Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Perbacco – San Francisco
Perbacco - San Francisco
Photo from Perbacco
Perbacco at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 89 of the guests
#819 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#61 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
640
Reviews
77.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- superb pasta
- attentive service
- elegant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- inconsistent service
- high price
- noisy atmosphere
The restaurant Perbacco is an exquisite Italian Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Transbay neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a truly memorable dining experience here, highlighted by its exceptional dessert menu.
This upscale spot offers a romantic and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a special evening out. Whether you’re seeking a delightful dinner or a leisurely lunch, you’ll find yourself immersed in culinary excellence.
Overview: Introducting Perbacco
Perbacco offers a dining experience where the culinary craft truly shines, with many guests praising the superb pasta and overall quality of dishes. The impeccable service often receives high marks, with staff noted for their professionalism and attentiveness, contributing to a special evening out.
The restaurant’s beautiful space provides an elegant backdrop, though some find it can get loud inside during busy times. While the food and service generally impress, a few experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in attentiveness and concerns about the overall cost.
Good
7.8
out of 10
640
Reviews
77.5%
Satisfaction
114
negative
30
neutral
496
positive
Perbacco generally earns a solid 7.8 out of 10, reflecting a good overall dining experience. Customer sentiment is also quite positive, with 77.5% satisfaction.
This positive reception is built on a strong foundation, particularly in the Food (7.9) department, which consistently receives high praise from diners. The Service (7.8) also stands out as a strong point, often described as attentive and professional.
The Ambience (7.7) contributes positively to the experience, though it’s worth noting that Value (5.2) is perceived as more average. These insights come from a substantial pool of 640 customer observations, with 496 positive remarks outweighing 114 negative ones.
What people like
- Superb pasta dishes
- Impeccable, attentive service
- Elegant, beautiful ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- High price point
- Loud, noisy atmosphere
Perbacco comes with a solid 8 recommendation score, suggesting it’s a worthwhile choice for those seeking a refined Italian dining experience. If you prioritize exceptional pasta and attentive service in an elegant setting, this restaurant is likely to deliver a memorable meal.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher price point and a lively, sometimes noisy, atmosphere. If these factors align with your expectations, Perbacco offers a generally well-regarded option for a special occasion or a quality Italian dinner.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Perbacco
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 79.6%. Many guests (309 positive opinions out of 388) rave about the homemade pasta, fresh ingredients, and delicious food, often praising the creative dishes that truly shine. However, not every dish is a winner, with 60 negative opinions pointing to some overpriced items and occasional bland pasta.
A few experiences mentioned overcooked octopus or dishes being too sweet, suggesting some inconsistencies in execution.
Food
388
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
60
negative
19
neutral
309
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade pasta
- Fresh ingredients
- Delicious entrees
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- Bland flavors
- Overcooked items
Often praised
- foodIt's one of the few places in SF where the service is impeccable – instantly greeted at the door, guided to a white-tableclothed spot (with plenty of spacing between you and other guests), and checked on just enough times throughout your meal. Apart from the elegant dining room, the food is second to none. The pastas are exactly like what you'd find in northern Italy – I could have the Tajarin every day, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was marked by high-level service and amazing yummy cocktails. The food was great, with big portions and good desserts.
- pastasMake sure to go for the pastas that are hand-made fresh daily
- wineMy parents, who are older and a little quirky, were instantly made to feel at home and were seated in an area with good acoustics. My stepdad, who is particularly picky about wine, found a great glass of cabernet, and my mom enjoyed a killer cocktail. Everything we ordered was great, including the burrata, crab salad, gnocchi, risotto, and steak.
- wine listThe indoor seating was spacious, creating a great atmosphere. The service was excellent, and they had an amazing wine list. The bread was fresh and tasted like it was made that morning.
- Italian foodMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious Italian food and the great wine selection. The service was fantastic, and the atmosphere was also excellent.
- Vitello TonnatoDenise took the time to describe each of the signature dishes, as well as highlighting her own favorites. The wine she suggested and profiled (4 different glasses total) were absolutely perfect for my Roasted Octopus, my husband's Vitello Tonnato, the Short Rib Langaroli, and of course, the famous Papardelle. She didn't miss a beat, even as we observed how busy she became in a short ten-minute span as tables filled up quickly around us.
- burrataThe figs, burrata, short rib, squid ink pasta, fried olives!!!
