Highlights
- Great dessert
- Sports
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Piazza Pellegrini – San Francisco
Piazza Pellegrini - San Francisco
Photo from Piazza Pellegrini
Piazza Pellegrini at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 128 of the guests
#1194 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#76 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
585
Reviews
74.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent food
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Loud environment
- Slow service
The restaurant Piazza Pellegrini, an Italian restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood, invites you to experience a truly memorable meal. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Known for its great dessert, this spot offers a delightful culinary journey. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a late-night dinner, you’ll find a welcoming ambiance and excellent service.
Overview: Introducting Piazza Pellegrini
Piazza Pellegrini offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its authentic Italian food and a menu that consistently delivers well-prepared dishes. Guests frequently appreciate the attentive service from a welcoming staff, making for a comfortable visit.
The setting often provides a great vibe, especially with its appealing outdoor seating options. However, some diners have found the overall value for money to be a point of contention, with concerns about pricing.
The atmosphere can sometimes be a bit loud, and there are occasional reports of slow service or issues with food consistency, such as bland or overly salty preparations.
Good
7.5
out of 10
585
Reviews
74.4%
Satisfaction
125
negative
25
neutral
435
positive
Piazza Pellegrini achieves a solid overall score of 7.5, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a customer satisfaction rate of 74.4%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
With 435 positive remarks against 125 negative ones out of 585 customer comments, there’s a clear leaning towards positive experiences, particularly concerning the culinary offerings. The kitchen truly shines, with Food scoring an impressive (7.9), reflecting many positive comments about its quality and authenticity.
Ambience also contributes positively, rated at (7.5), creating a pleasant setting for meals. While Service is rated well at (6.8), some feedback points to occasional inconsistencies.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value, which sits at an average (5.1), indicating that some diners find the pricing less competitive.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
- Attentive, welcoming service
What people don't like
- Perceived high pricing
- Occasional noise levels
- Inconsistent service speed
Piazza Pellegrini generally delivers a commendable experience, especially if you prioritize well-prepared Italian dishes and a pleasant setting. With a solid recommendation score of 7.7, it’s certainly worth considering for a meal out.
Just be mindful of potential noise and the pricing structure. If you’re seeking authentic flavors in a lively environment and don’t mind paying a bit more, this spot could be a good fit.
However, those sensitive to noise or on a strict budget might find aspects less appealing. It’s a place with clear strengths, but also a few areas where expectations should be managed.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Piazza Pellegrini
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! Its definitely a highlight for many, boasting a solid score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 79.4%. Diners frequently praise the authentic Italian food, delicious pasta dishes like Oxtail Pappadelle and Lobster Ravioli, and fantastic pizzas.
The great flavors, high-quality ingredients, and generous portions often make for a wonderful culinary experience. However, it's not always a perfect plate, with 51 out of 316 opinions noting some misses. A few found the fried calamari thin and dry, meat dishes overcooked, and some pizzas greasy or bland.
There were also comments about bland Alfredo sauce, small salmon portions, and even an unfortunate mention of cooked hair, indicating some inconsistencies in food quality.
Food
316
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
51
negative
14
neutral
251
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Delicious pasta dishes
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Greasy/bland pizzas
- Overcooked meats
Often praised
- foodThe ambience was lovely, and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening. The service was excellent, and the food was excellent. I had the Caprese con Pomodorini and an arugula salad for appetizers, which were the best!
- pizzaIt was GREAT! Seriously, one of the best pizzas we've had in quite awhile. Bravo, we'll be back!
- Italian foodMy experience at this restaurant was a perfect combination of laid back and classy. We sat at the bar and watched an NBA playoff game while the wait staff served us good drinks and great Italian food. Everyone was nice, quick, and attentive.
- pastaPasta taste like it was made same day and feels very light
- FoodI particularly enjoyed the bruschetta, which came with mushroom, cheese, tomato, and garlic options. The service was excellent, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect 5. The atmosphere was rated a 4, indicating a pleasant dining environment.
- drinksMy experience at this bar was perfect. We stumbled upon this great place for drinks on the way back to our hotel. It was nice in the sun and not too busy, making it an ideal spot.
- menuIt's a great place to meet friends and enjoy excellent Italian food. The menu is extensive, and having eaten here more than a dozen times, I can report that everything is well prepared, generously portioned, and delicious. The service is perfect, friendly, and attentive.
