Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Steps of Rome – San Francisco
Steps of Rome - San Francisco
Photo from Steps of Rome
Steps of Rome at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#646 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#48 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
318
Reviews
80.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent Service
- Authentic Food
- Pleasant Ambience
Frequently criticized
- Pricing Concerns
- Food Inconsistency
- Tourist Vibe
The restaurant Steps of Rome is an authentic Italian Restaurant nestled in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Known for its great coffee, this spot offers a delightful escape where you can savor delicious Italian flavors. Whether you’re planning a dinner out or just looking for a superb coffee experience, this trattoria welcomes you.
Overview: Introducting Steps of Rome
Steps of Rome offers a distinct Italian experience, often praised for its authentic Italian dining and a welcoming, yet elegant atmosphere. Guests frequently commend the prompt and genuinely accommodating service, which adds significantly to the overall enjoyment.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value, particularly with overpriced drinks and a few instances of food quality not meeting expectations. The décor, while aiming for cultural richness, has also been described by some as leaning towards a “tourist trap” vibe.
Good
8
out of 10
318
Reviews
80.2%
Satisfaction
52
negative
11
neutral
255
positive
Overall, Steps of Rome earns a solid 8 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a strong 80.2% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These insights are drawn from over 318 customer observations, with a clear majority of 255 positive remarks outweighing 52 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Service stands out as excellent (9.1), frequently praised for its attentiveness.
Both the Food (8) and Ambience (8) also receive good marks, suggesting a pleasant setting and well-prepared dishes. However, the Value (3.1) is a notable area for improvement, with many finding certain aspects to be quite expensive.
What people like
- Excellent Service
- Authentic Italian Food
- Pleasant Ambience
What people don't like
- Pricing Concerns
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Tourist Trap Vibe
Steps of Rome presents a compelling option for those seeking a genuine Italian dining experience, particularly if service and ambience are high on your priority list. With a recommendation score of 8.1, it generally delivers on its promise of a pleasant meal.
However, be mindful of the value proposition, as some aspects can feel overpriced, and food quality might occasionally vary. If you prioritize attentive staff and a charming setting over strict budget adherence, Steps of Rome could be a worthwhile visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Steps of Rome
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8 and a strong 80.8% customer satisfaction, it's clear many diners are enjoying an authentic Italian dining experience. Out of 182 comments, 147 rave about house-made pasta, rich, flavorful dishes, and true Neapolitan pizza.
However, not every dish is a winner. While the positives far outweigh the negatives, 28 comments point to some undistinguished food and concerns about portion sizes. Some experiences mention dishes being cold or even tasting like rancid beef, suggesting occasional inconsistencies.
Food
182
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
28
negative
7
neutral
147
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Homemade pasta
- Delicious pizza
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Small portions
- Flavorless dishes
Often praised
- foodThe atmosphere was so welcoming, and all of the staff were so nice. I give it a 10/10 for amazing food and even better service! Grazie!
- pizzaWe ate here with the family today. The pizza and pasta were really delicious and left us with a feeling of Italy. Unfortunately, the drinks are absolutely overpriced, and when it came to the bill, they tried to rip us off in a very Italian way.
- pizzasthe pizzas are succulent really 10/10
- lasagnaEach dish was a knockout: full of flavor, clearly made with fresh ingredients, and cooked to perfection. The lasagna was rich and hearty with a perfect bechamel sauce with a hint of nutmeg, the gnocchi tender and comforting with an amazing zing of flavor, and the panini was the perfect blend of crisp bread, fresh mozzarella, and juicy tomato. All homemade pasta and mozzarella flown in from Italy!
- pastaWe ate here with the family today. The pizza and pasta were really delicious and left us with a feeling of Italy. Unfortunately, the drinks are absolutely overpriced, and when it came to the bill, they tried to rip us off in a very Italian way.
- FoodFood:5
- Italian restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's an amazing, true Italian restaurant with friendly staff and great authentic Italian dishes. The outdoor tables are the best for enjoying the meal.
- Nutella pizzatheir Panna Cotta and Nutella pizza, both delish
- appetizersshared a bunch of ... apps
- dishespiatti preparati con cura e un’attenzione al dettaglio
Frequently criticized
- FoodThe Arancini were cold and have tasted as if they had been frozen for ages.
- carbonarathe carbonara was terrible
- foodthe food was just not quite right
- AmatricianaThe Amatriciana were oversalted and too sour.
- AranciniThe Arancini were cold and tasted as if they had been frozen for ages.
- Campari sodaMy experience was that I paid $15 plus tip (which I didn't give) for a Campari soda made with tap water. The pizza was like rubber.
