Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Luisa’s – San Francisco
Luisa's - San Francisco
Photo from Luisa’s
Luisa's at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 136 of the guests
#1064 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#75 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
791
Reviews
75.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Friendly Staff
- Good Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Service
- High Prices
- Long Waits
The Italian restaurant Luisa’s, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood, invites you to experience a taste of tradition. Since 1959, Luisa’s Restaurant Wine Bar Since 1959 has been a beloved local spot, renowned for its authentic Italian dishes and, as you’ll discover, a truly great wine list.
You can enjoy a casual dining experience here, perfect for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Luisa's
Luisa’s offers a dining experience where the food often shines, with many guests praising its quality and preparation. The ambience also contributes positively, creating a pleasant setting for meals.
However, some experiences with service have been inconsistent, leading to mixed impressions. While many appreciate the friendly staff and their helpful recommendations , others have encountered rude waiter interactions or long wait time .
The value proposition also appears to be a point of contention, with some finding aspects overpriced .
Good
7.6
out of 10
791
Reviews
75.6%
Satisfaction
162
negative
31
neutral
598
positive
Luisa’s generally earns a respectable 7.6 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction standing at a solid 75.6% . This indicates a largely positive experience for many diners.
The Food (8.1) is clearly a standout, receiving the highest marks and being a central point of discussion among guests. The Ambience (7.7) also contributes significantly to the overall positive impression.
While Service (6.9) is rated as good, it shows some room for improvement compared to other aspects. The Value (4) score, however, is notably lower, suggesting that some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the experience.
These insights are drawn from a substantial volume of feedback, including 598 positive and 162 negative comments from 791 total observations.
What people like
- Delicious Italian Food
- Welcoming, Friendly Staff
- Pleasant Dining Atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service
- High Prices/Value Concerns
- Extended Wait Times
Luisa’s presents a compelling option for those seeking quality Italian cuisine and a pleasant setting, backed by a 7.8 recommendation score. If you prioritize well-prepared dishes and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s certainly worth considering for your next meal out.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the pricing, which some guests find steep. For a truly satisfying experience, go in with an open mind, focusing on the culinary strengths, and you’ll likely find much to enjoy.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Luisa's
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
It seems the food here is a real crowd-pleaser, with a good score of 8.1 and good customer satisfaction at 82.1% across 376 positive opinions. Many rave about the authentic Italian flavors, highlighting dishes like the Gnocchi, Tiramisu, and Lamb Shank, often praising the homemade quality and generous portions. The pizza and pasta also frequently receive high marks for taste and preparation.
However, not everyone is completely won over, with 62 negative opinions pointing to some inconsistencies. Concerns include dishes being bland or flavorless, particularly some pasta and pizza, and occasional complaints about tiny portions or a lack of effort in preparation, like undrained pasta or burnt crusts.
Food
458
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
62
negative
20
neutral
376
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Gnocchi is outstanding
- Delicious Tiramisu
What people don't like
- Bland, flavorless food
- Tiny portions
- Inconsistent pizza quality
Often praised
- foodAs we've been traveling the country in our motorhome for 6 months, we always seek out places with the best reputation for food and service. We discovered this divine restaurant on Google, and it even shares my name! 🥰 From the moment we arrived, it met our expectations with its wonderful atmosphere and the excellent service from all the employees.
- FoodAll of them cooked and presented perfectly
- gnocchiWe arrived a bit late, but they graciously accepted us. The food was fantastic, with highlights including garlic bread, meatballs, gnocchi, penne, and tiramisu. We also enjoyed a bunch of sangria.
- meatballs🔜 We followed the recommendations of Luisa and Claudio, our waiter. We began with an exquisite Italian wine, followed by the famous meatballs 👌🏼. For the main course, we enjoyed the Linguine Tutto Mare, which was packed with flavor and various seafood, complemented by a delicious tomato sauce 🥫.
- tiramisuWe arrived a bit late, but they graciously accepted us. The food was fantastic, with highlights including garlic bread, meatballs, gnocchi, penne, and tiramisu. We also enjoyed a bunch of sangria.
- pizzaThe pizza, delicious and clearly made with care.
- Italian foodMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional, a genuine Italian treasure that has been serving amazing Italian food since 1959. The staff was incredibly friendly and very attentive, providing top-notch service.
- bruschettaThe food arrived in good time and was very tasty. We enjoyed a bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and two pasta dishes, both cooked to perfection and delicious. Overall, it was an excellent visit, and I would have no issue recommending it.
