Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » La Connessa – San Francisco
La Connessa - San Francisco
Photo from La Connessa
La Connessa at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#1274 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#93 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
683
Reviews
71.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality cuisine
- Appealing decor
- Welcoming personnel
Frequently criticized
- Costly experience
- Loud environment
- Service delays
The restaurant La Connessa invites you to a delightful Italian dining experience in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. You’ll discover a truly memorable meal here, especially if you appreciate a fantastic finish to your dinner.
This Italian Restaurant is celebrated for its great dessert, ensuring your visit ends on a sweet note. Prepare for an upscale yet cozy atmosphere perfect for a romantic evening out.
Overview: Introducting La Connessa
La Connessa offers a dining experience often praised for its beautiful interior and inviting atmosphere. Guests frequently commend the impeccable service, with staff going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant visit.
The culinary offerings, particularly the pastas and cocktails, generally receive high marks for their quality and execution. However, some diners find the high price point a concern, especially when coupled with unexpected charges.
The vibrant setting can sometimes lead to significant crowd noise, making conversation challenging. Occasional reports of a disengaged server also temper the overall experience.
Good
7.4
out of 10
683
Reviews
71.7%
Satisfaction
155
negative
38
neutral
490
positive
Overall, La Connessa garners a solid 7.4 on its restaurant score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a 71.7% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 683 customer remarks, with 490 positive observations outweighing 155 negative ones, painting a picture of a well-regarded establishment. Diving deeper, the Food (8) stands out as a strong point, frequently praised for its quality.
The Ambience (8.3) also receives high marks, contributing significantly to the overall appeal. While Service (6.5) is generally seen as average, it still contributes positively.
However, Value (3.7) is an area where the restaurant struggles, with many finding the pricing to be a notable drawback.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Beautiful, spacious interior
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- High price point
- Significant crowd noise
- Inconsistent service
With a 7.6 recommendation score, La Connessa is a place worth considering, especially if you prioritize a vibrant atmosphere and well-prepared dishes. It offers a generally positive experience, making it a suitable choice for various occasions where quality food and setting are key.
However, be mindful of the potential for a higher bill and the lively, sometimes noisy, environment. If you’re seeking a quiet, budget-friendly meal, this might not be your ideal spot.
For those who value a stylish setting and good food, it could be a rewarding visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on La Connessa
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the food! Its clear from the buzz that the culinary experience here is generally quite impressive, earning a solid 8 out of 10. With a customer satisfaction rate of 79.5%, most diners walk away happy. Out of 332 comments, a whopping 264 were glowing, praising delicious pastas like the Tagliatelle Bolognese, creative pizzas, and standout items like polenta fries and huckleberry gelato.
However, not every dish hit the mark, with 38 less enthusiastic remarks. Some found certain items, like the tuna salad or pasta with crab, to be underwhelming or even too salty. A few felt portions were small or that some dishes, like the chicken, lacked a necessary starch, suggesting a bit of inconsistency in execution.
Food
332
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
38
negative
30
neutral
264
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pastas and pizzas
- Exceptional cocktails
- Creative, tasty desserts
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Salty or bland items
- Small pasta portions
Often praised
- foodOur bartender, Matthew, provided excellent care throughout our meal, from cocktails to dessert. We shared a pizza and a pasta, both of which were delicious and tasted very fresh. We concluded with a perfect pistachio gelato.
- cocktailsThe cocktails are perfectly balanced and genuinely delicious.
- pizzasplit a pizza and a pasta and both were delicious
- drinksThe lemon spaghetti, essentially cacio e pepe with lemon, was the best of the pasta dishes but still just OK and nothing spectacular. The drinks were good. My standards for Italian food are high, having lived in Italy.
- pastathe restaurant really excels with pasta in my opinion
- Tagliatelle BologneseThe service was great, and they offered excellent recommendations. I highly recommend adding arugula to the Spicy Soppressata Pizza, and the Tagliatelle Bolognese and tuna conserva were also delicious. ❤️❤️❤️
- appetizerstried a bunch of their appetizers and entrees and they were fantastic
- pastasthe pastas were splendid, quite salty
- CocktailsCocktails were also solid
- Funghi pizzaTIP: get the focaccia di recco – you’re welcome. Dishes we tried: Spaghettini Al limone w/freshly shaved truffle, Funghi pizza, Braised duck canelloni, Tagliatelle bolognese, Focaccia di recco, Tiramisu cake.
