Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Montesacro – San Francisco
Montesacro - San Francisco
Photo from Montesacro
Montesacro at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🍕 Pizzeria
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 114 of the guests
#990 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#36 Pizzeria out of 115 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
653
Reviews
75.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Pinsa experience
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Sketchy area
The restaurant Montesacro Pinseria – SoMa, a charming Pizzeria in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood, invites you to experience its authentic Roman pinsa. You’ll find a truly impressive wine list here, perfect for pairing with your meal.
This spot combines a cozy, romantic atmosphere with a trendy vibe, making it ideal for various occasions. Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch or a delightful dinner, this place has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Montesacro
Montesacro offers a genuine taste of Italy, particularly with its distinctive pinsa and generally well-regarded dishes. Guests often praise the attentive service and the charming, authentic atmosphere that transports them away.
However, diners should be aware that the overall value can be a point of contention, and the surrounding sketchy neighborhood might impact the initial impression. Despite this, many find the culinary experience itself quite rewarding.
Good
7.6
out of 10
653
Reviews
75.2%
Satisfaction
125
negative
37
neutral
491
positive
Montesacro earns a solid 7.6 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience, with customer satisfaction at 75.2%. This indicates that most patrons leave content with their visit.
The restaurant receives strong marks for its Service (8.2) and Food (8), which are clearly its main draws, alongside a pleasant Ambience (7.2). However, the Value (3.6) score significantly lags behind, suggesting that many find the pricing to be a notable drawback.
These insights are drawn from a substantial pool of 653 customer comments, with 491 positive remarks outweighing 125 negative ones, providing a credible overview of the restaurant’s performance.
What people like
- Unique pinsa experience
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Authentic Italian ambiance
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Sketchy surrounding area
- Inconsistent food quality
Montesacro presents a compelling option for those seeking an authentic Italian meal, particularly if you appreciate unique pinsa and a welcoming atmosphere. With a recommendation score of 7.8, it’s certainly worth considering for its culinary strengths and engaging service.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and the less-than-ideal surroundings. If you prioritize distinctive food and a charming interior over strict budget adherence or neighborhood aesthetics, Montesacro could be a delightful discovery.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Montesacro
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here is a real crowd-pleaser, boasting a good score of 8 and a strong 80.1% customer satisfaction! Many guests rave about the delicious pinsa and its unique, puffy crust , often highlighting the fresh ingredients and the quality of the food . With 290 positive remarks out of 362 total, it's clear the culinary experience leaves a great impression.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 41 negative comments pointing to some portions being too small or certain pizzas having an inconsistent texture . A few found the mozzarella or other dishes to be bland , suggesting there might be some room for improvement in consistency across the menu.
Food
362
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
41
negative
31
neutral
290
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pinsa crust
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Excellent octopus dishes
What people don't like
- Small, bland portions
- Inconsistent pizza quality
- Some dishes underwhelming
Often praised
- foodWhile the food and atmosphere were excellent, it's worth noting that the surrounding area can feel a bit sketchy at night due to homelessness. However, I wouldn't let this deter you from enjoying the great food.
- pizzaIf you're looking for a standard, run-of-the-mill prosciutto or margherita, this is probably not the place for you. The 'a la Chef selection' appetizer was excellent, and the pizza was the best I've ever eaten! The staff was super attentive and friendly, a compliment to them.
- pinsapinsa: the primordial pizza dough made with a unique combination of high-protein, high-soy, high-rice flour and just a touch of olive oil.
- crustThe pizza we ordered was sensational. The crust was crispy and the toppings were very delicious. The service is very friendly and attentive.
- pizzasWe decided to try everything our server recommended, including two unusual pizza flavors, and we were not disappointed. The portion sizes were generous; one bologna appetizer and two pizzas were more than enough for two people. I'm giving it a 4/5 rating primarily because we felt the dishes were slightly on the dry side, and the wine list was a bit too expensive for our taste.
- PinsaThe food and service were super. We had two Pinsas and both tasted very good. For our understanding, however, it was a bit expensive.
- pinsasMy three friends and I visited for dinner and started with bruschetta with 'nduja and artichokes. For our main courses, we ordered several pinsas. The dishes were all well-cooked, and most of the ingredients were great, though the mozzarella could have been better.
- ingredientsThe toppings are a testament to the finest produce, each one adding layers of authentic tastes that transport you straight to a Roman piazza. Freshness of the ingredients is "felt" through every bite. The restaurant's decor has a rustic charm with urban sophistication to it.
- octopusbest pieces of octopus ive had in a long time
- toppingsThe pizza we ordered was sensational. The crust was crispy and the toppings were very delicious. The service is very friendly and attentive.