- Tiramisufollowed by limoncello marscapone, tiramisu and vanilla ice cream
- lasagnaThe lasagna hot, fresh and perfect for a winter evening!
Frequently criticized
- foodIt may have been a bad night as it was after the Columbus day parade. My experience was disappointing as the food was cold and the salad was awful, tasting moldy. They did remove the salad, but overall, I'm not sure we will return.
- pastaUnfortunately, the welcome from our server was very cold. The pasta with “water sauce” was honestly not great; maybe we’re from Europe and expect more from Italian food, but there was really no effort at all. Even the parmesan cheese had no flavor, lmaoo!
- Caesar saladThe Caesar salad lacked saltiness
- breadThe only bread was a 6 piece Safeway type bread with garlic and butter for $8.
- chicken parmigianaOverall, the dishes were good, but it was disappointing that for our group of five, the plates didn't arrive together and the wait was quite long. I wouldn't recommend the chicken parmigiana. The Carbonara was good, and the Alfredo was adequate despite having chicken.
- Gorgonzola sauceDon’t order the Gorgonzola sauce, it doesn’t have Gorgonzola in it!
- Spaghetti Carbonaraboth were bland and lacking in flavor
- additional breadNo additional bread for the sauces on the pasta.
- additional cheeseThe food was mediocre; the three of us had individual pasta dishes, and none were as good as we've had at a nearby competitor. We were not offered additional cheese. The only bread offered was a 6-piece Safeway-type garlic butter bread for $8, with no additional bread for the pasta sauces.
- burrataOur initial impression was positive, as the staff were really friendly. The appetizers we ordered tasted great, but we found the portions to be tiny, and the burrata had the texture of mozzarella. Our biggest disappointment was with the pizzas; they were bland, excessively oily, and the yeast dough was amateurish.
If youre craving classic Italian comfort food, especially gnocchi, tiramisu, or lamb shank, this place is definitely worth a visit. While some dishes might occasionally miss the mark on flavor or portion size, the overall experience suggests youll likely leave satisfied.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
The service here often shines, with many guests praising the friendly staff and attentive and knowledgeable servers like Claudio and Luisa herself. Based on 140 positive remarks, diners frequently highlight excellent service, great menu recommendations, and a wonderful sense of old world hospitality, making for a truly memorable experience. However, with a score of 6.9 (which is good) and 66.4% customer satisfaction (which is mixed), there's a noticeable contrast.
Some guests, based on 68 negative comments, encountered issues like slow food arrival time, long waiting times, rude or bored waiters, and poor communication, leading to an unprofessional experience for a few.
Service
211
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
68
negative
3
neutral
140
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Owner's personal touch
- Excellent service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent attentiveness
- Long waiting times
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. We enjoyed an incredible dinner, complemented by some of the best service I've ever encountered. We savored Bruschetta, a baby spinach salad, amatriciana spaghetti, and gnocchi.
- staffLuisa is amazing – the food is incredible, and hearing her stories is the cherry on top! She and all the staff are so friendly and have great recommendations. We came for the first time on a visit three years ago and have been thinking of it and telling everyone to go ever since.
- ServiceService and recommendations were spot on
- Luisa🥰 From the moment we arrived, it met our expectations with its wonderful atmosphere and the excellent service from all the employees. 😊 We had the great surprise of meeting the original Luisa herself, 🤩 who, at 94 years old, was present and overseeing her restaurant with high-quality control. She even shared fascinating stories about her life and the restaurant's history.
- serverthe tall older man server who didnt speak much english was a cutie 😘
- waiterthe waiter knows when a family needs a picture and offers to take one
- Claudiomade even better Claudio, who was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable
- ownermeet the 94 year old owner who is funny
- friendly staffWonderful and friendly staff
- recommendationsIt's a true gem for old school Italian food. The service and recommendations were spot on, and Louisa still greets everyone with a smile. We highly recommend the eggplant, which was awesome!
Frequently criticized
- serviceWas service extraordinary? If you expect to box your own pizza and ask for basics like balsamic vinegar, maybe…
- waiterWe went to have dinner with our family and were thoroughly disappointed with the experience. The waiter was extremely rude and did not wish to answer our questions about the menu politely. His behavior was extremely impatient and unprofessional.
- wait timeOverall, the dishes were good, but it was disappointing that for our group of five, the plates didn't arrive together and the wait was quite long. I wouldn't recommend the chicken parmigiana.
