Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Trattoria Contadina – San Francisco
Trattoria Contadina - San Francisco
Photo from Trattoria Contadina
Trattoria Contadina at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 119 of the guests
#674 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#42 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
682
Reviews
79.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh pasta
- Attentive service
- Charming ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Loud atmosphere
- Small bathroom
The restaurant Trattoria Contadina, an authentic Italian restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood, invites you to experience a culinary journey. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch or a special dinner.
Known for its great dessert, this spot promises a delightful end to your meal. With a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, you’re in for a treat.
Overview: Introducting Trattoria Contadina
Trattoria Contadina offers a classic Italian dining experience where the culinary offerings generally impress, particularly the fresh pasta. The attentive staff also contributes positively to the overall visit, making guests feel well-cared for.
However, some diners find the pricing to be a point of concern, occasionally feeling it’s on the expensive side. The cozy setting, while charming, can also become quite noisy, impacting the dining atmosphere for some.
Good
8
out of 10
682
Reviews
79.2%
Satisfaction
99
negative
43
neutral
540
positive
Trattoria Contadina earns a solid 8 out of 10 for its overall performance, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a strong 79.2% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring well (8.1), frequently praised for its quality and authenticity across 540 positive remarks out of 682 total. The Service (8.2) also receives high marks for its attentiveness and friendly staff, contributing significantly to the positive sentiment.
While the Ambience (8.1) is often described as charming and intimate, some guests note it can get quite loud. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.9), where a smaller segment of diners expressed concerns about pricing and unexpected charges.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh pasta
- Attentive, friendly service
- Charming, intimate ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices, unexpected charges
- Loud dining atmosphere
- Limited, small bathroom
If you’re seeking a classic Italian meal with well-prepared dishes and attentive staff, Trattoria Contadina is a strong contender. The 8.2 recommendation score suggests many find it a worthwhile visit, especially for its culinary strengths and welcoming atmosphere.
However, be mindful of the potential for a higher bill and a lively, sometimes noisy, environment. For those prioritizing exceptional food and service over strict budget or a quiet meal, this trattoria could be a delightful choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Trattoria Contadina
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction of 80.8%, its clear most diners leave happy. Based on 316 positive remarks out of 391 total opinions, guests rave about the delicious, authentic Italian flavors, especially the handmade pasta, standout Carlesimo pasta, and the heavenly tiramisu.
Many also praise the Caesar salad and overall quality of dishes. However, not every bite is perfect, with 51 negative comments noting some inconsistencies. A few experiences mentioned undercooked pasta, dry meatballs, or bland bread.
There were also instances of overcooked pork and some dishes lacking the expected flavor, suggesting that while many items shine, a few might fall short of expectations.
Food
391
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
51
negative
24
neutral
316
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Handmade pasta shines
- Authentic Italian flavors
- Divine Tiramisu
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pasta cooking
- Some dishes bland
- Overcooked proteins
Often praised
- foodThe maitre d' was kind and secured us a window seat, and our server, John Andre, was exceptional. The food was delicious, including the burrata and prosciutto, caesar salad, their recommended house pasta, a delectable chicken entree, and the spumoni dessert cake. We enjoyed wine pairings for each course, along with a great limoncello and espresso martini.
- pastaIt truly felt like a neighborhood spot. Our pastas were incredible; you can tell they make their pasta everyday instead of using boxed. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner here.
- tiramisuIt's easily one of the best Italian restaurants in a city brimming with great Italian food. I particularly enjoyed the Mama Fratelli pasta, which was amazing, and the tiramisu was excellent. The restaurant itself is quite small, so making a reservation is pretty much a necessity.
- gnocchiI had the Il Diavolo, which was very spicy as I wanted, and it was one of the most delicious meals I had in San Francisco! The rest of the family loved their gnocchi, vongole, and other pasta dishes. The wait staff was top-notch!
- Italian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hidden gem with REAL good Italian food. I particularly enjoyed the Caponata and the table bread, which were soooo yummy.
- pasta dishesThe Caesar Salad was excellent and sufficient for three people. We ordered three different pasta dishes, and they were all delicious and well-portioned. The wine and drink selections were also great.
