Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Serafina – San Francisco
Serafina - San Francisco
Photo from Serafina
Serafina at a glance
San Francisco Nob Hill
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 90 of the guests
#399 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#26 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
499
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Italian
- Cozy ambiance
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- High prices
- Limited space
The Italian restaurant Serafina in San Francisco’s vibrant Nob Hill neighborhood invites you to a truly memorable dining experience. You will discover a romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for an intimate dinner or a special occasion.
You can look forward to an exceptional meal, especially if you have a sweet tooth, as Serafina is known for its great dessert options.
Overview: Introducting Serafina
Serafina offers a charming Italian dining experience, often praised for its truly authentic food that consistently delights. Guests frequently highlight the excellent service from a friendly and accommodating staff, making for a pleasant visit.
However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies in service and a perception of high prices. The restaurant’s cozy ambiance is often noted as ideal for a date night or a relaxed meal in a special neighborhood.
While the culinary offerings receive strong acclaim, a few patrons have found certain dishes to be underwhelming or the overall value to be less than expected.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
499
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
56
negative
26
neutral
417
positive
Serafina earns a solid 8.3 overall score, reflecting a generally positive reception, with customer satisfaction standing at a good 83.6%. This indicates that most diners leave pleased with their experience.
The insights come from a substantial 499 customer observations, with 417 positive remarks outweighing 56 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Food (8.7) is clearly a standout, consistently impressing diners.
The Ambience (8.1) also scores well, contributing to a delightful setting. While Service (7.8) is generally good, it occasionally faces criticism for being rushed or inconsistent.
The Value (5.8) score, however, suggests it’s more of a mixed bag, with some finding it reasonably priced and others feeling it’s on the higher side.
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Charming, cozy ambiance
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Overpriced dishes
- Tight seating
If you’re seeking a genuinely flavorful Italian meal in a charming setting, Serafina is certainly worth considering. With a strong 8.5 recommendation score, it promises a delightful culinary journey, especially if authentic pasta and a cozy atmosphere are high on your list.
Be mindful that while service is often excellent, some guests have noted inconsistencies, and the value proposition might not impress everyone. It’s a place to savor the food and ambiance, perhaps less so for those strictly watching their budget.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Serafina
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place really shines! With a strong score of 8.7 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 89.5%, its clear most diners are thrilled. Out of 277 remarks, a whopping 248 rave about the delicious, authentic Italian food, especially the handmade pasta, pizzas, and amazing tiramisu.
However, its not entirely perfect. While only 16 comments were negative, some mentioned dishes being too salty or occasionally overcooked. A few found the sauce bland or felt the portions were a bit small, so keep that in mind.
Food
277
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
16
negative
13
neutral
248
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian cuisine
- Delicious handmade pasta
- Excellent pizza
What people don't like
- Food can be salty
- Dishes sometimes overcooked
- Sauce can be bland
Often praised
- foodThis is our go-to spot for authentic Italian food in San Francisco. We’ve come here 10+ times, always bringing guests visiting from out of town, and everyone’s always raving about the food. I always have to get a pasta dish when I come here, and especially love the lasagna, gnocchi, or whatever the special is because it always is delicious.
- gnocchignocchi was the table’s favorite
- tiramisuAlthough it's a bit out of the way, located on one of San Francisco's hillier parts, it's absolutely worth the trek. We enjoyed the Fettuccini with Shrimp and the Risotto, followed by a lemon tart and tiramisu for dessert. I regret not taking pictures because the food didn't last long – everything was awesome!
- FoodFood was spectacular
- calamarithe calamari (which was the highlight for me)
- dishesThe dishes are always on point
- lasagnaThe personalized service was exceptional. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including the prosciutto wrapped pears, margherita pizza, lasagna, Nonna's lemon cake, and chocolate gelato stuffed with zabaione. We also had a beautiful Brunello.
- Caesar saladCeasar salad was simple and also similarly intense in its freshness
- Italian beerThe bread and olive oil alone were incredibly delicious and blew me away. I also enjoyed the very good wines and the good Italian beer. The Italian classic comfort food was yummy.
- LasagnaLasagna were great
Frequently criticized
- Fettuccine with shrimpthe sauce with the pasta was quite bland.