- serverMy experience at this restaurant was similar to other negative reviews. We encountered a bored and disengaged server, and the food was bland. The pasta was also served without being properly drained.
- reservationreservation for 7:30 PM but were not seated until 8:00 PM
- waiting timeSimple dishes take forever.
- wrong dishMy friend was served the wrong dish
- Yelp ratingsstated Yelp ratings can't be found online and weren't accurate
- accuracy of ordersimproving the accuracy of orders
- attentivenessand little attentive
If you're looking for a place where personal charm and warm interactions can make your meal, this spot often delivers. Just be prepared that service can sometimes be a bit inconsistent, so a little patience might be needed.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.7%. Many of the 73 positive remarks out of 94 total experiences praise the cozy, classic atmosphere and friendly atmosphere. Guests particularly love the European experience and the parklet with heat lamps, making for an enjoyable and relaxing night out.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 13 negative remarks. Some found the music a bit loud or the indoor temperature too cool, even needing hats and jackets. A few felt crowded or that they were sitting close together, impacting the overall comfort for some guests.
Ambience
94
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
13
negative
8
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, classic atmosphere
- Friendly atmosphere
- Enjoyable European experience
What people don't like
- Loud music volume
- Cool indoor temperature
- Sitting close together
Often praised
- atmosphereAfter visiting Pier 39, I decided to stop here and I'm so glad I did! It's a very nice, little restaurant with a great atmosphere and amazing food. I started with the meatballs, which were nicely cooked with an excellent sauce.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- restaurantLuisa herself takes the time to look over the restaurant
- placethe place looked clean and cozy
- experienceThe whole experience was lovely and a balm to some broken souls
- musicI loved the music, very stylish
- ambiencethe ambience was good
- European experienceshe adored the European experience you get with Luisa.
- Nice placeNice place
- Noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was unfortunately marred by the owner's disruptive behavior. While the food was alright, the overall atmosphere was significantly impacted. The owner, Louisa, was very intrusive, frequently hollering across the restaurant at staff and guests.
- crowdedA bit crowded
- employees room smellwhen opened smelled horrible
- heaterthey didn't turn on the heater, we had to ask for it
- indoor temperatureThe meal remained reasonably priced yet delicious. A wonderful experience, 100% recommended, despite the music being a bit loud and the indoor temperature being a little cool.
- kids' first timeDisappointing experience for our kids' first time in San Francisco
- musicThe meal remained reasonably priced yet delicious. A wonderful experience, 100% recommended, despite the music being a bit loud and the indoor temperature being a little cool.
- music volumeMusic was too high
- outside seatingwe got offered outside seating, it was cold
- restaurantcold restaurant (we wore hats and jackets inside)
If you're looking for a charming, cozy spot with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that the music volume or indoor temperature might occasionally be a minor concern, but it generally offers a lovely setting.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
Some diners found the value here to be quite good, often mentioning it was reasonably priced or offered great value for the experience. With 9 positive remarks out of 28 total, theres a definite appreciation for what some considered value for money. The overall score for value is an 4, placing it in the average range, suggesting a mixed bag for some.
However, the majority of feedback leans towards disappointment, reflected in a poor customer satisfaction of just 32.1%. Many felt the experience was overpriced or pricey, with frequent complaints about hidden costs and automatic gratuity' adding to the bill. These 19 negative sentiments highlight a significant concern regarding the overall cost.
Value
28
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
19
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Great value
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Hidden costs
- Automatic gratuity
Often praised
- priceThe staff was warm and pleasant, offering good advice. The meal remained reasonably priced yet delicious. A wonderful experience, 100% recommended, despite the music being a bit loud and the indoor temperature being a little cool.
- pricesI savored my entire meal, starting with Bruschetta and finishing with a magnificent lemon torte cake, leaving me satisfied but not uncomfortably full. We shared a bottle of Luisa's homemade cab sav wine, which was also quite good, and the prices were very reasonable. I highly recommend this restaurant.
- great valueGreat value
- reasonable pricesreasonable prices
- reasonably pricedloved it and reasonably priced
- value for moneyTrès bon rapport qualité prix.
Frequently criticized
- priceI had the Carpaccio and a Parma Pizza, both were top 👍. However, for just two people with only soft drinks, we spent over $100.
- pricesWe also noted that most of the stated Yelp ratings couldn't be found online and were not accurate at all. The prices are exorbitantly high, and the quality does not justify them. Sadly, I cannot recommend Luisa's Restaurant.
