication and the owner/manager’s rude attitude made the experience frustrating and uncomfortable. A little kindness and transparency could have gone a long way in turning this around. Unfortunately, we left feeling disrespected and undervalued as customers.
- order moreinsisted we order more than what we could eat
Overall, you can expect a warm welcome and generally attentive service here, making it a solid choice for a pleasant meal. Just be aware that a few guests have experienced hiccups with communication or staff demeanor, so keep that in mind if you're sensitive to those details.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.8 and boasting a 77% customer satisfaction rate, which is pretty good! With 67 positive remarks out of 87, many guests rave about the cozy ambiance, calling it a neighborhood gem perfect for intimate date nights or a warm family experience. However, not everyone is completely charmed. 15 opinions point to some drawbacks, with a few finding the space a bit cramped or tight.
Some also noted a loud buzz of conversation and felt the ambiance was nothing special in certain areas.
Ambience
87
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
15
negative
5
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy ambiance
- Intimate date nights
- Neighborhood gem
What people don't like
- Cramped space
- Loud conversation
- Nothing special
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere, service and food were all excellent.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancePerfect, quiet ambiance
- noise levelMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true neighborhood gem, full of life but never too stuffy or loud. The food was absolutely the star, matched only by the wonderful atmosphere.
- restaurantVery nice restaurant. very warm and more casual
- European flairhas a European flair
- ambienceThe space was dimly-lit and cozy, but also bustling with some energy
- bar seatingTomasso and Vadim are two of my favorite servers and always make sure my wine glass is never empty! I like to sit at the bar, have some dinner, get a little work done, and watch other diners come and go. It’s a great treat for me and my favorite place to celebrate with friends.
- beautiful peopleThe entire staff was amazing and accommodated our many challenging requests. I'm already planning to come back soon, not for any particular reason, but for the delicious food, wholesome vibes, and beautiful people ❤️🍝🐟. Whether you're planning a date, girls' night, or special events, book now – you won't regret it!
- celebrationsatisfying celebration, with family and friends
Frequently criticized
- indoorsindoors is a bit tight
- Friday nightit was also half empty on a Friday night which never happens!
- ambianceAmbiance was nothing special
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by truly excellent food and fare. The cuisine was inventive without being threatening and authentic without being old-fashioned. The food is definitely the real deal.
- bar tableonly the bar table, which is impossible with a kid
- buzz of conversationa loud buzz of conversation
- dining roomas could the dining room
- front entranceexcept for the front entrance, there was no waiting area
- locationThe food is definitely the real deal. However, the location itself is just too cramped and old-fashioned. I suppose if that is the vibe you are looking for, great - but the cuisine is just too good to be confined to such a space.
- noise dampeningwished the restaurant had more noise dampening
If youre seeking a cozy, intimate spot for a date or a warm family meal, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some find the space a bit cramped or loud, so manage your expectations if youre sensitive to noise or tight quarters.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
Looking at the value, its a bit of a mixed bag, but lets start with the good news! A few diners (4 out of 21 total comments) found the experience quite reasonable, using terms like modestly priced, fair price, and even great value. They felt the prices were justified for the quality received, making it a worthwhile stop.
However, the overall picture for value is less rosy, with a customer satisfaction of just 19% and a score of 3.9, placing it firmly in the average-to-poor range. A significant 16 comments out of 21 highlighted concerns, frequently describing the menu as overpriced and expensive, with many feeling the prices were on the high side for what was offered.
Value
21
Reviews
19%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair pricing
- Great value
What people don't like
- Overpriced menu
- Too expensive
- Poor value
Often praised
- fair priceat a fair price
- great valueThe food was above average, with fresh ingredients used at a fair price. I would definitely come back and really enjoyed the great value for cost. Specifically, the roasted calamari was a delicious departure from the typical fried version; I recommend dipping the bread in the squid sauce.
- modestly pricedHands down, this is the best Italian place I've been to in SF. It's modestly priced while delivering each pasta perfectly al dente. On top of it all, the service is very friendly and they have a fine wine list.
- pricesThe prices were very fair
Frequently criticized
- priceGiven the price of over $100 per person, this was a significant letdown.
- expensiveThe vibes were great, and the food was excellent, earning a perfect score. However, it was a little bit expensive, and the service was just okay, not outstanding. Despite the service and price, I would still recommend this place overall.
