Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Live music
oChef » Magic Flute – San Francisco
Magic Flute - San Francisco
Photo from Magic Flute
Magic Flute at a glance
San Francisco Presidio Heights
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#1411 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#99 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
310
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Charming ambiance
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Inconsistent food
The restaurant Magic Flute is an inviting Italian restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s charming Presidio Heights neighborhood. You’ll find a delightful culinary journey here, complemented by the enchanting ambiance of live music.
It’s a perfect spot to enjoy authentic Italian flavors in a setting that feels both cozy and trendy.
Overview: Introducting Magic Flute
Magic Flute offers a charming dining experience, often praised for its delightful atmosphere and inviting outdoor spaces. Guests frequently commend the friendly staff who strive to provide attentive service.
While some dishes, like the delicious burger, receive high marks for flavor, there are notable inconsistencies. However, not all culinary experiences hit the mark, with some finding certain items salty or bland.
Additionally, the overall value proposition appears to be a point of concern for a segment of diners, suggesting that the experience might come at a higher cost than expected.
Good
7.3
out of 10
310
Reviews
72.9%
Satisfaction
63
negative
21
neutral
226
positive
Magic Flute garners a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.3, indicating a generally good dining experience, with Customer Satisfaction at 72.9%, which also falls into the good range. This suggests that most patrons leave content, though there’s room for improvement to truly impress.
These figures are drawn from a total of 310 customer observations. Looking closer, the Ambience (8.3) stands out as a strong point, often described as a peaceful oasis.
Service (7.8) is also well-regarded for its attentiveness. However, while Food (7) is generally good, it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the atmosphere or service.
The primary area for concern is Value (3.3), which customers frequently find disappointing, with 63 negative comments highlighting this aspect.
What people like
- Pleasant outdoor ambiance
- Attentive, friendly service
- Flavorful select dishes
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent food quality
- Kitchen/service delays
Magic Flute presents a mixed but generally positive picture, with a solid Recommendation Score of 7.7. If you prioritize a pleasant setting and attentive service for a relaxed meal, particularly on their charming patio, it’s certainly worth considering.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher price point and some variability in the food quality. While many dishes are well-received, the value aspect is a consistent concern.
Approach Magic Flute with an appreciation for its atmosphere and service, and you’re likely to have a good experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Magic Flute
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, things are looking pretty good! With a solid score of 7, many diners found the culinary offerings to be quite enjoyable. Out of 165 pieces of feedback, a whopping 112 comments praised the delicious food, generous portions, and well-prepared items, highlighting a menu that consistently delivers on flavor and quality.
However, its a bit of a mixed bag with customer satisfaction at 67.9%, indicating theres still some room for improvement. Around 40 comments pointed out issues like food quality concerns, bland flavorless sauces, and overcooked pasta, suggesting that while many dishes shine, some can miss the mark, with a few finding the pizza forgettable.
Food
165
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
40
negative
13
neutral
112
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
- Amazing flavors
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland sauces
- Overcooked pasta
Often praised
- foodBut the food Omg..The flavors were amazing..Layered in flavor.
- burgerI had the the burger and my friend had the chicken burger. Both delicious.
- AranciniOur waiter recommended the Arancini and it was absolutely delicious.
- beignetsThey are divine! Wonderfully made, perfect consistency, fluffy, cinnamon sugar coated.
- cheesy garlic breadFor the meal, we tried the cheesy garlic bread, four cheese tortellini, and the pizza. While I enjoyed the cheese bread, the pizza was forgettable and I wouldn't order it again. The tortellini portion was small, but it was filling and the sauce was delicious.
- fried olivesThe fried olives are a must try
- lamb burgerlamb burger... were spot on
- menuoffers a good menu for a quick yet elegant lunch
- quichethe quiche. Huge piece with salad. So filling.
- Arnold PalmerThe Arnold Palmer with San Pellegrino limonata was a treat.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food is horrible
- Cab FrancI think it was old. It had a peculiar note that smelled like a chemical, not oak or berry.
- Caesar saladThe salad was not a true Caesar. It was served with whole leaf romaine. Cheap cheese.
- Crab LouieMy crab Louie was disgusting
- FettuccineFettuccine was not fresh made.
- French toastwish they served real maple syrup for the French toast
- Fusilli Alla BologneseFusilli Alla Bolognese I ordered off the lunch menu looked and tasted like something leftover for 2 days
- Hawaiian rolesThey served Hawaiian roles instead of fresh baked bread.
- bland flavorless saucesthe sauces were bland flavorless sauces
- carrot soupcarrot soup was also fairly bland
Overall, the food here seems to be a pleasant surprise for many, offering some truly delicious and well-prepared options. While there are occasional missteps in execution or flavor, the positives generally outweigh the negatives. If youre looking for a spot with a good chance of a tasty meal, its definitely worth a try, just be mindful that not every dish hits the same high note.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
Overall, the service here is quite impressive, earning a solid 7.8 score and a 76.9% customer satisfaction rate. Many of the 50 positive comments praise the friendly and attentive staff, with special shout-outs to individuals like Rachel and the owner for their personal touch and excellent service. However, it's not all smooth sailing.
