Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Orafo – San Francisco
Orafo - San Francisco
Photo from Orafo
Orafo at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 15 of the guests
#1618 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#105 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
118
Reviews
69.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Service
- Elegant Ambiance
- Quality Cocktails
Frequently criticized
- Flavor Issues
- Food Quality
- Overpriced
The restaurant Orafo invites you to experience authentic Italian dining in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood. As you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the cozy, yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal or a special evening out.
This Italian restaurant is celebrated for its great wine list, offering a superb selection to complement your meal. Whether you’re looking for a delightful lunch or an intimate dinner, Orafo provides a welcoming setting for all.
Overview: Introducting Orafo
Orafo offers a dining experience where warm hospitality and a refined atmosphere often leave a strong positive impression. Guests frequently commend the attentive staff and the beautifully designed space , which transitions gracefully from day to night.
However, while some dishes are praised for their thoughtful preparation, the culinary experience can be inconsistent. There are mentions of a lack of distinct flavor in certain items, and the overall price point sometimes raises questions about the perceived value.
Good
7
out of 10
118
Reviews
69.5%
Satisfaction
33
negative
3
neutral
82
positive
Orafo achieves a respectable overall score of 7, indicating a generally good experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.5%. This suggests that while many find it appealing, a notable portion of diners leave with reservations.
The restaurant garnered 118 opinions, with 82 positive remarks contrasting with 33 negative ones. Looking closer, Service shines with a score of (7.4), frequently highlighted for its attentiveness.
The Ambience also rates well at (7.1), contributing significantly to the dining appeal. Food scores a decent (6.9), but Value lags considerably at (4.2), indicating that many feel the cost doesn’t always align with the experience.
What people like
- Attentive, kind service
- Stunning dining space
- Exceptional cocktails
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food flavor
- Poor food quality
- High price point
If you prioritize an elegant setting and attentive service, Orafo could be a suitable choice, especially for cocktails or specific well-executed dishes. The overall 6.9 recommendation score suggests it’s worth considering, but with some caveats.
Be mindful that while the ambiance and service are often highlights, the culinary offerings can be a mixed bag, and the pricing might feel steep for the overall experience. It’s a place to enjoy the setting and hospitality, perhaps less so for a consistently outstanding gastronomic journey.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Orafo
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems like a bit of a mixed plate! Overall, the culinary experience scores a respectable 6.9, indicating its generally good, though customer satisfaction sits at a somewhat mixed 64.5%. Many diners, accounting for 40 positive remarks out of 62 total, raved about the best in-house made pasta, excellent trout, and perfectly seared steak, often praising the thoughtful preparation and fresh ingredients.
However, not everyone was equally impressed, with 19 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Some found the food very underwhelming, citing a lack of creativity and flavor, and even describing certain dishes as tasteless or of poor quality. ' It seems consistency might be a bit of a challenge here.
Food
62
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- In-house made pasta
- Perfectly seared steak
- Thoughtful preparation
What people don't like
- Underwhelming flavor
- Poor quality food
- Lack of creativity
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Orafo, located within the Four Seasons, was truly exceptional. It offers a perfect blend of warm hospitality, delicious food, and outstanding cocktails. This was my third visit, and it consistently impresses.
- cocktailsMy experience at Orafo, located within the Four Seasons, was truly exceptional. It offers a perfect blend of warm hospitality, delicious food, and outstanding cocktails. This was my third visit, and it consistently impresses.
- drinksDrinks were top quality- we enjoyed the old fashion with woodenville rye
- FoodFood:5
- dishesThis was my third visit, and it consistently impresses. The staff are kind and attentive, and the dishes are crafted with precision and creativity. A special shoutout to David for his extraordinary espresso Negroni—rich, complex, and unforgettable.
- Aperol Spritz'sserves the best Aperol Spritz's in town.. not too sweet and sooo refreshing
- Brutus CaesarThe Brutus Caesar was perfectly spicy- refreshing twist on a staple.
- Chicken MilaneseThe Chicken Milanese was executed to perfection
- Executive Lunchtheir new Executive Lunch offering
- bolinas meatballsand “bolinas meatballs.”
Frequently criticized
- foodfood at this four season was well prepared n presented it failed to impress me in terms of flavor
- appetizerAppetizer came out incorrectly
- bucatinisend you bucatini and say it’s what they normally do
- burgerburger overcooked
- carbonarathe carbonara was not a carbonara in a million years
- chopped saladone of the most tasteless, uninspired, and bare-bones salads I’ve ever had
- creativitylack of creativity and flavor in the food
- flavorwould’ve had more thought, more flavor
- food qualitythe food is very poor quality
- ingredientsgrabbed a bag of mixed greens, a handful of olives
If you're looking for standout dishes like their in-house pasta or perfectly seared steak, you might be pleasantly surprised. But be aware that some experiences point to inconsistency in flavor and quality, so manage your expectations, especially with simpler items.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 75.7%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Many rave about the flawless service, hospitality, and attentiveness of the staff, often praising the excellent pacing and specific servers like Ansley and Anton.
