Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Uva Enoteca – San Francisco
Uva Enoteca - San Francisco
Photo from Uva Enoteca
Uva Enoteca at a glance
San Francisco Lower Haight
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 63 of the guests
#371 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#25 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
514
Reviews
86.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Puglian Food
- Attentive Service
- Cozy Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Loud/Crowded
- Service Inconsistency
- Value Perception
The restaurant Uva Enoteca, an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Haight neighborhood, invites you to a memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a great wine list that perfectly complements their delicious offerings.
Whether you’re seeking a casual meal or an upscale evening, this cozy and trendy spot promises a romantic atmosphere for you to enjoy.
Overview: Introducting Uva Enoteca
Uva Enoteca offers a delightful experience, often praised for its delicious food and a generally inviting atmosphere. Guests frequently commend the knowledgeable staff who contribute to a memorable visit, making it a popular choice for many.
However, some visitors have noted that the dining area can feel a bit squeezed up or occasionally loud, which might detract from the overall comfort. While generally positive, these aspects are worth considering.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
514
Reviews
86.4%
Satisfaction
54
negative
16
neutral
444
positive
Uva Enoteca generally leaves a strong positive impression, reflected in its solid restaurant score of 8.3. Customer satisfaction stands at a healthy 86.4%, indicating that most diners leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from 514 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 444 positive observations against 54 negative ones. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring an impressive (8.5).
The attentive Service also performs well (8.3), contributing significantly to the experience. The overall Ambience is rated favorably (8.1), though some minor concerns exist.
Value, however, presents a more moderate picture (6.1).
What people like
- Exceptional Puglian Food
- Attentive, Passionate Service
- Warm, Cozy Ambiance
What people don't like
- Occasional Loudness/Crowding
- Inconsistent Service Encounters
- Perceived Value Concerns
With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, Uva Enoteca generally delivers a positive and memorable dining experience. It’s a place where the culinary heart of Puglia shines through, supported by dedicated service.
If you appreciate authentic Italian flavors and a lively setting, it’s certainly worth a visit. However, be mindful that it can get busy, and some aspects of value might not align with every expectation.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Uva Enoteca
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction soaring at 89.8%, its clear guests are loving whats on their plates. Based on 273 positive remarks, diners rave about the authentic Puglian cuisine, delicious pastas, phenomenal pizzas, and the incredible burrata.
You're in for a treat! While the vast majority of feedback is glowing, a small number of 18 comments out of 304 total did mention a few areas for improvement. Some found dishes to be under seasoned, a few noted soggy food, and the bread occasionally came across as hard.
A couple of guests also felt the portion sizes could be better, but these are minor points in an otherwise stellar food experience.
Food
304
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
18
negative
13
neutral
273
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Puglian cuisine
- Delicious pastas
- Phenomenal pizzas
What people don't like
- Food under seasoned
- Bread sometimes hard
- Some soggy dishes
Often praised
- foodThey offer many Italian wines, and the owner provided helpful insights and recommendations. Compared to other fine SF Italian restaurants, this one is affordable, clean, unique, with outstanding food, service, and ambience. It was a lucky find, and I will be back!
- pizzaWe felt so cared for throughout the evening. The wonderful appetizers, pizza, chicken, and wine were served family-style and kept coming. It was a relief to enjoy an amazing Italian dinner knowing that the flours, wines, and most of the food are sourced from Puglia, Italy, which eased concerns about pesticides.
- wineWe focused on the specials, including the carbonara pizza, the buffala salad with radicchio, and a pasta recommended by the team. Each dish was a 10/10, and the wine the owner recommended was also fantastic. His passion for the place, the ingredients, and the whole experience was evident throughout.
- pastaWe hadn’t eaten at a southern Italy focused restaurant before, and this experience blew us away. We focused on the specials, including the carbonara pizza, the buffala salad with radicchio, and a pasta recommended by the team. Each dish was a 10/10, and the wine the owner recommended was also fantastic.
- burrataBurrata was like no other burrata - fluffy inside yet creamy
- desserts" I was warmly greeted by Antonio and enjoyed a glass of lovely wine while I waited for my friends to arrive. The descriptions of the food were all so mouthwatering that we ordered a variety of starters, pastas, and pizzas, as well as desserts. This food is made from the heart, centered around the region of Italy that Antonio is from – Puglia.
- panna cottaa velvety soft panna cotta that was balanced with lemon and vanilla
- pizzasthe pizzas (especially the truffle mushroom) were a hit
- pucciaThe owner was extremely nice and attentive throughout the entire meal. After taking over in early January, he renovated the interior and specialized the menu on classics from the Puglia region, which was fun to try as we don't see many Puglian specialties like puccia at other restaurants. The burrata and prosciutto were both great, and the orecchiette with broccoli rabe was exceptional as well.