- tipwollte er uns gefühlt einfach nicht verstehen, obwohl wir das Essen so nannten wie es auf der Karte steht und ihm mehrfach zeigten. Zu allem Überfluss stand dann auf der Rechnung einfach schon ein Trinkgeld von 20% drauf.
- GratuityGratuity 18%
- TrinkgeldTrinkgeld wird zusätzlich erwartet
- automatic gratuityOur server seemed uninterested, and the dishes were served untimely. Adding to the dissatisfaction, the automatic 18% gratuity felt like an entitlement, with no upfront disclosure, making tips seem expected regardless of the service quality.
- billhe MANUALLY wrote down the 20% tip amount and the total amount
- garlic breaddon’t tell you of course that it costs $8
- hidden costshidden costs on the bill
- menuOverpriced menu
If youre looking for a budget-friendly option, this might not be your best bet, as many found it overpriced with unexpected charges. However, if youre prepared for potentially higher costs and value other aspects more, some did find it reasonably priced for the experience.
How are the prices at Luisa's?
On average, you’ll spend around 45 per person – from 136 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, offering a good experience without breaking the bank.
Looking at the price distribution, its clear theres a nice mix: while many guests spend around this average, there are also plenty of more budget-friendly options in the $21–$30 and $31–$40 ranges, alongside some higher-end choices for those special occasions.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 136 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. With options spanning from more budget-friendly to higher-end, it seems to offer good value for different dining preferences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Luisa's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Pizza Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The pizza was truly great, with a special taste that made it one of the best we've ever eaten. The atmosphere was also rated a perfect 5, contributing to a wonderful dining experience.
- pizza10
- atmosphere10
- food10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Service Ruins Good Food
My experience at this restaurant was a perfect example of a place resting on its historical success. The service was extremely poor, with our waiter being inattentive and almost bored with his job, clearly not caring about providing any quality of service. While the food was good, the poor service really detracted from the overall dining experience.
I strongly recommend not going here, as there are many better options on Columbus. Don't waste your time or money.
- food7
- service1
- waiter1
- quality of service1
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Food and Atmosphere!
This was my first time visiting San Francisco, and I was incredibly impressed with this restaurant. The food was amazing, with great portions. The atmosphere was friendly, and the cannelloni was absolutely delicious!
- food10
- great portions9
- friendly atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Wonderful Italian Experience with Friendly Service
It’s a small, quaint restaurant. We were a group of 7, and the place was very busy. Despite this, they were able to accommodate us the best they could and managed to get our table next to each other.
We really appreciated their super friendly service in getting us seated together. The Bruschetta was fantastic, simple, and delicious. We met Luisa, who was a gracious and gorgeous hostess and welcomed us in like family.
Thank you for a wonderful Italian experience.
- Bruschetta10
- service10
- hostess10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Wonderful Dinner at Luisa's!
I had a wonderful dinner at Luisa's Restaurant Wine Bar! The food was delicious and comforting, and the young lady who served us was so friendly and attentive. The cozy, classic atmosphere made the night feel warm and inviting.
Definitely a place I’d love to come back to!
- food10
- young lady who served us10
- cozy, classic atmosphere10
What Luisa's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does Luisa's Restaurant Wine Bar offer?
At Luisa’s Restaurant Wine Bar, you can enjoy a variety of dining experiences. They offer convenient dine-in service with comfortable seating, and you can also opt for delivery or no-contact delivery. Lunch, dinner, and dessert are all available, with table service provided.
Is Luisa's Restaurant Wine Bar suitable for families, and what kind of beverages do they serve?
Yes, Luisa’s Restaurant Wine Bar is good for kids, offering high chairs to accommodate younger guests. For beverages, you’ll find a great wine list, along with coffee, beer, and other alcoholic options to complement your meal.
How does Luisa's rate overall, and what are its strongest and weakest points?
Luisa’s holds a good overall score of 7.6 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction at 75.6% . Its Food (8.1) and Ambience (7.7) are highly regarded, while Service (6.9) is good but Value (4) is a weaker area.
What makes the food at Luisa's stand out?
Customers frequently praise the food for being delicious and well-prepared, highlighting specific items like gnocchi , meatballs , and tiramisu . Many consider it a genuine Italian culinary experience.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Luisa's?
Some guests have reported inconsistent service , including rude waiter experiences and long wait time . Additionally, the value for money is a concern for some, with opinions suggesting overpriced items and automatic gratuity .