Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Tiramisu – San Francisco
Tiramisu - San Francisco
Photo from Tiramisu
Tiramisu at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 109 of the guests
#411 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#24 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
694
Reviews
84.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent food
- Attentive service
- Pleasant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent service
- Noisy environment
The restaurant Tiramisu, an Italian Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square, promises you a memorable culinary journey. You’ll discover an authentic experience, especially if you appreciate a great dessert.
This spot is perfect for those seeking an upscale yet cozy atmosphere, where every detail contributes to a romantic dining experience. Whether for dinner or a delightful lunch, you’ll find yourself immersed in the charm of this historic San Francisco gem.
Overview: Introducting Tiramisu
Tiramisu offers a dining experience where the focus is clearly on the plate. Guests frequently praise the delicious dishes and the overall quality of the cuisine.
The impeccable service also stands out, with staff often described as attentive and welcoming, contributing positively to the visit. However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall cost.
While the lovely ambiance sets a pleasant scene, a few found the rather small portions for the price to be a drawback, leading to questions about whether it’s not worth the money for some.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
694
Reviews
84.3%
Satisfaction
86
negative
23
neutral
585
positive
Overall, Tiramisu earns a solid 8.3 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction is also quite high at 84.3%, indicating that most guests leave content.
This positive sentiment is supported by a significant number of remarks, with 585 positive observations against 86 negative ones across 694 total comments. Delving into specifics, the Food (8.7) truly shines, often described as a highlight.
Service (8.0) also performs well, with many appreciating the attentive staff. The Ambience (8.2) contributes positively to the experience, creating a pleasant setting.
However, Value (4.3) is an area where opinions are more mixed, suggesting some find the pricing less appealing.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Attentive, warm service
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Questionable value
- Inconsistent service
- Noisy dining environment
Tiramisu appears to be a solid choice if you prioritize excellent Italian cuisine and attentive service in a pleasant setting. The high recommendation score of 8.5 suggests many diners find it a worthwhile experience, especially for those who appreciate quality dishes and a welcoming staff.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some guests have found the value proposition less compelling, particularly concerning portion sizes. If you’re seeking a memorable meal and are prepared for a potentially higher bill, Tiramisu could be a good fit for your next outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tiramisu
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a fantastic score of 8.7 and customer satisfaction at a high 89.9%, its clear diners are loving whats on their plates. Out of 368 comments, a whopping 331 praise the authentic Italian food, especially the delicious homemade pasta, fresh ingredients, and vibrant flavors.
However, a few of the 27 negative remarks point to some areas for improvement. Some found portion sizes to be a bit small, and a couple of dishes were described as bland, rubbery, or overcooked. It seems consistency could be a minor issue for some, with mentions of an inconsistent menu.
Food
368
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
27
negative
10
neutral
331
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Delicious homemade pasta
- Fresh, vibrant flavors
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Bland, rubbery dishes
- Inconsistent menu
Often praised
- foodThis restaurant is a little gem, offering not only a delicious meal but an all-around experience. The authentic Italian feeling and the food will definitely surprise and please you! Christian, our server, was incredible, providing great recommendations and pacing the meal perfectly for a couple on a night out.
- tiramisuMy experience at this restaurant was a delightful treat after a long day of sightseeing. I enjoyed a delicious espresso and a tiramisu with rum. The restaurant is located in an alley, facing away from Kearny and Pine.
- TiramisuThe flavors were very fresh and vibrant. Our dessert was also very delicious; the Tiramisu was delicate and the vanilla ice cream had a very light texture that melts in your mouth. Peter, the owner, was very warm, attentive, and friendly.
- pastaThe food was outstanding, and I particularly enjoyed the tiramisu. We tried both the sea bass and the pasta, and both were delicious. The service was top-notch, with Giuseppe and his team being very welcoming.