- pastaI had a good business meal here, enjoying a wide range of small and large plates. While the soup felt a bit too rustic for my taste, the pasta was superb. Be aware that the booth seats are very tight, so it's advisable to ask for other seating if you prefer space.
- dishesI was halfway through my dish and thought I'd need a box, no way! Our whole table was impressed with their dishes, but my Langaroli was some of the best pasta I've had in my life. More of this please, world.
Frequently criticized
- breadThe food was very good, but the service was disappointing. The Italian waiter did not serve us bread, seemingly due to some judgment. While the food quality was high, the overall experience was marred by the poor service, making it a place to avoid.
- pastalast night. I would ever be able to have pasta again due to the fact that I was just recently diagnosed with celiac disease
- cocktailThe staff was really nice and friendly. We both tried a cocktail and didn’t like it that much. The pasta is pretty good!
- foodthe food was mediocre at best
- halibutnot very flavorful was the halibut. Too bland
- lamb pastaI wasn’t the biggest fan of the lamb pasta since it was a bit bland
- octopusoctopus (a total loss: overcooked, tasteless
- Agnolotti Dal PlinDecided to get the Agnolotti Dal Plin, it was awful
- Alba trufflesBarely tasted or smelled the Alba truffles on our dishes
- FoodFood is mediocre for the price.
If you're looking for authentic Italian with a focus on fresh, homemade pasta, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that while many dishes are celebrated, some guests found certain items a bit pricey or inconsistent in flavor.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
Overall, the service here truly stands out! With a good score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 76.3%, its clear that guests often feel well-cared for. Many of the 122 positive comments highlight the attentive staff, wonderful hospitality, and excellent service, often praising accommodating and personalized touches.
However, its not always a flawless experience. Out of 160 total comments, 34 point to areas for improvement, mentioning instances of slow service, inattentive servers, and occasionally unfriendly attitudes. Some guests felt like an inconvenience or experienced poor customer service.
Service
160
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
34
negative
4
neutral
122
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Excellent hospitality
- Personalized touches
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Inattentive servers
- Unfriendly attitudes
Often praised
- serviceThis is our go-to special night spot for many reasons. It's one of the few places in SF where the service is impeccable – instantly greeted at the door, guided to a white-tableclothed spot (with plenty of spacing between you and other guests), and checked on just enough times throughout your meal. Apart from the elegant dining room, the food is second to none.
- staffMy husband, a friend, and I stopped in for a drink and a bite at the bar during our first visit. Our bartender, Steven, was incredibly professional and knowledgeable, clearly a veteran of the industry. We appreciated the small touches, like wishing departing customers a good evening, changing silverware between courses, and offering a wine taste suited to our palates.
- waiterBen was our waiter, what a great guy. He told us all about the menu
- ServiceDespite being full, our server kindly offered us Brutti ma Buoni on the house, which were delicious and light meringue hazelnut cookies. The Service was good, and overall, it was a good meal. I would definitely go again :)
- bartendersthe bartenders are also top notch
- excellent serviceMy experience at PerbaccoSF was exceptional. This restaurant, known for its traditional Italian cuisine, exquisite design, and excellent service, truly stands out among other premium-class establishments. It's a place I would highly recommend for a special evening or celebratory event.
- outstanding servicehighlight the outstanding service
- serverOur server was Alessio and he was absolutely incredible
- valet parkingValet parking is back, despite its webset saying it is not
- "tuned in" staffin a world where "tuned in" staff is becoming harder to come by
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The service was terrible; our waiter was so stressed out that it showed in the serving. The food was mediocre at best.
- staffstanding by the bar talking to each other. They looked at us, and then returned to their conversation without even saying hi or acknowledging us
- waitressThe waitress that served our table hardly paid attention to us
- ServiceService is slow.
- availabilitynothing available indoors for the entire night
- checkAfter they brought the check we stayed for about ten minutes or so and didn't feel welcome anymore
- customer servicepoor customer service experience
- disdain and haughty attitudefelt the definite disdain and haughty attitude
- greetingWasn’t the type of greeting I’d expect
- hosthost was away from the front door
If you're seeking a dining experience where service often shines, this place is definitely worth considering. While there might be an occasional hiccup, the overall dedication to excellent hospitality makes it a strong choice for a pleasant meal.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The atmosphere here really shines, with a solid score of 7.7 and a strong 75.9% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the upscale and cozy vibe, making it a great place for a special occasion or a date night. With 60 positive remarks out of 79, the elegant dining room and comfortable setting clearly leave a lasting impression.