- dishesI was warmly welcomed in French. The dishes are homemade and prepared right in front of you, which was a great experience. The pasta was very good.
- drinksthe food (and drinks) are EXCELLENT
- meatballsThe mushrooms ,meatballs , and clams are my favorite appetizers
- pastasThe pastas were perfectly cooked
Frequently criticized
- pastanothing close to what it was before. My mom does a better pasta.
- foodWell, no need to come back again! I have great memories of great food with great friends, unfortunately not this time! Thanks for the memories!
- Caesar saladThe Caesar salad was drenched in cheap dressing and pre-shredded cheese.
- breadbread they give is also bland without any good flavor
- gnocchiThe gnocchi was a bit off
- meatballsI enjoyed the cocktails and the atmosphere was great. The food was also good, although my meatballs were a little dry.
- Alfredobasically just pesto sauce with nothing Alfredo about it
- Biasco al Lampone drinkBiasco al Lampone drink has maybe 3 drops of actual alcohol
- Cokenever refilled or offered to refill it once
- Diavolomy $31 Diavolo it wasn’t much better
If youre seeking authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on delicious handmade pasta and signature dishes, this restaurant is a strong contender. While a few items might occasionally miss the mark, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely have a memorable and satisfying meal.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 80.3%, it's clear that most diners have a good experience. Out of 157 customer remarks, a whopping 126 were positive, frequently praising the customer service, servers, and staff for their attentive service and friendly, professional demeanor.
Many highlighted the team going above and beyond, making for a truly wonderful dining experience. However, not every interaction was perfect, with 25 negative comments noted. Some guests faced issues with reservation mix-ups and unexpected wait times, occasionally leading to wrong order situations or feeling expected to leave too quickly.
While these instances are fewer, they point to areas where consistency could be improved, ensuring every guest feels valued from start to finish.
Service
157
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
25
negative
6
neutral
126
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional customer service
- Knowledgeable recommendations
What people don't like
- Reservation issues
- Unexpected wait times
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceMy favorite dishes of the night were definitely The cesar salad (with house-made dressing and a lot of parmesan) and the fettuccini verde. The waiter was super nice, and the overall atmosphere and service were excellent.
- staffI ordered a bottle of wine, a wedge salad, meatballs, and ravioli Salvatore to share with my companion. *chefs kiss* The waiter was amazing, and all the staff were equally impressive.
- ServiceService was top notch, very attentive
- reservationMy experience at this classic Italian restaurant, tucked away off the beaten path in North Beach, was fantastic. I highly recommend making a reservation, as we were incredibly fortunate to secure a table on the same day and are so grateful for it. The food was excellent, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was wonderful, all contributing to a memorable dining experience.
- waiterMy favorite dishes of the night were definitely The cesar salad (with house-made dressing and a lot of parmesan) and the fettuccini verde. The waiter was super nice, and the overall atmosphere and service were excellent.
- bartenderthe bartender was extremely nice and accommodating
- customer serviceExcellent customer service from the host and server
- friendly staffThis is a lovely, small, and cozy Italian restaurant with very friendly staff. The Italian dishes are delicious, though they come with the typical, rather high prices for Frisco.
- wait staffkind, knowledgeable, and attentive wait staff
- wine selectionhelping us choose our wine by letting us sample three tastings
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was brutally meh. They brought out the wrong food
- chefchef was visibly throwing a fit
- did not offer ANYTHINGdid not offer ANYTHING for the inconvenience
- expected to leaveUpon arrival, you'll be greeted warmly and led to your table, and the service is attentive. However, there's a sense that you're expected to leave once you've finished eating, typical of American dining. For local standards, the high Google rating of 4.
- explanation or apologyI made a reservation at this restaurant and paid a $25 deposit in advance. Upon arrival, I experienced a 25-minute wait past my reservation time with no explanation or apology. When I requested something complimentary for the inconvenience, the staff offered a glass of wine but then charged me for it.
