Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Tommaso’s – San Francisco
Tommaso's - San Francisco
Photo from Tommaso’s
Tommaso's at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 92 of the guests
#1256 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#91 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
495
Reviews
73.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Cozy Ambiance
- Friendly Service
Frequently criticized
- Uneven Service
- Long Waits
- Value Issues
The restaurant, an authentic Italian Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown, invites you to experience a truly memorable meal. Known for its exceptional offerings, Tommaso’s stands out with a great wine list that perfectly complements its delicious dishes.
You’ll find a cozy and historic atmosphere, ideal for a romantic evening or a casual gathering. Whether you’re seeking classic Italian flavors or exploring new culinary delights, this spot promises a delightful journey for your palate.
Overview: Introducting Tommaso's
Tommaso’s offers a generally positive dining experience, with many guests consistently praising the food for its authentic Italian flavors and the overall ambience for its welcoming charm. It’s a place that often leaves a memorable impression on visitors.
However, some experiences suggest that service can be inconsistent, with occasional issues like waiting time impacting the overall flow. While many appreciate the staff, not every interaction is uniformly smooth, indicating areas for refinement.
Good
7.4
out of 10
495
Reviews
73.1%
Satisfaction
106
negative
27
neutral
362
positive
The restaurant achieves a respectable 7.4 overall score, indicating a generally good performance across the board. Customer satisfaction stands at 73.1%, which is a good indicator that most diners leave content.
These assessments are drawn from a substantial pool of 495 opinions, comprising 362 positive and 106 negative remarks. Looking closer, Food (7.6) is a clear strength, frequently mentioned and highly regarded for its quality.
The Ambience (7.2) also contributes positively, often described as warm and inviting. While Service (7.1) generally performs well, some guests have noted inconsistencies.
The Value (5.5) aspect, however, appears to be more of a mixed bag, with opinions split between reasonable pricing and concerns over portions or cost.
What people like
- Authentic Italian Food
- Inviting Ambiance
- Attentive Service
What people don't like
- Service Inconsistency
- Extended Waits
- Value Concerns
Tommaso’s presents itself as a solid choice for those seeking traditional Italian fare, particularly its well-regarded pizzas and pastas. With a strong recommendation score of 7.7, it generally delivers on its promise of a satisfying meal in a pleasant setting.
If you prioritize flavorful Italian dishes and a lively atmosphere, Tommaso’s is worth considering. Be mindful that service can occasionally be uneven, and some find the value proposition less compelling, but overall, it’s a place many enjoy and recommend.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tommaso's
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 75.3%. Based on 223 positive remarks, diners frequently rave about the delicious pizza, especially the wood-fired brick oven varieties, along with the rich lasagna and heavenly tiramisu, often highlighting the fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavors. However, not every dish is a winner.
Out of 57 negative comments, some guests found certain pastas bland or unseasoned, and there were occasional complaints about soggy pizza or cold lasagna. While the overall sentiment is positive, there's room for improvement in consistency across the menu.
Food
296
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
57
negative
16
neutral
223
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pizza
- Authentic Italian flavors
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland or unseasoned
- Soggy pizza/pasta
- Cold dishes
Often praised
- foodOur server, Brian, was fantastic, and Mo, the new owner, has such passion and vision for this iconic restaurant. The food was outstanding, with some of the most amazing pizzas. A pro tip: get the #9!
- pizzaMy family and I consider this family-owned treasure in San Francisco our go-to place for Italian food during the holidays. We ordered a half super deluxe/half sausage and mushroom pizza, a veg plate, and two clam pastas. Everything was to die for, and we even had plenty left over to take home 😌.
- tiramisuThe service was warm and friendly, and the food was memorably amazing. While they are famous for their pizza, don't leave without sharing their gnocchi appetizer and the heavenly tiramisu.
- lasagna, when I asked for a good, local Italian place. My experience was absolutely and unequivocally the best lasagna I've ever had! There was an extra creaminess in the layers, possibly béchamel, and the meat in the sauce was perfectly seasoned, melting in your mouth.
