Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Tosca – San Francisco
Tosca - San Francisco
Photo from Tosca
Tosca at a glance
San Francisco Chinatown
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 62 of the guests
#1638 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#107 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
486
Reviews
67.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful cuisine
- Pleasant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Inconsistent dishes
The restaurant Tosca is an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown, where you can immerse yourself in a truly unique dining experience. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a romantic and historic atmosphere, often enhanced by live music.
This cozy spot is perfect for enjoying great coffee or exploring an impressive wine list. Whether you’re looking for a memorable dinner or just a delightful dessert, Tosca offers a welcoming setting.
Overview: Introducting Tosca
Tosca offers a dining experience where the flavorful dishes often hit the mark, complemented by a generally lively atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the culinary efforts, finding much to enjoy on the menu, though some specific items have received mixed feedback.
The service often stands out, with an attentive staff and friendly bartenders contributing positively to the visit. However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly regarding communication and waiting times, which can occasionally detract from the overall impression.
Good
7
out of 10
486
Reviews
67.5%
Satisfaction
129
negative
29
neutral
328
positive
Tosca holds a respectable overall Restaurant Score of 7, indicating a good dining experience, though customer satisfaction is a more mixed 67.5%. This suggests that while many patrons leave pleased, a notable portion has reservations.
These insights are drawn from 486 customer opinions, comprising 328 positive and 129 negative remarks. Drilling down, the Food (7.4) is a clear strength, frequently praised for its quality, and the Ambience (7.2) also scores well, contributing to a pleasant setting.
Service (6.5) is generally seen as average, with some positive mentions balanced by occasional critiques. However, Value (3.4) stands out as a significant area for improvement, with many guests expressing concerns about pricing.
What people like
- Delicious and flavorful food
- Inviting atmosphere
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- High prices and surcharges
- Inconsistent food quality
- Loud dining environment
If you prioritize a vibrant atmosphere and generally well-prepared food, Tosca could be a worthwhile visit. The establishment boasts a solid Recommendation Score of 7.1, suggesting a positive experience for many, especially those who appreciate the setting and culinary highlights.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as the value proposition is a common point of contention. If budget is a primary concern, or if you expect flawless consistency across all dishes and service interactions, you might find aspects of Tosca less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tosca
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
It seems the food here generally hits the mark, with a solid 7.4 score and a good 72.6% customer satisfaction. Many diners, across 191 positive remarks, raved about the delicious food, praising creative take on classics, homemade focaccia, and standout braised short ribs rigatoni. The truffle gnocchi and boozy cappuccino also earned high praise.
However, not every dish is a winner, as indicated by 52 negative comments. Some found the food quality inconsistent, with complaints about bland dishes, mushy gnocchi, and poor seasoning. A few also noted small portions and issues with specific items like Cacio e Pepe.
Food
263
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
52
negative
20
neutral
191
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Italian food
- Creative pasta dishes
- Great drink selection
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland or mushy dishes
- Small portions sometimes
Often praised
- foodWe give 5 stars to the whole staff and to our friend who recommended the restaurant. Don’t pass this place up; it’s a hip spot, a skip away from some great bars, and the food’s unmatched.
- cocktailsMy experience was in North Beach, where they make some really good cocktails for about $14. I highly recommend it.
- pastaMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed delicious pasta and a charcuterie plate that was a must-try. The atmosphere was lively, though it could get a bit loud.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved the great atmosphere and enjoyed the superb drinks. The house cappuccino was particularly delicious!
- house cappuccinomy favorite tonight was the house cappuccino (alcohol cocktail)
- tiramisuThe attentive staff adds to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that every aspect of your meal is enjoyable. Whether you're savoring a classic plate of spaghetti carbonara or indulging in a decadent tiramisu for dessert, every bite is a reminder of Italy's culinary prowess. While there may be minor hiccups in service or slight imperfections in the dishes, the overall charm and deliciousness of this traditional Italian restaurant make it a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic taste of Italy in a cozy, old-world setting.
- arugula saladThe cozy vibe and high quality service contributed to a perfect 5-star experience. We enjoyed a variety of delicious dishes, including oysters, arugula salad, focaccia bread with marinated burrata, butternut squash pasta, and the incredibly good pork belly. We finished with a delightful chocolate dessert.
