oChef » Roma Antica – San Francisco

Roma Antica - San Francisco

Italian Restaurant Roma Antica in San Francisco
Photo from Roma Antica
How do the guests rate it?
Roma Antica at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 149 of the guests
#777 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#56 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
7.9
Food
8.1
Service
7.3
Ambience
4.9
Value
891

Reviews

76.8%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Authentic Food
  • Great Service
  • Outdoor Seating
Frequently criticized
  • Food Inconsistency
  • High Price
  • Loud Noise

The restaurant Roma Antica is a charming Italian Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere perfect for a memorable meal.

This spot is particularly celebrated for its great dessert, offering a sweet conclusion to your dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner or a trendy night out, you’ll find a welcoming ambiance here.

Overview: Introducting Roma Antica

Roma Antica generally offers a delightful authentic Italian experience, often praised for its delicious pasta and overall food quality. Many guests appreciate the prompt service and the feeling of being transported to Rome.

However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly with certain dishes. While the service often shines, the overall atmosphere can sometimes feel overwhelming, impacting the dining experience for a few.

Good
7.8 out of 10
891

Reviews

76.8%

Satisfaction

154

negative

53

neutral

684

positive

Roma Antica achieves a solid 7.8 overall score, reflecting a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 76.8%, indicating that most patrons leave content.

These figures are drawn from 891 customer opinions, with a strong majority of 684 positive remarks. The Service (8.1) truly stands out, with many praising the attentive staff.

Food (7.9) also scores well, though some specific dishes receive mixed feedback. The Ambience (7.3) is generally pleasant, but can be quite lively.

However, Value (4.9) is an area where the restaurant falls short, with 154 negative comments often citing high prices.

What people like
  • Authentic Italian food
  • Exceptional, attentive service
  • Pleasant outdoor seating
What people don't like
  • Inconsistent food quality
  • Poor value
  • Loud atmosphere

Roma Antica presents a compelling option for those seeking genuine Italian flavors and a warm, attentive staff. With a Recommendation Score of 8, it’s certainly worth considering if you prioritize excellent service and well-prepared pasta dishes.

Just be aware that while the food can be exceptional, some dishes might not hit the mark, and the pricing may feel a bit steep for the overall experience. It’s a place that can offer a memorable meal, provided you manage expectations regarding value and occasional noise.

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Verdict: Our expert take on Roma Antica

Food (7.9 out of 10)

mentioned by 97% of the guests

When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.9 and a customer satisfaction rate of 78.3%. Out of 483 comments, a whopping 378 rave about the authentic Italian cuisine, fresh, handmade pasta, and delicious drinks. Many also loved the generous portions and rich flavors, calling it a best meal experience.

However, not everyone was thrilled, with 69 negative remarks pointing to some inconsistent food quality. Complaints included inauthentic carbonara made with cream, salty dishes, and undercooked pizza with a soggy crust. Some also found the tiramisu overly sweet or soggy, suggesting a few misses amidst the hits.

7.9 Food

483

Reviews

78%

Satisfaction

69

negative

36

neutral

378

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Authentic Italian food
  • Fresh handmade pasta
  • Delicious, rich flavors
What people don't like
  • Inconsistent food quality
  • Salty, bland dishes
  • Inauthentic carbonara

Often praised

  • food
  • pasta
  • pizza
  • tiramisu
  • Food
  • Italian food
  • carbonara
  • lasagna
  • Cacio e Pepe
  • pinsa

Frequently criticized

  • food
  • carbonara
  • Tiramisu
  • food quality
  • pasta
  • amatriciana
  • calamari
  • crust
  • pizza
  • salty

If you're craving authentic Italian, especially fresh pasta or pinsa, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many dishes are fantastic, some diners have experienced inconsistencies in quality or authenticity.

Service (8.1 out of 10)

mentioned by 84% of the guests

The service here generally shines, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 82.4%. Out of 238 comments, a whopping 196 praise the attentive and friendly staff, often highlighting their impeccable service and accommodating nature, sometimes even with unique entertainment like singing or magic tricks. Many guests felt truly welcomed and well-cared for.

However, 41 comments point to areas for improvement. Some guests reported feeling rushed out or encountering rude servers, while others experienced dismissive staff or issues with delivery services. These instances suggest that while generally excellent, the service can occasionally fall short of expectations.

8.1 Service

238

Reviews

82%

Satisfaction

41

negative

1

neutral

196

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Attentive, friendly staff
  • Impeccable, personalized service
  • Entertaining, accommodating staff
What people don't like
  • Rude, dismissive staff
  • Feeling rushed out
  • Delivery service issues

Often praised

  • service
  • staff
  • server
  • waiter
  • Service
  • wait staff
  • Davide
  • attentive service
  • best server ever
  • customer service

Frequently criticized

  • service
  • server
  • staff
  • delivery
  • waiter
  • bussers
  • compensation or apology
  • delivery drivers
  • delivery service
  • eat it quickly

If youre looking for a dining experience where the staff often goes above and beyond, youll likely be delighted by the attentive and friendly service here. Just be aware that a few guests have reported feeling rushed or encountering less-than-stellar interactions, especially concerning delivery.