However, it's not all perfect. Some diners found the restaurant to be noisy or loud inside, especially when it gets busy. There were also a few comments about unclean toilets and tight booth seats, suggesting some areas could use a refresh or more attention to comfort.
Ambience
79
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
13
negative
6
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Upscale, cozy vibe
- Elegant dining room
- Great for occasions
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Unclean toilets
- Tight booth seats
Often praised
- atmosphereWe were able to make a table reservation, and both indoor and outdoor seating were available. The indoor seating was spacious, creating a great atmosphere. The service was excellent, and they had an amazing wine list.
- locationI had a wonderful dining experience at Perbacco and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for high-quality Italian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short 5-minute walk from the Embarcadero BART station, making it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors exploring Downtown SF. I ordered the pesto gnocchi, and it was absolutely delicious—perfectly creamy, rich in flavor, and cooked to perfection.
- ambienceEverything is wonderful: ambience
- experienceThanks for the Wonderful experience!!!
- restaurantA serious restaurant for grown ups
- spacethe space is absolutely beautiful
- vibeWonderful all the way around: vibe
- acousticsseated in an area of the restaurant with good acoustics
- ambianceThe ambiance strikes a nice balance between casual elegance and modern charm
- aromaThe aroma is just intoxicating
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere was also a bit sterile
- booth seatsWhile the soup felt a bit too rustic for my taste, the pasta was superb. Be aware that the booth seats are very tight, so it's advisable to ask for other seating if you prefer space. Overall, it's a good location to come back to!
- busy and loudhow busy and loud the venue is.
- decorthe decor feels a bit dated.
- loud insideit gets way too loud inside
- noiseIt was too noisy
- noisyit was noisy in there, which was tough for someone who is noise sensitive
- pride of placepride of place is the most important ingredient
- restaurantFor dessert, the panna cotta is a great choice. The service is excellent, though the restaurant can be a little on the noisy side.
- small spaceMany tables cramped into a small space.
If you're looking for an elegant and cozy spot for a special evening, this place often delivers a great vibe. Just be mindful that it can get a bit loud, and you might want to request a table away from the busiest areas for a quieter experience.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems like this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with some folks finding it a good deal and others feeling quite the opposite. Based on 13 customer remarks, there are 5 positive remarks praising things like good value, amazing prices, and being reasonably priced. However, the overall score for value sits at an average 5.2, suggesting its not consistently hitting the mark for everyone.
On the flip side, 7 negative remarks highlight concerns about "regular prices, " the "price point, " and some even calling it an "expensive dinner" that wasnt worth it. Customer satisfaction for value is quite low at a poor 38.5%, indicating that many guests expected more for their money. It seems that while some find the pricing fair, others feel it's definitely not a value option and can be highly priced for what you get.
Value
13
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for money
- Amazing, fair prices
What people don't like
- Expensive dinner
- Not worth the price
- Expected more
Often praised
- cocktailsreasonably priced for SF
- good valueit is a good value for what you get.
- pricesthe prices are amazing.
- pricingFair/reasonable pricing
- reasonably pricedthe food is reasonably priced for the quality
Frequently criticized
- priceThe filet mignon with truffled spaetzle was the only decent and most expensive item on the menu. This place is just not worth it. We were so disappointed by the food & experience, we didn't even want to see the dessert menu.
- expensive dinnerI wasn't a fan of the lamb pasta, finding it a bit bland. Overall, it was an expensive dinner, but it created good memories.
- price pointat this price point, I expected more
- pricesTotally not worth their prices
- regular pricesat their regular prices it needs to be better than this.
- value optionDefinitely not your value option here
If youre looking for a budget-friendly option, this place might be a gamble, as opinions on value are sharply divided. While some find the prices reasonable, many feel its overpriced for the experience. Go in with tempered expectations, especially if you're sensitive to price versus quality.
How are the prices at Perbacco?
On average, you’ll spend around 70 per person – based on 89 guests. That places this Italian spot in the $61–$70 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, thats definitely on the higher-end.