Frequently criticized
- foodThat is where the restaurant lacks. Unfortunately, I was bamboozled by yet another hyperbolic Bay Area food reviewer and the food was OK at best.
- dishesSome dishes lacked a lot of flavor, while others were heavy on salt and oil.
- 24-month-aged parmesankitchen was slightly more liberal with the 24-month-aged parmesan
- AranciniArancini... lacked flavour
- Bodega Bay Rock CodBodega Bay Rock Cod ($38): Most disappointing - bland, poorly presented fried fish
- Halibut CarpaccioHalibut Carpaccio ($24): Bland and didn't taste fresh
- Squash frittoSquash fritto... lacked flavour
- Yukon gold pizzaYukon gold pizza... lacked flavour
- aldante pastasome aldante pasta, because of the shape, Made it a bit too chewy
- aranciniWe started with the focaccia, which was thin and crispy with cheese in the middle – good but extremely oily. The arancini tasted like it was previously frozen. For entrees, my friends and I ordered pasta dishes.
If you're looking for a place with generally delicious Italian fare, especially pastas, pizzas, and unique desserts, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few dishes might be inconsistent or a tad salty, so choose wisely.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot gets a 6.5 score, landing it squarely in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a 59% mixed rating. Yet, many guests (108 out of 183 comments) absolutely loved the attentive service and friendly staff, often praising the flawless orchestration and great service that made their visits memorable. Shout-outs to specific servers and bartenders for being personable and helpful are common.
However, 71 comments highlight some bumps in the road. Some diners reported slow service and even a bad attitude from staff, describing interactions as unhelpful or leading to inhospitable treatment. Frustrations also arose from reservation issues and long waiting times, indicating that the service experience can be quite inconsistent.
Service
183
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
71
negative
4
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Great service
- Flawless orchestration
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Poor customer service
- Reservation issues
Often praised
- serviceOur visit was last minute for a Sunday dinner and everything was amazing! The service was impeccable and the food outstanding!
- staffThe staff was at ease and made us laugh.
- serverMy experience at La Connessa was fantastic. The food was delicious, the ambience was beautiful, and our server, Destiny, was exceptional. It was a perfect evening!
- bartenderthe bartender was mostly attentive and had good recommendations
- bartendersThe food was also wonderful. They have a full bar with engaging bartenders.
- hostessFor our anniversary dinner, we had a fantastic time at this restaurant. We were instantly greeted by a friendly hostess and chose to sit at the bar, which looked very cool. Our bartender, Matthew, provided excellent care throughout our meal, from cocktails to dessert.
- recommendationsappreciate the recommendations on what was not to miss
- Bacchus and Chef MarkBacchus and Chef Mark have knocked it out of the park
- Bacchus groupBacchus is a well-run group!
- DamianThank you for being consistently amazing. A special shout-out to Damian—he is absolutely delightful and a total asset to this team! Thank you Damian!
Frequently criticized
- serviceit does take them a long time too like ask what to have for food
- waiterthe waiter who poured the water said she couldn't take the order
- managerDespite this, they couldn't respect our time because another group was taking too long. The manager clearly doesn’t care, even after speaking with him. To make matters worse, they seated another group before us.
- waiting timewait 20 min then as we come back after 20 min they continue to tell us to wait
- reservationeven with checking in 10 minute earlier then our reservation time we were told to wait
- wait timetold to wait for an unspecified time
- customer serviceHaving lived in the neighborhood and frequented local restaurants, I have never been treated this way. The customer service was absolutely horrible.
- serverThis was our second time dining here, and while the food continues to be solid, the service experience fell short again. Our server responded to questions but the interaction felt flat and disengaged. At times, we were clearly hesitating or unsure, and rather than offering guidance, the server seemed more focused on moving to the next table or chatting with the hostess.
- ServiceDrinks did not come on time
- age and colorpushed to the side because of our young age and our color
If youre willing to roll the dice, you might just hit the jackpot with truly attentive and friendly service. But be aware that some guests have faced slow service or reservation hiccups, so it might not be the perfect fit if youre expecting seamless perfection.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 87.5%. With 112 positive remarks out of 128 total, guests frequently rave about the beautiful bar, stunning setting, and upscale atmosphere. Many appreciate the high ceilings and comfy and warm feel, making it a gorgeous establishment for various occasions.