However, not everyone had a perfect experience. Out of 37 total remarks, 9 were negative, with some guests noting the service as average at best, citing issues like a non-existent waiter and a general lack of attention. Others experienced long wait times for drinks or even incorrect orders, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Service
37
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flawless service
- Attentive staff
- Excellent pacing
What people don't like
- Inattentive service
- Long wait times
- Order mistakes
Often praised
- serviceThe tempo of the service was quick but not too rushed
- staffThis was my third visit, and it consistently impresses. The staff are kind and attentive, and the dishes are crafted with precision and creativity. A special shoutout to David for his extraordinary espresso Negroni—rich, complex, and unforgettable.
- serverAnton the server was pleasant, knowledgeable and very kind
- ServiceService:5
- hospitalityMy experience at Orafo, located within the Four Seasons, was truly exceptional. It offers a perfect blend of warm hospitality, delicious food, and outstanding cocktails. This was my third visit, and it consistently impresses.
- AnsleyAnsley was fantastic! Great recommendations and service.
- AntonAnton, an outstanding staff member
- WendyThe atmosphere was nice, the food was tasty, and the service was wonderful, especially from Wendy. She was very hospitable and always with a smile.
- attentivenessHis attentiveness and skill truly made the evening memorable
- doormanJorge the doorman warmly welcomed my party
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was pretty bad and non-existent
- waiterMichael was a very disorganized, uncaring, and disengaged staff member
- attentionhow much (or how little) attention is given to the rest of the menu
- drinkswait an hour before we had to flag a waitstaff down for our drinks
- managerNo manager present
- ordersmy partner got the wrong course
- wait timewaited over a half-hour before our waiter
If you're looking for generally good service with many standout staff members, this spot is worth a visit. Just be aware that while most experiences are positive, there might be occasional inconsistencies in attentiveness or wait times.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.1, the ambience is definitely a highlight for many. Customers are quite pleased, showing a strong 85.7% satisfaction rate, which is considered good.
Based on 12 positive remarks out of 14 total, guests frequently praise the atmosphere, ambience, space, and overall restaurant dining environment, often describing it as upscale, stunning, airy, and intimate. However, its not entirely without its quirks, with 2 negative comments. A couple of patrons found the "place" to be "ugly, " and one was particularly unimpressed with the "jazz" music, describing it as just "a guy playing sax.
" While these are minor points compared to the overall positive feedback, theyre worth noting if you're sensitive to decor or specific music choices.
Ambience
14
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning, airy ambiance
- Upscale, intimate atmosphere
- Relaxed dining environment
What people don't like
- Ugly decor
- Annoying jazz music
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was upscale, can, and conveniently secluded
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceambiance pleasant
- ambienceThe ambience was nice!
- restaurant dining environmentLove the restaurant dining environment
- spaceI enjoyed two breakfasts and one indulgent lunch, and each meal was a perfect combination of thoughtful preparation, fresh ingredients, and flawless service. The space itself is stunning, offering an airy and sunlit ambiance during the day, and transforming into a warm and intimate atmosphere at night. Whether seated by the windows or in a cozy banquette, it provides a refined escape from the busy city below.
Frequently criticized
- jazzThe 'jazz' was a guy playing sax
- placethe place is ugly
If youre looking for a restaurant with a generally beautiful and inviting atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a couple of minor aesthetic or musical details might not appeal to everyone, but overall, youre likely to enjoy the setting.
Value (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems like theres a bit of a mixed bag here. Some diners found the experience absolutely worth it, praising the overall quality and feeling that the food for value was extremely fair. Out of 5 customer remarks, 2 were positive, highlighting that the price was justified for what they received.
However, the sentiment isnt universally glowing. With a score of 4.2, which is considered average, and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 40%, many felt the price was too high, even calling some items overpriced or a joke. The 3 negative comments often wished for more value, indicating that for some, the cost simply didn't align with the experience.
Value
5
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair food value
- Worth a visit
What people don't like
- Felt overpriced
- Not worth it
Often praised
- food for valuethe food for value was extremely fair
- priceI highly recommend the seafood soup, which was rich, comforting, and full of depth, and the perfectly seared steak, which was one of the best I’ve had in SF. Every detail, from the plating to the pacing, felt intentional and quietly luxurious. Orafo is absolutely worth a visit, whether you're staying at the hotel or not.
