Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Marcella’s – San Francisco
Marcella's - San Francisco
Photo from Marcella’s
Marcella's at a glance
San Francisco Dogpatch
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 105 of the guests
#541 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#36 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
488
Reviews
81.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Food
- Friendly Service
- Cozy Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Limited Seating
- Owner Issues
The Italian restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Dogpatch neighborhood invites you to discover a truly authentic dining experience. At Marcella’s, you’ll find a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious meals.
Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a quiet dinner, this spot offers a welcoming environment where you can relax and savor every moment. You can also enjoy convenient service options like delivery or outdoor seating.
Overview: Introducting Marcella's
Marcella’s offers a delightful dining experience, often described as having a cozy feeling and serving exceptional food. While many appreciate the warm welcome and attentive staff, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the limited seating options.
This spot shines with its culinary offerings, though the overall value proposition can be a point of discussion for some. Despite a few reports of an occasionally rude owner, the general sentiment leans positive, making it a place worth considering for its strengths.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
488
Reviews
81.6%
Satisfaction
65
negative
25
neutral
398
positive
Marcella’s earns a solid 8.1 overall score, reflecting a generally positive experience for diners. With 81.6% customer satisfaction, it’s clear most visitors leave pleased.
This assessment is drawn from 488 customer opinions, with a strong majority of 398 positive remarks against 65 negative ones. The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring an excellent (8.9).
Both Ambience (7.6) and Service (7.2) are rated as good, contributing positively to the dining atmosphere. However, the Value (4.7) aspect appears to be a mixed bag, suggesting some find the pricing a bit steep for the experience.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Friendly, attentive service
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Limited seating availability
- Occasional rude owner
With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, Marcella’s is certainly worth considering if you prioritize excellent food and a pleasant atmosphere. Be prepared for a potentially cozy, bustling setting, and manage expectations regarding the pricing.
If you’re seeking a place where the cuisine truly shines and don’t mind the occasional wait or a slightly higher bill, this spot could be a delightful discovery. However, those sensitive to value or seeking ample space might want to weigh their options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Marcella's
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot truly shines, boasting an impressive 8.9 score and an excellent 93.5% customer satisfaction! With 260 positive remarks, guests consistently rave about the amazing lasagna, handmade pasta, and great flavors. Many highlight the perfect lasagna, Spaghetti alle Vongole, and tiramisu, often praising the generous portion sizes and homemade dishes.
However, out of 278 total comments, a mere 5 negative observations surfaced. A few diners found certain dishes overly salted, while others mentioned a vinaigrette dressing that could use more flavor. One specific comment noted a portion being on the smaller side, but this was an outlier amidst widespread praise for ample servings.
Food
278
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
5
negative
13
neutral
260
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing Lasagna
- Homemade Pasta
- Great Flavors
What people don't like
- Overly Salted
- Vinaigrette Lacked Flavor
Often praised
- lasagnaMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding, particularly the food. I had the best lasagna in the area, hands down. The food received a perfect score of 5/5, and the service and atmosphere were also highly rated at 5/5 and 4/5 respectively.
- foodStopped in today with a coworker and enjoyed fettuccine bolognese and spaghetti con vongole. As usual, the hospitality was spot on and the food as delicious as ever. Will I ever taste something I don’t enjoy?
- FoodFood excellent
- mushroom lasagnaMy first experience with Marcella's was for a mushroom lasagna, and it was so good that I ate the entire thing! I'll definitely be returning.
- pastaThe pasta was perfectly al dente.
- tiramisuI tried tiramisu and it is good as well.
- lasagnasOrdered 2 of the lasagnas. They were excellent.
- Abruzzo lasagnaenjoyed the Abruzzo lasagna
- Lasagna Bologneseserving you his lasagna. Recommended dishes:Lasagna Bolognese
- bologneseI got the bolognese for my family and the vegetarian mushroom for myself and it was SO GOOD.
Frequently criticized
- Carbonarafelt more like a cream sauce and the Mediterranean salad.
- food cools too quicklyThe lasagna was fabulous! There's a small wait, and if you're sitting outdoors, the food cools too quickly, but the place is a revelation.
- overly saltedI find them to be overly salted.
- portionThe portion was on the smaller side
- vinaigrette dressingthe vinaigrette dressing for the salad could have had more flavor
If youre seeking truly exceptional Italian food, especially lasagna and homemade pasta, this place is a must-try. Despite a few minor critiques, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a delicious and satisfying meal. Don't miss out on their signature dishes!