- Caprese saladsone of the smallest and most flavorless Caprese salads ive had
- CarbonaraThe Carbonara was cold and had a hair in it
- ColaThe Amatriciana was oversalted and too sour. The Cola tasted like chlorine. What a shame.
- cheap cheeseThe appetizers were good, but the lasagna was a significant disappointment. It tasted like rancid beef and cheap cheese, and it seemed like it had been in the fridge for several weeks, akin to leftovers that should have been discarded. Furthermore, the lasagna was served lukewarm.
If you're craving genuine Italian flavors, especially pizza and pasta, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while many dishes shine, there might be occasional inconsistencies in quality or portion sizes.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
The service here truly shines, earning an excellent score of 9.1 and an impressive 94.2% customer satisfaction. With 65 positive remarks out of 69 total comments, guests consistently praise the staff's genuine hospitality, friendly and attentive service, and overall professionalism, making everyone feel right at home with warmth and great recommendations. However, a few of the 69 comments noted minor issues.
There were occasional mentions of the staff being a little slow or, in some instances, feeling a bit pushy with upsells, though these were rare exceptions to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Service
69
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Warm hospitality
- Professional staff
What people don't like
- Pushy upsells
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceThe service was equally impressive—prompt, warm, and genuinely accommodating
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's an amazing, true Italian restaurant with friendly staff and great authentic Italian dishes. The outdoor tables are the best for enjoying the meal.
- owner Mauriziogentilezza e la professionalità del proprietario Maurizio
- peopleVery nice people
- welcomeIlario ti accoglie come noi Italiani sappiamo fare
- Alessandrocome Alessandro che ci ha servito al tavolo
- Great serviceFirst off, to the gentleman that served us with the Tus hermosos ojos, you were amazing and look me up if your gay and single… Second off, what a lovely place with a delicious meal! Great service, wonderful food and again the most charming beautiful man with great arms, eyes and personality 🤓.
- Owner Maurizioil Proprietario Maurizio una persona veramente speciale e alla mano
- ServiceService:5
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- serviceService okay but pushy
- staffThe staff was a little bit slow
- upsellpushy, tried to upsell us on every course
If you value a truly welcoming and attentive dining experience, this place is definitely worth a visit. The staff's genuine hospitality and professionalism are a major draw, ensuring you feel well-cared for from start to finish.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place really hits the mark! With a solid score of 8 and customer satisfaction at a great 83.7%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Out of 49 comments, 41 rave about the wonderful pizza oven, authentic Italian vibes, lively atmosphere, and welcoming spirit, making you feel right at home with stylish interiors and comfortable seating options.
However, a few of the 6 negative comments mention the décor being a bit too red and gold, giving off a "faux sophistication" or "tourist trap" vibe. Some also found the music a little loud, which could detract from the overall experience if youre looking for a quieter meal.
Ambience
49
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian vibes
- Lively, welcoming atmosphere
- Inside and outside seating
What people don't like
- Loud music
- "Tourist trap" vibe
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is elegant but at the same time familiar
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Italyas close to Italy as you'll find in the US
- AmbianceI do think the prices were much for the quantity of the food but maybe that’s just SF prices. Ambiance is red & culturally decorative & our server Fredericka was great with recommendations. This restaurant just opened 2 weeks ago so I’m sure they’ll be doing happy hour specials or deals.
- Italian vibesgiving good Italian vibes
- Outdoor tablesOutdoor tables are the best
- Tables inside and outTables inside and out.
- ambianceAmbiente veramente gradevole
- authentic Italian diningWe also tried their Panna Cotta and Nutella pizza, both delish. Our specialty coffees did not disappoint and our amazing server from Torino, added a special touch to authentic Italian dining. We can’t wait to go back to try the food and continue our conversation with the owners, while enjoying a little “slice” of Italy.
- cleanlinessambiente curato e pulito
Frequently criticized
- musicThe music was a little loud
- décorthe décor is all red and gold
- faux sophisticationkind of faux sophistication tourists love
- parkingparking was somewhat difficult to find
- vibeThe place has a "tourist trap" vibe to it
If you're seeking a lively spot with genuine Italian charm and a great buzz, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially energetic atmosphere and a decor that might lean a bit more traditional than modern.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
A handful of guests did find great value and appreciated the price for the quality, with 2 positive remarks out of 18 total. However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, reflected in a low score of 3.1 and customer satisfaction at a mere 11.1%. The majority of feedback, with 15 negative comments, points to significant concerns.
Many felt that drinks were overpriced, and issues with the bill often arose due to unlisted taxes or automatic tips. The price-performance ratio was frequently criticized, with some finding appetizers and even salad to be disproportionately expensive.
