Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Tratto – San Francisco
Tratto - San Francisco
Photo from Tratto
Tratto at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 103 of the guests
#2107 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#121 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
6.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
632
Reviews
59.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Italian dishes
- Great breakfast
- Inviting ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Hidden charges
- High prices
- Inattentive staff
The restaurant Tratto invites you to experience authentic Italian dining in the vibrant South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco. This Italian restaurant is renowned for its great wine list, offering a perfect pairing for every dish.
You’ll find a casual yet upscale atmosphere, ideal for a romantic evening or a trendy gathering. With options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, Tratto makes enjoying delicious Italian cuisine easy.
Overview: Introducting Tratto
Tratto offers a mixed experience, where its culinary efforts often shine, particularly with its well-regarded pizza and pasta dishes. However, some guests have noted inconsistencies, with certain meals described as bland or undercooked .
The inviting ambience generally receives praise, creating a pleasant backdrop for dining. While the staff can be quite attentive and friendly, there are instances where service falls short, leading to frustration.
The overall value proposition also raises questions for some, who find the pricing structure less than ideal, especially concerning additional gratuity .
Good
6.2
out of 10
632
Reviews
59.5%
Satisfaction
222
negative
34
neutral
376
positive
Tratto presents an average overall picture with a Restaurant Score of 6.2 and Customer Satisfaction at 59.5%. These mid-range figures, drawn from 632 customer opinions, suggest a dining experience that has its ups and downs.
While not poor, there’s certainly room for improvement to elevate the general sentiment. Looking closer, Food (7.2) and Ambience (7.5) are clear strengths, garnering 376 positive remarks.
However, Service (5.5) sits in the average range, and Value (2.7) is a significant concern, contributing to the 222 negative comments. This indicates that while the setting and cuisine often impress, other aspects can detract from the experience.
What people like
- Delicious Italian dishes
- Excellent breakfast options
- Pleasant, inviting ambiance
What people don't like
- Hidden service charges
- Perceived high prices
- Inattentive staff
Tratto is a place with definite potential, especially if you prioritize good Italian food and a pleasant ambience . However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent service experience and scrutinize your bill for additional gratuity or unexpected charges.
With a Recommendation Score of 6.3, Tratto might be worth a visit if its strengths align with your priorities, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding value . It’s not a guaranteed hit, but it has its moments.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tratto
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 71.5%, it's clear many diners leave happy. Out of 302 total remarks, 216 were positive, frequently highlighting the fresh made pasta, delicious sauces, wonderful pizzas, and crispy fried chicken thighs.
However, not every dish is a home run. Among the 66 negative opinions, some guests noted issues like small portions, greasy pizza, mediocre quality, and a general lack of flavor in certain dishes. It seems consistency can be a bit of a mixed bag, so choose wisely.
Food
302
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
66
negative
20
neutral
216
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh made pasta
- Delicious sauces
- Wonderful pizzas
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Greasy pizza
- Lacks flavor
Often praised
- foodfood choices than I was expecting for an Italian restaurant but very good
- pizzaFor our main course we ordered the pappardelle pasta and the pizza with prosciutto, roasted grapes, arugula, balsamic, and goat cheese. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you this was the best pasta and pizza I have ever had - and I consider myself well pretty well traveled. The service was great, the drinks were strong.
- lasagnaMy experience at this Italian restaurant in The Marker Hotel was largely positive, primarily due to the wonderful food. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including calamari with shrimp, a Cesar salad, lasagna, and pan-fried sole with fingerling potatoes and asparagus. While the food was wonderful, the waitress was a bit flaky.
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for breakfast. We visited every morning during our stay and I can honestly say it was the best breakfast we ate in America. The food quality was exceptional, and the atmosphere was rated a 5 out of 5.
- meatballsI’ve had the meatballs and the steak on separate occasions, and both were sublime
- mushroom pizzaHusband had the mushroom pizza, which he enjoyed
- pastaPerfectly cooked pasta
- winehave a glass of wine
- Caesar saladThe setting was lovely, and the meal was excellent. Standouts included the salmon with a gloriously crisp skin, served on a bed of pureed leeks, and a Caesar salad with hearts of romaine, lightly dressed and topped with whole anchovies. The arancini were a terrific starter.