While 70 is the average, the pricing actually spreads quite a bit. Many diners opt for experiences in the $71–$80 range, and a significant number even go for premium options above 101 $. So, its a mix, but leans towards a more premium dining experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 89 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the premium lean, wed say the pricing feels fair if the quality of the food and experience truly matches. Its an investment for a memorable Italian meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Perbacco
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Perbacco: A Reliable Italian Favorite
Perbacco has consistently been my favorite Italian restaurant in the city, and it truly never disappoints. From the service to the drinks to the food, everything is excellent. The only minor drawback is that the decor feels a bit dated.
That said, the food is reasonably priced for the quality—delicious dishes with just the right portions. For antipasti, the Vitello Tonnato ($19) was a standout. This slow-roasted veal with capers and arugula was beautifully presented, delicious, and a generous portion.
The Heirloom Tomato Salad ($19) was also fresh and flavorful. In terms of pasta, their signature Pappardelle ($31) with slow-cooked short rib ragu and scallion horseradish crema is always outstanding and never disappoints. The Liberty Farm Duck Breast ($40) was a generous portion of perfectly cooked duck breast and absolutely delicious.
For dessert, their Panna Cotta is simply the best in the world! This time, I enjoyed the Figs Panna Cotta. I highly recommend Perbacco if you're craving authentic Italian cuisine in the city.
It's a reliable favorite that consistently delivers excellent food and service.
- service10
- drinks10
- food10
- decor4
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Divine Short Ribs, Sweet Ravioli
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with some notable exceptions. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was cozy and not too loud, allowing for easy conversation. I found the salads to be great.
However, the pasta dishes were not as successful; specifically, the ravioli was way too sweet and grossly so. On a high note, the short rib was divine, and the cocktails were excellent as well!
- service10
- atmosphere9
- salads8
- ravioli2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Good Service, Average Food, Loud Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The atmosphere was fun and busy, but it became really loud when the place was packed. On the positive side, the service and host staff were excellent.
The food was good, though not particularly special. I found the appetizers to be a highlight over the main courses, and the dessert spread was not great. The pricing was fair and reasonable, which also applied to the cocktails and wine.
- atmosphere6
- service10
- food6
- dessert spread4
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Memorable Birthday at Perbacco
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had an absolutely wonderful evening at Perbacco celebrating my son’s birthday. It’s one of his favorite restaurants, and to see one of his favorite dishes served perfectly made the night even more special. The service was truly five stars across the board — attentive, warm, and professional without being overbearing.
The food was exceptional, every dish prepared with precision and flavor that reminds you why Perbacco remains one of San Francisco’s best. The wine list is second to none, thoughtfully curated and beautifully paired with the menu. The hospitality is top-notch — genuine, heartfelt, and something to truly be admired.
It made our family celebration feel personal and unforgettable. We’re already looking forward to many more visits and memorable experiences at Perbacco in the future.
- service10
- food10
- wine list10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Dinner Experience in San Francisco!
OMG, what an amaZing dinner experience! Visiting San Francisco from out of town for work & decided to have a niCe dinner out on the town. The food was absolutely fantastic, wine selection was great & dinner service was impeccable.
If you're looking to have an amaZing dinner & impress your spouse/friend(s) Perbacco in San Fran is sure to impress! We will definitely be back next time we're in town, Thanks for the Wonderful experience!
- dinner experience10
- food10
- wine selection9
What Perbacco offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- 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
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Perbacco in San Francisco?
At Perbacco, you can anticipate an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a memorable meal. You’ll enjoy table service for lunch, dinner, or dessert, with convenient options for dine-in, takeout, or delivery. A private dining room is also available for your special occasions.
Does Perbacco offer options for specific dietary needs and special amenities?
Yes, Perbacco is inclusive, featuring delicious vegan and vegetarian options, alongside organic dishes. You’ll find a great wine list, hard liquor, cocktails, and beer. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, provides high chairs for children, and even welcomes dogs inside.
What is Perbacco's overall rating and what aspects contribute to it?
Perbacco holds a good overall score of 7.8 out of 10. This is largely driven by its strong performance in Food (7.9), Service (7.8), and Ambience (7.7), though Value (5.2) is perceived as average.
How is the food quality at Perbacco?
The food at Perbacco is frequently praised, especially the pasta dishes, which many describe as superb and authentic. While some specific dishes have received mixed reviews, the culinary offerings are generally a highlight.
What can I expect from the service and atmosphere at Perbacco?
Service is often highlighted as impeccable and professional, with staff being attentive. The ambiance is generally considered elegant and beautiful, though some guests note that the restaurant can become quite loud and busy.