Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
oChef » Piccolo Forno – San Francisco
Piccolo Forno - San Francisco
Photo from Piccolo Forno
Piccolo Forno at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 154 of the guests
#294 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#22 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
723
Reviews
85.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Italian flavors
- Great service
- Cozy vibe
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- High prices
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant Piccolo Forno, an Italian restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood, offers you a truly delightful dining experience. You’ll find yourself drawn to its cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for any occasion.
Don’t miss out on their great dessert, a highlight that truly sets this spot apart.
Overview: Introducting Piccolo Forno
Piccolo Forno offers a generally delightful Italian dining experience, with many guests praising the authentic food and the genuinely friendly service. The restaurant cultivates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making many feel right at home.
However, some diners have found the value proposition a bit inconsistent, and there are occasional remarks about specific dishes not quite hitting the mark. Despite these minor points, the overall sentiment remains largely positive.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
723
Reviews
85.1%
Satisfaction
82
negative
26
neutral
615
positive
Piccolo Forno earns a solid overall score of 8.4, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 85.1%, indicating that the vast majority of guests leave content.
This strong performance is supported by 615 positive observations against 82 negative ones, out of 723 total customer remarks. Delving into specifics, Service leads the way with an impressive (8.7), closely followed by Food (8.5), both rated as good to excellent.
The Ambience also contributes positively with a good (8.0). However, Value (5.8) presents a more average picture, suggesting that while many appreciate the quality, some find the pricing less compelling.
What people like
- Authentic Italian flavors
- Exceptional, warm service
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food execution
- Pricing can be high
- Occasional cleanliness issues
Piccolo Forno appears to be a worthwhile stop for those seeking a genuine Italian meal with attentive service in a pleasant setting. With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, it clearly resonates with many diners looking for that comforting, authentic experience.
While some aspects like pricing or occasional dish consistency might give pause, the overall positive feedback suggests these are not widespread issues. If you prioritize excellent Italian flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, Piccolo Forno is certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Piccolo Forno
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 8.5 with a fantastic customer satisfaction of 87.7%. Many guests rave about the authentic Italian flavors, especially the delicious homemade pasta, fresh ingredients, and perfectly crafted pizza dough. With 357 positive remarks, it's clear the culinary experience is a winner.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as seen in 37 negative comments. Some found the pasta to be inconsistently cooked or lacking flavor, while others noted issues with the pizza dough and insufficient tomato sauce. A few even mentioned disappointing bread quality.
Food
407
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
37
negative
13
neutral
357
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian flavors
- Homemade pasta shines
- Fresh, quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pasta cooking
- Bland flavors sometimes
- Dry pizza dough
Often praised
- foodFrom the moment we arrived, all the waiters were very pleasant. The food was spectacular; the Caesar salad was delicious, the pasta was perfectly al dente and very good, and the Neapolitan pizza was also very good. The service was spectacular and the price was great.
- pizzaPrima cucina italiana all estero davvero da 5stelle, siamo stati accolti dal Proprietario Gentilissimo e disponibile che in meno di 10 Minuti ci ha fatto accomodare, ambiente e personale cordiale, disponibilità anche a servirci un primo ridotto per il nostro bimbo. Cibo davvero buono primo al sugo con polpette, carbonara e pizza ottimi. Vini italiani ottimi se sieye a San Francisco non perdetevi una cena qui Grazie dai tarantini ☺️
- pastaThe food was fantastic – my vegetariana pizza with its pinse-style crust was among the best I've ever had, and my wife agreed after trying a bite. The other three family members, including the 9 and 11-year-old kids, had pasta and were equally pleased.
- tiramisuthe tiramisu was perfect, they clearly make it with mascarpone
- Italian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed ottimo cibo italiano di elevata qualità, a true taste of Italy. It felt like a little corner of San Francisco where I could feel at home.
- FoodBoth were delicious! Tasted like when you are in Italy
- lasagnalasagna will melt in your mouth
- wineThe food and wine and tiramisu never disappoint
- Bucatini AmatricianaSpaghetti with Polpette and Bucatini Amatriciana, both were amazing!