- burrata saladburrata salad: a big oval of creamy cheese on a pile of lemony-dressed arugula
- dishesEveryone one of our dishes was rich with flavor
- everythingWe tried everything and it was all very good
Frequently criticized
- foodI used to be a huge fan of Tosca and was willing to give it another chance. However, whatever changed post-Covid, the food was not exceptional as it used to be. It was once simple yet perfect, but this time, it felt 'meh' across all dishes.
- chicken parmMost mid chicken parm I’ve had.
- drinksovercharged $27 dollars on an order of drinks
- food qualityIt’s mediocre now. Not terrible but not good.
- meatballsThe meatballs were a little cool
- Cacio e PepeDespite the very nice atmosphere, the food was extremely disappointing. We had the Cacio e Pepe, which was 100% not Cacio e Pepe - it was made with a cheesy white sauce and undercooked pasta. It was closer to an Applebee's Mac'n'cheese from the kid's menu than a Cacio e Pepe.
- House Cappuccinosthey just brought us cappuccinos -- long after the dessert was gone
- Pork SaltimboccaPork Saltimbocca was just a greasy mess, there was so much butter on it that it was almost floating, and instead of being crispy it was soggy
- bonesThe gnocchi was mushy, and its mushroom sauce was terrible. The Tuscan fried chicken had a tasty breading, but it was disappointing that two of the pieces had bones. Overall, despite the wonderful atmosphere, I would not come back.
- breadthey do not give you bread
If youre looking for a spot with generally delicious Italian food and creative pasta dishes, this place is worth a try. Just be aware that while many rave about the flavors, theres a chance of encountering some inconsistent food quality or bland dishes.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, but leans towards the positive! With a score of 6.5 and customer satisfaction at 62.2%, its fair to say the experience is generally average to good. Many guests raved about the "attentive staff, " "friendly and knowledgeable staff, " and overall "hospitality, " with 61 positive remarks highlighting excellent interactions, quick service, and helpful suggestions from the team.
However, not everyone had a seamless experience, as evidenced by 34 negative comments out of 98 total. Some patrons encountered "slow food service, " "poor communication, " or felt their "server seemed disinterested. " Issues like long "waiting time" and staff not bringing water were also noted, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency and attentiveness across the board.
Service
98
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
34
negative
3
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Friendly and knowledgeable
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Poor communication
- Disinterested servers
Often praised
- serviceHe made me an Apropos that was delicious, and my date’s Negroni was excellent too. Great service 🍸.
- staffHeidi provided prompt service, and the food was absolutely delicious. We give 5 stars to the whole staff and to our friend who recommended the restaurant. Don’t pass this place up; it’s a hip spot, a skip away from some great bars, and the food’s unmatched.
- bartenderI had a great experience during my solo visit. I sat at the bar, where the bartender was friendly and talkative, and offered great dish suggestions. The food was delicious; I particularly enjoyed the Burrata & Heirloom Tomatoes and the Lumache Alla Vodka.
- ServiceService was attentive
- hospitalityhoping to enjoy Tosca’s art, drinks, and hospitality
- Chef DreChef Dre was SO hospitable and was a true gem
- HeidiHeidi looked out for me and turned my day around with sweet service
- RodolfoShout out to Shannon, Rodolfo
- ShannonShannon was SO helpful leading up to the event
- attention to detailThe food was excellent, and the atmosphere was wonderfully chill. I really appreciated the great attention to detail throughout the visit. To top it all off, the staff was super awesome.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The food was awful, the atmosphere was decadent, and the service was tragic. The place urgently needs investment to get back on its feet.
- communicationNo communication why it took so long
- staffstaff doesn’t say anything despite being aware of the discrepancy
- waiting timewe were seated for over 20 minutes and no one waited on our table
- Facebook pageFacebook page did not advise us that the place was closed
- HollyHolly at Tosca Cafe was not professional
- acknowledgementthere was no acknowledgement that she will be with us shortly
- bar servicewaited at the bar … understand that there was only one person tending at the bar
- bar staff knowledgebar staff knew nothing about what was behind the bar
- bartendingLazy bar tending
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff, its worth a try, as many have had great experiences. However, be prepared that service can occasionally be slow or inconsistent, which might disappoint if you're in a hurry or expect flawless attention.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.2 and leaving 73.5% of customers satisfied. Many appreciate the beautiful space, warm lighting, and old time charm, creating good vibes for diners. With 75 positive observations out of 102 total, guests frequently highlight the decor, unique atmosphere, and comfortable, private settings.