- Italian foodI've been having lunch here since 2019 and was fortunate to find their new location. I can't fully describe the awesome and authentic Italian food and the variety of spirits, but most importantly, the warm attention from the staff. That last aspect truly has no price.
- FoodFood:5
- breadThe bread is great comes out like a pizza
- food qualityFood quality and service are consistently great
- pizzaI’m glad I gave Cafe Tiramisu a try. It’s a cute little Italian spot with solid pizza, a nice atmosphere, and staff that is both welcoming and slightly abrasive. It’s a bit tricky to find, because it’s in an alley off one of the main streets, but that does kind of add to the charm.
- Caesar saladLocated on a side street, the food is delicious and high-quality. For starters, we had a Caesar salad that was excellent, fresh and hot garlic bread, and calamari in some kind of sauce. We continued with two pasta dishes - the beef pappardelle is highly recommended!
Frequently criticized
- menumenu was completely different than the one they have online
- portion sizeNot the amount of the food
- Burratathe Burrata was cold
- Italian cuisineexpected fine Italian cuisine, and instead were served the sort of dish
- Spaghetti Nerofood poisoning right after eating the Spaghetti Nero
- calamaricalamari was also boring and acidic
- calamari ripienithe sauce was bland, too salted and the calamari were rubbery
- chicken dishserved a small chicken leg (unstuffed)
- clams and musselsclams and mussels weren’t cooked properly
- dinner menulittle to do with the current dinner menu
If youre craving authentic Italian flavors and delicious homemade pasta, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some portions might be on the smaller side, and a few dishes have received mixed reviews. Overall, its a strong contender for a great Italian meal.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction of 80.2%, its clear that most diners have a good experience. Out of 192 comments, a whopping 154 rave about the impeccable service, warm hospitality, and attentive staff, often praising the quick service and friendly faces.
However, its not always smooth sailing. About 34 comments mention some bumps, citing instances of rude service, unprofessional interactions, or disappointing slowness. Some guests also noted a perceived disparity in treatment or issues with specific policies like dessert-only seating.
Service
192
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
34
negative
4
neutral
154
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Impeccable, warm service
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Quick, efficient pace
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, rude service
- Dessert-only refusal
- Slow, inattentive staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Tiramisu last night with friends was absolutely fabulous. We were completely swept off our feet by the exquisitely delicious dishes, the lovely ambiance, and the impeccable service. We received First Class treatment from the moment we arrived until we left.
- staffThe food was absolutely delicious and drinks, especially the Aperol, which was a delightful surprise. The customer service was exceptional; the staff was attentive and very accommodating. They seated me at a table that perfectly suited my needs, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
- ownerPeter, the owner of the restaurant, was very warm, attentive and friendly.
- ServiceService:5
- waiterAs a vegan, I didn’t expect to be able to eat much at a recent dinner with colleagues. When I ordered just the bread, our waiter refused to hear of it. He went immediately back to the kitchen to confirm they could make something for me.
- AntonioI feel like I’m back in Italy when we dine here. Thank you Antonio for always making our visits special!
- ChristianChristian was our server and he was incredible
- TonyTony will take care of you!!
- dining experienceThe Pappardelle Bolognese was spot on, and the Tiramisu truly represented the restaurant’s name and quality. Giuseppe and his staff are attentive and really help make the dining experience special. I will definitely be back soon.
- familytook excellent care of my entire family
Frequently criticized
- servicemet with the most unprofessional and downright rude service
- seatingreservation where we couldn’t be seated on time
- serverour server was not very friendly
- staffwhen I pointed out to the staff that it hadn't been transferred, they charged me for it again
- blatant discriminationSuch blatant discrimination was off-putting
- customer serviceCustomer service matters, and this place clearly doesn’t value it
- doorslammed the door after I left
- entrythey refused to to let us in
- hospitalityThe restaurant needs to learn hospitality 101
- in house menutheir online menu does not match their in house menu.