- cheeseWe are not picky but could not finish anything, everything was really salty and all the vegetables were totally over cooked. The pinsa was really cheesy which is great if that’s what you’re wanting but for us it was way too much cheese. If I come back I would just ask which pastas are popular and get those because I’m sure there is a reason this restaurant is so highly rated.
- enjoyment of our mealthat effected the enjoyment of our meal
- fish dishThe fish dish is a bit underwhelming because it is overcooked
- foodFood was delayed
- garlicanche se con troppo aglio
- meatthe meat was overcooked
- pastaThe pasta was overcooked
- plateOne plate was sent back because it was undercooked
- portiona dinner portion was not served, rather a lunch portion
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight and worth experiencing for its authentic Italian flavors. While there are minor inconsistencies, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests you're in for a delicious meal.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! Overall, its looking pretty good here, with a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 75.4%. Based on 114 comments, with 86 positive remarks, many guests rave about the friendly, warm service, welcoming staff, and excellent service, often highlighting the genuine hospitality that makes their visit special.
However, it's not without its hiccups. With 25 negative comments, some experiences mention waiting for our bill for too long, feeling rushing me to pick items, or issues with general customer service and certain waitstaff being less than attentive. It seems there can be some inconsistencies, particularly during busy times.
Service
114
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
25
negative
3
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Excellent, personalized service
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow bill service
- Rushed feeling
- Inconsistent waitstaff
Often praised
- serviceWe had several dishes and each were delectable. It's a cute date night spot atop Russian Hill, with lots of locals, and excellent service! Sadly, we ate the food so fast no photos were taken : / Recommended dishes: Bread and Olive Oil Price per person: $50–100 Recommendation for vegetarians: Somewhat recommend Vegetarian offerings: Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes Atmosphere: 5 Service: 5 Meal type: Dinner Food: 5
- staffAfter weeks of disappointing meals in this country, I nearly wept with joy at the first taste of the melanzane alla parmigiana at this restaurant. This is authentic, delicious and fresh Italian food, with perfect European (aka normal) sized portions, and the staff were so friendly.
- ServiceService:5
- ownersThe two long time friends that own the place are an absolute riot
- hostshosts are super accommodating and kind
- reservationThis is a homey, authentic Italian spot with delicious food. I visited for dinner on a Sunday evening and made a reservation online beforehand. We were able to add more people to our group, and they kindly accommodated us by putting our tables together.
- serverfollowed the recommendation of Fausto, our server
- waitersserved by the kindest waiters! We wanted to do family style and the waiters accommodated for us wonderfully!
- Italian ownersThe Italian owners are so kind and attentive
- StaffStaff are friendly and funny
Frequently criticized
- servicethis place is the exact opposite—it’s racist and disrespectful
- staffThere need to be more people working here.. it is quite popular but there is not enough staff.
- waitstaffAnd not all of the waitstaff is friendly. One person in particular is a bit gruff.
- ServiceService is attentive but a bit rushed, sometimes uncomfortably so
- attirewasn’t wearing the kind of “attire” that apparently is required
- customer servicethe customer service is an issue
- dirty platesWe were sitting with dirty plates in front of us for quite a while.
- dish ordering mix-updish ordering mix up
- gift certificate issuehandled the gift certificate issue in exactly the way I would have hoped they wouldn't
- glass of waterHe even snatched the menu violently from our hands when taking the order. Something as simple as asking for a glass of water seemed to be a problem for him. This man, wearing his shirt untucked, is supposed to be the owner or manager.
If you're looking for a place where the staff often goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared that on a busy night, you might experience a slight delay or a less polished interaction, but the overall sentiment is very positive.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 8.1 and boasting a fantastic 81.7% customer satisfaction. With 76 positive remarks out of 93, guests frequently rave about the romantic atmosphere, calling it a neighborhood gem and a charming place with cozy seating that transports you to Italy.
Its clear this spot knows how to set a lovely mood! However, its not entirely without its quirks. A handful of the 9 negative comments point to tight seating and the perennial challenge of parking.
A few also mentioned the temperature could be a little warm, so keep that in mind if youre sensitive to heat.
