Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Sociale – San Francisco
Sociale - San Francisco
Photo from Sociale
Sociale at a glance
San Francisco Presidio Heights
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 42 of the guests
#482 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#33 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
382
Reviews
82.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive Service
- Charming Ambience
- Quality Food
Frequently criticized
- High Price
- Service Issues
- Parking Difficulty
The restaurant, Sociale, is an exquisite Italian restaurant nestled in the charming Presidio Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll discover a truly memorable dining experience here, especially if you appreciate a fantastic culinary journey.
Known for its great dessert, you can expect a sweet ending to your meal. This spot offers an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a special evening out or a delightful lunch.
Overview: Introducting Sociale
Sociale offers a charming dining experience, often praised for its excellent service and inviting ambience, especially the delightful patio. Guests frequently enjoy well-prepared meals and a broad Italian wine selection, making it a consistent choice for many.
However, some visits have been marred by slow service and a feeling of being rushed, particularly during busy times. While the food generally receives praise, there have been instances of overly salty dishes and concerns about the overall prices.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
382
Reviews
82.7%
Satisfaction
43
negative
23
neutral
316
positive
Sociale generally performs well, earning a solid restaurant score of 8.2 and a strong customer satisfaction rate of 82.7%. This positive reception is built on 316 favorable comments out of 382 total observations, indicating a largely positive experience for many diners.
Diving deeper, the Service (8.5), Food (8.2), and Ambience (8.4) all receive good marks, reflecting consistent quality in these key areas. However, the Value (4.9) score suggests that while the experience is enjoyable, some guests find the pricing to be on the higher side, a point worth considering.
What people like
- Attentive Service
- Charming Ambience
- Quality Italian Food
What people don't like
- High Price Point
- Service Inconsistencies
- Parking Challenges
Sociale, with its strong recommendation score of 8.6, is a solid choice for those seeking a pleasant dining experience. It particularly shines with its attentive service, inviting atmosphere, and generally well-regarded Italian cuisine, making it suitable for various occasions.
However, be prepared for a higher price point and potential inconsistencies in service or specific food preparations. If you prioritize a charming setting and quality dishes and are willing to overlook these minor drawbacks, Sociale is certainly worth considering for your next meal out.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Italian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
761
94.6%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
420
92.9%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
440
93.4%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
378
92.9%
- $$
- Telegraph Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
421
91.9%
- $$
- Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
733
92%
- $$
- Cole Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Sociale
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests are generally thrilled, with a strong 8.2 score and 81.8% customer satisfaction. Many of the 166 positive comments rave about delicious dishes like the scallops and the Pappardelle with Braised Duck. The wine selection also receives high praise, often paired perfectly with homemade pasta for a truly memorable meal.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 18 negative remarks noted. Some found certain items, like the clam linguine, to be too salty, while others mentioned dry pasta or a fishy taste in the Cruddo. A few even described a seafood pasta as a watery mess, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
203
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
18
negative
19
neutral
166
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pasta dishes
- Excellent wine selection
- Perfectly cooked scallops
What people don't like
- Overly salty dishes
- Inconsistent pasta texture
- Occasional fishy taste
Often praised
- foodWe've been to Sociale several times on Sacramento and have always loved their food and atmosphere. Recently, we ordered their Curb Side pickup service, and it was a great meal!
- scallopsmy friends ordered the scallops and that too was yummy
- mealBut it’s not the case here. I got a pretty decent meal here and I’m happy.
- wineThe wine was also highly recommended
- wine listamazing wine list with truly artisanal producers
- FoodFood:5
- Pappardelle with Braised DuckI had the Pappardelle with Braised Duck and it was fantastic.
- braised duckI had the Pappardelle with Braised Duck, and it was fantastic. I love the braised duck in this dish. The rest of the family went with the Pici Bolognese and were very happy with their decision.
- braised short ribsAll the dishes we ordered were very tasty. I especially enjoyed the Pappardelle with duck, the braised short ribs, and the trout. Sociale is an absolute gem in the city!
- chocolate oblivion cakethe chocolate oblivion cake.
Frequently criticized
- CruddoThe Cruddo had a fishy taste
- bread rollThe bread roll that eventually came was pathetic
- cappuccinocappuccino we ordered at the end of the meal did not come for a long time
- clam linguineThe clam linguine was so salty, it was inedible.
- dessertBoth my friend's dish and mine were too salty, which was disappointing. The dessert was good, but the portion size was very small.
- dishWhile the atmosphere was super cute, the prices were way too expensive. Both my friend's dish and mine were too salty, which was disappointing. The dessert was good, but the portion size was very small.
- flourless chocolate cakedecent flourless chocolate cake, but decorated it with olive oil?
- food qualityfallen inequality to a degree that makes it sad.
- fried olivesOlives were a little too salty for my liking
- martiniwish was for a martini
The food here is generally a big hit, with many guests raving about delicious Italian dishes and an excellent wine selection. While a few isolated comments mention issues like overly salty or dry pasta, the high satisfaction suggests youre likely in for a fantastic meal. Go for the pasta and seafood, you wont regret it!