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.2 score, indicating a good experience for many. Customers frequently praise the friendly staff and warm hospitality, with 79 positive remarks highlighting great service and how the team dont rush you. Many appreciate the attentive owner/staff who make visits pleasant.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a 67.5% (mixed), suggesting some room for improvement. With 32 negative comments, issues like long waits and iffy service occasionally pop up. There are also mentions of staff being rude to customers or specific instances involving the owner son, ' creating a less welcoming experience for some.
Service
117
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
32
negative
6
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Warm hospitality
- Attentive owner/staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff behavior
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceExcellent service from a friendly and passionate owner
- staffThe ravioli was cooked to perfection. The staff was really kind.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerI had the best pasta I’ve ever tasted in San Francisco. It’s a small business with a great owner, and the food was exceptional. What more could you possibly want?
- orderI ordered trays of lasagna bolognese, Caprese salad, and tiramisu from the catering menu. The order was ready on time, and Marcela's Lasagneria provided clear instructions for baking the lasagna in my oven later in the day and for the final prep of the Caprese salad at home, including adding olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. The portions were large, ensuring plenty of leftovers for myself and my guests.
- owner and staffThe owner and staff were extremely nice and helpful.
- peopleThe kindest people make the most amazing lasagna
- waitMy experience at the restaurant was truly outstanding, especially the lasagna. While you should come early or expect to wait, the wait is definitely worth it for the quality of the food.
- waiting timejust waited a few minutes
- FoodIt was the perfect portion of everything. Food arrived quick. The best tiramisu I had in awhile.
Frequently criticized
- ownerWhile the food was excellent, with a rating of 4 out of 5, the service was a significant letdown. The owner was extremely rude, criticizing our order and doubling down when we thought he was joking, stating "I'm not laughing. " It seems he has an overly high opinion of their lasagna.
- servicePlus, they offer free bread and olive oil to start! On the downside, it has a pretty much casual diner feel with not much service; it's an in-and-out kind of place. The prices are a little bit on the higher end for lunch in the area.
- waiting timeWe waited in line for a table and after 10 min
- busyit does get really, really busy
- experiencethe owner screwed the entire experience
- food came super lateeven the food came super late.
- get a tablecan be hard to get a table
- iffy servicean iffy service
- jarring experienceI had a very jarring experience.
- long wait to orderWe waited a long time to get order
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience, often marked by friendly and attentive staff. However, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or occasional inconsistencies that might detract from your visit. It's a place worth trying for the good service, but keep an eye out for potential hiccups.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 76.1%, its clear many find the atmosphere quite good. People frequently praise the atmosphere, cozy feeling, and outdoor seating, often calling it a hidden gem or a wonderful neighborhood spot.
Based on 54 positive remarks out of 71 total, it seems to offer a lovely and inviting environment. However, not everyone is completely charmed. Some opinions, totaling 13, point out that it can feel a bit tiny and busy, with a casual diner feel and little seating' available.
While the overall vibe is positive, be aware that space might be a bit tight, especially during peak times.
Ambience
71
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Outdoor seating
- Hidden gem
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Tiny and busy
- Casual diner feel
Often praised
- atmosphereHighly recommend you give the atmosphere a chance
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeThe lasagna was fabulous! There's a small wait, and if you're sitting outdoors, the food cools too quickly, but the place is a revelation.
- hidden gemindeed a hidden gem
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- blanketsBlankets were also offered as it was a chilly day, nice touch
- clean tableStopped in during a work trip and couldn’t have felt more welcome in this restaurant. As soon as I entered, I was greeted and seated at a clean table. Water was provided along with some recommendations.
- cozy feelingMy experience at this small, casual, and local Italian restaurant was wonderful. The atmosphere had a great cozy feeling. The food was amazing, with homemade dishes that were truly exceptional.
- cute spotIt’s a cute spot
- cute streetIt’s in a cute street
Frequently criticized
- atmosphere" It seems he has an overly high opinion of their lasagna. The atmosphere received a rating of 2, suggesting it was not particularly pleasant. Overall, the food quality was high, but the owner's attitude made for a negative service experience.
- Italian personaPretending to be this loud and unpleasant Italian persona
- business hoursThe restaurant was extremely busy, leaving not much space to sit down. Additionally, they had short business hours and the price was high. Overall, I felt it was not worth it.
- busyand busy
- casual diner feelPretty much a casual diner feel
- hoursworst part of it is that it's only open for late breakfast and early lunch
- neighborhood gemSorry to say we’ve lost a neighborhood gem
- seatingnot a lot of seating
- seating insideVery little seating inside.