Ambience
93
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
9
negative
8
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Romantic atmosphere
- Cozy, charming spot
- Neighborhood gem
What people don't like
- Tight seating
- Difficult parking
- Warm temperature
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was excellent, made with high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere was intimate and refined, complemented by very welcoming staff. The owner was kind and friendly.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- date nightMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! It’s a charming little place where we enjoyed a lovely date night. The food was delicious and surprisingly not expensive.
- neighborhoodThey truly don't make restaurants like this anymore. The space is wonderfully light with tons of windows, situated on the corner of a special neighborhood in SF. The Pinsa is super yummy, and they offer a great Italian wine list.
- neighborhood Italian spotMy experience at this cutest neighborhood Italian spot was wonderful! The service, particularly from Fausto, was excellent.
- ItalianHere we speak Italian from the welcome
- Italian spotThis is a homey, authentic Italian spot with delicious food. I visited for dinner on a Sunday evening and made a reservation online beforehand.
- Jones StreetMy experience at this Italian restaurant on beautiful Jones Street was fantastic. The salmon carpaccio, octopus, short rib gnocchi, and seared tuna were all amazing.
- ambianceambiance is cozy
- ambienceambience was lovely
Frequently criticized
- parkingI came here for dinner on a mostly empty stomach. Finding parking nearby is really difficult, so it's probably best to Uber or be prepared to do some walking. The restaurant is rather small, with everyone sitting in close proximity to each other if it is busy.
- seatingSeating in the restaurant is a bit tight
- atmosphereThe restaurant is not large so it is a bit frustrating when you are waiting.
- dining experienceOne of the staff members reduced my friends to tears due to a dish ordering mix-up. They anxiously tried to upsell us on food and wine we didn’t want, which made our dining experience uncomfortable. This restaurant is clearly suffering financially and they seem to take it out on their customers.
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- temperaturea little warm in there, temperature wise
If youre seeking a charming, intimate spot with a romantic vibe, this place is absolutely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially snug seating and plan your travel, as parking can be a bit of a puzzle. Its a great choice for a cozy evening out!
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place has its moments! Many guests appreciated the price point for bottles, finding some wines reasonably priced. There are also positive remarks about tasty food at a fair price, making for a surprisingly not expensive meal.
With 7 positive comments out of 15 total, theres a definite sense of getting your moneys worth for certain items. However, the overall score of 5.8 (average) and customer satisfaction at 46.7% (mixed) paint a more balanced picture. Some diners felt the prezzi alti (high prices) were a concern, with dishes being unremarkable for the price.
There were also mentions of feeling upsold, which made some experiences uncomfortable, contributing to the 6 negative remarks.
Value
15
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced drinks
- Fair food prices
What people don't like
- High prices noted
- Upselling pressure
- Dishes unremarkable for price
Often praised
- reasonably pricedFausto, Zaza, and Humberto were so accommodating and fun. The food is incredible and reasonably priced!
- Credit cardsCredit cards accepted
- fair priceTasty food at a fair price
- priceIt’s a charming little place where we enjoyed a lovely date night. The food was delicious and surprisingly not expensive. We had a great time and would recommend it.
- price pointmost bottles appear to be at a good price point
- valueWe particularly enjoyed the burrata with prosciutto, arugula, and tomato, the lamb chop, and the cream puff. Our bottle of Classico Chianti was delicious and a good value at $40. I would definitely try this place again!
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was not recommended. While the servers were polite and the pizza was better than expected due to its crunchy base, the majority of the dishes were unremarkable for the price. Specifically, the lasagna, prawn pasta, burrata, clam shell pasta, and tiramisu did not impress.
- billhe was visibly upset with my tip.
- contoTasto dolente il conto, prezzi alti.
- prezziprezzi alti.
- restaurant financiallyThey anxiously tried to upsell us on food and wine we didn’t want, which made our dining experience uncomfortable. This restaurant is clearly suffering financially and they seem to take it out on their customers.
This spot offers a mixed bag on value. While you might find some great deals on drinks and certain dishes, be prepared for potentially higher prices on others and a risk of feeling pressured to spend more. Its worth a try if youre careful with your order, but it might disappoint if you expect consistent affordability across the board.