- pasta dishesAll the pasta dishes I’ve had have been great
- wineThe atmosphere was quaint and light, creating a pleasant dining environment. We started our lunch with marvelous wine, accompanied by fresh baked bread and olive oil. For our meal, we enjoyed the scrumptious gamberoni marinati, and concluded with a pizza that was absolute perfection.
- authentic Italian foodlooking for authentic Italian food! This is the place
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I was very excited to try food from Little Italy, but the food was very bland. Any local Italian restaurant is better than this.
- pizzathe pizza, it was incredibly salty
- pizzasthe pizzas are very very greasy
- Alfredo sauceThe Alfredo sauce is bland
- Caesar saladI can wholeheartedly recommend the restaurant for pizza – the quality and taste are spot on here. However, the Caesar salad was less convincing. From the first bite, I felt something wasn't quite right: it tasted strange, wasn't very fresh, and wasn't what I expected from a classic Caesar salad.
- Caprese saladThe tomatoes in the Caprese salad were regular field tomatoes, sliced. So fairly bland.
- Fettuccine Alfredocooked into my Fettuccine Alfredo twice!
- Gewy pizzaAlso pizza was Gewy
- Greek saladGreek salad had too much pepper
- Margherita pizzaI think they must have brought the wrong pizza, since it was just cheese and tomato sauce.
Overall, the food here is a strong contender, especially if youre craving authentic Italian classics like pasta and pizza. While there are some reported inconsistencies, its generally worth a visit for a satisfying meal. Just be mindful of your choices!
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, scoring a 6.8, with many guests praising the friendly and attentive staff. Out of 137 opinions, 88 were positive, highlighting wonderful hospitality and feeling not rushed. Diners often mentioned the great wine recommendations and accommodating owners/managers, contributing to a very pleasant experience.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 64.2%, indicating some areas for improvement. With 44 negative comments, issues like long waiting times, slow service, and rude staff members occasionally surface. Some guests also noted problems with the owner's attitude and difficulties with ordering or getting the check, suggesting an inconsistent experience.
Service
137
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
44
negative
5
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Wonderful hospitality
- Never felt rushed
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rude staff members
- Owner's poor attitude
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this Italian restaurant was so enjoyable that we returned for a second dinner during our visit to the area. The restaurant truly excels in combining a welcoming ambiance, attentive service, and an authentic culinary experience. They demonstrate a clear commitment to using high-quality ingredients, which contributes to a memorable and enjoyable dining atmosphere.
- staffthe staff was welcoming and polite.
- ServiceI particularly enjoyed the bruschetta, which came with mushroom, cheese, tomato, and garlic options. The service was excellent, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect 5. The atmosphere was rated a 4, indicating a pleasant dining environment.
- BineMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful, largely thanks to the incredibly nice and accommodating staff, especially Bine and Xavier. Bine, in particular, was very personable and friendly. Everything we ordered was delicious, and I highly recommend trying the tiramisu!
- EddieEddie was amazing and served us well!
- attentive staffThis is a place I usually really like, with excellent food and very attentive staff. However, on this occasion, the service was very scarce and the person who attended us was not very friendly.
- colleaguesJoel and his colleagues
- corkageThe wine selection is above-par, but perhaps a bit limited by-the-glass. The good news is they have corkage, so BYO is indeed an option. Sure, it's opposite the flair and excitement of Washington Square Park, so you may see things you can't unsee, but just go, you won't be disappointed!
- customer serviceGreat customer service
- effortsmaking the efforts
Frequently criticized
- serviceAny local Italian restaurant is better than this. The service was also poor, rated at a 2, and the atmosphere was just average, rated at a 3. The price per person was between $50–100, and there was no wait time.
- waiting timeafter 15 á 20min was er nogsteeds geen ober gekomen
- wait timewe had to wait 40 minutes for our food
- Latin rootsMuy mal la verdad, negar tus raĂces latinas
- attendantThe attendant said "the wind blows hair everywhere"!
- checkwaiting for the check which never came
- compostable utensilsreceived compostable utensils despite seeing actual silverware
- cutleryyou let bring your glasses and cutlery
- cutlery and beersI would focus more on the dough, which was raw in parts and had a strong yeast flavor. It was the first time I had to bring cutlery and beers to the table myself, paying a price that is definitely not for takeaway.