- carbonaraPrima cucina italiana all estero davvero da 5stelle, siamo stati accolti dal Proprietario Gentilissimo e disponibile che in meno di 10 Minuti ci ha fatto accomodare, ambiente e personale cordiale, disponibilità anche a servirci un primo ridotto per il nostro bimbo. Cibo davvero buono primo al sugo con polpette, carbonara e pizza ottimi. Vini italiani ottimi se sieye a San Francisco non perdetevi una cena qui Grazie dai tarantini ☺️
Frequently criticized
- pastaThe pasta was overly al dente - chewy and rubbery
- foodThe food was mediocre
- pizzadisappointed with the pizza.. the thinnest crispiest pizza base
- Italian foodThe service was friendly. We have eaten much better Italian food in the USA than here. Mainly tourists come here, so you get the bill immediately when you are done.
- PizzasPizzas weren’t a favorite
- authentic Italian experienceneither an authentic Italian experience
- barilla pastatasted enough barilla pasta
- breadel pan que dan de bienvenida como que era de la semana pasada sabía horrible
- bucatini noodlesBucatini noodles were a tad too Al dente
- cheese raviolisame with the cheese ravioli
If you're craving authentic Italian, this place is definitely worth a try, especially for its highly praised pasta and pizza. While there might be occasional inconsistencies, the overall food experience is overwhelmingly positive and likely to satisfy your Italian cravings.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.7 and customer satisfaction soaring at 85.9%, it's clear guests feel well-cared for. Out of 198 comments, a whopping 170 praise the friendly staff, attentive servers, and welcoming owners who offer great hospitality.
However, not every interaction is perfect. A smaller number of 21 comments mention occasional issues like rude workers, long waits, or poor tableside manner. While these instances are few, they highlight areas where consistency could be improved to match the overall excellent experience.
Service
198
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
21
negative
7
neutral
170
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming, humorous owners
- Excellent hospitality
What people don't like
- Occasional rude workers
- Poor tableside manner
- Potential for waits
Often praised
- serviceThe food, the service, and the atmosphere were all perfect. Our server was funny and charismatic, and all the food we had was fresh and delicious. We truly enjoyed our experience here and have vowed to come back next time we are in town!
- staffI travel to San Francisco for work one week each month, and I never miss the chance to eat at Piccolo Forno. The owner greets me with such warmth whether I’m walking through the door or just passing by—and the entire staff makes you feel like family. It’s rare to find a restaurant where the vibe truly feels like home, but this place nails it.
- ServiceSchneller Service
- ownerI've had the opportunity to eat here on two different occasions while visiting San Francisco, once with my family and the second time with employees. The owner is incredibly friendly and accommodating, and yes, he’s an authentic Italian. The lasagna will melt in your mouth, and the desserts, especially the panna cotta, are to die for!
- ownersLocated in the Italian neighborhood, the owners are also Italian. We ordered Pinsa, pizza, linguini, and ravioli, and they were all magnificent.
- wait timePrima cucina italiana all estero davvero da 5stelle, siamo stati accolti dal Proprietario Gentilissimo e disponibile che in meno di 10 Minuti ci ha fatto accomodare, ambiente e personale cordiale, disponibilità anche a servirci un primo ridotto per il nostro bimbo. Cibo davvero buono primo al sugo con polpette, carbonara e pizza ottimi.
- serversThe two servers were personal, jovial
- waiterWaiter with a strong Italian accent. Very nice. But not intrusive.
- waitersFrom the moment we arrived, all the waiters were very pleasant. The food was spectacular; the Caesar salad was delicious, the pasta was perfectly al dente and very good, and the Neapolitan pizza was also very good.
- SalvatoreThe service was amazing. A special thank you to Salvatore, who took the time to explain each dish and made us feel very welcome. He was warm, knowledgeable, and so kind.
Frequently criticized
- serviceterrible service from Piccolo Forno
- waiterwaiter, I simply asked what substitutions they had and he instantly became upset and started berating me
- considerationshowed a lack of consideration and thoughtfulness toward customers
- constant lineThe street-side atmosphere was great, and I'd recommend sitting outside for people watching, as the interior seemed a bit cramped. Be prepared for a constant line at the door, so don't expect to walk in and get a table easily. They also have good gluten-free options available.