Frequently criticized
- pizzaHowever, the food was terrible, receiving a 2-star rating. The pizza was soggy, and the appetizers were nearly frozen and cold. It's a shame such a beautiful setting was marred by such poor food quality.
- foodI don't think the food is kept fresh
- mozzarellamozzarella was low moisture, not fresh, and there was too much
- Carbonara pastaNudeln Carbonara ebenfalls nicht wie sie sein sollten.
- Montesacro pinsaMontesacro pinsa was heavy on the potato
- Pinsa with tunaDie Pinsa mit Thunfisch ist keine Pinsa. Es ist viel mehr ein Thunfischsandwich.
- Pinsa “Grottaferrata”Arrived lukewarm and dripping oil; toppings felt flat.
- Pinsa “Ponte Mammolo”Same temperature and grease issues. Olive‑oil flavor absent, crust lacked the airy lightness pinsa is known for.
- Portionone small square.
- Strawberry TiramisuNo espresso‑soaked ladyfingers, just strawberry cream with chocolate chips.
If youre looking for a place with genuinely delicious pinsa and high-quality ingredients, especially the crust and octopus , this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some portions might be on the smaller side, and a few specific dishes could be a bit bland or inconsistent. Overall, its a solid choice for Italian food lovers.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally shines! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 83.6%, most guests rave about the experience. Based on 102 positive comments, many highlight the friendly staff, attentive service, and knowledgeable recommendations, often noting how quickly they were seated and served.
However, not every experience was perfect. A smaller number of 18 reviews mentioned issues like rude staff, inattentive servers, or an unfriendly hostess. Some felt rushed or encountered bad service, suggesting there might be occasional inconsistencies in the team's otherwise stellar performance.
Service
122
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
18
negative
2
neutral
102
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Knowledgeable recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude staff encounters
- Inattentive server
- Unfriendly hostess
Often praised
- serviceHowever, once inside, the interesting and welcoming interior makes up for it. The service is also friendly, with waiters frequenting the table for water refills. The food itself is good but mostly forgettable.
- staffWe enjoyed the Cavolfiori, burrata, meatballs, and Margherita pizza, all of which were absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. The staff was incredibly polite and welcoming, enhancing our visit. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, creating a perfect setting for a great meal.
- serverMy experience at this wonderful, quaint pizza restaurant in SoMa was quite positive. We decided to try everything our server recommended, including two unusual pizza flavors, and we were not disappointed. The portion sizes were generous; one bologna appetizer and two pizzas were more than enough for two people.
- ServiceService:5
- reservationDefinitely make a reservation on weekends
- welcomeThe welcome is so kind
- CassiusI appreciate the effort put into the aesthetic and vibe of the place; it's apparently owned by an art collector. Great service by Cassius, who guided us through the history of Pinsa and the art works of this beautiful restaurant.
- French serverMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We were a group of over 25 people, and we were served by an amazing French server from Brittany. The porchetta antipasti was incredibly well-cooked, described as being as soft as butter.
- Italian girlla ragazza Italiana cordiale e disponibile e attenta
- Italian waiterthe italian waiter was so kind to us
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was not really friendly and felt dry.
- staffstaff was sloppy and very rude. When I complained they gave me an attitude
- Servicerepeatedly wiped tables with a bare hand, then handled plates and the POS screen without washing.
- bad serviceeven with bad service
- billwurde mir die Rechnung ohne Aufforderung auf den Tisch gelegt!
- consumer rightmy right as a consumer to choose the tip
- holding the cheeseholding the cheese was a substitution and they don’t allow substitutions
- hostessMy experience involved picking up a pre-ordered pizza. Upon entering the restaurant to collect my order, I was yelled at by the hostess for doing so. I attempted to speak with the kitchen staff politely because no other staff were visible, but this also seemed to be an issue without prior approval.
- kitchen staffspeaking to the kitchen staff politely without prior approval
- menu이탈리아어로 쓰인 메뉴와 서버분의 이탈리아 발음이 조금 알아듣긴 힘들었습니다.
Overall, you can expect a very positive service experience here, with staff often praised for being friendly and attentive. While a few isolated incidents of rudeness or inattentiveness have been noted, the overwhelming sentiment suggests youll be well looked after. Its definitely worth trying if good service is high on your list!
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The ambience here generally receives a good score of 7.2, with many guests (93 out of 135 opinions) praising its charm. Reviewers frequently highlight the cozy and gorgeous space, Rustic Italian interiors, and old world feel, creating a vintage ambiance that transports you. It's often described as a lovely and romantic spot.