- Italian foodIt's hard to recommend this place because I don't want it to become a trend. But it's a really good Italian and vermouth spot.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing on every level. The food was shockingly bland, served in tiny portions, and felt completely overpriced for what we received. The biggest letdown was my fish, which came out undercooked—practically raw in the center and unappetizing.
- pizzaThe house red wine was also not bad. However, the pizza was incredibly greasy and not particularly enticing, which detracted from the overall meal.
- pastaThe pizzas were a disaster – tough and dry. The burger was of mediocre quality with no taste, and the pasta swam in sauce. However, the brownie dessert was good.
- burgerthe burger was of mediocre quality with no taste
- fishThe fish was very fishy and tasted faintly of refrigerator.
- margarita pizzacannelloni and margarita pizza and it tasted like it was just heated up
- pizzaspizzas were thin crrust, but they ended up being thick
- portionserved in tiny portions
- wineforgot our wine. She disappeared and we ended up just canceling the wine
- Caesar saladCaesar salad that contained only lettuce
If you're craving fresh Italian classics like pasta and pizza, this place is definitely worth a visit, as many find the food delicious. Just be mindful of portion sizes and perhaps steer clear of some of the less-loved pizza options to ensure a great meal.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have found reasons to smile, with 78 positive remarks highlighting a fantastic team and attentive staff. Guests frequently mention quick service and individual standouts like Kevin the bartender, contributing to many positive interactions. However, the experience isn't always consistent, with an equal 78 negative remarks.
Some diners encountered incredibly slow service, long waiting times, and instances of poor service, sometimes due to being understaffed. This leads to an overall score of 5.5 (average) and a customer satisfaction of 47.9% (mixed) across 163 total opinions.
Service
163
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
78
negative
7
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service
- Great individual servers
What people don't like
- Incredibly slow service
- Long waiting times
- Understaffed
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was an excellent dinner with great service. We opted for the family style option, and I was pleased with both the portions and the flavors.
- staffThe staff was friendly and accommodating
- serverWe found it to be a nice, family-friendly restaurant in the Tenderloin. The food was absolutely delicious, and our server was great! I particularly enjoyed their pepperoni pizza, calamari, and Prosecco.
- waitressMy only minor criticism is that two dishes on our table weren't salty enough, but this was easily resolved by asking for salt. The service was flawless; our waitress was nice and attentive. Overall, a fantastic dining experience.
- serversservers attentive
- AlexandraI must give special mention to Alexandra, my server on all three visits. She was nothing short of amazing, going above and beyond to ensure I was well looked after. Her wine and food recommendations were spot on every time, and she was a delight to chat with, even offering great tips on places to visit.
- CarlosIt's impossible not to like her. Carlos was also excellent, as was the general manager, with whom I had a brief but pleasant conversation. A fantastic spot – you won’t be disappointed by either the food or the service.
- Kevin the bartenderKevin the bartender is awesome!
- Leenaspecially Leena
- ServiceService:5
Frequently criticized
- serviceThen, they present the normal receipt asking for an additional gratuity suggested at 20%, 22%, and 25%! I've been paying double service repeatedly in the past without knowing. And paying a service fee on top of a service tip already charged without my knowledge?
- bartenderMy experience at Tratto was extremely disappointing. I was seated at the bar and waited 20 minutes without any acknowledgment from the bartender. He did not greet me, offer a menu, or provide water.
- checkwe still had to ask for the check.
- staffThe setting is quite nice, spacious and typically American. The service was fast, though the staff lacked a bit of warmth. The food was decent, but not outstanding.
- tipbooking the tip directly full and charged my credit card without my involvement
- waiterour waiter informed me he “accidentally” swiped my card for another table for 388$!
- waitressvery disappointed with the waitress, just unpleasant
- ServiceService was less than great
- bar backbar back didn’t seem to enjoy being in service
- bar closingThey were reluctant to serve the complimentary wine. On another evening, we arrived 30 minutes before closing with people still inside, intending to have a couple of glasses of paid wine, but we were told the bar was already closing, despite still being within operating hours. We were also completely ignored.