Frequently criticized
- priceoverpriced. For 145 per head, this was not worth it
- valuemore value
If youre looking for a place where some find the value fair, but others feel its overpriced, this spot might be a gamble. Go in with tempered expectations, especially regarding the price point, and you might find it worthwhile, but be prepared that it might not feel like the best bang for your buck.
How are the prices at Orafo?
You’re looking at roughly 78 per person – reported by 15 diners. That puts it in the $71–$80 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
However, when we peek at the full picture, prices aren’t just clustering around this average. We see a good number of guests enjoying experiences in the $61–$70 range, but also a significant portion opting for the $101+ bracket, indicating a range of options or a tendency to splurge!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 15 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels fair for an Italian restaurant of this caliber. It seems to offer a range of experiences, from a solid mid-range meal to something a bit more indulgent.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Orafo
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Wonderful Experience with Great Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The atmosphere was nice, the food was tasty, and the service was wonderful, especially from Wendy. She was very hospitable and always with a smile.
- atmosphere10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Italian Experience
My experience at this restaurant was very bad. An Italian would be outraged here. They advertised spaghetti on the menu but served bucatini, claiming it's their usual.
The meatballs were tasteless and dry, and the carbonara was definitely not a carbonara. The vegetarian ravioli was fine, as it's difficult to mess up.
- vegetarian ravioli6
- food1
- spaghetti2
- bucatini2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Salad at Upscale Italian
I visited this Italian restaurant for lunch, and while I acknowledge that ordering only a salad might be a bit unfair, I still expected a certain baseline of quality given the restaurant's location in the Four Seasons and its upscale atmosphere. Unfortunately, my experience with the chopped salad was far from satisfactory. It was one of the most tasteless, uninspired, and bare-bones salads I've ever encountered, especially for $24.
It felt like a joke, tasting as if it were hastily assembled from generic ingredients with a forgettable vinaigrette. I've had memorable salads at high-end establishments that felt like part of the dining experience, but this was a missed opportunity and felt completely off-brand for the Four Seasons. It left me questioning the attention given to the rest of the menu.
- atmosphere4
- chopped salad1
- salad1
- price1
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Orafo: A Refined Escape Above the City
My experience at Orafo, a hidden gem perched above San Francisco’s Financial District, was exceptional. This restaurant masterfully blends California boldness with classic Italian soul, all within the elegant setting of the Four Seasons. I enjoyed two breakfasts and one indulgent lunch, and each meal was a perfect combination of thoughtful preparation, fresh ingredients, and flawless service.
The space itself is stunning, offering an airy and sunlit ambiance during the day, and transforming into a warm and intimate atmosphere at night. Whether seated by the windows or in a cozy banquette, it provides a refined escape from the busy city below. I highly recommend the seafood soup, which was rich, comforting, and full of depth, and the perfectly seared steak, which was one of the best I’ve had in SF.
Every detail, from the plating to the pacing, felt intentional and quietly luxurious. Orafo is absolutely worth a visit, whether you're staying at the hotel or not. It’s effortlessly chic, never pretentious, and ideal for various occasions, from business meetings to slow, indulgent meals above the city.
- seafood soup9
- perfectly seared steak10
- fresh ingredients9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Restaurant Experience
My experience at this restaurant, located within the FS hotel, was very positive. I found the atmosphere to be pleasant and truly appreciated the staff in the restaurant. The menu was good, and the dishes were delicious.
- atmosphere10
- staff10
- menu9
What Orafo offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Orafo?
Yes, Orafo accepts reservations, and it is highly recommended to make dinner reservations, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours. This ensures you secure your preferred seating and enjoy a seamless dining experience at this popular Italian restaurant.
Is Orafo accessible and suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Orafo is designed to be inclusive, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For families, the restaurant provides a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs, making it a comfortable and convenient choice for dining out with your little ones.
What is the overall dining experience like at Orafo?
Orafo generally offers a good dining experience, reflected by an overall score of **7** and a customer satisfaction of **69.5%**. Guests often praise the attentive service (7.4) and the pleasant ambiance (7.1), though opinions on the food (6.9) and value (4.2) are more varied.
How is the food quality and flavor at Orafo?
While some dishes are noted for thoughtful preparation and specific items like cocktails are exceptional, the food experience at Orafo can be inconsistent. Some diners found a lack of flavor and creativity, with certain dishes described as tasteless or of poor quality, while others enjoyed their meals.
Is the service at Orafo reliable?
The service at Orafo is frequently highlighted as a strong point, with many guests commending the staff for being kind, attentive, and knowledgeable. However, there were isolated instances of disorganized or non-existent service, indicating some variability.