However, not everything is perfect, with 12 negative remarks pointing out some areas for improvement. Some guests experienced crowd noise and found the music volume too high. A few also mentioned an unacceptable table next the door with a cold draft, suggesting that certain seating arrangements can detract from the otherwise great vibe.
Ambience
128
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
112
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning setting
- Beautiful bar
- Upscale atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud crowd noise
- Cold door draft
- Poor table placement
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant for a corporate dinner was largely positive, with the atmosphere being a standout feature. It was very spacious and gave off a "came here for a corporate dinner, the vibes were great and very spacious, felt like we were in NYC" feel. The focaccia was surprisingly good, described as "most shocking" and "felt like a crispy paratha with some cheese in the center.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The service was great, and the food was excellent, complemented by a fantastic ambiance. I was also pleased that they did not charge corkage for a bottle of non-alcoholic wine we brought with us.
- barended up deciding to sit at the bar since it looked so cool
- interiorbeautiful interior, it's like a diner but upscale
- placeThe place is big so it could accommodate lots of tables.
- restaurantLa Connessa is a beautiful restaurant. High ceilings, modern and contemporary decor
- ambienceMy experience at this upscale establishment was marked by its impressive high ceilings and good music and ambience, which contributed to a pleasant atmosphere. The food was good, though I found the menu to be limited in its offerings.
- lightingThe lighting is dim and moody, perfect way to set the tone
- spaceI absolutely love the space
- vibeI absolutely love the vibe
Frequently criticized
- cold draftHowever, it's honestly unacceptable for a restaurant to have the audacity to place guests at a table next to the door, especially on a cold night. The cold draft from the door constantly opening and people standing directly behind you as you eat is ridiculous. We did ask to move, which they accommodated.
- corner tablegotten the same corner table as a party of 2
- crowd noiseMy experience at this beautiful restaurant was largely positive, with some truly great dishes. I loved the whole place, but my group had such a hard time hearing each other at peak hours. As an interior architect, I highly suggest they get some acoustic baffles hanging on the ceiling to absorb some of that crowd noise.
- four topasked about a four top in the other corner
- kitchencould hear "cabrone" being shorted from the kitchen and some heightened aggression
- musichearing over the extra loud music
- music volumemusic volume was 10% lower
- tableshowed us to a table directly in front of the bathroom doors
- table next the doorunacceptable for a restaurant to have the audacity to place you at a table next the door
- tricky to get toIt's a little tricky to get to
If you're looking for a visually stunning and vibrant spot with a great atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that it can get a bit noisy, and try to avoid tables near the door for the best experience.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a low score of 3.7 and only 15% customer satisfaction. However, a few diners (6 out of 40 comments) did find some bright spots, appreciating the restaurant for being fairly priced, especially regarding corkage, and some even noted that their bill was straightforward with everything included. On the flip side, the overwhelming majority (34 out of 40 comments) felt the overall value for money was lacking.
Many found the food price too high and not worth it, with frequent complaints about mandatory service fees and other uncommunicated charges like the SF EME fee making the experience feel overpriced.
Value
40
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
34
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- No corkage charge
- Fairly priced dishes
- Bill was transparent
What people don't like
- Mandatory service fees
- Not worth price
- Overpriced food/drinks
Often praised
- billwhen my bill came, everything was included
- corkageThe service was great, and the food was excellent, complemented by a fantastic ambiance. I was also pleased that they did not charge corkage for a bottle of non-alcoholic wine we brought with us.
- fairly pricedHaving just returned from Italy, I can confidently say that La Connessa's dishes are on par with, or even better than, what we experienced there. San Francisco needed an upscale, fairly priced restaurant with amazing quality, and La Connessa delivered. We started with the Burrata w/ heirloom tomatoes, which was a perfect 5/5 – I couldn't imagine a fresher burrata, beautifully paired with sweet tomatoes and olives.
- service chargehost explains there is a 20% service charge added
- tippingdon't have to worry about how much to tip
- valueTremendous value I think
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was largely average. For the price of $200 for a very modest meal, consisting of three appetizers, a drink each, and one pasta dish, it was not worth the price. I found that there are much cuter places with more flavorful dishes.
- billAll in all, a great evening. When my bill arrived, I noticed that I was charged for olives that were offered to me, yet I had not ordered. It's not about the cost, because the price of the olives is negligible.
- service feedidn’t mention that a 20% service fee will be charged
- price pointWe did ask to move, which they accommodated. But at this price point, this restaurant has to do better. I suggest asking guests if it’s okay to sit at the table next to the door, rather than assuming or thinking it’s okay.