- families with childrenje déconseille pour les familles avec des enfants
- felt insultedwe felt insulted that a restaurant of this caliber
- hospitalitybetter hospitality when you ask guests to wait
- leftover foodmy leftover food in a box already
- limited opening hoursThe Italian dishes are delicious, though they come with the typical, rather high prices for Frisco. Unfortunately, this Italian place has adopted the American habit of limited opening hours, only serving between 5 PM and 9 PM. This means no leisurely lingering, enjoying wine, and chatting.
Overall, the service here is genuinely good, making it a place worth trying if you value a friendly and attentive staff. While there might be an occasional hiccup with reservations or wait times, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives, promising a pleasant visit.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to atmosphere, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 81.9%, guests frequently praise its cozy atmosphere, fun vibe, and local charm. Many find it a perfect place for a date night spot, appreciating its warm, inviting, and authentic neighborhood feel, as highlighted in 95 positive remarks out of 116 total.
However, it's not without a few minor quirks, noted in 10 negative remarks. Some guests mentioned the noise level can be too loud when busy, making conversation a bit challenging. Other practical concerns, though less frequent, included a single bathroom and difficult parking, which can slightly detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
116
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
10
negative
11
neutral
95
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Neighborhood vibe
- Charming date spot
What people don't like
- Loud noise level
- Can be cold
Often praised
- atmosphereAlthough there were no vegan menu options, we emailed in advance and the restaurant provided several excellent off-menu vegan options. Our experience was fantastic, with the food, service, and atmosphere all receiving a perfect score.
- placeI am so happy my bf found this gem. It is a very small and cozy place inside. It was kind of loud with so many people inside, but the food made it worthwhile.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance is also very good
- vibeThe vibe in the restaurant felt so warm and welcoming
- Italian restaurantGreat intimate & local Italian restaurant
- ambienceThe ambience was elegant but not stuffy
- cable carThey have a great wine selection and the food was wonderful. As a bonus, the cable car goes right by the restaurant, only compounding the charm of the place. Don't miss it.
- characterkeep the character
- charmThe charm in this place is off the charts
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking is difficult
- atmospherethe place is very noisy, you can hardly talk at the table
- bathroomOne tiny bathroom, overflowing with paper towels, and a long line
- easy parkingWish there was easy parking
- noiseIt is a very small and cozy place inside. It was kind of loud with so many people inside, but the food made it worthwhile. I would recommend them!
- noise levelreally loud inside
- single bathroomonly a single bathroom
- too loudOur reservation at Original Joe's was getting bumped out 30-45 minutes, so we bailed. Lucky us, as it was too loud to even talk at Original Joe's. We'll be returning to Trattoria Contradina in the future.
- windowsI found the atmosphere to be friendly. My only complaint was that it was a bit cold due to some windows being open.
If you're seeking a charming, cozy spot with a genuine neighborhood feel, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that it can get a bit lively and noisy, and plan your parking ahead of time.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners felt they truly got their money's worth here. Some found the entrees to be reasonably priced, leading to a check that felt quite fair for the quality of the meal. It seems that for certain choices, guests walked away feeling satisfied with what they paid.
However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, with a score of 3.9 and customer satisfaction at a low 16.7%. Out of 18 comments, 13 were negative, highlighting that many felt the price was high, with bills often on the expensive side . Unexpected charges for dessert or feeling it was a tourist trap also left a strong negative impression.
Value
18
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable entree prices
- Good money's worth
What people don't like
- High prices
- Unexpected charges
- Tourist trap feel
Often praised
- EntreesEntrees were low $30s each
- checkWe chose what our server recommended, and he was very honest in telling us we didn’t need more pasta dishes than just one. We had 4 dishes total that were very good here, and the check was very reasonable for two people. I enjoyed the caesar salad with anchovies; you can actually see the anchovies on the caesar salad when you order with them on.
- money's worthYou definitely get your money's worth here
Frequently criticized
- priceabsurd $25 price for a dish that is worth $10
- high pricesThis is a lovely, small, and cozy Italian restaurant with very friendly staff. The Italian dishes are delicious, though they come with the typical, rather high prices for Frisco. Unfortunately, this Italian place has adopted the American habit of limited opening hours, only serving between 5 PM and 9 PM.