- pizzasOur server, Brian, was fantastic, and Mo, the new owner, has such passion and vision for this iconic restaurant. The food was outstanding, with some of the most amazing pizzas. A pro tip: get the #9!
- FoodFood:5
- Caesar saladCaesar salad. Both were incredible
- Italian foodMy experience at Tommaso's was a MUST GO when in San Francisco. It is the freshest Italian food I have ever had. The restaurant is family-owned by the Crotti family, and both the family and their long-time workers were present during our visit.
- PizzaDie Pizza und die Spaghetti Meatballs waren gut
- authentic Italian foodbest authentic Italian food I’ve eaten outside of Italy
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food however is not great.
- pastaTheir pasta however was not
- pizzathe pizza itself tasted pretty bland
- FoodFood:2
- lasagnaLasagna was cold inside, feeling like it was a frozen one
- lasagneThe lasagne was a lot of sauce and meat on top of a plate
- Caesar saladThe Caesar salad was nothing special
- Chicken ParmChicken Parm was not Parm at all
- Italian foodworst Italian food that I have ever eaten
- Margherita PizzaMargherita Pizza and it didn't taste good at all
If you're craving delicious pizza, authentic Italian flavors, or a standout lasagna and tiramisu, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some pasta dishes might be a bit inconsistent, so stick to their celebrated specialties for the best experience.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 70.9%. Many guests, accounting for 78 positive remarks out of 110, rave about the friendly staff, amazing service, and how accommodating and quick the team can be, making for a truly special dining experience. However, not everyone has had a perfect experience.
There are 31 negative comments, with some guests encountering slow service, long waits to be seated or served, and occasionally unprofessional or unwelcoming staff. While these instances are fewer, they highlight areas where consistency could improve.
Service
110
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
31
negative
1
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Amazing, quick service
- Accommodating groups
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waits
- Unprofessional staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true San Francisco tradition, offering great food, great service, and a cozy atmosphere. It's always worth a visit when you're in The City.
- staffI still think it’s some of the best authentic Italian food I’ve eaten outside of Italy. The downstairs area had a chaotic, exciting atmosphere, and the staff were full of passion for food. It was noisy and crowded, but in a way that added to the overall charm.
- ServiceI finally got to visit Tommaso's, a restaurant that had been on my want-to-go list for a while, and it did not disappoint! Our group of four was seated right away, which was a great start to our evening. We ordered two pizzas and two pastas.
- serverOur server was friendly & efficient
- serversvery friendly, knowledgeable servers
- EveryoneThe meat sauce packed a great flavor that was perfectly balanced with the rest of the dish. Everyone was polite. Will be a staple in my visits to SF.
- Fast serviceFast service.
- MaureenMaureen answered and advised me to reorder
- accommodateWe had a large group here for dinner to celebrate a birthday. They were easy to accommodate (called in advance to reserve). The service was good and the food was good.
- accommodatingMy experience at this Italian restaurant was great for a nice dinner. They were very accommodating, as we called ahead for a table of 8 and it was ready when we arrived. We chose to dine outside, and despite it being a bit chilly, we loved the quick service on a busy Saturday night, especially with a large party also dining.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service could have been much better as well.
- serverfemale server seat the people who walked in after us
- staffThe older guy near the door ignored us then the asian guy previously mentioned (other reviews) also ignored us.
- waiting timeWe left after at least 15 minutes standing then sitting.
- 2 hoursI don’t often comment, but this was probably the worst service I’ve had in SF. We waited 2 hours for mediocre food. My advice: get pizza or get out.
- DoorDashDoorDash messed up- didn’t pickup our order.
- acknowledgementNo one acknowledged us.