However, customer satisfaction is a mixed 68.9%, with 40 opinions pointing to some notable drawbacks. The neighborhood is a frequent concern, and the unique dentist’s chair in the bathroom can be off-putting. Some also mentioned cramped table space and general Hygiene issues, suggesting a need for attention to comfort and cleanliness.
Ambience
135
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
40
negative
2
neutral
93
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, rustic interiors
- Romantic vibe
- Authentic Italian feel
What people don't like
- Sketchy neighborhood
- Overcrowded/noisy
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was like finding a taste of home after a long journey. After almost 3 weeks on a motorbike trip across the US, it was a pleasant surprise to find such a true Italian taste and atmosphere. It's a nice place where we could find our home taste, making the wait to get back to Italy feel a little shorter.
- decordecoración fabulosa de los años 30 y 40
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiencevery cool ambience (restored/repurposed industrial factory objects)
- interiorI tried one white pizza and one tomato-based, and they were among the best pizzas I have ever tasted. The interior is also very cozy, making it a nice spot to bring a date, grab a beer, and order a fresh pinsa. I highly recommend Montesaco and would love to come back!
- restaurantIt’s such a bummer how dilapidated the area of San Francisco has become. But this restaurant makes you feel like you escaped into a little street in Italy. We are so happy to have stumbled across this amazing little gem of a restaurant.
- vibeI appreciate the effort put into the aesthetic and vibe of the place.
- Golden Gate TheaterClose to golden gate theater
- Italian musicthey played non-corny Italian music, and at a level that gave liveliness to the space but also allowed easy conversation
- Roman-nessfully lean into the Roman-ness of their restaurant
Frequently criticized
- neighborhoodWe split three pizzas, some meatballs, bread and soft cheese. The neighborhood was definitely sketchy but we didn’t have any issues with anyone. Once inside the cute restaurant, we forgot about what was outside.
- areaI know that I'm supposed to avoid the Tenderloin area (I found it okayish so far), but I didn't know that you are also supposed to skip this area. It felt super uncomfortable. The Pinsa was really nice, but the place was overcrowded and very noisy, as it is small and obviously a favorite place for families with children.
- alleyThe only drawback was the alley. It didn’t seem dangerous but it was pretty gross
- atmosphereHowever, the atmosphere was unbearable as the restaurant was close to 90 degrees inside. While I understand that air conditioning isn't standard in San Francisco, it was stifling inside.
- parkingparking can be hard to find
- placeIt felt super uncomfortable. The Pinsa was really nice, but the place was overcrowded and very noisy, as it is small and obviously a favorite place for families with children. Happy to be safely away, good luck for the owner.
- streetthe street, on which the restaurant is located, is a bit run-down
- Hygienerepeatedly wiped tables with a bare hand, then handled plates and the POS screen without washing.
- ambienceAmbiente ist zwar urig aber könnte auch etwas sauberer sein
- area of the restaurantThe area of the restaurant is definitely sketchy
If youre seeking a charming, rustic Italian escape and can overlook a less-than-ideal neighborhood, this spot offers a unique and cozy vibe. Its worth trying for the authentic atmosphere, but be prepared for a potentially crowded setting and some quirky decor choices.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few customers found some bright spots, noting that certain options were reasonably priced
or that a set menu
offered good value, making it worth the trip
for them. Based on 6 positive remarks out of 34 total customer observations, there are certainly some glimmers of affordability to be found. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with a significant number of customers feeling things were expensive
or overpriced
.
Many were particularly bothered by various surcharge
and service charge
additions to their bill. With a score of 3.6 (poor) and customer satisfaction at a low 17.6% (poor), it's clear that the pricing structure leaves much room for improvement, as indicated by 26 negative comments.
Value
34
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
26
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced options
- Good set menu
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Unexpected surcharges
- Mandatory service fees
Often praised
- PricesPrices were reasonable
- much better optionsThere are much better options in the town
- pricesDie Preise angemessen
- reasonably pricedVery reasonably priced
- set menuFor dessert, we had the 🍷 Pere Al Vino (Pears in Wine with Vanilla Ice Cream). The three-course $25 set menu offers good value for money. We had originally planned to go to @scopodivino for their $30 all-you-can-eat brunch, but unfortunately, we received a notification a few days prior that they were unable to provide it due to internal renovations.
- worth the tripThey also offer a great selection of drinks and food. It's very reasonably priced and definitely worth the trip.
Frequently criticized
- priceI was a bit disappointed with our last visit. The app portions are small for the price ($20 for ball of burrata with persimmons). For pinsas, the margherita was delicious and the crust in general is amazing.