- service charge20% service charge was not worth it
- Gorgonzola Olives3.00 for 2 small olives is just too high
- Grey GooseGrey Goose: 17.00 Gorgonzola Olives: 3.00 Martini: 4.50
- Martini24.50 for a small martini is just too high
- SF EME feeonly marred by the 4% "SF EME fee" on the bill
- addal 3.5%going to charge an addal 3.5%
If youre sensitive to pricing and unexpected charges, this place might disappoint, as many feel the food quality doesnt justify the cost. However, if you're lucky enough to find it fairly priced and appreciate no corkage fees, you might find some value.
How are the prices at La Connessa?
On average, you’ll spend around 81 per person – based on 94 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s definitely a higher-end experience.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out. While some diners enjoy meals in the mid-range, a significant number of guests opt for experiences well over 101 $, indicating a strong premium offering.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the premium price point for an Italian restaurant, wed say the pricing feels fair if the quality and experience truly match. Its an investment, so we’d expect top-notch food and service to justify it.
Customer Reviews: what people think about La Connessa
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Italian with a Twist
My friends and I had a wonderful time at La Conessa. The squid ink pasta and arancini were fire. The focaccia was unconventional and reminded me of roti, but still quite good.
The bolognese was also flavorful.
- squid ink pasta9
- arancini9
- focaccia7
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Ambiance, Service, and Food
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. The ambiance was great, and the service was amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food, and the cocktails and wine selection were also great.
- ambiance9
- service10
- food9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Grand Ambiance, Good Food with Minor Tweaks
My experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with a few areas for improvement. The high ceiling created a grand atmosphere. We sat at the bar, and the service was nice.
The slightly curved bar was comfortable, even for a party of four. For food, the fish appetizer was fresh, though it could have used a little more salt to enhance its flavor. The pasta was good, but some shapes were a bit too chewy due to being slightly overcooked.
The cocktails were also good.
- high ceiling9
- bar service8
- fish appetizer7
- aldante pasta4
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Atmosphere and Service Shine, Food Disappoints
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The atmosphere and service were amazing, with no harsh marks there. However, I felt the food was not prepared in a way that makes for an excellent meal.
I could hear "cabrone" being shouted from the kitchen and some heightened aggression, which prompted me to look over several times. It seemed like some kitchen staff were mad and slamming utensils around. By the time my food arrived, the atmosphere crashed and was unsalvageable.
It might look nice and the corporation definitely spent money crafting an atmosphere that you certainly pay for. But your employees create the real vibe. I'd rather support any other restaurant in the city instead of some corporate garbage who spends too much money on thick paper for their business cards but fail to deliver anything relevant or worthwhile.
Sorry, spend your money elsewhere. Spend it with someone who owns their own restaurant and cooks in it themselves. This place is just filling someone else's pockets!
- atmosphere10
- service10
- food2
- kitchen1
- employees1
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Fantastic Pizza, Service Needs Improvement
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, primarily due to the fantastic pizza. The food quality was excellent, earning a perfect score. However, the service could have been just a bit better.
I got the impression that the waiter serving us could have been more attentive. Despite this minor issue with service, the overall experience was great, with a high score for atmosphere as well.
- pizza10
- waiter5
- atmosphere10
- service4
What La Connessa offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at La Connessa in the Mission District?
Yes, planning ahead is recommended for your visit to La Connessa. While walk-ins might be accommodated, dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your table, especially if you’re looking for a romantic or upscale dining experience in San Francisco.
What accessibility features and parking options are available at La Connessa?
La Connessa offers excellent accessibility, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For parking, you’ll find both free street parking and paid street parking options nearby, making your visit convenient in the Mission District.
What is the overall rating for La Connessa and what are its key strengths and weaknesses?
La Connessa holds an overall restaurant score of 7.4 out of 10. Its strengths lie in Ambience (8.3) and Food (8), while Service (6.5) is average, and Value (3.7) is a notable weakness.
What can I expect from the atmosphere and food at La Connessa?
Guests frequently praise the Ambience for its beautiful interior, high ceilings, and moody lighting, creating a great vibe. The Food is often described as delicious and fresh, with cocktails being perfectly balanced and pastas excelling.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining at La Connessa?
Some diners have noted concerns regarding the Value, finding the price point high and service charges unexpected. Additionally, the vibrant atmosphere can sometimes lead to significant crowd noise, making conversation difficult for some.