- disrespectfulincredibly disrespectful for no literally no reason
- fills up fastfills up fast, so plan for waiting if you’re heading there for dinner
- genuine concernsyou don't care about looking into genuine concerns from customers
- managerthe manager was quite rude
- restaurant staffthey didn’t care about it
- rude workersMy partner, mother-in-law, and I were excited to try this place due to the high reviews and menu options. However, upon arriving at the door, we were greeted with incredibly rude workers. One individual stated, "I already told you.
Overall, the service here is a major highlight, making guests feel like family. While there are a few isolated reports of rudeness or waits, the overwhelming majority rave about the attentive and friendly team. Definitely worth a visit if you value a warm welcome and excellent care.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
It seems the ambiance here really hits the mark for many! With a solid score of 8 and customer satisfaction at a strong 80.4%, guests frequently rave about the Italy vibes and authentic experience that make them feel right at home. Many appreciate the great vibes and atmosphere in whats often described as a "cozy" and "intimate" spot, based on 74 positive remarks.
However, its not entirely senza difetti. A few diners noted the inner part could be cold and noisy, creating an unpleasant atmosphere. There were also some concerns about cleanliness and the bathroom location, with a handful of comments mentioning the interior felt a bit cramped, accounting for 13 negative observations.
Ambience
92
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
13
negative
5
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Feels like Italy
- Warm, homey vibe
- Great atmosphere
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Bathroom location
- Cleanliness issues
Often praised
- atmosphereOn the advice of a friend, looking for a bit of Italy, we went to Piccolo Forno and I must say it was an excellent choice. Not only do you feel at home, but you feel in an excellent Italian restaurant 🤩 We highly recommend it 🤩
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placethe place was very cozy
- ambiencethe ambience couldn't have been better
- kitchenso you can see the kitchen.
- locationthe location. Walked from the ferry building
- vibeThe owner greets me with such warmth whether I’m walking through the door or just passing by—and the entire staff makes you feel like family. It’s rare to find a restaurant where the vibe truly feels like home, but this place nails it. I highly recommend the squash ravioli and their incredibly fresh, authentic Caesar salad.
- Italian neighborhoodLocated in the Italian neighborhood, the owners are also Italian. We ordered Pinsa, pizza, linguini, and ravioli, and they were all magnificent.
- Italian tavernWhat an experience at this great Italian tavern run by Italians! The dishes are simple but taste absolutely amazing.
- Italy vibesgave us Italy vibes like if we were actually there
Frequently criticized
- ambianceAmbiance? Confusing.
- atmosphereOn the positive side, the waiters were kind and helpful, providing excellent service. However, the inner part of the restaurant was cold and noisy, creating an unpleasant atmosphere. It felt like a place to just eat and go.
- bathroom locationThe bathroom is in the kitchen.
- cleanlinessla limpieza es muy mala
- doorthe door was also left open and it was very cold
- health codeMy regret level is high. I left hungry, annoyed, and concerned for the health code. Save your money, your appetite, and your dignity — go literally anywhere else.
- inner partİnnerpart is cold and noisy
- interiorinterior looked a little cramped
- placeY el lugar muy descuidado y sucio.
- restrooms accessto access the restrooms you have to pass the cooks
If you're seeking a warm, authentic Italian atmosphere that feels like a home away from home, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some find the indoor seating a bit noisy or cramped, so consider outdoor seating if available for a potentially calmer experience.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.8 and customer satisfaction sitting at 53.8%. Many guests appreciated the "value for money" and "affordable dishes, " finding the "prices" to be quite reasonable and the experience "worth it. " With 14 positive remarks among 26 total, theres a definite sense that you can find good quality for the price here.
However, 11 negative comments suggest that value isn't always a strong suit. Some found the food overpriced for what it was, noting discrepancies between website prices and actual charges, and were unhappy with automatic service charge additions. Be aware of potential extra costs like extra toppings that can quickly add up.
Value
26
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good quality for price
- Affordable dishes
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Automatic service charge
- Price discrepancies
Often praised
- pricesThey should double their prices
- pricefood is so nice and cheaper
- PricesPrezzi nella media di San Francisco
- affordable dishesDes plats savoureux et abordables
- good pricesAuthentic Italian food and good prices.