- inside tableasked for a table inside and were told it would not be possible
Overall, service here can be a bit of a mixed bag. While many rave about the friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for potential inconsistencies like longer wait times or occasional less-than-stellar interactions. It's worth a try if you value good hospitality, but manage your expectations for peak times.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 78.6%. Many guests rave about the terrace and outdoor seating for its pleasant vibe and often dog friendly nature. With 88 positive remarks, its clear that many find the atmosphere quite appealing, often praising the beautiful patio and overall ambiance.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. Some 20 comments point to issues like the noise level being loud, especially from traffic, and some seating arrangement concerns, including uncomfortable chairs. While the positive experiences far outweigh the negative, these points suggest that certain areas, particularly regarding noise and indoor comfort, could use a little attention to enhance the overall experience.
Ambience
112
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
20
negative
4
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful outdoor patio
- Great welcoming vibe
- Dog friendly spot
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Uncomfortable chairs
- Uncomfortable seating arrangements
Often praised
- atmosphereWhile I haven't tried everything, I'm a good judge of quality products and preparation. If you have quality food, great service, and a wonderful atmosphere, then you can't miss. At Piazza Pellegrini, you simply cannot go wrong with the crab cakes, the chicken parm, the ravioli, and meatballs – you name it.
- AtmosphereThe service was excellent, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect 5. The atmosphere was rated a 4, indicating a pleasant dining environment. Recommended dishes include Tiramisu, and vegetarian options like Greek salad and minestrone are available.
- ambiancethe whole ambiance and dining experience was the perfect combination of laid back and classy
- outdoor seatingattracted by the outdoor seating
- locationWhile it's a little pricey, the great patio and lots of food options make it worthwhile. I love the location; you're still in the hustle and bustle of North Beach but away from all the tourists. I can only speak to the patio space, but it was such a great vibe.
- placethe place can be comfortable
- ambienceGreat ambience! Lovely evening!
- dining experienceChill and intimate dining experience
- patioOver the years, Cafe Pellegrini has been a decent spot for me, but this recent visit was a letdown. We chose to sit outside since the weather was lovely, and their patio is pretty nice – enclosed, with different seating choices, and a TV for sports fans, which makes it good for both groups and couples. I ordered a Peroni, and my partner got a non-alcoholic drink.
- people watchingtable for people watching
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereDas Fussballspiel im TV war wichtiger
- loudcan be a tad loud
- musicthe music stond er VEEL te luid
- noise levelvery noisy from traffic on the road
- 80s musicthe really loud 80s music was a problem
- chairsthe chairs were rather uncomfortable
- cockroachsmall cockroach (???) scuttle across the bar
- decorthe decoration around the table was very dusty
- experience eating insideNot cool. Lastly, the experience eating inside is very different from eating outside where you are expected to order from a window, set your own table, and get your own beverages—yet the menu prices are exactly the same as the full-service tables indoors. Really?
- experience eating outsideNot cool. Lastly, the experience eating inside is very different from eating outside where you are expected to order from a window, set your own table, and get your own beverages—yet the menu prices are exactly the same as the full-service tables indoors. Really?
If you're looking for a spot with a great outdoor vibe, especially if you enjoy people-watching or have a dog, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, be mindful that it can get a bit loud, so if quiet intimacy is your priority, you might want to consider off-peak hours.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in an average 5.1 score and a mixed 40% customer satisfaction. However, some diners found quite a bit to love, praising the price and prices as very reasonable for the quality. Many appreciated it as an affordable sit-down Italian restaurant offering good value for money, with some even calling the value for money unbeatable.
These positive sentiments come from 8 positive opinions out of 20 total. On the flip side, 10 negative opinions suggest that not everyone felt they got their moneys worth. Concerns about prices and menu prices being too high were common, with some feeling it was overpriced for what they received.
A few even described it as a tourist trap, indicating that the bill' might leave you feeling a little disappointed.
Value
20
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
- Affordable Italian
What people don't like
- High prices
- Can feel overpriced
- Tourist trap vibes
Often praised
- pricesPrices a little better average for here
- value for moneythe value for money unbeatable
- Good pricesGood prices too.