The service here can be a bit of a gamble; you might encounter a fantastic, attentive team or face frustratingly slow and inattentive moments. If youre willing to take a chance, individual staff members often make a great impression, but consistency isnt guaranteed.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, earning a 7.5 score and leaving 82% of customers satisfied! With 73 positive observations out of 89 total, guests frequently praise the serene atmosphere, chic restaurant vibe, and dim lighting, often noting its casual elegance. Many found it a beautiful, spacious, and cozy spot, perfect for a quiet dinner or a date, creating a truly pleasant experience.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 13 negative remarks. Some found it not very kid-friendly, and a few mentioned issues with table proximity, leading to a deteriorated atmosphere. There were also comments about a cold decor in some areas, and a concerning mention of a roach crawling around, which certainly detracts from the overall environment.
Ambience
89
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Calm, classy atmosphere
- Beautiful, spacious setting
- Great for dates
What people don't like
- Not kid-friendly
- Close table proximity
- Roach sighting
Often praised
- atmospheregetting quietly drunk while in a hotel bar with this kind of atmosphere.
- ambienceThe ambience was so calm and welcoming
- placeThere were plenty of great options on the menu to choose from every day. The place has the classic polished look with a modern healthy twist on the menu. The service was the best of all, so genuinely kind and attentive.
- ambianceamazing ambiance
- restaurantAbsolutely beautiful restaurant
- settingthe setting is quite nice
- interiorVery nice and cozy interior
- locationgreat location close to Union Square
- HotelIt's a great Hotel
- Hotel barMy favorite Hotel and my favorite Hotel bar.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere significantly deteriorated halfway through our meal when over 10 tables were seated right next to us
- bardisappointing experience at the bar
- decorthis restaurant had a cold decor
- kid-friendlyNot very kid friendly
- locationA bit to close to the tenderloin not so safe at night
- menuit’s on the menu when entering… in minute small print
- parkingWhile not very kid-friendly, one could manage. Parking was difficult to find, with valet being the only option, and there was no street parking available.
- restaurantit was supposed to be open and it is closed
- roach crawling aroundgreeted by a roach crawling around the establishment
- seatingsat us in a corner without a chair
If you're looking for a calm, elegant setting for a date or a relaxed evening, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware it might not be ideal for families with young children, and keep an eye out for potential seating arrangements that could impact your experience.
Value (2.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
While the overall sentiment around value isnt stellar, a few diners found some bright spots. Some appreciated the "price" and "competitive price, " noting that the food was "reasonably priced" and "affordable" for the quality. With 9 positive remarks, a small group felt they got good value, especially for a pre-theater meal or a date night.
However, the overwhelming majority of feedback paints a different picture. With a 2.7 score for value and a mere 11.5% customer satisfaction, its clear that many felt the experience was poor. Out of 78 total comments, a staggering 65 pointed to issues like overpriced dishes, expensive prices, and frustrating hidden fees or automatic gratuity.
Many felt the final bill was a shock.
Value
78
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
65
negative
4
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality for price
- Reasonable pricing
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- Hidden fees
- Automatic gratuity
Often praised
- priceIt served as a nice pre-theater eating oasis with a nice, low-lighting ambience that was simple yet urban elegant. The staff were very nice, and the food was very good and reasonably priced. They also take reservations, which is convenient.
- affordablequite affordable
- competitive pricehigh-quality food at a very competitive price
- pricesHowever, the brownie dessert was good. The prices are correct relative to the quality.
Frequently criticized
- billI would not return here even if I were starving. It was peculiar that the receptionist, who was rude from the start, brought me the bill instead of the waiter, which should have been a red flag. The owner needs to address this issue.
- priceWhat was your experience at the restaurant? It was too expensive for what it was! Scandalous!
