Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Penny Roma – San Francisco
Penny Roma - San Francisco
Photo from Penny Roma
Penny Roma at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 109 of the guests
#1000 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#68 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
766
Reviews
71.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Beautiful ambiance
- Excellent pasta
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Noisy atmosphere
- Small portions
The Italian restaurant Penny Roma in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers you an authentic culinary journey. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a memorable evening.
Known for its great dessert, this trendy spot invites you to indulge in exquisite flavors. Whether you’re seeking a delightful dinner or a relaxing brunch, you’ll find a welcoming space with upscale touches and a fantastic wine list to complement your meal.
Overview: Introducting Penny Roma
Penny Roma offers a dining experience where a beautiful ambience and thoughtfully crafted food often take center stage. Guests frequently praise the sophisticated vibe and the inviting space, making it a popular choice for those seeking a stylish setting.
However, some find the overall value proposition to be a point of contention. While the culinary offerings, particularly the fresh pasta, receive considerable acclaim, the experience isn’t without its occasional drawbacks.
Service can be a highlight, with many appreciating the attentive staff, though a few encounters suggest inconsistency. It’s a place that aims for a refined experience, balancing its strengths with areas that could see improvement.
Good
7.6
out of 10
766
Reviews
71.8%
Satisfaction
164
negative
52
neutral
550
positive
Penny Roma achieves a solid Restaurant Score of 7.6 out of 10, indicating a generally good dining experience, supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 71.8%. These figures, drawn from 766 customer observations, including 550 positive and 164 negative remarks, suggest that most diners leave content.
The Ambience (8) stands out as a particular strength, creating a memorable backdrop for the meal, closely followed by the quality of the Food (7.8). Service (7.1) also performs well, contributing positively to the overall impression.
However, the Value (4.8) score presents a notable contrast, falling into the average range. This suggests that while many appreciate the quality and setting, the pricing and additional fees are a frequent point of discussion for a significant portion of guests.
What people like
- Beautiful, sophisticated ambiance
- Exceptional pasta dishes
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- High price point
- Noisy atmosphere
- Small portion sizes
Penny Roma is a compelling option if you prioritize a chic atmosphere and well-executed Italian-inspired dishes, especially their fresh pasta. With a Recommendation Score of 7.8, it’s clear many find the experience worthwhile for its culinary and aesthetic appeal.
Be prepared for a bill that reflects this elevated offering. Consider Penny Roma for a special occasion or if you’re looking to indulge in a sophisticated setting where the food and ambiance are key.
However, if budget is a primary concern or you expect generous portions, you might find the experience less aligned with your expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Penny Roma
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Let's talk about the food! Overall, it seems the culinary experience here generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.8 score and a solid 75.2% customer satisfaction. With 340 positive remarks out of 452 total, many diners rave about the delicious, homemade pasta, fresh ingredients, and wonderful flavor combinations, especially highlighting dishes like cacio e peppe, agnolotti, and seasonal offerings.
They also appreciate the thoughtful vegetarian options and beautiful presentation. However, not every bite is perfect, with 72 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. A common concern revolves around portion sizes, which some found to be on the smaller side.
There were also mentions of dishes being overly salty, occasional blandness, or items like focaccia being burnt, and chicken sometimes arriving overcooked.
Food
452
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
72
negative
40
neutral
340
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade fresh pasta
- Delicious flavor combinations
- Great vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Dishes can be salty
- Occasional blandness
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious food and wine, served by extremely attentive and welcoming wait staff. While the atmosphere was a little noisy and the price point a bit high, the overall quality of the food and the exceptional service made it a worthwhile visit.
- pastaI highly recommend the Albacore tartare, Marinated beets, and the Fior di latte gelato – much love! For pasta, it never goes wrong here. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5.
- tasting menusuggested the tasting menu! Yaya- the manager- made us feel at home instantly
- Foodit was a great selection and variety of their different dishes
- pastasWhile they don't have my favorite single dish in the city, the overall average is super high. Definitely get the pastas. I came on Tuesday night 4/9/24 at 7: 30 PM with a reservation and was seated immediately.
- dishesI really enjoyed sitting in the shop and watching the pasta being made fresh by hand — such a nice touch and definitely adds to the experience. The dishes themselves were delicious, though the portions ran on the smaller side. I tried a few of the wine pairings by the glass, but they were just okay and didn’t stand out.
- pasta dishesWe have dined in many countries, and this may well be the best restaurant food ever. The pasta dishes were heavenly, offering incredible, subtle flavour combinations and perfect texture. The pork was cooked to perfection.