- expensiveWe had two Pinsas and both tasted very good. For our understanding, however, it was a bit expensive. Since the service and the atmosphere were great, there are still 5 stars!
- surchargea 6% surcharge of SF city mandate
- Christmas Eve menuit was overpriced for the food and wine
- Price$20—hard to view as anything but a gouge.
- SF mandate chargeadd a 6% charge for “SF mandate”
- billdisappointed given the bill: almost 100 dollars
- expensive pizzaVery expensive pizza
- experiencethe experience is no longer worth the cost
- extra chargesgetting charged 26% extra which makes no sense
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for potentially higher prices, especially with added surcharges. While a few found specific deals, the general consensus suggests that the value proposition isnt its strongest suit. It might be worth checking the menu carefully for set options if you're budget-conscious.
How are the prices at Montesacro?
You’re looking at roughly 45 per person – reported by 114 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Pizzeria, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, while the average is 45, theres a nice spread. Many guests find options in the more budget-friendly $21–$30 range, but a good number also go for higher-end experiences, even up to 61 – 90 $. So, youve got choices!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 114 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Pizzeria in San Francisco, especially with the variety of price points available. It seems like they cater to different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Montesacro
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Fantastic Pinsas and Lively Atmosphere
My experience at Montesacro Pinseria was fantastic! The pinsas, which are Roman-style pizzas, were incredibly light, crispy, and bursting with flavor. I also enjoyed the small plates, which were perfect for sharing.
The toppings were consistently fresh and creative. The atmosphere was casual and lively, making it a great spot for a relaxed night out with friends.
- pinsas10
- toppings9
- small plates8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Pinsa Perfection!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! This pinsa is authentic, reminding me of a place I lived near in Rome. The crust is absolute perfection.
🤌 I definitely recommend making a reservation on weekends.
- pinsa10
- crust10
- reservation8
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Establishment
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. I've been here many times, and the pizza is always to die for. The Gorgonzola salad is also one of the best salads I have ever had.
It's an amazing establishment overall.
- Gorgonzola salad10
- pizza10
- establishment9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Wonderful Italian Gem!
As an Italian, finding this pinsa place after two weeks of American food was a wonderful flash! The pinsa was delicious, and the place, though small, is cozy! Congratulations!
- pinsa9
- local7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Roman Pizza Experience
My experience at Montesacro SoMa was fantastic! I visited with a friend for dinner after several recommendations, and the cozy and gorgeous space immediately struck me. The staff were relaxed yet attentive, and the partially visible kitchen added to the charm.
The walls of wine bottles, chandeliers, and deli counter truly made me feel like I was back in Rome. We started with the Sottoli, a plate of beautifully marinated vegetables (red bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and eggplant) with a hint of chili and parsley. I loved the simplicity and flavor of this antipasti; the veggies were delicious on their own and a great vegetarian/gluten-free option.
They were also wonderful with the main event: the pizza. We tried the Margherita pizza, which was 10/10. The tomato sauce was flavorful, perfectly balancing herbaceous, savory, acidic, and sweet notes, topped with a generous portion of melty mozzarella and basil.
Montesacro SoMa leans into its Roman identity by serving the more ovular pinsa, featuring a slightly thicker, chewier crust and highlighting local Roman ingredients. I can't wait to return and explore their other options!
- cozy and gorgeous space9
- staff8
- Sottoli8
What Montesacro offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Montesacro Pinseria - SoMa?
At Montesacro Pinseria – SoMa, you’ll discover a delightful blend of atmospheres. It’s described as romantic, cozy, casual, and trendy, making it a versatile spot for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner or a relaxed gathering, you’ll find the ambiance just right.
Does Montesacro Pinseria - SoMa offer options for families and specific dietary needs?
Yes, Montesacro Pinseria – SoMa is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for convenience. Additionally, you’ll find excellent options for dietary preferences, including organic dishes and a variety of vegetarian options to ensure everyone enjoys their meal.
What is Montesacro's overall rating and what aspects contribute to it?
Montesacro holds an overall score of 7.6 out of 10, indicating a good dining experience. This is largely driven by strong scores in Service (8.2), Food (8), and Ambience (7.2), though Value (3.6) is an area for improvement.
What makes Montesacro's food a highlight for many diners?
Many customers praise Montesacro for its unique **pinsa**, noting the crispy crust and fresh, delicious toppings. Specific dishes like the octopus also receive high marks for their quality and authentic taste.
What are some common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors to Montesacro?
Diners frequently mention concerns regarding the restaurant’s **value**, citing small portions for the price and additional surcharges. The surrounding **neighborhood** is also often described as sketchy, and some experience inconsistencies in food quality or service.