- wine selectionThe food was amazing, especially the BURRATA E PROSCIUTTO, LA PUGLIESE, and BUDINO CIOCCOLATO. The service was outstanding, and the wine selection impressive. Highly recommend!
Frequently criticized
- breadbewildered by the absence of bread
- foodour food was literally and forcefully put on the table
- bad mealhave never had a bad meal
- beer listI keep coming back for the spicy salame/honey pizza after getting beers at Toronado. My only complaint is with the beer list; this is a wine lover spot. Their pasta is great too.
- bread crumbsThe bread crumbs on the pasta were soggy
- broccolithe broccoli was overcooked
- crostini'sthe crostini's were very salty
- dishesdishes had been visibly prepared in advance and microwaved
- drink menuplease update your menu , you've got a bar . You can do more things than just coffee , aperol spritz, wine and beer
- funghi pizzathe pasta and pizza were unfortunately both a miss for us
If youre looking for genuinely delicious and authentic Italian food, especially from the Puglia region, this place is definitely worth a visit. Despite a few minor critiques, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll leave with a full and happy belly.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally shines! With a solid 8.3 score and a fantastic 84% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners walk away impressed. Many of the 100 positive remarks out of 119 total rave about the new owners and staff who provide great service and genuine hospitality.
Guests frequently highlight the attentive and knowledgeable staff who make the experience truly special. However, its not entirely without its bumps, as 18 negative remarks suggest. A few experiences mention a rude hostess or unexpected waiting time, and some have faced reservation issues.
There are also isolated instances of an unprofessional server or feeling rushed due to a strict time limit. While these are less common, they're worth noting.
Service
119
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
18
negative
1
neutral
100
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Excellent service
- Knowledgeable owner
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Long waiting times
- Reservation problems
Often praised
- serviceThe food was amazing, especially the BURRATA E PROSCIUTTO, LA PUGLIESE, and BUDINO CIOCCOLATO. The service was outstanding, and the wine selection impressive. Highly recommend!
- staffThe staff is friendly, efficient, and in fact, delightful. The wine selections are excellent, and the options are explained beautifully by the staff. The music playing sets the mood for a totally enjoyable evening.
- ownerWe focused on the specials, including the carbonara pizza, the buffala salad with radicchio, and a pasta recommended by the team. Each dish was a 10/10, and the wine the owner recommended was also fantastic. His passion for the place, the ingredients, and the whole experience was evident throughout.
- ServiceService:5
- owner and staffMy experience at this restaurant was beautiful. The owner and staff do an excellent job of personally checking in with each table. They also provide very good descriptions and history of their entrees.
- great servicegreat service from Antonio and Pedro
- new ownershipNew ownership = 10/10
- serversthe servers were so pleasant
- Antonio and his crewAntonio and his crew are very attentive and responsive
- Antonio's personal attentionHowever, for the price, a little sampling and upselling would have made it better. Antonio's personal attention made me blush, or maybe it was the wine.
Frequently criticized
- serverthe server basically pulled plates and unfinished dishes out of our hands
- serviceThe dude with the man bun quite rude and not the best server ever
- waiting timeUpon arrival, the hostess was rude and dismissive, even suggesting I cancel my order. Despite having already paid, I waited for almost 40 minutes, largely ignored by the staff. The hostess even presented me with a bill and seemed to ask for my credit card again, despite the prior payment.
- attitudebased solely on attitude
- glassmy glass was underfilled
- hostessThe hostess was rude and dismissive
- manipulativecame across as manipulative
- ownerowner was discriminatory
- reservationI had one of the most disappointing experiences I’ve ever had with a restaurant here. I made a reservation the night before through OpenTable (putting my card down as required), only to receive a call the next morning saying they couldn’t actually fit my party. A short while later, they called again to say they *could* accommodate us, but only if we agreed to a $50 per person pre-fixe menu with very limited options.
- restroom accesswouldn't even let us use there restroom
Overall, the service here is a major draw, making for a truly pleasant dining experience. While there are occasional reports of minor hiccups like waiting times or reservation issues, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the attentive and friendly staff means it's definitely worth a visit for top-notch hospitality.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, with a good score of 8.1 and a fantastic 87% customer satisfaction! Based on 60 positive remarks, guests consistently praise the warm atmosphere, cozy vibe, and welcoming neighborhood spot feel. Many appreciate the pleasant background music and overall cleanliness, making it a lovely place for special occasions or a casual dinner.
However, a few of the 9 negative comments mention that the space can get quite loud, feel a bit squeezed up, or that the ambiance, especially inside, can sometimes feel a little flat. Some found it crowded, which wasn't ideal for their dining experience.
Ambience
69
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
9
negative
0
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, welcoming vibe
- Cozy neighborhood spot
- Pleasant background music
What people don't like
- Can get very loud
- Feels a bit crowded
- Ambiance can feel flat
Often praised
- atmosphereIt truly embodies the ideal neighborhood restaurant, situated in what I believe is the best neighborhood. Every dish I've tried has been delicious, complemented by a great atmosphere and kind, knowledgeable staff. It's my go-to recommendation for anyone visiting San Francisco.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceWe left full and happy. Beautiful ambiance, culinary fabulousness, and a kind neighborly vibe. We live around the corner and can't wait to return.