- agnolottiThe gnocchi and agnolotti were amazing
- aranciniarancini...every single dish was INCREDIBLE
- gnocchignocchi and agnolotti del plain. Both were really good
Frequently criticized
- foodUnfortunately, the food was just not very enjoyable.
- cacio e pepeThe food was delicious, and I would particularly recommend the corn arancini and spinach raviolini. However, the cacio e pepe was too cheesy and heavy for my personal taste, so I didn't enjoy it as much. For dessert, the olive oil cake was a delightful finish, being light and spongy and paired wonderfully with stone fruit.
- portionsI really enjoyed sitting in the shop and watching the pasta being made fresh by hand — such a nice touch and definitely adds to the experience. The dishes themselves were delicious, though the portions ran on the smaller side. I tried a few of the wine pairings by the glass, but they were just okay and didn’t stand out.
- focacciaThe "focaccia" was incredibly crumbly, breaking down into sand in my mouth and leaving the table crumbly.
- pastapasta had a weirdly and unpleasantly hard texture
- chickenI particularly enjoyed the yellowtail crudo and found the pea pasta to be good. However, the chicken and arancini were not my favorite, and I regretted not opting for the branzino. The atmosphere and service were excellent, both receiving a 5-star rating.
- dessertThe food was fantastic, but the vibe was off. We skipped dessert and left early. We normally tip well as we both worked in restaurants during college and know tips are shared, but this was the first time we considered 18%.
- portion sizesportion sizes are small
- red winemy gf got a glass of the red wine “pasta sauce” and it was almost bubbly (reminded us of a natural wine)
- Cacio PepeCacio Pepe was extremely salty
If you're looking for a spot with genuinely delicious, fresh Italian pasta and creative flavor, the food here is definitely worth exploring. Just be prepared for potentially smaller portions and be mindful that some dishes might lean a bit salty.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.1. Many guests, accounting for 100 positive remarks out of 150 total, rave about the staff and service being accommodating and friendly. Patrons often highlight the attentive, professional, and helpful nature of the team, making them feel like family.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag at 66.7%, with 45 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some experiences mention waiters and servers being rude or inattentive, with occasional service mishaps or issues with manager behavior, leading to disappointment and long waits.
Service
150
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
45
negative
5
neutral
100
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodates dietary needs
- Exceptional, smooth service
What people don't like
- Rude, inattentive servers
- Slow, disorganized service
- Manager behavior issues
Often praised
- serviceOn a positive note, the little gem salad was a hit; it was perfectly balanced with sweet, sour, and salty flavors. The restaurant itself is quite pretty, and the service was good. Despite the mixed food experience, I would consider returning, though I might opt for Flour+Water next time for certain dishes.
- staffThe staff is the perfect blend of friendly and professional
- ServiceGreat for mopping up sauce, though again, you're going to be so full after that most people can skip it. Service was impeccable and very warm. We really appreciated that they provided meat knives for the pork chops after they saw us struggling without us asking for it.
- serverhaving good food with a server who knows what they are doing, knows the food and wine
- reservationsreservations for a late dinner that we were hoping to move up, they said they’d let us know if something opened up and they stayed true to their word!
- serversThe servers however take the crown. Super friendly, very attentive
- AshleyThe service was fantastic; everyone we interacted with took great care of us. A special thank you to Ashley for making our night so special. We will definitely be back.
- Sarashe was great
- StaffStaff is definitely very friendly and attentive.
- accommodatingThe staff was so friendly and accommodating
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service and the food quality were below expectations
- staffthe staff is and has always been San Francisco arrogant
- waiterFour of us ate here in late 2024 for a friend's birthday. The food was decent, but for whatever reason our waiter had a bee in his bonnet. His explanation of the menu started with an attitude, he never checked back in with the table so we had to find a different server to let the restaurant know we were missing an entree, and he tried to clear dessert plates while folks were actively eating.
- serverWe waited three weeks for a reservation at Penny Roma and were so excited to celebrate a few milestones, but left genuinely disappointed by the service. Our server was cold and dismissive, especially toward my husband. There were no check-ins, no follow-up on our drinks (a soda never came, and I gave up on ordering more wine), and we felt like a burden just for being there.
- accommodatingwould really appreciate if they can be more accommodating
- apologywith no apology either
- birthdayI do appreciate the homemade pasta. Unfortunately, nothing was done for my birthday even though I had put it in the reservation, which was a massive downer at the end. Overall, I enjoyed the experience, but for the price point, I kind of expected more.
- changing our platesDidn’t bother changing our plates
- checked back inThe food was decent, but for whatever reason our waiter had a bee in his bonnet. His explanation of the menu started with an attitude, he never checked back in with the table so we had to find a different server to let the restaurant know we were missing an entree, and he tried to clear dessert plates while folks were actively eating. For what its worth we are quick eaters and I know we had not overstayed our reservation.