A few of the 11 negative remarks point to issues like unprovided water glasses and some frustration with the wait staff. There were also concerns about changing tips and occasional long wait times, suggesting some areas for improvement.
Service
65
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personalized service
- Excellent recommendations
What people don't like
- Lack of water
- Unapproved tip changes
- Slow kitchen service
Often praised
- serviceI really love the old San Francisco atmosphere here and the service is good, but I have to say that the quality of the food has gone downhill. This place taught me to love salmon, but the salmon on spinach I had the other day was so salty my mouth was actually burning.
- staffThe staff was friendly and helpful
- ServiceService is friendly
- JoeJoe is also wonderfully hospitable and a true gentleman.
- RachelWhile I haven't personally dined there yet, I already know it's a great place because of her presence. The best part of this experience was Rachel.
- customer careowner will still shake hands with each customer
- hostthe host is the best
- hostessMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of highs and lows. The food was great, and the hostess was very sweet. However, our server, David, was not friendly at all.
- incredible careThe team there took incredible care of us
- nice serviceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a cute spot with nice food and nice service. I particularly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere on the back patio and the warm ambience.
Frequently criticized
- changing tipsnot good service changing tips after customers left
- eager not to have more dinersthey were really eager not to have more diners
- entry policyThey would not let us in until we were all there
- kitchen preparednessThis made for a very disappointing experience. The Magic Flute needs to better gauge the preparedness of its kitchen in relation to its staff and guests.
- kitchen wanted to closesince kitchen wanted to close
- long waitThe crust of my quiche was so burned it was inedible. However, because of the long wait for our food, I didn’t send it back and just ate the filling. The food received a 2/5, while the atmosphere was rated a 4/5.
- policy explanationdid not explain this at all
- slowness of the kitchenslowness of the kitchen was remarkable
- tipThey later changed it to exact 20% tip and charged the credit card without approval
- wait staffOur drinks arrived right away, however, we weren't provided any water glasses. I asked the wait staff several times for water, which was not provided until a few minutes before we got the bill. This was discouraging as all tables around us had water glasses and they were refilled several times throughout our meal.
If you're looking for a place with generally warm and attentive service, this spot usually delivers. While there might be a few hiccups like occasional slow waits or minor oversights, the positive experiences with the staff often shine through, making it worth a visit.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, with a score of 8.3, placing it firmly in the good category, and an excellent 90% customer satisfaction. Guests consistently rave about the charming and relaxed atmosphere, especially loving the outdoor patio and garden patio options. With 63 positive remarks out of 70, it's clear the warm ambience and cozy vibes create a delightful dining experience.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points emerged from the 4 negative comments. Some guests found parking to be a bit of a challenge in the area, and a couple mentioned the seats on the outdoor patio were uncomfortable. These are small considerations, however, given the overall glowing feedback.
Ambience
70
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Relaxed outdoor patio
- Warm, cozy atmosphere
- Charming garden space
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable patio seats
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereI really love the old San Francisco atmosphere here and the service is good, but I have to say that the quality of the food has gone downhill. This place taught me to love salmon, but the salmon on spinach I had the other day was so salty my mouth was actually burning.
- back patioexcellent pre-pandemic back patio for outdoor seating
- outdoor patioLovely, elegant but informal outdoor patio
- quietIf you're seeking a quality, quiet, no-atmospheric-frills kind of experience
- ambianceThe ambiance is beautiful as well, nice lights and greenery.
- garden patiosat in the garden patio which was a peaceful oasis
- outdoor seatingexcellent pre-pandemic back patio for outdoor seating
- restaurantThe restaurant was nice and warm inside
- GEMA real GEM!
- aestheticGreat atmosphere and aesthetic
Frequently criticized
- parkingI love their blackened salmon salad - it's quite tasty and always fresh. Parking in the area can be difficult at times.
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- recycle cansrecycle cans were dragged thru resturant to outside..nice
- seatsThe seats on the outdoor patio are incredibly uncomfortable
If youre looking for a restaurant with a fantastic, inviting atmosphere, especially if you enjoy outdoor dining, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially tricky parking and maybe bring a cushion for the patio seats, but dont let that deter you from the otherwise charming experience.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a small silver lining amidst some challenges. While the overall customer satisfaction sits at a low 10% and the score is 3.3, one out of 10 remarks highlighted the positive. This guest appreciated the prices for being reasonable and enjoyed generous portions, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
However, the overwhelming sentiment from 8 other comments points to significant concerns. Many found the offerings to be pricey and expensive , with some even feeling it was overpriced . Issues like a seat charge and small portions for the cost led to a consensus that the experience wasnt worth the time and money .