However, not everyone finds the atmosphere perfect, with 24 negative comments noting some drawbacks. Some experiences mention too-loud live music or the restaurant being really loud, making conversation difficult. There are also mentions of tight tables and a feeling of it becoming a tourist trap, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
102
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
24
negative
3
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming, unique decor
- Warm, inviting lighting
- Good, lively vibes
What people don't like
- High noise levels
- Tight table spacing
- Tourist trap feel
Often praised
- atmosphereDespite the very nice atmosphere, the food was extremely disappointing. We had the Cacio e Pepe, which was 100% not Cacio e Pepe - it was made with a cheesy white sauce and undercooked pasta.
- ambianceShannon was incredibly helpful leading up to the event, assisting with all our questions and requests. The private room comfortably accommodated our 16 guests in a beautiful ambiance, and we were even able to choose our own playlist. All the food from the event menu was wonderful and perfectly timed.
- lightingWe felt like we were being read the rules, creating a Seinfeld-esque experience where tables were not available for just drinks. We ended up going to Comstock, which might be the best place for craft cocktails, boasting sophisticated interiors with hushed lighting. We loved their charred Brussels sprouts.
- vibeThe lumaconi prosciutto cream and meatballs offered a familiar yet unique taste, a testament to culinary magic. I highly recommend starting with the 'house cappuccino' to fully soak up the vibe.
- barThey charge a 10% extra because employees have health insurance. The restaurant part was quite loud, so we were pleased eating at the bar. The portion size was not big.
- dining experiencesone of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had
- interiorsenticed and drawn in by the interiors
- vibesVibes are still some of the best in sf
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Chefs LoungeChefs Lounge private dining experience
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The food was awful, the atmosphere was decadent, and the service was tragic. The place urgently needs investment to get back on its feet.
- tourist trapIt may as well be an airport concession—uninspired, careless, pointless. Who would turn this cave of wonder into a dim tourist trap? Its new owners, with an infallible reverse Midas touch, have a gift for squeezing margins out of a menu and little else.
- San Francisco institutionnot a San Francisco institution with a skillful twist, splendid staff and a special bar
- air conditioningthe unit was only barely working
- difficult to heardifficult to hear someone talking
- dining areaMy experience at this restaurant was with their affordable old-school Italian dishes, served in an historic space. The only downside of our visit was the too-loud live music blaring at us in the very small dining area. It was a nice idea, but poorly executed.
- dining conditionsdining conditions virtually untenable
- empty barempty bar
- empty seatsWhat happened to this beautiful restaurant? My experience at Tosca was marked by empty seats and a slow food service. The bar was also empty, with limited liquor options.
- live musictoo-loud live music blaring at us
If youre looking for a restaurant with a generally pleasant and charming atmosphere, this place is a solid choice. Just be aware that it can get quite lively, and some find the noise level or seating a bit challenging. Its worth trying for its unique character, but perhaps not for a quiet, intimate conversation on a busy night.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some serious room for improvement, scoring just 3.4 with a customer satisfaction of only 4.3%. Out of 23 comments, only 1 person found anything positive, specifically mentioning affordable old-school Italian dishes. So, while theres a tiny glimmer of hope for budget-conscious diners in certain areas, its a rare find.
However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 19 negative comments, points to significant concerns. Many felt the experience was overpriced, citing various service charge and healthy mandate fee additions that pushed the bill much higher than expected. The wine selection also drew criticism for being pricy for what you get.
Value
23
Reviews
4%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable dishes
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Hidden fees
- Expensive wine
Often praised
- affordableAffordable old-school Italian dishes
Frequently criticized
- pricequite overpriced (27$ and 24$ respectively)
- SF mandate chargecharging 10% for SF mandate is ridiculous
- billpushes your bill up by 30%.
- bottles of wineThey don’t have bottles of wine. Only by the glass
- chargecharge from as little as 3% become 10% is a rip off
- cheap winesThe atmosphere was very loud, which detracted from the overall dining experience. I found the wine list to be bland, with cheap wines sold at a high price. I was particularly excited about the truffle gnocchi, but it was a letdown as there were just barely any truffles in it.
- cost of the mealhappier if the restaurant just added the service charge into the cost of the meal.