- attentionno one ever came to the table
- basic courtesydon’t expect to be treated with basic courtesy here
- booth seatingAsked for a booth they said it was for parties bigger than 2
Overall, the service here is generally a strong point, with many enjoying a warm and efficient experience. If youre looking for friendly and accommodating staff, its definitely worth a visit, though be prepared for the possibility of a wait during busy times.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.2, which is good, and boasts a solid 74% customer satisfaction. With 57 positive opinions, guests frequently praise the warm, comfortable atmosphere, often highlighting its classic style, vintage European vibes, or even a chaotic, exciting energy. Many appreciate the charming neighborhood eatery feel, sometimes with a heated terrace or a romantic, secluded setting.
However, it's not without its quirks, as 14 negative opinions point out some areas for improvement. Concerns include issues with the parklet structure, uncomfortable furniture, or inconsistent restaurant temperature. A few guests also mentioned a less-than-ideal location or even a mosquito, indicating that the overall atmosphere can sometimes be a mixed bag.
Ambience
77
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
14
negative
6
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, inviting atmosphere
- Classic, vintage charm
- Cozy neighborhood feel
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable furniture
- Problematic parklet structure
- Inconsistent temperature
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Tommaso's was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that made me feel right at home. The charming and rustic decor, with exposed brick walls and cozy lighting, set the perfect mood for a special evening.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- interiorA pro tip: get the #9! The service was warm and friendly, and the new touches to the interior made it light and bright without taking away from its classic charm. I will be making this a regular stop when I find myself in San Francisco.
- great placeWhat a great place!
- placeAnd the place is beautiful
- AquaNetI fondly recall the SF Opera chorus lining the center table and singing, and the vibrant presence of drag queens from Finnochios. It was a truly great place, complete with a can of AquaNet in the men's restroom.
- Italian atmospheresi sente l’atmosfera italiana
- SF Opera chorusSF Opera chorus lining the center table and singing
- Tommaso'sTommaso's has been around since 1935
- ambiencefeel the ambience of Tommaso's
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere seemed to be missing something
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- ParkingParking wasn't easy
- Seedy part of townSeedy part of town
- ambiencethe ambience is rather cold.
- dirty appetizer platesbrought out dirty appetizer plates
- furnitureneed to work better on the furniture
- locationlocation is really small
- mosquitoThere was a mosquito flying around as well on our table.
- parklet structureI've had dinner here in the past and the food is great. What's not great is the ramshackle homeless shelter out front. This establishment has constructed a gigantic "parklet" structure that extends almost a block.
If you're seeking a place with a distinct, often cozy or lively, old-school charm, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that minor inconsistencies in comfort or location might arise, but the overall vibe is usually a hit.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
Looking at the value, some guests found the prices to be quite reasonable, with the quality of food more than reflecting the price. Theres a definite appreciation for great value for money when the experience shines, as seen in 4 positive remarks out of 12 total comments. While the overall score for value sits at an average 5.5, these positive experiences highlight where the restaurant gets it right.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy. With 4 negative remarks, some patrons felt the price was a bit pricey, mentioning instances where the bill felt steep, like 100$ for a meal and two glasses of wine. Concerns also arose about Trinkgeld (tips) being increased on the bill and small portion sizes for the cost.
This contributes to a rather low customer satisfaction of just 33.3% for value, suggesting there's room for improvement.
Value
12
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
4
negative
4
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality justifies price
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Tips increased on bill
Often praised
- pricequality of food more than reflected the price
- great value for moneyWe had to queue to get in, but the waitress kindly served us some fabulous house wine on the steps to keep us going while we waited. The experience was fantastic, offering great value for money. I truly hope to return one day.
- pricespriced very reasonably
Frequently criticized
- Pricedafür und 2 Gläser Wein 100$ ist schon happig
- Trinkgeldbei der Abrechnung wurde auch noch das Trinkgeld erhöht
- priceSmall portion for the price
- priceya bit pricey.
Value here is a mixed bag; some find it reasonable for the quality, while others feel its quite pricey for the portions. If you prioritize quality and are prepared for potentially higher costs, it could be worth a try, but dont expect a guaranteed bargain.
How are the prices at Tommaso's?