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, youre generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction at a high 87.3%, most diners rave about the attentive and friendly service. Out of 79 customer remarks, 69 were overwhelmingly positive, frequently praising the knowledgeable sommelier and the dedicated waitstaff for an exceptional experience.
However, its not always perfect. A handful of the 10 negative comments mentioned instances of slow service, feeling rushed, or encountering a server with an attitude. There were also a few isolated issues like receiving the wrong wine, suggesting that while generally good, there can be occasional hiccups.
Service
79
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly service
- Knowledgeable sommelier
- Exceptional hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Feeling rushed
- Server attitude
Often praised
- serviceSociale has been a go-to dinner destination for us for the past several years. We consistently enjoy their well-prepared meals, excellent service, and the choice between cozy indoor and outdoor seating options. They also offer a broad Italian wine selection, though it's worth noting it's not cheap.
- serverVeronica our server, attentive, and thoughtful
- ServiceService:5
- sommelierMy experience at this restaurant was for New Year's Eve, which involved a prix fixe 4-course meal at a fixed price. While the atmosphere was excellent and the service was very good, highlighted by an exceptionally friendly sommelier, the food was just good, not great. Some courses offered interesting and unique flavors, but others were underwhelming or even a bit "weird, " like a flourless chocolate cake decorated with olive oil.
- staffattentive and accommodating staff truly enhanced our overall experience
- Curb Side pickup serviceordered the Curb Side pickup service and wow! What a great meal.
- Jim KennedyJim Kennedy who directs the wine program. Very humble and extremely knowledgeable
- Master SomJim the experienced Master Som and Mateo took wonderful care
- Spruce valetuse the Spruce valet too across the street
- VeronicaVeronica our server, attentive, and thoughtful
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of good and bad. While I can appreciate the challenges of labor shortages, the service was slow. We had a reservation for 7: 45 PM and were seated at 8: 15 PM, with our first drinks arriving at 8: 45 PM and food at 9: 15 PM.
- notifying guestsnotifying guests ahead of time when they need to leave
- serverour server had extreme attitude
- staffThe food was really good. I did feel a little rushed by the staff to eat and get on my way, but without that, it was a great experience.
- tableunceremoniously being asked to vacate our table without warning
- trustThis is unacceptable and hits at an issue of trust
- wrong winebrought us the wrong wine
Overall, the service here is a definite highlight, making it worth a visit if you value attentive and friendly staff. While a few minor issues pop up, the vast majority of experiences are excellent, especially with the knowledgeable sommelier and efficient waitstaff.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
Customers absolutely rave about the restaurant's atmosphere, boasting an impressive 91.7% customer satisfaction and a solid 8.4 score. Based on 77 positive remarks, guests frequently highlight the charming outdoor patio, cozy atmosphere, and great vibes, making it a perfect spot for a romantic date or family outing. Many also appreciate the unique location and overall experience.
However, a few of the 5 negative comments mention some minor inconveniences. Issues like finding parking, a nondescript entrance, and an overly warm outdoor heating system were noted. One unique concern involved guests entering a private room, though this seems to be an isolated incident rather than a widespread issue.
Ambience
84
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful outdoor patio
- Cozy, charming atmosphere
- Great vibes for dates
What people don't like
- Parking can be tricky
- Entrance hard to find
- Outdoor heating issues
Often praised
- atmosphereIt's the perfect spot for a family outing or a romantic date. The vibes are great, creating a cozy and charming atmosphere. I will certainly be back again.
- ambiancethe ambiance feels like in a different place
- locationa location hidden in the perfect place
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- indoor seatingWe also enjoyed their great wine and even a cute bathroom setup. While we loved the idea of their outside patio, we ultimately chose to enjoy their indoor seating. It's a charming place, and I highly recommend you go see for yourself!
- outdoor diningThe outdoor dining is divine.
- outdoor seatingvery comfortable outdoor seating
- patiotheir patio is one of the best in the city
- settinglively setting that feels like being at a cafe in Italy
- Charming placeCharming place
Frequently criticized
- entranceHard to find because the entrance is nondescript.
- guests to come in and outallowing other guests to come in and out of our private room
- on-street parkingOn street parking is available. We had an early reservation so the response on the street, but generally straight on street parking gets crowded at night
- outdoor heating systemthey should look into a new outdoor heating system, as I was roasting like a chicken.
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
If you're looking for a place with a truly delightful atmosphere, especially for a romantic evening or a relaxed outdoor meal, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that parking might be a bit tricky, and the entrance can be a little hidden.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.9 and customer satisfaction is a low 25%, some guests still find bright spots. Based on 4 positive remarks, they highlight it's great for special occasions and offers amazing value for quality and ambiance. Some even found the prices very reasonable, feeling it was truly worth it.
However, the picture changes significantly with 10 negative remarks out of 16 total. Many found the wine price to be an issue, with some bills showing higher prices than on the menu. Guests often mentioned it was a bit pricy or even too expensive, especially for the food and wine selection, leading to a feeling of being on the pricier side.
Value
16
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good for occasions
- Value for quality
What people don't like
- Expensive wine
- High food prices
- Bill discrepancies
Often praised
- priceit is worth it
- pricesThe prices are very reasonable
- special occasionsgreat for special occasions
- value for qualityAmazing value for quality and ambiance
Frequently criticized
- billBill showed up with a higher price for the wine than on the menu
- chargetried to charge us over $400 for it
- foodYou’ll spend a lot for food
- pricevery overpriced, at least for the special evening price
- pricesthe prices were way too expensive
- pricier sideDefinitely on the pricier side
- pricyit was a bit pricy
- winedrop a pretty penny on some wine
- wine pricehigher price for the wine than on the menu
- wine selectionWe consistently enjoy their well-prepared meals, excellent service, and the choice between cozy indoor and outdoor seating options. They also offer a broad Italian wine selection, though it's worth noting it's not cheap.
If youre planning a special occasion and are prepared for potentially higher costs, especially for wine, you might find the quality worth it. However, if youre budget-conscious, particularly regarding drink prices, this might not be the best fit.
How are the prices at Sociale?
On average, you’ll spend around 66 per person – based on 42 guests. That places this Italian restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For San Francisco, thats leaning towards the higher-end for Italian cuisine.
Interestingly, while the average is 66 $, the prices reported by diners are quite spread out. Youll find some guests spending less, in the $31–$40 and $41–$50 ranges. But many also opt for a more indulgent experience, with a notable cluster in the $71–$80 range and even several above 101 $.
It seems there’s a menu for various budgets here!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 42 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Given the range of experiences available, from more casual to quite indulgent, we’d say the pricing feels fair for an Italian restaurant of this caliber in San Francisco. It seems you can tailor your visit to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sociale
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Italian Cafe Experience
My experience at this restaurant was truly delightful. The setting was quaint and lively, evoking the feeling of being in a cafe in Italy. I definitely recommend the Pappardelle with Braised Duck and the Burrata.
The meal was delicious.
- setting9
- Pappardelle with Braised Duck10
- Burrata10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Mixed Experience: Great Atmosphere, Food Needs Polish
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of highs and lows. While the atmosphere truly transported me to Italy, the service fell short of previous visits. One diner's order was forgotten, which was a bummer.
The food itself was generally good, with the milkshake accompanying the sfingi (doughnuts) being a highlight, and the polenta fries being tasty. However, the risotto could have used more pepper, and the peaches in the summer salad seemed past their peak season. We were also disappointed that a promotional pasta and wine pairing advertised via email was not available.
- atmosphere10
- food8
- milkshake9
- service3
- promotional pasta and wine pairing3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Outstanding Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding. The food and service were both exceptional. The location is unique, and the outdoor seating was very comfortable.
I would definitely recommend this place and will certainly return.
- food10
- service10
- outdoor seating9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
A Hidden Gem with Impeccable Service
My experience at this restaurant was akin to discovering a place that exists only in movies and fantasy. The service was impeccable, the food was amazing, and the wine selection was superb. Its location, hidden in the perfect spot, added to the overall magical feel of the evening.
- service10
- food10
- wine10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Cozy Spot with Incredible Trout and Service
My experience at this place was very cozy, and the prices are okay. The service was incredible 👏 🙌. I ordered trout, and it was incredible.
I would recommend this place for something romantic and lowkey!
- cozy atmosphere9
- prices6
- service10
What Sociale offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Sociale in San Francisco?
At Sociale, you can anticipate an upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a special evening. You’ll find table service available for both lunch and dinner, with comfortable seating options. It’s a trendy spot where you can enjoy a delightful meal.
Does Sociale offer options for specific dietary needs and what are its service options?
Yes, Sociale caters to various dietary preferences, offering both vegan and vegetarian options, alongside organic dishes. For your convenience, you can choose from outdoor seating, dine-in, or takeout. They also welcome dogs outside and offer a private dining room.
How does Sociale rate overall, and what are its key strengths and weaknesses?
Sociale holds a good overall score of 8.2. Its strengths lie in Service (8.5), Food (8.2), and Ambience (8.4). The main area for improvement is Value (4.9), which some guests find to be on the pricier side.
What kind of dining experience can I expect regarding the atmosphere?
You can expect a charming and cozy atmosphere at Sociale, with options for both comfortable indoor seating and a highly praised outdoor patio. It’s often described as having a lively setting, reminiscent of a cafe in Italy.
Are there any common concerns guests have about dining at Sociale?
Some guests have noted that the restaurant can be on the pricier side, particularly for wine. There have also been occasional reports of slow service or feeling rushed, and some specific dishes have been found to be overly salty. Parking can also be a challenge.