- affordable sit-down Italian restaurantAn affordable sit-down Italian restaurant
- priceprice was very reasonable for the quality
Frequently criticized
- priceFor $127 I expected at least decent service
- pricesWe ordered 3 pizzas. The prices were high for the final product. I would focus more on the dough, which was raw in parts and had a strong yeast flavor.
- billThen, when I tried the pizza, it was incredibly salty. We didn't want to complain and tried to enjoy the afternoon, but then the bill came, and it was over $50. I'm not sure if I'll go back anytime soon.
- menu pricesthe menu prices are exactly the same
- overpricedOverpriced for what you're getting
- tourist trapa tourist trap
If you're on the hunt for an affordable Italian meal, you might discover some great value here. However, be mindful that some items could feel a bit pricey or even like a tourist trap, so choose your dishes wisely to ensure a satisfying experience.
How are the prices at Piazza Pellegrini?
You’re looking at roughly 37 per person – reported by 128 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 37, its interesting to see that many diners actually spend a bit less, with a big cluster of prices in the $21–$30 range. Theres also a good mix of folks enjoying a slightly more premium experience, so prices aren’t just stuck around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 128 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, and the spread of prices suggests there’s something for various budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Piazza Pellegrini
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing experience with seating and service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. After waiting for 15 minutes for a table, I was informed that the only available seating was outside. Despite requesting an inside table, it was not possible.
Ironically, parties of seven and four who arrived after me were seated inside. The outside table was cold and very noisy due to traffic, so we decided to leave.
- wait time2
- table availability1
- inside table1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
A Delicious Feast Like in the Movies
My experience at this restaurant felt like stepping into a movie scene, filled with joy and abundance – something increasingly rare these days. The restaurant excels in delivering both quality and generous portions, creating a truly delicious feast. I hadn't eaten food this good in years and had begun to think such quality no longer existed.
However, it does, and it's right here.
- quality10
- generous portions10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Food, Service, and Vision
My experience at this restaurant was great. I enjoyed their great pizza, salads, and beer. The service was also great, and the two brothers who run the place have a great vision.
It's a great place for families with great pizza and orange soda pop for the kids.
- pizza9
- salads9
- beer9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Great Food, Disappointing Service and Value
The food tasted excellent, but I was very disappointed in the serving size for the salmon. It was the smallest piece of salmon I’ve ever seen served in a restaurant, 3 ounces at most. They are also under-staffed, and we had to wait 40 minutes for our food.
Not cool. Lastly, the experience eating inside is very different from eating outside where you are expected to order from a window, set your own table, and get your own beverages—yet the menu prices are exactly the same as the full-service tables indoors. Really?
5 stars for the food, but everything else about the place was 2 stars at best.
- food10
- serving size2
- salmon2
- staff2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Great Service & Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I highly recommend the steak with onion sauce and asparagus. The red sauce was also delicious!
The chicken parmesan was excellent. However, the Alfredo sauce was bland, and the Greek salad had too much pepper. Overall, the service and atmosphere were great, both receiving a perfect 5/5.
I would go back regularly if I lived here!
- steak with onion sauce9
- asparagus9
- red sauce9
- Alfredo sauce3
- Greek salad4
What Piazza Pellegrini offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Piazza Pellegrini?
At Piazza Pellegrini, you’ll find a delightful blend of romantic, cozy, and casual atmospheres, making it suitable for various occasions. You can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner with table service, and don’t forget to save room for their great dessert. It’s also good for kids, offering high chairs for your little ones.
What service options and amenities does Piazza Pellegrini provide for your convenience?
Piazza Pellegrini offers a range of service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery. You can also enjoy outdoor seating. For your comfort, the restaurant provides free Wi-Fi, a bar onsite, and wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. Paid parking options are available nearby.
How does Piazza Pellegrini rate overall?
Piazza Pellegrini holds a good overall score of 7.5. Its Food is highly rated (7.9), followed by a pleasant Ambience (7.5) and generally good Service (6.8). Value is considered average (5.1).
Is the food at Piazza Pellegrini considered authentic?
Yes, many patrons praise Piazza Pellegrini for its authentic Italian food, with dishes like pasta and pizza frequently receiving high marks for quality and preparation.
Is Piazza Pellegrini considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed; while some find the prices reasonable for the quality, others perceive it as overpriced or a tourist trap, contributing to its average Value score (5.1).