Ambience (7.3 out of 10)

mentioned by 58% of the guests

The ambience at this spot generally hits the mark, earning a solid 7.3, which is a good score! Customer satisfaction is also quite strong at 70.3%, indicating that most diners enjoy the setting. Many rave about the great vibe, outdoor seating options, and thoughtful touches like warm blankets, creating a welcoming and authentic atmosphere, as highlighted in 104 positive remarks out of 148 total.

However, its not always a perfect symphony. Some guests found the loud environment and cramped interior to be a bit overwhelming, with mentions of uncomfortable chairs and an aging interior' in need of a refresh. These points, noted in 33 negative comments, suggest that while the energy is often lively, it can sometimes tip into chaotic territory.

7.3 Ambience

148

Reviews

70%

Satisfaction

33

negative

11

neutral

104

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Cozy, lively atmosphere
  • Heated outdoor seating
  • Authentic Italian feel
What people don't like
  • Loud, chaotic environment
  • Cramped interior space
  • Uncomfortable seating

Often praised

  • atmosphere
  • vibe
  • Atmosphere
  • ambiance
  • outdoor seating
  • place
  • pleasant experience
  • restaurant
  • space
  • Good vibes

Frequently criticized

  • atmosphere
  • music
  • noise level
  • parking
  • acoustic
  • ambiance
  • ambience
  • casual
  • chaotic atmosphere
  • cramped

If you're seeking a lively, authentic Italian atmosphere with great outdoor options and cozy touches, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that it can get quite loud and potentially feel a bit cramped inside, so it might not be ideal for a quiet, intimate dinner.

Value (4.9 out of 10)

mentioned by 11% of the guests

Some guests definitely found good things to say about the value here, with 6 positive remarks out of 22 total. Many felt they got value for money, noting the price was fair and the experience was not too badly priced. They enjoyed delicious items at a good value, suggesting that for some, the cost matched the quality.

On the flip side, a larger group of 11 diners expressed concerns, leading to an average score of 4.9 and a rather poor customer satisfaction of 27.3%. Issues like price discrepancy, feeling the food was expensive, and even reports of overcharge or wrong change suggest that for many, the cost didn't align with their expectations.

4.9 Value

22

Reviews

27%

Satisfaction

11

negative

5

neutral

6

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Good value for money
  • Fair pricing
  • Worth the cost
What people don't like
  • Price discrepancies
  • Can be expensive
  • Billing issues

Often praised

  • price
  • Price
  • not too badly priced
  • value
  • value for money

Frequently criticized

  • price
  • bill
  • change
  • expensive
  • minimum tip
  • not dirt cheap
  • overcharge
  • price discrepancy
  • vegetarian dishes

When it comes to value, this place is a bit of a gamble. While some find it fair, many feel its overpriced or has issues with billing. If youre sensitive to price and potential discrepancies, you might want to proceed with caution.

How are the prices at Roma Antica?

You’re looking at roughly 44 $ per person – reported by 149 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.

While the average hovers around 44 $, our data shows that many guests actually spend less, with a good number of prices falling in the $21–$30 and $31–$40 ranges. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly choices to some premium experiences that pull the average up.

This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 149 most recent reviews.

See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.

Considering the variety of price points available, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to offer something for different budgets, which is always a plus!