You’re looking at roughly 40 per person – reported by 92 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 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, its quite interesting! While the average is 40, the most common spend is actually a bit lower, in the $21–$30 range. This suggests there are some great value options.
But dont worry, there’s also a good number of guests enjoying a more premium experience, with prices extending well above the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 92 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an Italian spot in San Francisco. It offers options for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tommaso's
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Service, Don't Go Here
We walked in and were promptly seated and given water, but that was the extent of the service. We waited about 15 minutes without menus, watching our server attend to a couple who arrived after us, providing them with water, conversation, wine, bread, and taking their order. My husband had to get up to find us menus.
Even a staff member cleaning tables noticed this and didn't intervene. After deciding what to order, we waited another 5 minutes, but no one came to our table. It didn't seem overly busy for a Sunday evening, and the server's extended attention to the other couple suggested she knew them.
After a total of 20 minutes, we decided to leave. The staff member cleaning tables then claimed multiple people had arrived at once, which we refuted, pointing out the server's interaction with the other table. I would not recommend this restaurant if you want to eat, especially for a special occasion like our anniversary trip to San Francisco.
Stay away.
- atmosphere5
- service1
- menus1
- server1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Outstanding Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was truly outstanding. The food was exceptional, with the gnocchi being surprisingly amazing, even for someone who doesn't typically like it. The chicken piccata was also perfectly prepared, and the shared pizza was delicious.
The service was very friendly. The only drawback was that it was a bit warm inside the restaurant, but this wouldn't stop me from returning.
- food10
- service9
- gnocchi10
- restaurant4
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Chicken Piccata and Desserts
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the chicken piccata and it was great. I also really enjoyed the cannoli and crème brûlée.
The service was excellent and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5 out of 5. Overall, a wonderful dining experience.
- chicken piccata8
- cannoli8
- crème brûlée8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Fantastic Pizza and Marinated Veggies!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had great pizza and, as always, their marinated vegetables. The pizza was perfectly cooked and, in my opinion, better than the famous one in SF that requires hours of waiting.
They also have a great Nebbiolo to pair with the meal. The service and atmosphere were excellent, both rated 5/5.
- pizza10
- marinated vegetables10
- Nebbiolo9
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
6
Good Food, Service Issues, High Price
My experience at the restaurant involved enjoying good pizza and spaghetti meatballs. The service was just okay. However, the bill for the food and two glasses of wine came to $100, which felt quite steep.
To make matters worse, the tip was increased on the bill, something I only noticed after returning to Germany.
- Pizza7
- Spaghetti Meatballs7
- Service5
- Price3
- Trinkgeld2
What Tommaso's offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Historic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Tommaso's Ristorante Italiano?
At Tommaso’s Ristorante Italiano, you’ll discover a delightful blend of atmosphere and culinary choice. Enjoy a romantic, historic, cozy, and casual setting perfect for any occasion. You can choose from lunch, dinner, or dessert, with full table service and catering options available for your special events.
Does Tommaso's Ristorante Italiano offer flexible service options for your convenience?
Yes, Tommaso’s Ristorante Italiano provides a range of service options to suit your needs. You can enjoy a traditional dine-in experience, opt for convenient takeout, or utilize curbside pickup. For ultimate ease, no-contact delivery and standard delivery services are also available directly to your door.
What is the overall rating for Tommaso's?
Tommaso’s holds an overall score of 7.4. Its strengths lie in **Food** (7.6) and **Ambience** (7.2), with **Service** (7.1) also performing well. **Value** (5.5) is an area with more mixed feedback from customers.
What do customers like most about the food at Tommaso's?
Customers frequently praise the authentic Italian dishes, especially the **pizza** and **lasagna**, often describing them as outstanding and flavorful. Many consider it some of the best Italian food they’ve had outside of Italy.
Are there any common complaints about Tommaso's?
Some customers have reported issues with **service** consistency, including long **waiting times** and occasional lack of attention. A few also found the **price** to be a bit high for the portions received, leading to mixed opinions on value.