Value
10
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Unexpected charges
- Small portions for price
Often praised
- pricesThe food was really great, complemented by excellent service. I was impressed by the generous portions and the reasonable prices. The owner and staff were very friendly and attentive, making for a pleasant atmosphere.
Frequently criticized
- credit for changeonly gave us an 80$ credit and kept the 20$
- expensiveThis place taught me to love salmon, but the salmon on spinach I had the other day was so salty my mouth was actually burning. It was also incredibly expensive for a meal that was a bust, to put it lightly.
- high priced mealJust a terribly high priced meal with the wrong combinations of flavor or compliment.
- overpricedOverpriced by about 20%
- priceI guess don't order cocktails if you'd also like water with your meal. I liked the Hunter's scramble though did think the portion was a little small for the price. My bellini was all right but my friend did like the greyhound.
- priceyA little pricey for what it is
- seat chargecharging an unrefundible ten dollars per seat
- time and moneynot worth time and money
If youre highly sensitive to cost, this spot might disappoint, as many found it to be on the expensive side with questionable value. However, if you prioritize other aspects and dont mind potentially higher prices, you might still find some dishes enjoyable.
How are the prices at Magic Flute?
You’re looking at roughly 42 per person – reported by 37 diners. That puts it squarely in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps a touch on the higher side.
Interestingly, while the average lands here, we see a nice spread in what people spend! Many guests enjoy meals in the more budget-friendly $21–$30 range, but there are also plenty who opt for the $41–$50 experience, showing a good mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 37 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an Italian restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good range of options, making it accessible for different budgets while maintaining a solid mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Magic Flute
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Magical Wedding Reception at The Magic Flute
We chose The Magic Flute for our wedding reception because we wanted something intimate, charming, and uniquely San Francisco — and it was absolutely perfect. From the start, the team was so easy to work with, accommodating every detail with kindness and professionalism. The evening itself was magical.
The food and wine were incredible — our guests couldn’t stop raving about both — and the service was friendly, attentive, and fast. The restaurant’s warm lighting and beautiful ambiance made every photo glow, adding to the cozy, elegant feel we hoped for. We wanted our guests to experience the heart of San Francisco in an intimate setting, and The Magic Flute gave us exactly that.
Our night was truly special, and we’re so grateful to the entire team for making it unforgettable.
- food10
- wine10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Neighborhood Gem!
My experience at this charming neighborhood restaurant was wonderful. The food was great, and the vibes were right. I started with the Arancini, which were fantastic.
For my main course, I had the clam pasta, and it was wonderful, with just the right amount of vongole and incredibly flavorful. The wine selection was also great; we even discovered a new Etna Bianco that we really loved.
- food9
- vibes9
- Arancini10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fantastic Spot with Great Outdoor Space
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the amazing food and the great outdoor garden space at the back. It's a wonderful spot, and I've been here twice already.
I definitely plan to come back when I'm next in San Francisco.
- amazing food10
- outdoor garden space9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Incredible Food and Great Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was incredible! The food was amazing, with beautiful presentation and explosive, balanced flavors. The atmosphere was great, and we enjoyed a quiet dinner on the back patio, having the place to ourselves.
The service was also excellent.
- food10
- presentation9
- atmosphere10
- parking space4
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
5
Cute place, decent food, overpriced
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The place itself is cute, and on a nice day, the courtyard is lovely. The service was good, earning a 4 out of 5.
However, the food was just decent, rated a 3 out of 5. The pasta vongole was overcooked and watery, though the clams were good. The fried calamari was thin and seemed frozen, served with a sauce that lacked taste.
The pie ala mode was particularly overpriced at $23, and the overall bill felt about 20% higher than it should have been. It was also surprisingly quiet for a Wednesday night. While not a bad experience overall, I probably wouldn't return unless just for wine on the patio.
- courtyard8
- service8
- quiet6
- pasta vongole4
- fried calamari3
- sauce2
What Magic Flute offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- All you can eat
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Halal food
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- 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
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Magic Flute Restaurant?
At Magic Flute, you’ll discover a romantic, cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy a full range of dining options, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and delightful desserts, all with comfortable table service and seating.
What service options and accessibility features does Magic Flute offer?
Magic Flute provides convenient service options like outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. The restaurant is fully accessible with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. While free street parking is available, finding a space can sometimes be somewhat difficult.
How does Magic Flute generally score with customers?
Magic Flute achieves a Restaurant Score of 7.3 and a Customer Satisfaction of 72.9%, indicating a good overall experience. Its Ambience (8.3) and Service (7.8) are highly rated, while Food (7) is good, but Value (3.3) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Magic Flute?
Customers frequently praise Magic Flute’s lovely atmosphere, especially the peaceful garden and outdoor patio. The friendly staff and attentive service also receive high marks, alongside specific delicious food items like the burger and beignets.
What are the main concerns customers have about Magic Flute?
The primary concern for many customers is the value, with opinions often describing the experience as expensive or overpriced. There are also mentions of inconsistent food quality, such as salty salmon or bland sauces, and occasional service delays from the kitchen.