- checking up on usor checking up on us to see how every thing was.
If youre looking for a place where the staff often goes above and beyond, its worth a try. However, be prepared for a chance of encountering some service inconsistencies, which might dampen your experience.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a solid 8 and a 79.5% customer satisfaction. Guests frequently rave about the beautiful atmosphere, especially the lush greenery, inviting lighting, and overall charming vibe. Many appreciate the sophisticated decor and even a calming water fountain, making it a delightful place to dine, as noted in 101 positive comments.
However, it's not without its quirks, with 24 negative comments pointing out some issues. The main concerns revolve around the noise level, with some finding the music too loud, making conversation difficult. A few also felt the tables were a bit too close together, impacting the overall comfort for some diners.
Ambience
127
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
24
negative
2
neutral
101
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful interior design
- Lush plant decor
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Music too loud
- Tables are close
Often praised
- atmosphereThe halibut was another favorite, cooked perfectly and bursting with flavor. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience characterized by thoughtful service, amazing food, and a beautiful atmosphere. I highly recommend it!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceambience was so cozy
- vibeAnd I’m so glad we decided to give it a try! Excellent food, sexy and sophisticated vibe, and attentive service made for a great night. For as great as the food is at Penny Roma, the real charm of this place is definitely the space.
- ambianceCame here for a date night for the ambiance. It is a beautiful spot--incredibly well designed.
- spaceExcellent food, sexy and sophisticated vibe, and attentive service made for a great night. For as great as the food is at Penny Roma, the real charm of this place is definitely the space. With lofty ceilings, tons of plants, an open kitchen, and a spa-like water feature in the waiting area, this place is an ultra-modern garden with a decidedly sophisticated feel.
- barWe got in earlier at the bar and it did not take away from the experience at all
- decorThe decor has a great open airy feel
- interior designfrom the interior design to the music, you feel transported
- lightingDim, low-hanging lights cast an inviting glow
Frequently criticized
- musicFinally, the music was very very strange. I've never been to an Italian restaurant with Drake's Nokia blasting so I can barely hear myself think.
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious food and wine, served by extremely attentive and welcoming wait staff. While the atmosphere was a little noisy and the price point a bit high, the overall quality of the food and the exceptional service made it a worthwhile visit.
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- appetiteThis felt like being "mansplained. " Adding to the unpleasantness, the entire restaurant smelled of urine due to an open door to the street, which ruined my appetite. My recommendation would be for the manager to be less condescending and for the restaurant to address the odor issue.
- characterthis place had no character
- climate controlthere is no climate control (it was freezing!)
- conversationit was really hard to have a conversation
- conversation noisethe conversation noise over the music was up there
- locationLittle far from city
- music selectionthe music selection belonged more to a club than a restaurant
If youre seeking a restaurant with a truly beautiful and inviting atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that the vibrant vibe can sometimes lean towards being a bit noisy, especially if youre looking for a very quiet, intimate conversation.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
Some diners found the value here to be quite good, especially when considering the quality of the meal and the wine pairing, often feeling it was truly worth it. With 9 positive remarks out of 37 total, guests highlighted instances where the price felt very fair for the experience, particularly for generous tasting menus or during special events like SF restaurant week. However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, reflected in an average score of 4.8 and a poor customer satisfaction of just 24.3%.
A significant 23 negative remarks out of 37 total point to widespread concerns about the price being expensive and overpriced. Many experienced sticker shock due to various fees and felt the price tag didnt justify the quality of the food or service, leading to a sense of terrible value' and disappointment.
Value
37
Reviews
24%
Satisfaction
23
negative
5
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth it for quality
- Fair price for tasting menu
- Generous wine pairing
What people don't like
- High price tag
- Unexpected fees
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- priceWe enjoyed their natural wine and the incredibly generous, delicious tasting menu. We couldn’t believe it was 9 or so courses for $84. Every course was unique, fresh and so good.
- worth itthink it was worth it
- SF restaurant weekIt's super high value and we left very full.
- mealBe prepared for an expensive meal, but one that lives up to all of its potential
- qualitythe price felt very fair given the quality we experienced.
- wine pairingThe wine pairing is reasonably priced and generous
Frequently criticized
- priceOverall, we felt like our waiter didn’t like us and we were uncomfortable, as if we were doing something wrong. While the food was okay, a big part of eating out is the experience and service, and it’s just too expensive for the quality of service received.