How are the prices at Serafina?
On average, you’ll spend around 59 per person – from 90 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what diners typically spend, we see a pretty wide range. While many enjoy meals in the $41–$50 range, there are also quite a few who opt for more premium experiences, pulling the overall average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 90 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value compare to similar spots in San Francisco?
For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. It offers a good range of options, from more casual to a bit more indulgent.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Serafina
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Authentic Italian Gem on a Quiet Street
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. I found it to be an incredibly authentic Italian place situated on a quiet street with a lovely view of San Francisco. Everything was excellent, encompassing both the food and the atmosphere.
The owners were genuine and friendly, and I recommend this restaurant very very highly.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- owners10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Surprise, Best Risotto Ever!
What an amazing surprise! I was just passing through town and looked for a place to eat. The food was so freaking fresh, and the bread was amazing.
The Risotto was the best I ever had!
- food10
- bread9
- Risotto10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Good Food, Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was good, with tasty dishes like the rack of lamb, there were significant issues with the service. The restaurant was very busy, with every table full, and it was clear there wasn't enough staff to handle the volume.
This resulted in a long wait for drinks, to place our order, for our first course, and for dessert. Dirty plates also sat in front of us for quite a while. One staff member was particularly gruff, though not all of the waitstaff were unfriendly.
Despite these service shortcomings, I can recommend the restaurant with a few notes, especially if you're prepared for potential waits, particularly with a large party. If a restaurant cannot handle a large party, they should not take the reservation.
- food8
- rack of lamb6
- staff3
- waitstaff4
- long wait2
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Racist and Disrespectful Service
While the food at this restaurant was actually very good, it's not the reason I'm giving it one star. Frankly, this place doesn't deserve any. We live in the neighborhood, and a friend, just arriving from a flight, wasn't wearing the 'attire' apparently required to dine here.
The person in charge, who I believe is the owner, an Italian man with very little manners, looked down on us and treated us terribly. He even snatched the menu violently from our hands when taking the order. Something as simple as asking for a glass of water seemed to be a problem for him.
This man, wearing his shirt untucked, is supposed to be the owner or manager. People expect good service, and this place is the exact opposite—it’s racist and disrespectful. Please, do not visit this restaurant unless you want to be scolded by a rude Italian man.
Let’s defend our neighborhood from places and people like this.
- food8
- attire2
- person in charge1
- menu1
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Authentic Italian Gem with Delicious Food!
My experience at this authentic Italian restaurant was fantastic! I tried the Pinsa Prosciutto e Funghi, which had a very tasty and thin dough in an authentic Italian style. I also enjoyed the Tonnarelli al Nero di Seppia con Polpo, a very light sea pasta.
For dessert, following our server Fausto's recommendation, I had the Millefoglie con Pistacchio a La Mode, a homemade dessert with an impressive flavor. The homemade TiramisĂş was also very tasty. The environment was very cozy!
I will definitely be back and recommend everyone give it a try!
- Pinsa Prosciutto e Funghi9
- thin dough9
- Tonnarelli al Nero di Seppia con Polpo8
What Serafina offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Serafina in Nob Hill?
Yes, dinner reservations are highly recommended at Serafina, especially given its popularity in San Francisco’s Nob Hill. You can easily make reservations to ensure you secure your table for an enjoyable dining experience.
What kind of drinks and atmosphere can you expect at Serafina?
Serafina offers a romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a delightful evening. You can enjoy a comprehensive selection of beverages, including a great wine list, hard liquor, beer, and coffee, complementing your Italian meal.
How does Serafina rate overall?
Serafina holds a strong overall score of 8.3, with customer satisfaction at 83.6%. Its Food (8.7) is highly praised, followed by its Ambience (8.1) and Service (7.8). Value (5.8) is considered average.
What kind of cuisine can I expect at Serafina?
You can expect authentic Italian comfort food, with many guests raving about pasta dishes like lasagna and gnocchi. Other popular items include calamari and tiramisu for dessert.
What is the dining experience like at Serafina?
Serafina offers a charming and cozy atmosphere, often described as ideal for a date night. While service is generally friendly and accommodating, some guests have experienced it as rushed or inconsistent, and seating can be a bit tight.