- covid surcharge10% covid surcharge and then calculate tip on top of it. Felt like a rip off.
- final billmenu prices are not reflected on the final bill
- foodexpensive good and wine
If youre considering this restaurant, be prepared for a potentially high final bill due to various added charges and generally "overpriced" items, especially wine. While a few dishes might be "affordable, " the overall value proposition is quite low. It might disappoint if youre looking for a budget-friendly meal.
How are the prices at Tosca?
You’re looking at roughly 65 per person – reported by 62 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out. While many diners enjoy options in the $41–$50 range, a good number also go for more premium experiences, with significant spending both below and above this average. So, you’ll find options for various budgets here.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 62 reviews.
See how this Italian Restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco when it comes to value for money.
Considering it’s an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, and the range of experiences available, we think the pricing feels fair. It offers flexibility for different budgets while maintaining a good standard.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tosca
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
A Sad Decline for a Once Magical Experience
What a loss to San Francisco. Before its new owners mired it in mediocrity, this was once among the most magical dining experiences I’ve ever had. It may as well be an airport concession—uninspired, careless, pointless.
Who would turn this cave of wonder into a dim tourist trap? Its new owners, with an infallible reverse Midas touch, have a gift for squeezing margins out of a menu and little else. It wouldn’t matter so much if Tosca itself didn’t mean as much as it does.
We can only hope the next owners—and judging by the thin crowds, that day will come—have more to offer.
- dining experiences10
- tourist trap1
- menu2
- thin crowds2
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
A Fading Institution
What happened to this beautiful restaurant? My experience at Tosca was marked by empty seats and a slow food service. The bar was also empty, with limited liquor options.
Having dinner here felt like watching an old man dying; this once venerable and world-renowned institution seems sadly to be on its last gasp. Someone please save this wonderful place.
- empty seats2
- slow food service2
- empty bar2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Disappointing Experience at Tosca
I was initially drawn in by Tosca's interiors and arrived last night with a couple, hoping to enjoy its art, drinks, and hospitality. Despite the restaurant not being crowded, we were denied a table for four, even though many were empty at 10 pm. This was particularly disheartening as we only wanted drinks.
We felt like we were being read the rules, creating a Seinfeld-esque experience where tables were not available for just drinks. We ended up going to Comstock, which might be the best place for craft cocktails, boasting sophisticated interiors with hushed lighting. We loved their charred Brussels sprouts.
- interiors8
- hospitality7
- craft cocktails9
- table2
- rules3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Overcharged and Disappointed
My experience at this restaurant was marred by a significant billing issue. We were overcharged $27 dollars on an order of drinks. The menu prices were not reflected on the final bill, and the staff seemed aware of the discrepancy but said nothing.
While we enjoyed what we had, I don’t appreciate being taken advantage of.
- drinks2
- menu prices2
- final bill2
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Restaurant in Decline
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The food was awful, the atmosphere was decadent, and the service was tragic. The place urgently needs investment to get back on its feet.
- food1
- atmosphere1
- service1
What Tosca offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Tosca Cafe?
At Tosca Cafe, you’ll discover a romantic, historic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere perfect for dinner or dessert. You can enjoy table service, and the restaurant also offers catering. High chairs are available for children, ensuring a comfortable experience for families.
Does Tosca Cafe cater to specific dietary needs and offer late-night options?
Yes, Tosca Cafe provides a variety of offerings including vegan and vegetarian options, as well as organic dishes. For those looking for a late bite, the restaurant serves late-night food. You can also enjoy a selection of hard liquor, wine, beer, coffee, and cocktails.
How does Tosca generally rate?
Tosca receives an overall Restaurant Score of 7, indicating a good experience for many. Its strengths lie in **Food** (7.4) and **Ambience** (7.2), with **Service** (6.5) being average, but **Value** (3.4) is a notable concern for customers.
What kind of food and drinks can I expect at Tosca?
Customers frequently praise the **pasta**, **cocktails**, and the unique **house cappuccino**. Many dishes are described as **rich with flavor**, though some specific items like the Cacio e Pepe or Pork Saltimbocca have received criticism for inconsistency.
Is Tosca considered good value for money?
Opinions suggest that **Value** (3.4) is a significant drawback at Tosca. Many customers find the prices high and frequently mention additional charges, such as the SF mandate, contributing to a perception of being overpriced.