Overall, if youre looking for a place with genuinely warm and attentive service, youll likely find it here. While a few experiences have been less than stellar, the vast majority of diners walk away impressed, making it a solid choice for a pleasant meal.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 86.4%. Guests frequently praise the cozy and nice atmosphere, often feeling an authentic Italian feeling thats both quiet and perfect for conversation. Many also love the outdoor seating options, contributing to 95 positive remarks out of 110 total observations.
However, a small number of 9 comments out of 110 total did mention some minor drawbacks. A few found it a noisy place or experienced a tense ambiance due to service. There were also mentions of being seated at a tiny little table, ' suggesting some seating arrangements could be improved.
Ambience
110
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
9
negative
6
neutral
95
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy Italian atmosphere
- Quiet, easy conversation
- Excellent outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Some tight tables
Often praised
- atmosphereI’m glad I gave Cafe Tiramisu a try. It’s a cute little Italian spot with solid pizza, a nice atmosphere, and staff that is both welcoming and slightly abrasive. It’s a bit tricky to find, because it’s in an alley off one of the main streets, but that does kind of add to the charm.
- locationThe service, the food, the location. I like the alley
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- experiencepersonable and beautiful this experience was for me
- ambianceMy experience at Tiramisu last night with friends was absolutely fabulous. We were completely swept off our feet by the exquisitely delicious dishes, the lovely ambiance, and the impeccable service. We received First Class treatment from the moment we arrived until we left.
- restaurantThey seated me at a table that perfectly suited my needs, which made the experience even more enjoyable. This charming little restaurant is perfect for a night out with the girls or a cozy date night. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I look forward to visiting again!
- dining experienceA delightful dining experience from start to finish
- outdoor seatingoutdoor seating under the tent that's perfect
- placesmall place but comfortable
- spotin a very good spot between buildings
Frequently criticized
- atmospherenot the atmosphere
- dim the lightsto dim the lights a bit more in the inside dinning room
- loud groupWe originally made a reservation for outside, but upon arrival, we were seated inside. This wouldn't have been a major issue, except we were placed near an extremely loud group, making conversation difficult. We requested to move outside, and thankfully, they accommodated us, though they seemed quite irritated.
- noisy placea bit noisy place
- placeThe place might look a little run down
- tableseated 2 feet away from the table next to us
- tableswaste of tables and income
- tense ambianceThe frenetic service lent a tense ambiance
- tiny little tableput me to a tiny little table outside
If youre looking for a charming, authentic Italian vibe with great outdoor options, this place is a strong contender. Just be aware that a few guests found it a bit noisy or had minor seating issues, especially if youre sensitive to sound or space.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, things are a bit of a mixed bag here. While the overall score sits at an average 4.3, customer satisfaction is quite low at just 20.8%. Still, some folks found the cost/benefit to be really good and appreciated the reasonably priced options, noting a decent price-performance ratio in 5 positive comments.
However, the majority of the 24 comments, with 16 leaning negative, point to significant concerns. Many felt items were overpriced or pricey, especially considering rather small portions. There were also mentions of high wine prices and extra charges for things like bread and olive oil, making it not worth the money.
Value
24
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good cost/benefit
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- Small portions
- Hidden charges
Often praised
- cost/benefitthe cost/benefit is really good
- for not muchfor not much
- price-performance ratioPreis-Leistung der Hammer!
- reasonably pricedThe menu offers a wide array of classic Italian dishes, including tagliatelle Bolognese, stuffed calamari, and gnocchi. The restaurant itself is small and reasonably priced, with friendly and helpful staff. It's conveniently located a safe 10-15 minute walk from Union Square or the Hilton Hotel in the financial district.
- total billWe drank wine and beer. In total, we paid $130 + tip.