- sitting in shade outdoorssitting in shade outdoors on a windy day in SF is quite cold
If you're looking for a cozy, intimate spot with good vibes and potential outdoor seating, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that it might be a bit small and busy, so it might not be your pick if you need lots of space or a very quiet, formal setting.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag here. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.7, a few guests (5 out of 22 remarks) did find the price to be quite fair, often noting it was worth the money and even great value for the experience, appreciating items at a reasonable price. However, the majority (15 out of 22 comments) felt the prices were pricey or expensive, especially concerning portion sizes.
Many found the food overpriced and questioned if it was truly worth it, ' leading to a low 22.7% customer satisfaction for this aspect.
Value
22
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the money
- Reasonable price
- Great value
What people don't like
- Pricey for portions
- Food overpriced
- Not worth it
Often praised
- great valueit was of great value and filling
- priceGood price!
- pricesso reasonably priced for the experience
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
- worth the moneyWorth the money for a pan
Frequently criticized
- priceI can't say the price felt justified by the food.
- priceyIt might be a bit pricey to my standard
- pricesPrices are a little bit on the higher end
- $18$18 felt expensive.
- $21$21 felt expensive.
- hypeI was also surprised that the salad was served on a small paper plate. Overall, it was decent, but certainly not justifying the hype.
- portion sizesa little pricey for the portion sizes
- portionsThe food is a little bit overpriced for the portions
- worth itOverall not worth it
If youre looking for a bargain, this might not be your spot, as many found the prices steep for the portions. However, if you prioritize the overall experience and dont mind potentially paying a bit more, some did find it worthwhile.
How are the prices at Marcella's?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 105 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves spending right in this sweet spot, with prices clustering nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 105 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for an Italian spot. It’s a good value for a mid-range experience, offering quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Marcella's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
8
Surprisingly Good Lasagna and Dessert!
I don't usually like lasagna, but I really enjoyed the lasagna here! I got takeout, so I didn't interact with anyone, but I enjoyed the Abruzzo and a tiramisu. It wasn't too heavy and was tasty 😋!
- lasagna8
- Abruzzo7
- tiramisu7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Outstanding Lasagna and Warm Hospitality
My experience at Marcella's was outstanding, particularly the lasagna, which is always a hit. I consistently bring out-of-town guests here to enjoy it. The warm hospitality at the restaurant is a wonderful added bonus.
It was a fantastic surprise to discover that home delivery is now an option!
- lasagna10
- warm hospitality9
- home delivery8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Favorite Italian Food with Great Team
This is my favorite Italian food in the city. My buddy Gianfranco and his family owned Marcella's for years. When the business changed ownership, it was demanded that the team remains, and that's exactly what happened.
Kimberly and her team provide great food and great service at a reasonable price. YOU WILL BE FULL. Butternut Squash and Abruzzo lasagne are the best.
- Italian food10
- team9
- great food9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Delicious Lasagna, Worth the Splurge
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially the lasagna. It was the best lasagna ever. While it was expensive, the portion size was generous and it came with a complimentary salad and bread.
We tried both the mushroom and sausage lasagnas, and they were both very delicious. I highly recommend this place if you find yourself in the neighborhood!
- lasagna10
- portion size8
- salad and bread7
- price4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious Food and Great Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious, and the staff were lovely. They have a unique partnership with the game store next door, which allows you to grab some food and then rent a board game to play while you eat.
The atmosphere was great, rated 5/5, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. The service was also rated 5/5.
- food10
- staff10
- atmosphere10
What Marcella's offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Marcella's Lasagneria?
At Marcella’s Lasagneria, you can look forward to a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quiet meal. It’s an Italian restaurant offering lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating, making it a great spot for kids too.
What service options and accessibility features does Marcella's Lasagneria provide?
Marcella’s Lasagneria offers convenient delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in services, including outdoor seating. You’ll also find excellent accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, plus free street parking.
How does Marcella's generally rate among its patrons?
Marcella’s holds a good overall score of 8.1 with 81.6% customer satisfaction. Its Food is rated excellent (8.9), while Ambience (7.6) and Service (7.2) are good, though Value (4.7) is considered average.
What are the standout positive aspects of dining at Marcella's?
Customers frequently praise the exceptional food, particularly the lasagna and pasta, along with the restaurant’s cozy and inviting atmosphere. Many also highlight the friendly and attentive staff.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some patrons find the prices a bit high for the portion sizes, leading to mixed opinions on value. Limited seating and occasional reports of a rude owner are also noted as potential drawbacks.