- billOur bill was $300
- charged me for itlater charged me for it on the bill
- charged usWe felt very uncomfortable because we had a reservation for a specific time, and when we arrived, there was no table available. They offered us a glass of wine, which they then charged us for. The food was just normal.
- dessert🙁 Then, they brought us an order of tiramisu as a gift to celebrate our 30th anniversary – a very nice gesture. However, when I received the bill, they charged me for the dessert! Are you kidding me!
- entreespent around $30 per entree for something that bad
- expensive sideMy experience at the restaurant was a great meal, though it was a bit on the expensive side. My favorite dishes were Mama Fratelli, the mushroom with cheese, and the insalata caprino.
- tourist trapexperience at this restaurant was that of a tourist trap
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for potentially high prices. While some found good value, the general sentiment suggests that the cost often outweighs the experience, especially with unexpected charges. It might not be the best choice if youre on a tight budget.
How are the prices at Trattoria Contadina?
You’re looking at roughly 61 per person – reported by 119 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.
While the average is 61, the prices are quite spread out! Many guests enjoy meals in the $41–$50 range, but a significant number also opt for more premium experiences, spending upwards of 91 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 119 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco. It seems like there are options for various budgets, allowing diners to choose their own adventure!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Trattoria Contadina
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
A Hidden Gem for Pasta Lovers
Shsss, don't tell anyone. This place has the best pasta dishes ever. Locals know, that's how we found it.
The Veal & Scampi Picatta was a standout. We visited with a group of 3-4 people and experienced excellent service with a perfect score of 5. The atmosphere was also rated a 5, and the food received a perfect 5.
The price per person was between $50–100.
- pasta dishes10
- Veal & Scampi Picatta9
- service10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Great Pasta in San Francisco!
My experience at this Italian restaurant was very pleasant. The service was top-notch, and the food was delicious. It's highly recommended to make a reservation to ensure you get a table.
I recommend it for eating good pasta in San Francisco!
- service10
- food9
- pasta9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Hidden Gem with Delicious Italian Food
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hidden gem with REAL good Italian food. I particularly enjoyed the Caponata and the table bread, which were soooo yummy.
The pastas were perfectly cooked and offered innovative tastes. The service and atmosphere were also excellent, both receiving a perfect score.
- Italian food10
- Caponata10
- table bread10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Italian with Great Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. It's a great intimate & local Italian restaurant. The food was amazing and the portions were generous enough to share.
I ordered a bottle of wine, a wedge salad, meatballs, and ravioli Salvatore to share with my companion. *chefs kiss* The waiter was amazing, and all the staff were equally impressive.
- food10
- portions9
- waiter10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Friendly Service, Relaxed Italian Dinner
My recent experience at this unfussy Italian spot was fantastic! The service was incredibly friendly and efficient, which made the entire dinner feel wonderfully relaxed. The atmosphere was also a perfect 5 out of 5, and the food was equally impressive with a score of 5.
- service10
- atmosphere10
- food10
What Trattoria Contadina offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Trattoria Contadina?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and lunch. You can plan ahead to secure your table and ensure a smooth dining experience at this popular North Beach Italian spot.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Trattoria Contadina, and is it accessible?
You’ll find a cozy, romantic, and casual atmosphere at Trattoria Contadina, perfect for various occasions. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, offering both an accessible entrance and seating for your comfort.
What is the overall dining experience like at Trattoria Contadina?
Trattoria Contadina generally offers a good dining experience, with an overall Restaurant Score of **8**. The **Food** (8.1), **Service** (8.2), and **Ambience** (8.1) all receive high marks, though **Value** (3.9) is an area where some diners have concerns.
Is Trattoria Contadina a good option for those on a budget?
While some find the check reasonable, a segment of diners noted the restaurant can be on the **expensive side**, with concerns about high prices and unexpected charges. It might not be the best choice if budget is your primary concern.
What should I know about the atmosphere at Trattoria Contadina?
The restaurant is often described as having a charming and intimate **ambiance**. However, it can become quite **noisy** when busy, and some guests have mentioned issues with a single, small bathroom.