Customer Reviews: what people think about Roma Antica

Price per Person
  • $71–$80
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Emily W.
Review date: 11/02/2025
9
Delicious Pasta and Amazing Service!
TL; DR: It was delicious — I’d definitely come back! My sister and I visited this restaurant around 6 PM on a Saturday. We arrived right before the dinner rush, so we were seated immediately, which was great! We ordered two cocktails, one appetizer, two pasta dishes, and two tiramisus to finish. 🍸 Drinks: 8/10 The drinks were good — not the best I’ve ever had, but still tasty and well-balanced. I asked for mine to be a bit sweeter toward the end of the night, and the staff were super accommodating, happily taking it back to adjust it. Great service! 🥗 Appetizer – Carpaccio di Polipo: 6/10 This was good, but probably not something I’d order again as I'd want to try the other appetizers. The flavors were light, and the octopus wasn’t chewy or overly fishy — nicely prepared overall. The arugula and orange paired well, and the portion (9 pieces) felt fair for the price. Our waiter recommended it since it’s a lighter starter (we were debating between this and the meatballs), and he was totally right — it balanced perfectly with our heavier main dishes. 🍝 Main Dishes Coda Alla Vaccinara: 10/10 Absolutely delicious! The pasta texture was perfect, and the sauce was flavorful without being too too heavy. I’d 100% order this again. Special Risotto (Mushroom Short Rib): 10/10 My sister ordered the nightly special, and it was amazing. I stole a few bites — the short rib was tender (not tough at all, which I always worry about) and the flavors came together beautifully. 🍰 Dessert – Tiramisu We ended with tiramisu, which came plated instead of in a cup like some of the photos online — but no complaints, it was delicious either way! ✨ Other Notes: Portion sizes were generous — we both had leftovers! Definitely worth the higher price. We didn’t try any pizzas, but it looked fantastic as it passed by to other tables. We sat in the next-door seating area, which has a brighter, white-decor vibe compared to the darker, more formal main room. There’s also outdoor seating available. Since we arrived early, our food came out quickly. Our server did mention that it gets busier later, and recommended putting in our main order early which was a smart move. 🙌 Service Shoutout: Huge thank-you to our AMAZING waiter, Tomas! He truly made our night. Friendly, funny, attentive, and just a great energy overall. He even noted that we’d be sharing dishes and had the kitchen split our pasta into two bowls ahead of time — such a thoughtful touch. We left full and happy, and his service was a big part of that. Overall: Great food, generous portions, excellent service, and a lovely atmosphere. We’ll definitely be back!
  • drinks8
  • staff accommodating10
  • Carpaccio di Polipo6
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
alaiza U.
Review date: 10/30/2025
9
Amazing Dinner with Wonderful Service
I had an amazing dinner at Roma Antica tonight. The service was wonderful. Special thanks to Rafi who made my night extra memorable 😊.
  • amazing dinner9
  • service10
  • Rafi10
Price per Person
  • $101+
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Kim S.
Review date: 10/29/2025
9
A Delightful Hidden Gem with Exceptional Service
What a hidden gem! I came here today with a group of three and we had appetizers, pasta, and main entrees with many cocktails. We were seated at a beautiful table in the sun. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the pasta and the generous volume of the appetizers. After our meal, we were treated to a real-time operetta by David. I would encourage anyone in the vicinity to stop and try this place over the surrounding restaurants because the personalized and intimate service made this one of the best dining experiences that I’ve had while staying in the San Fran area for some time.
  • beautiful table9
  • quality of pasta9
  • volume in appetizers8
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Val V.
Review date: 10/26/2025
9
Fantastic Lunch with Singing Service!
I had a fantastic lunch here! The service was top notch, and our waiter even included some beautiful singing. The brussel sprouts were particularly delicious. It's definitely a worthwhile establishment!
  • brussel sprouts9
  • service10
  • singing from waiter9
Price per Person
  • $61–$70
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Noise Level
  • Loud
Jane G.
Review date: 10/26/2025
2
Disappointing Dinner with Loud Music
My experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing. The loud, thumping music made it difficult to have a conversation during dinner. The food itself was described as mundane. On a positive note, my glass of red Chianti was good.
  • red Chianti8
  • loud music2
  • mundane food3

What Roma Antica offers

Highlights

  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list

Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Dinner reservations recommended

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Tourists
  • Groups

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Kids' menu
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs

Popular for

  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Solo dining

Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bar onsite

Offerings

  • Healthy options
  • Hard liquor
  • Late-night food
  • Wine
  • Coffee
  • Beer
  • Small plates
  • Cocktails
  • Organic dishes
  • Halal food
  • Vegetarian options
  • Alcohol

Dining options

  • Catering
  • Brunch
  • Table service
  • Dessert
  • Dinner
  • Seating
  • Lunch

Service Options

  • No-contact delivery
  • Takeout
  • Outdoor seating
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Pets

  • Dogs allowed inside
  • Dogs allowed outside
  • Dogs allowed

Parking

  • Free street parking
  • Paid street parking

Atmosphere

  • Romantic
  • Cozy
  • Casual
  • Trendy

FAQs

What dining options and amenities does Roma Antica offer?
Roma Antica provides a full range of dining options including lunch, brunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating and table service. You can also enjoy a full bar onsite with cocktails, wine, and beer, along with free Wi-Fi and restrooms.
Yes, Roma Antica is wheelchair accessible with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. It’s also good for kids, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs. Plus, you can bring your dog as they are allowed inside and outside.
Roma Antica holds a good overall score of **7.8** out of 10. Its **Service** (8.1) and **Food** (7.9) are highly rated, while **Ambience** (7.3) is decent, but **Value** (4.9) is an area for improvement.
Many customers praise the **pasta** dishes, particularly the **carbonara**, **Cacio e Pepe**, and **lasagna**, for their authentic Roman taste. The **tiramisu** also receives positive mentions.
Opinions on value are mixed, with a score of **4.9**. While some find portions generous and prices acceptable for the quality, others feel it is expensive and not always worth the price, especially for vegetarian options.
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Location
3242 Scott St, 94123 San Francisco
Opening hours
Monday – Thursday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM