Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » SPQR – San Francisco
SPQR - San Francisco
Photo from SPQR
SPQR at a glance
San Francisco Japantown
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $91–$100
mentioned by 73 of the guests
#1956 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#118 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
674
Reviews
59.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Innovative Flavors
- Romantic Setting
- Personalized Service
Frequently criticized
- Slow Service
- High Price
- Inconsistent Dishes
The Italian restaurant SPQR in San Francisco’s vibrant Japantown neighborhood offers you an upscale and romantic dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for a special evening, complemented by a truly great wine list.
This trendy spot is known for its exquisite Italian cuisine, inviting you to savor every moment from the first bite to the last.
Overview: Introducting SPQR
SPQR presents a dining experience where the culinary creations often impress, with many finding the dishes innovative and flavorful. However, some guests have noted that the overall food quality can be inconsistent, occasionally falling short of expectations.
While the staff often receives praise for being warm and attentive, there are instances where the service has been described as slow or even pretentious. The atmosphere generally contributes positively to the dining experience, making it a pleasant setting for a meal.
Good
6.5
out of 10
674
Reviews
59.6%
Satisfaction
235
negative
37
neutral
402
positive
SPQR registers a Restaurant Score of 6.5, placing it in the average range, while Customer Satisfaction stands at 59.6%, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment is based on 674 customer remarks, with 402 positive observations against 235 negative ones, highlighting a noticeable divide in dining experiences.
Breaking down the experience, Food (6.8) generally receives positive remarks for its innovative flavors, though consistency is a point of discussion. The Ambience (7) is a clear strength, often described as romantic and inviting.
However, Service (6) garners mixed feedback, with some praising attentiveness while others noted slowness. Value (4.7) appears to be the most challenging aspect for many guests.
What people like
- Innovative Food Flavors
- Romantic Ambience
- Personalized Service Touches
What people don't like
- Slow Service Pace
- Perceived High Price
- Inconsistent Food Execution
With a Recommendation Score of 6.6, SPQR presents a mixed proposition. If you prioritize an intimate atmosphere and innovative flavors, and are prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and value, it might be worth a visit for a special occasion.
However, if consistent, swift service and clear value for money are paramount, you might find the experience disappointing. Consider your priorities before booking; it’s a place with definite highs, but also areas that could use refinement.
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Verdict: Our expert take on SPQR
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, though leaning positive. With a score of 6.8, it generally lands in the good range, and customer satisfaction sits at 63.6%, indicating a somewhat mixed but overall acceptable experience. Many guests rave about the 259 positive remarks, highlighting authentic pasta dishes, inventive dishes, and the use of fresh ingredients that create complex flavors.
However, not everyone was completely won over, with 120 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Some found the food bland or overcooked, while others noted issues with greasy main courses or small portions. It seems consistency might be a challenge, as some dishes simply didn't hit the mark for certain diners.
Food
407
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
120
negative
28
neutral
259
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inventive pasta dishes
- Fresh, complex flavors
- Creative Italian classics
What people don't like
- Bland or overcooked
- Greasy main courses
- Inconsistent execution
Often praised
- foodOur waiter was exceptional — warm, thoughtful, and full of wonderful surprises that truly made us feel celebrated. The atmosphere was romantic, the service impeccable, and the food… absolutely amazing. Every dish was perfectly prepared and bursting with flavor.
- wine pairingThe portion sizes were perfect and not heavy, unlike many Italian restaurants. Our waiter was helpful and extremely knowledgeable, and the wine pairing was exquisite with some unique varietals. To top it off, we received a handwritten card signed by the staff wishing us a happy anniversary, which was so sweet and thoughtful.
- wineThe service was slow. Only the wine was good. I am sure COVID is to blame, but this is the worst restaurant I have eaten at in San Francisco and it needs to close down, refresh, and refund itself.
- dessertThe dessert is superb. It is like a molten lava cake, but much better.
- donutsThe donuts are fried to order and were super delicious. I received a bag with about 5 heart-shaped donuts that were so fresh & fluffy, they were worth eating right away. The espresso with vanilla creme was also a special treat!
- FoodFood was great
- dishesdishes are innovative with beautiful flavors
- flavorsMy experience at this restaurant was pretty great! The dishes were innovative with beautiful flavors. The pasta was amazing.
- tasting menuThey offer both a tasting menu and à la carte options. We opted for the tasting menu, and it was pretty fun. I'm looking forward to trying the à la carte next time.
- mealMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. Everything tasted great, and the service was excellent. I was particularly touched by the thoughtful card and birthday treat I received.
Frequently criticized
- foodWe ordered a $63 bottle of wine, and our waiter took it away to taste it himself, which was a very strange experience. The food was extremely mid; I paid $35 for a small portion of pasta with powdered Parmesan and barely any truffle. The burrata was overpriced and hard, though the stone fruits were tasty.
- pastaThe meal was mediocre at best, a shadow of its past glory. Dishes like overcooked octopus, gummy gnocchi, and a generic tuna entree, reminiscent of a hotel restaurant, were a sad departure from the perfectly prepared pasta, exceptional sauces, and creative mains SPQR was known for. This horrid experience has ensured I will never return to SPQR.
- breadI’m 5 months pregnant and asked the manager/server/host about a half hour in, can we please get some bread because I’m so hungry my baby is kicking inside me. No joke, he told us that the chef said they can’t spare any bread because they might not have enough for everyone tonight. He said our appetizer course would be out very shortly.
- dessertThe subsequent beef course was exceptionally chewy, even for a medium-rare doneness. Dessert was underdone and gloopy. The only highlight of the meal was the sparkling water from Fiuggi.
- gnocchikitchen needs a lesson in making gnocchi properly: (they should be like pillows….not lead weights)
- portionsFinally, the dessert as part of the chef’s menu was mediocre. You could’ve done smaller portions with more refined dessert options. The final bits left us feeling very without.
- steakOverall, nothing stood out for me except the carrot ravioli, which was really outstanding. The steak had way too much peppercorn on it, making it spicy, and it was supposed to be a ribeye but was so lean it had almost no fat on it. The ricotta gnudi had truffle on it, but the sauce was so strong we couldn’t even taste the truffle.
- 5 course mealthe 5 course meal was a bit much
- Bib Gourmandignored by Guide Michelin and Bib Gourmand
- Caesar saladCaesar salad with "green goddess" as one of the ingredients
If you're looking for creative Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients, the food here often shines, especially the pasta. Be aware that some experiences mention inconsistency in execution or flavor, so it might be a bit of a gamble, but many find it worth trying.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have experienced some truly delightful moments. With 79 positive remarks, patrons frequently praised the staff and waiter for their attentive service and surprise touches. While the overall score sits at an average 6, theres a clear appreciation for those who go above and beyond, making occasions feel special and welcoming.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with 66 negative comments contributing to a mixed 54.1% customer satisfaction. Issues often revolved around long wait times for reservations or food, feeling rushed out, and instances of subpar service or short-staffed situations. These experiences suggest that consistency can sometimes be a challenge, leading to frustration for some diners.
Service
146
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
66
negative
1
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Personalized, thoughtful service
- Goes above and beyond
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rushed dining experience
- Subpar, slow service
Often praised
- serviceOur waiter was exceptional — warm, thoughtful, and full of wonderful surprises that truly made us feel celebrated. The atmosphere was romantic, the service impeccable, and the food… absolutely amazing. Every dish was perfectly prepared and bursting with flavor.
- staffFrom the moment I walked in, I felt transported to another place. The intimate space, decorated with dried flowers and artwork, and featuring an incredible wine collection, was as warm and inviting as the staff. Every staff member, including the chefs, made a concerted effort to ensure guests felt cared for.
- ServiceService was amazing
- serverThe food was absolutely delicious, and the staff were great. I particularly appreciated how the server kindly described the dishes and answered all my questions, showcasing excellent knowledge. The atmosphere was reminiscent of small, charming mom-and-pop shops in Italy, making it a perfect place to go with good friends and family.
- waiterThey went above and beyond to make the evening feel special — from a beautiful window seat to surprise touches throughout the meal. Our waiter was exceptional — warm, thoughtful, and full of wonderful surprises that truly made us feel celebrated. The atmosphere was romantic, the service impeccable, and the food… absolutely amazing.
- bartender/serverOur bartender/server was knowledgeable and nice
- AntonioS/o to Antonio!
- Chef's CounterAsk for a seat at the Chef's Counter
- attentive servicegracious and attentive service from our waiter
- bartendergreat bartender. He chose a 2015 Praesidium Reserva that was wonderful
Frequently criticized
- serviceAs someone who has dined at many Michelin-rated restaurants, I was very disappointed with the meal. The service was strange, pretentious, and very slow. Despite a 7: 30 reservation, we didn't receive a wine pouring until almost 8: 20, and the first course arrived at 8: 30.
- staffSeemed like they didn't have enough staff
- wait staffThe seatings are only 2. 5 hours, which is fast for 5 courses, and this crucial information was not mentioned anywhere on their reservation site nor by the wait staff. We were celebrating and ordered an extra drink, but were then told once it was placed on our table that we had to leave as the next party was waiting outside.
- wait timeThe restaurant also seemed short of staff; there seemed to be only 2 servers covering over 10 tables. While our server was helpful and did his best, it just seemed very chaotic, and we had to wait some time for the food to be served and for our order to be added. The cost was around $100 per person after tax and tip.
- waiting timeafter waiting 45 minutes in between from the 2nd course
- waitWe had to wait 20 minutes past our reservation time
- wine pouringdidn’t receive a wine pouring until almost 8:20
- DessertDessert took a long time to get served.
- JoseJose could have done better
- amateurish servicewell meaning but amateurish service
So, should you go? If you're lucky, you might encounter truly exceptional, personalized service that makes your visit memorable. However, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or a rushed experience, as consistency seems to be a bit of a gamble here.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7 out of 10. Many guests rave about the great atmosphere and lovely space, often highlighting the warm atmosphere and the unique experience of watching chefs at work from counter or bar seating. With 50 positive observations among 74 total, it seems many find the mood just right, especially for an intimate dinner or a special occasion with a window seat. However, not everyone is completely charmed, as customer satisfaction sits at a 67.6% mixed bag.
Some experiences point to tight seating where you're elbow to elbow with neighbors, and a few found the music too loud or the lighting so dark it was hard to see their food. Parking can also be a bit of a hassle, with 22 negative comments noting difficulties like street parking issues or less-than-ideal outdoor seating on the sidewalk.
Ambience
74
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
22
negative
2
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Chefs at work view
- Warm, intimate atmosphere
- Good music playlist
What people don't like
- Tight, close seating
- Loud music, dark lighting
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereOur waiter was exceptional — warm, thoughtful, and full of wonderful surprises that truly made us feel celebrated. The atmosphere was romantic, the service impeccable, and the food… absolutely amazing. Every dish was perfectly prepared and bursting with flavor.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- bar seatingto nice bar seating to watch a whole efficient team
- musicmusic was excellent
- spaceThe entire dinner took three hours, not including the wait outside. The menu looked delicious, the staff were kind, and the space is warm and welcoming, but SPQR has major issues to address. It currently does not deserve its Michelin star, and we don't feel the experience was worth the price paid.
- Chef's tableI sat at the Chefs table and it was great to see how the dishes were created.
- anniversary dinnerWe are so incredibly grateful to the team at SPQR for making our 6-year wedding anniversary dinner unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, everything was perfect.
- anniversary experienceEvery dish was perfectly prepared and bursting with flavor. Thank you, SPQR, for giving us the best anniversary experience we could have asked for. We’ll cherish the memory forever.
- barVery fun to sit at the bar
- chefs at workwatch the Chefs at work!
Frequently criticized
- Michelin stara shame to the Michelin star
- Michelin starred restaurantfar from what is expected from a Michelin starred restaurant
- ParkingParking can be really difficult
- ambianceThe reason for only 3 star is the ambiance
- atmospherea dreary atmosphere
- dirtWe were really disappointed and I don't want to write more. Of course, you will sit straight at the dirt and at the staff chargers 🤌.
- distancingno distancing of tables
- happy placeIt used to be our favorite spot; we visited countless times and came home feeling happy every time. Very sad to say, but our happy place was gone tonight.
- lightingSecond the light. It was so dark after the daylight passed, I could not see what I had in my plate
- memoriesMemories lowered this rating
If you're looking for a lively, intimate setting where you can watch the culinary action unfold, this place could be a great fit. Just be prepared for potentially cozy seating and plan your parking ahead, as the atmosphere, while generally good, has a few quirks that might not suit everyone.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found bright spots, especially with the set menu and tasting menu options, often feeling they were worth it and offered fair prices. Out of 47 opinions, 14 highlighted these positive aspects, suggesting that for some, the experience felt like a good deal. However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with a customer satisfaction of just 29.8% and an average score of 4.7.
Many felt the restaurant was pricey or super expensive, especially given the Michelin pricing expectations. A significant 27 opinions expressed that the experience simply wasnt worth the price paid'.
Value
47
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
27
negative
6
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable set menus
- Worth every penny
- Good tasting menu
What people don't like
- Shockingly expensive
- Not worth price
- Overpriced experience
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was a good experience for the price. They offered creative takes on Italian classics that were both delicious and interesting.
- $100 five coursesWe value it more than $100 per person!
- pennyWorth every penny!
- pricesprices are fair for the experience
- prix fixe menu offeringcurrent prix fixe menu offering is good value
- reimbursed moneyThe food DID NOT make up for it either. The only reason I am giving two stars is because we were reimbursed a significant amount of money on our bill. We arrived for our dinner reservation at 8pm, and I immediately knew something was off when the host told us our table just needed to be sanitized but there were multiple tables open, that looked ready.
- set menudecently affordable and filling set menu
- tasting menumost affordable Michelin Star tasting menu
- valueThe value is unreal!
- wine pairingwine pairing was enjoyable because it didn't cost an arm an a leg
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was for their special Feast of the 7 Fishes dinner. The food was just okay and not really worth the price. The wine pairings were described as 'Meh'.
- Michelin starThe menu looked delicious, the staff were kind, and the space is warm and welcoming, but SPQR has major issues to address. It currently does not deserve its Michelin star, and we don't feel the experience was worth the price paid. While we know it's a challenging time, other restaurants of similar caliber have provided far superior experiences recently.
- billbill that didn’t deduct the 60 dollars reservation fee
- $300 per mealOur first course didn't arrive for 40 minutes, so being rushed out at the end was very frustrating. This is really subpar service for a $300 per meal Michelin restaurant. I won’t be going back any time soon.
- Michelin pricingWith modest decor and well-meaning but amateurish service, SPQR falls short of expectations for a Michelin-starred restaurant. While Michelin now accepts "casual" doesn't impact the kitchen, with Michelin pricing, the food should be fantastic. The three-course pasta tasting was very good, but not great.
- Price per personPretty overpriced
- cashgave me cash but $1.50 short!!!
- experience$237 for a forgettable experience
- glass of wineMy glass of wine cost $58. I should have been warned
- higher pricepaid a higher price precisely to have a different experience
If youre considering a visit, know that while some find specific set menu or tasting menu options offer good value, many feel the overall experience doesnt justify the pricey tag. Its a place where you might find a deal, but be prepared that the value for money' often falls short for others.
How are the prices at SPQR?
On average, you’ll spend around 93 per person – from 73 guests. That places this Italian Restaurant in the $91–$100 category, which is definitely higher-end, especially for San Francisco. While the average hovers around 93, a peek at what people actually spend shows a strong lean towards the premium side, with many guests opting for experiences well over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 73 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
Given the higher-end pricing for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, we believe the cost reflects a premium dining experience. It’s an investment in a memorable meal, not just a quick bite.
Customer Reviews: what people think about SPQR
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Overpriced with Mixed Food Quality
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag, particularly concerning the food quality and value. While the atmosphere was rated a 5, the food received a 2. The shrimp pasta was surprisingly sweet, though the accompanying romesco was a nice touch.
The salmon itself was quite good, especially the skin, but the vegetables were unremarkable, with the zucchini being particularly bland. I also found the pork to seem undercooked. Dessert took a considerable amount of time to arrive; however, the matcha cheesecake was pleasant, and the bay leaf ice cream offered an interesting flavor.
Given the price point of $100+ per person, the overall food experience did not quite meet expectations.
- romesco7
- salmon8
- Matcha cheesecake7
- shrimp pasta3
- vegetables3
- zucchini2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Terrible Italian Food and Service
As Italians, we searched online for "Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, " and this place was one of the first results. We checked the reviews, and it seemed good. Upon arrival, the restaurant was almost empty.
We were seated and ordered. The waiters were grumpy, and despite calling them dozens of times, they pretended not to hear us. The food was almost inedible.
We ended up getting pizza at the hotel, which was much better! We spent 187$ and left everything on the plate 😂😂.
- pizza8
- waiters1
- food1
- price2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Food, Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves. While the staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly, and the service was great, the food was a significant letdown. I found everything to be overwhelmingly sour, from the base of the sweetbreads to the pasta sauce and even the dessert compote.
We opted for the prix fixe menu and were very disappointed with the overall quality of the food, especially given the price point. The atmosphere was pleasant, rated a 4, but it couldn't compensate for the culinary shortcomings.
- staff9
- service9
- atmosphere8
- food1
- prix fixe menu2
- everything1
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Disappointing Experience with Food and Service
I was disappointed with my experience at this restaurant. The food was not very tasty, and the restaurant seemed short of staff. My favorites are the wagyu steak and short rib pasta.
The amount of jam on the chicken liver toast made the whole piece taste weird and too sweet. The other pasta, whose name I forgot, tasted salty and spicy in an unpleasant way. The restaurant also seemed short of staff; there seemed to be only 2 servers covering over 10 tables.
While our server was helpful and did his best, it just seemed very chaotic, and we had to wait some time for the food to be served and for our order to be added. The cost was around $100 per person after tax and tip.
- wagyu steak7
- short rib pasta7
- price5
- food3
- short of staff2
- chicken liver toast2
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
An Unforgettable Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The service was wonderful, with an amazing server who made the meal even more enjoyable. The food was not only beautiful to look at but tasted even better.
This wasn't just dinner; it was an experience! Highly recommended.
- service10
- food10
- experience10
What SPQR 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
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at SPQR, and what are some of its highlights?
At SPQR, you can expect an upscale, romantic, and cozy Italian dining experience in San Francisco’s Japantown. You’ll find a great wine list and delicious desserts, alongside a variety of offerings including vegan and vegetarian options, coffee, beer, and cocktails. Dinner is served with table service.
What service options and amenities does SPQR offer, and is parking available?
SPQR provides onsite services, takeout, outdoor seating, dine-in, and delivery. You can make reservations, which are recommended for dinner. Amenities include a bar, Wi-Fi, and a gender-neutral restroom. Parking can be difficult, but free and paid street parking options are available.
How does SPQR generally rate among its patrons?
SPQR receives an overall Restaurant Score of 6.5, indicating an average dining experience. While Food scores 6.8 and Ambience scores 7, Service is rated 6 and Value at 4.7, suggesting areas for improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about SPQR's atmosphere?
Many guests find the atmosphere at SPQR to be romantic, intimate, and warm, making it a pleasant setting for special occasions like anniversaries.
Are there any common concerns regarding the service at SPQR?
Some customers have reported that the service can be slow, occasionally pretentious, and that there might be issues with wait times or staff availability.