- priced very reasonablyIt is priced very reasonably.
- quality for priceMy experience at this Italian spot in North Beach was generally positive, offering good quality for the price. I enjoyed the pappardelle al ragù, which were perfectly al dente and very satisfying.
- value for moneyOttimo rapporto qualità e prezzo
- worth itWorth it, though
Frequently criticized
- priceTurns out, it should’ve stayed hidden. Here’s the rundown: It's overpriced and overrated. You’re paying premium prices for below-average food and a weird setup that feels like someone’s half-finished Airbnb experiment.
- tipThe food was good, and the place was very cozy. However, there was an issue with the bill where they tried to charge us for the tip twice. This was a significant problem.
- actual priceswhen we saw the prices
- extra toppingsThe extra toppings charged at $5
- foodfood was also overpriced for what it was
- pricesPrices are little high for me
- service chargeHowever, the prices are a little high for me coming from the Southern states. The only thing I didn't like was the 20% automatic service charge for our party of 4.
- website pricesThe prices do not match at all the website
If you're looking for a decent meal at what can be a reasonable price, you might find some good value here. Just be mindful of potential hidden charges or price discrepancies that could make your bill higher than expected.
How are the prices at Piccolo Forno?
On average, you’ll spend around 35 per person – from 154 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average sits at 35, it’s interesting to see that most diners actually spend in the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix, with some guests enjoying a more premium experience, which pulls the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 154 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar places in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to offer a good balance, catering to both those looking for a more modest meal and those ready to indulge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Piccolo Forno
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fantastic Food, Service, and Value!
We had a fantastic experience at this restaurant. We enjoyed the Pizza, salad, and pasta, and loved it all. The prices were great, and the management and service were excellent.
- Pizza9
- salad9
- pasta9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Authentic Italian Flavors!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the Pruscutto Crudo and Ravioli Di Zucca, and both were absolutely delicious. They truly tasted like being in Italy 😋.
The food quality was a perfect 5 out of 5, and the service and atmosphere also received a perfect 5. It was a great lunch experience with no wait time.
- Pruscutto Crudo10
- Ravioli Di Zucca10
- Food10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
3
Overpriced pizzas, disappointing experience
I came here based on the many positive reviews, but I didn't find the experience matched the price. It cost nearly $150 for 3 pizzas, a pasta dish, and 2 drinks (including tip). The extra toppings were charged at $5 each.
Unfortunately, the pizzas were cooked with gas. It's a shame that to access the restrooms, you have to walk past the cooks. The welcome, however, was very good.
- welcome8
- price2
- pizzas3
- extra toppings3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Service and Food in Little Italy!
My experience at this restaurant in Little Italy, San Francisco was exceptional. The service was 100% the best, and the food was equally outstanding. I'm from New England and can confidently say this place is a gem.
The owner was amazing, contributing to the overall fantastic experience. The atmosphere was also rated a perfect 5. 😋
- service10
- food10
- owner10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delightful Experience with Wonderful Staff
My experience at this restaurant was delightful. The wonderful staff made us feel super welcome, and the pinsa was really good. I will definitely return.
- wonderful staff10
- pinsa9
What Piccolo Forno 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
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Piccolo Forno?
At Piccolo Forno, you can anticipate a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer table service, healthy options, vegetarian choices, and small plates, complemented by a selection of wine, beer, and coffee. Don’t forget to save room for their great dessert!
Is Piccolo Forno accessible and family-friendly, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Piccolo Forno is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. It’s also good for kids, offering high chairs for your little ones. For parking, you’ll find both free and paid street parking available nearby.
How does Piccolo Forno generally rate?
Piccolo Forno holds a strong overall score of 8.4, with Food (8.5) and Service (8.7) being particular strengths. Ambience also scores well (8.0), though Value (5.8) is more of a mixed bag.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Piccolo Forno?
Diners frequently praise the authentic Italian food, highlighting dishes like pizza and pasta for their quality and taste, often comparing them favorably to meals in Italy.
Are there any common concerns about Piccolo Forno?
Some patrons have noted issues with value, finding certain items or the overall experience overpriced. There are also occasional comments regarding cleanliness and inconsistent food execution for some dishes.