Value
18
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
15
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced drinks
- Hidden charges/tips
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- great valueIt’s great value
- priceal prezzo che ci si può aspettare per la qualità
Frequently criticized
- drinksThe pizza and pasta were really delicious and left us with a feeling of Italy. Unfortunately, the drinks are absolutely overpriced, and when it came to the bill, they tried to rip us off in a very Italian way. It's a real shame, that's not necessary.
- pricea little pricey ($14 for a small pinot)
- billThe pizza and pasta were really delicious and left us with a feeling of Italy. Unfortunately, the drinks are absolutely overpriced, and when it came to the bill, they tried to rip us off in a very Italian way. It's a real shame, that's not necessary.
- pricesThe food was okay. However, the prices on the menu are without taxes. From 6 people, a 20% tip is automatically added.
- MehrwertsteuerWe were five people and were also asked to pay the 20%. Additionally, we were charged VAT on each food/drink item and then again on the total. It's better to check the bill at the end.
- appetizersall the appetizers are the same price point as the entrees
- price-performance ratioBe cautious! The price-performance ratio is not right. The food was okay.
- saladit would be a larger salad but it was 17$
- trinkgeldHowever, the prices on the menu are without taxes. From 6 people, a 20% tip is automatically added. We were five people and were also asked to pay the 20%.
If you're considering this spot, be prepared for potentially high costs, especially for drinks and hidden charges. While the food might be decent, the overall value proposition is a significant concern, so check your bill carefully.
How are the prices at Steps of Rome?
You’re looking at roughly 41 per person – reported by 37 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 is 41, it’s interesting to see that many guests actually spend a bit less, with a good number of reviews falling into the $21–$30 and $31–$40 ranges. There are also a few folks who splurge a bit more, which balances out the overall average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 37 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an Italian restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair for the experience. It offers a good balance for those looking for a quality meal without breaking the bank, while also catering to those who want to indulge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Steps of Rome
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Appetizers good, Lasagna disappointing
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The appetizers were good, but the lasagna was a significant disappointment. It tasted like rancid beef and cheap cheese, and it seemed like it had been in the fridge for several weeks, akin to leftovers that should have been discarded.
Furthermore, the lasagna was served lukewarm.
- appetizers8
- lasagna2
- rancid beef1
- cheap cheese2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Overpriced Tap Water and Rubbery Pizza
My experience was that I paid $15 plus tip (which I didn't give) for a Campari soda made with tap water. The pizza was like rubber. Bah.
- Campari soda2
- pizza2
- price1
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Disappointing Experience, Except for Bruschetta
My experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing. It felt like an off night, perhaps a night for new chef training, with the food not quite hitting the mark. The pastas seemed unbalanced, and the drinks were ridiculously expensive.
However, the Bruschetta was delicious, which prevented a one-star rating. The atmosphere was marred by loud, blaring EDM music, contributing to a "tourist trap" vibe. This was further suggested by the lack of patrons when the rest of the street was busy.
- Bruschetta9
- food3
- pastas3
- drinks2
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Service, Delicious Food, Charming Staff!
First off, to the gentleman that served us with the Tus hermosos ojos, you were amazing and look me up if your gay and single… Second off, what a lovely place with a delicious meal! Great service, wonderful food and again the most charming beautiful man with great arms, eyes and personality 🤓.
- lovely place9
- delicious meal10
- Great service9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Pizza and Top Service!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The service was top-notch, with staff who were smile-ing, welcoming, and efficient. I was even able to charge my phone, which was a very nice touch from the very nice staff!
The Pizza was hands down the best in town, and the dough was so delicious. Thank you for a wonderful meal!
- service10
- staff9
- Pizza10
What Steps of Rome offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does Steps of Rome Trattoria offer?
At Steps of Rome Trattoria, you can enjoy a full dinner experience with table service. If you prefer to dine at home, takeout and delivery options are also available for your convenience. You can also make reservations to ensure your spot, making planning your visit easy.
What is the atmosphere like at Steps of Rome Trattoria, and what are the parking options?
Steps of Rome Trattoria offers a cozy and casual atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed meal. Regarding parking, you’ll find paid options like a parking lot, garage, and street parking. While spaces are available, finding one can sometimes be somewhat difficult, so plan accordingly.
How is Steps of Rome rated overall?
Steps of Rome holds a good overall score of 8. This is driven by excellent Service (9.1), good Food (8), and a pleasant Ambience (8), though Value (3.1) is an area for improvement.
What makes the dining experience at Steps of Rome stand out?
Customers frequently highlight the genuinely accommodating service and the elegant, yet familiar atmosphere. Many appreciate the authentic Italian vibes and the option for outdoor seating.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Steps of Rome?
Some patrons have noted that drinks can be overpriced, and there are occasional reports of inconsistent food quality, with specific dishes sometimes falling short of expectations.