- billcharged the full bill for the bottle of wine that we had not originally ordered
- Dining feestruck back by the 6 1/2% Dining fee
- SF mandate fee6.5 SF mandate fee feels a bit more
- Total checkTotal check was $150 with tip. When you add all of this, overall dining experience was not good
- cutting feeasked for a “cutting fee” of 7$ per person
- expensiveIt was super expensive
- overpricedthis place is just plain overpriced
- price pointfor the price point I kind of expected more
- price tagnothing out of the ordinary especially for the price tag
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially high bill with various added fees. While some found specific offerings like tasting menus or wine pairings to be a fair deal, many felt the overall experience was overpriced for the quality received.
How are the prices at Penny Roma?
On average, you’ll spend around 76 $ per person – from 109 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s definitely higher-end.
While the average sits at 76 $, the prices are quite spread out. We see a good number of diners spending in the $51–$60 range, but also a significant group opting for experiences over 101 $. It’s a mix of solid mid-range and more premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 109 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its an Italian restaurant in San Francisco with a range of offerings, we think the pricing feels fair for the experience it aims to provide. Its not a budget spot, but it offers options for different spending levels.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Penny Roma
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Always Love Coming Here!
I always LOVE coming here. I have the best meals and service and it is a staple place to visit :)
- meals10
- service10
- place9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Mixed Bag: Great Dishes, Mediocre Ones
My experience at the restaurant was a mix of highs and lows. The service was good, and the atmosphere was pleasant. I particularly enjoyed the tuna, potatoes, arancini, and the agnolotti, which were all very good.
However, the focaccia, ragu, and the salmon were quite mid, not living up to expectations.
- service8
- atmosphere8
- tuna8
- focaccia4
- ragu4
- salmon4
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Dining Experience with Accommodating Service
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. We made a reservation a few weeks in advance, and it was absolutely worth it. The restaurant boasts a beautiful interior design, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere perfect for a relaxed evening.
We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including three pasta dishes, chop ribs, and a bottle of wine. While every dish was delicious, the pasta truly stood out. As someone with a dairy sensitivity, I was incredibly impressed by the staff's kindness and accommodation; they prepared an amazing dairy-free gnocchi with tomato sauce for me.
They also thoughtfully served cheese on the side for other pasta dishes, allowing everyone to enjoy them. The halibut was another favorite, cooked perfectly and bursting with flavor. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience characterized by thoughtful service, amazing food, and a beautiful atmosphere.
I highly recommend it!
- interior design9
- pasta10
- staff10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Amazing Dinner at Penny Roma!
My experience at Penny Roma was amazing! The pasta was fresh and flavorful, and the young lady who served us was so kind and attentive. The warm, lively atmosphere made the whole experience feel special.
I would definitely love to return!
- pasta9
- kind and attentive10
- warm, lively atmosphere9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Event Hosting at Penny Roma
My experience at Penny Roma was truly outstanding, especially when we chose to host a small gathering in their event space. The trendy vibe, outstanding food, and exceptional service were evident throughout. Mac, the director of hospitality, went above and beyond, guiding us through all options and helping us customize our event to perfectly match our vision.
The team at Penny Roma absolutely deserves recognition for their efforts.
- trendy vibe9
- outstanding food10
- exceptional service10
What Penny Roma offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch 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
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dinner
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Penny Roma?
At Penny Roma, you can enjoy brunch, dinner, and dessert with table service. The atmosphere is upscale, romantic, cozy, and trendy, perfect for a special occasion. You’ll also find a bar onsite and comfortable restrooms, ensuring a pleasant and convenient visit.
Does Penny Roma offer options for specific diets and accept reservations?
Yes, Penny Roma provides vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes to suit various dietary needs. You can also enjoy small plates and a full bar. Reservations are accepted and highly recommended for both dinner and brunch to secure your preferred dining time.
How does Penny Roma generally perform according to customer feedback?
Penny Roma holds a Restaurant Score of **7.6** and a Customer Satisfaction of **71.8%**, indicating a generally good experience. Its **Ambience** (8) and **Food** (7.8) are highly rated, while **Service** (7.1) is also good. However, **Value** (4.8) is an area where opinions are more mixed.
What aspects of Penny Roma do diners appreciate the most?
Diners frequently praise Penny Roma’s beautiful and sophisticated ambiance, often highlighting the well-designed space and inviting vibe. The food, particularly the fresh pasta dishes and tasting menu, also receives significant acclaim for its quality and flavor combinations.
What are some common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by Penny Roma's customers?
Common concerns at Penny Roma revolve around its value, with many customers finding the price point to be high and mentioning additional fees. Some also note issues with a noisy atmosphere, and a few diners have expressed disappointment with inconsistent service or smaller portion sizes.