- pricesOverall, it’s a solid place, but I wouldn’t come again. For the prices, you could go to Itria which is much tastier.
- PricesPrices are on the high side
- corkageFor $40, we expected a bit more
- other restaurantsall the other good restaurants that died
- overpricedMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The menu was overpriced and featured a weird Sardinian selection. The server lacked knowledge about portion sizes, insisting we order more than we could eat.
- restaurant survivalZuckerberg bailed them out during covid
If value is a top concern for you, proceed with caution. While a few found the prices fair, the overwhelming sentiment (and a 19% customer satisfaction) points to an overpriced experience. Be prepared to pay a premium, or you might find yourself disappointed.
How are the prices at La Ciccia?
On average, you’ll spend around 71 per person – based on 85 guests. That places this Italian restaurant in San Francisco in the $71–$80 category, which is definitely leaning towards the higher-end. While 71 is the average, we see a wide spread in what people spend.
Many guests enjoy a more budget-friendly meal, but a significant number also opt for a premium experience, with many spending well over 100 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
This graph compares the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
For an Italian restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing is quite fair. It offers flexibility for different budgets, from a nice meal to a truly premium dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about La Ciccia
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Solid Italian with Great Dessert
My experience at this solid neighborhood Italian spot was good. They have a great seafood menu, but limited vegetarian options. The best thing we had was the panna cotta dessert.
The roe pasta was also good. The owner was friendly, and we experienced no wait time. The atmosphere and service were rated a 4, with moderate noise levels.
- seafood menu8
- panna cotta dessert10
- roe pasta7
- vegetarian options3
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Charming Cozy Spot with Excellent Food
My second visit to this charming, cozy restaurant was just as delightful as the first. We began with a melt-in-your-mouth, perfectly seasoned prosciutto platter and a superbly dressed burrata and arugula salad. For our main, we shared the lamb dish, which was rich and flavorful, serving two well.
While it could have benefited from a touch more au jus, it was still quite good. The service was excellent, and our wine choice, Pinot Bianco A. A.
“Schulthauser” San Michele Appiano, 2022, complemented all the flavors beautifully. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated a perfect 5.
- prosciutto platter10
- burrata and arugula salad9
- lamb dish8
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
A Neighborhood Gem with Great Food and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true neighborhood gem, full of life but never too stuffy or loud. The food was absolutely the star, matched only by the wonderful atmosphere.
It's a perfect spot for an intimate date or a satisfying celebration with family and friends.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- noise level8
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Good Food, Okay Service, Great Vibes
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The vibes were great, and the food was excellent, earning a perfect score. However, it was a little bit expensive, and the service was just okay, not outstanding.
Despite the service and price, I would still recommend this place overall.
- vibes10
- food10
- service6
- expensive4
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Gnocchi and Warm Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. The gnocchi was exceptional, the best I've ever had. We also enjoyed the uni pasta, calamari, and lamb.
For dessert, the goat cheese and fig gelato was a standout. The entire team, from the host to our server Vadim and even the owner, was incredibly sweet and provided warm, friendly service with great energy. I definitely recommend having dinner here; it's now one of my favorite Italian restaurants, and we will absolutely be back.
- gnocchi10
- uni pasta8
- calamari9
What La Ciccia offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- 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
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at La Ciccia?
At La Ciccia, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. They offer convenient outdoor seating, traditional dine-in service, takeout, and delivery. For your meals, you can choose from lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable table service. Reservations are required, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot.
What atmosphere and offerings does La Ciccia provide?
La Ciccia offers an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere. You can enjoy healthy, organic, and vegetarian options, paired with selections from their great wine list, coffee, or beer. They also boast great dessert and a bar onsite. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible for all guests.
How does La Ciccia generally rate among customers?
La Ciccia holds a good overall restaurant score of 7.8, with customer satisfaction at 75%. Its Food is excellent (8.1), while Service (7.4) and Ambience (7.8) are good. However, Value (3.9) is an area for improvement.
What can I expect from the food at La Ciccia?
Customers consistently praise the delicious food at La Ciccia, highlighting fresh ingredients and well-prepared dishes like pasta and seafood. While some specific items received mixed feedback, the culinary offerings are generally considered excellent.
Are there any common concerns about dining at La Ciccia?
Some guests have noted long waiting times and occasional rude behavior from staff. Additionally, the pricing is sometimes perceived as overpriced , leading to mixed opinions on the overall value.