- gratuityasking for an additional gratuity suggested at 20, 22 & 25%
- pricesles prix sont beaucoup trop élevés
- tipThey ask for a tip on top of a bill already with a tip
- Happy Hourfor “Happy hour” you pay 10$ and get 2 polenta fries
- Union Square surchargebezahlt man den Union Square Aufschlag für die Lage
- additional itemsturn into additional items on your bill
- adult dishestwo full adult dishes
- asked for tip againasked for it again when you sign the bill
If youre considering dining here, be prepared for potential sticker shock regarding value. While a few found it "reasonably priced, " the vast majority reported "overpriced" dishes and unexpected charges. It might disappoint if youre looking for an affordable meal without hidden costs.
How are the prices at Tratto?
On average, you’ll spend around 46 per person – from 103 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe a bit on the higher side.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out. While the average is around 46, a good number of diners spend less, often in the $21–$30 range, but there are also plenty who opt for more premium experiences, pushing the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 103 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. It offers options across a decent range, so you can likely find something that fits your budget while still enjoying a quality meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tratto
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Good Food, Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food and drink were good, earning a 5 out of 5. However, the service was non existent.
After waiting 15 minutes in the bar area at a table, I had to order through the bar. Another disappointing aspect was the automatic gratuity added to all checks, even for just two people, which was not clearly indicated on the credit card receipt. This felt sneaky and unethical, and likely contributed to the poor service.
- food and drink10
- service2
- automatic gratuity2
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Wonderful Italian Food, Flaky Service
My experience at this Italian restaurant in The Marker Hotel was largely positive, primarily due to the wonderful food. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including calamari with shrimp, a Cesar salad, lasagna, and pan-fried sole with fingerling potatoes and asparagus. While the food was wonderful, the waitress was a bit flaky.
Despite this, I highly recommend this restaurant!
- food10
- calamari with shrimp9
- Cesar salad9
- waitress4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
7
Good Italian Food, Inconsistent Service
My experience at this rustic Italian restaurant near Union Square in San Francisco, attached to the Marker Hotel on Geary St. , was a mix of good food and somewhat inconsistent service. We visited early on a Monday evening, and it wasn't busy, which made me wonder why we still had to wait for our table despite having a reservation. For our appetizer, we ordered a beet salad, and for our entrees, we enjoyed the Spaghetti con Vongole and the Gnocchi pesto.
Both dishes were very good, with adequate, though not huge, serving sizes. The service, however, was hit and miss; we experienced several minutes of waiting for our table to be cleared, and we also had to ask for the check. Overall, the food was a highlight, but the service could be improved.
- beet salad7
- Spaghetti con Vongole8
- Gnocchi pesto8
- service4
- table to be cleared4
- check4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Pleasant Italian Dinner with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was very pleasant. The service was fast, precise, and kind. The local (venue) was also nice, and I understood it's also a partner of a hotel.
We ordered classic Italian dishes: polpette, tagliatelle, and lasagne, all of which were very good. The prices were in line with the venue's standing, meaning not cheap compared to European standards. If you are in the area, I recommend trying it.
- service10
- local8
- polpette9
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Elegant Experience, Worth the Price
What a great experience! The location was elegant, the dishes were very well-prepared, and the service was courteous. It was absolutely worth the price paid.
Highly recommended.
- location9
- dishes9
- service9
What Tratto offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What are the parking options available when you visit Tratto?
When planning your visit to Tratto, you should be aware that finding a space can usually be difficult. However, you have convenient options including a paid parking garage and paid street parking nearby, ensuring you can arrive stress-free.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Tratto?
At Tratto, you’ll discover a dining experience that blends casual comfort with an upscale, trendy, and cozy ambiance. It’s perfect for a romantic evening or a lively gathering. You can enjoy dinner and dessert with full table service, making your visit memorable.
How does Tratto generally perform?
Tratto holds a 6.2 overall score, indicating an average experience. While Food (7.2) and Ambience (7.5) are strong points, Service (5.5) is average, and Value (2.7) is a notable concern.
What do customers enjoy most at Tratto?
Guests frequently praise Tratto’s delicious Italian food, including pizza and pasta , and many highlight the excellent breakfast options. The calm atmosphere and beautiful restaurant also contribute to a pleasant ambience.
What are the main drawbacks at Tratto?
The primary concerns revolve around Value, with many finding prices too high and noting additional gratuity or service charges. Some also experienced inattentive or unacknowledged service.