Frequently criticized
- pricedefinitely not worth it
- BreadBread now cost $7
- billing accuracythey didn't forget to charge me for it, but when I pointed out to the staff that it hadn't been transferred, they charged me for it again
- bread and olive oilThey charge you for bread and olive oil too
- depositcharge a $25 per person deposit for a reservation which you forfeit
- incomewaste of tables and income
- moneynot worth the money you are gonna spend
- overpricedmaybe a bit overpriced
- oyster price6 oysters for $16, it’s 6 oysters for $24
- portionsrather small portions for the price
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your top pick, as many found it quite expensive for what you get. Be prepared for potentially higher prices and smaller portions, and keep an eye out for extra charges.
How are the prices at Tiramisu?
You’re looking at roughly 55 per person – reported by 109 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite varied. While many diners spend in the 30-50$ range, a good number also opt for more premium experiences, spending 80$ or even over 100$.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 109 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the diverse spending habits and the San Francisco dining scene, we think the pricing here offers a good range of options. It feels fair for an Italian restaurant that can cater to different budgets, from a casual meal to a more upscale experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tiramisu
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Food and Service!
This is an excellent restaurant! Located on a side street, the food is delicious and high-quality. For starters, we had a Caesar salad that was excellent, fresh and hot garlic bread, and calamari in some kind of sauce.
We continued with two pasta dishes - the beef pappardelle is highly recommended! We finished with tiramisu. The waiter was lovely and divided the dishes among us so we could taste everything.
We drank wine and beer. In total, we paid $130 + tip.
- Caesar salad9
- garlic bread8
- calamari7
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Good Food, Service Needs Improvement
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. I'll start off by saying the food was very good! We originally made a reservation for outside, but upon arrival, we were seated inside.
This wouldn't have been a major issue, except we were placed near an extremely loud group, making conversation difficult. We requested to move outside, and thankfully, they accommodated us, though they seemed quite irritated. The reason for my 3-star rating is that our server was not very friendly, and the overall experience wasn't what we had hoped for, despite the delicious food.
I'm unsure if I would return.
- food10
- loud group2
- server3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Denied entry for dessert and coffee
My experience was that they refused to let us in for dessert and coffee. It seems the restaurant's policy requires a full meal, not just dessert. This was a disappointing experience.
- dessert and coffee6
- entry1
- restaurant's policy2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Pasta and Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. We liked everything about this place. The service was quick, polite, and welcoming.
The handmade pasta was delicious, and the sauces were fresh and full of flavor.
- service10
- handmade pasta10
- sauces9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Accidental Gem: Great Food & Staff
My experience at this restaurant was a delightful surprise! We stumbled upon it by chance and were so impressed that we returned multiple times. The food was excellent, and the staff were incredibly engaging.
We chose to sit inside and truly enjoyed our experience, appreciating both the indoor and outdoor seating options.
- food10
- staff10
- experience10
What Tiramisu offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Cafe Tiramisu in Union Square?
At Cafe Tiramisu, you’ll find an upscale, cozy, and romantic atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy table service for both lunch and dinner, with a special focus on delightful desserts. The historic setting adds a unique charm to your dining experience.
Does Cafe Tiramisu accommodate various dietary needs and offer flexible service options?
Yes, Cafe Tiramisu offers a range of options including healthy choices, vegan dishes, and vegetarian selections. For your convenience, you can choose from dine-in, delivery, takeout, or curbside pickup, with outdoor seating also available. The venue is also wheelchair accessible.
What is the overall score for Tiramisu and what are its strengths?
Tiramisu holds an overall score of 8.3, with customer satisfaction at 84.3%. Its strongest aspects are Food (8.7), Ambience (8.2), and Service (8.0), all rated as good to excellent.
Is the food at Tiramisu considered authentic and high quality?
Yes, many guests describe the food at Tiramisu as authentic and delicious, with flavors that are fresh and vibrant. Dishes like pasta and the namesake tiramisu are frequently praised for their quality.
How is the value for money at Tiramisu?
Opinions on value are mixed, with a score of 4.3. Some guests have found the portions to be rather small for the price, leading to concerns about whether it offers good value for money.