- environmentThere are both tables and a bar, where single diners can comfortably enjoy a meal. A big thank you to Antonio and team for a great experience, amazing food & wine, and for creating such a warm and welcoming environment.
- ambienceoutstanding ambience
- restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was great, especially considering it was a busy restaurant on a Friday night. The cozy vibe with exposed brick wall created a wonderful atmosphere. I really enjoyed the perfectly al dente pasta and the pizza was pretty good.
- vibeThe food, service and vibe were top-notch!
- Italian spotsuch a hot Italian spot
- accommodation of familiesThe service staff were very attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. There was a family with small children dining beside us who enjoyed their time as well, and nothing says more about a restaurant to me than its accommodation of families. We look forward to making Uva Enoteca our new neighborhood Italian restaurant.
- back areatowards the back it was cozy and warmer
Frequently criticized
- ambianceI find that the ambiance is a little flat, especially inside
- beetleFound a beetle on our table
- dining experiencenot what you want for a dining experience
- fliesLots of flies around
- loudplace is very loud
- pandemic outingWorst pandemic outing I have experienced.
- placeplace was very crowded
- spacevisibly space was open
- squeezed upA bit squeezed up
If you're seeking a warm, welcoming, and cozy neighborhood spot with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that it can get a bit lively and crowded at times, so if you prefer absolute quiet, you might want to choose your timing carefully.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.1 with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 50%. Many guests appreciate the well priced and affordable options, noting that prices are very reasonable and even super good value. With 11 positive remarks out of 22 total, it seems many find the bill to be quite fair, especially for the wine list too.
However, not everyone is thrilled with the value proposition. Some feel the portion size can be a bit small for the price, and others mention a hefty price tag or that its "way too expensive" for what you get. There are also comments about the "cost" being high, particularly for the "pre-fixe menu" or the "wine, " suggesting it doesnt always meet expectations.
Value
22
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Good value
- Well-priced wine
What people don't like
- Pricey for portions
- High cost
- Expensive wine
Often praised
- pricesthe prices are matching perfectly
- priceat a reasonable price
- affordabilitythis one is affordable
- billthe bill for 2 was under $80
- great pricingI recently held a large party here and had a fantastic experience. The restaurant offered plentiful food at great pricing. The service was excellent; the staff went above and beyond, being incredibly friendly and hospitable.
- well pricedVERY well priced too
- wine listwine list extensive and well priced
Frequently criticized
- pricea bit pricey for Lower Haight neighborhood
- budget optionsbetter options for less $
- costaverage for high cost
- portion sizeI had the eggplant main course, which was similar to eggplant Parmesan but baked and delicious. We also started with some warm bread which was very good, though a bit pricey for the portion size. Overall, it was a very nice dinner, and we will be back.
- pre-fixe menu$50 per person pre-fixe menu with very limited options
- price taghefty price tag to be treated so badly
- wineThe wine is a little pricy
If you're looking for generally reasonable prices and good value, especially for wine, this place could be a solid choice. However, be mindful of portion sizes and potential higher costs for certain menu items or fixed options, as some find it a bit pricey.
How are the prices at Uva Enoteca?
You’re looking at roughly 48 per person – reported by 63 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks seem to agree, with the majority of prices clustering nicely around this $41–$50 sweet spot, showing a pretty consistent experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 63 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, which is always a good sign!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Uva Enoteca
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Fantastic Italian Birthday Party at Uva Enoteca
I hosted a fantastic, low-stress birthday party for 17 people at Uva Enoteca. This restaurant is described as authentic Italian, small, charming, friendly, casually elegant, and clean. The food, service, and vibe were all top-notch.
The owner, Antonio, and his staff were professional and friendly, ensuring we were happy throughout the event. Uva Enoteca is now my favorite restaurant.
- food10
- service10
- vibe10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Perfect Neighborhood Italian Gem
My experience at Uva Enoteca was truly wonderful. It's become the perfect neighborhood spot. I used to enjoy sitting at the bar for a romaine Caesar and a pizza.
Now, I bring my extended family, and they are quite discerning, but Uva Enoteca passed the test with flying colors! We enjoyed a plethora of pasta dishes, pizza, and appetizers. I would recommend it to anyone nearby.
They truly take care of you, and you'll leave with a belly full of delicious Italian food.
- neighborhood spot10
- romaine Caesar8
- pizza8
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Disappointing Birthday Reservation Experience
I had one of the most disappointing experiences I’ve ever had with a restaurant here. I made a reservation the night before through OpenTable (putting my card down as required), only to receive a call the next morning saying they couldn’t actually fit my party. A short while later, they called again to say they *could* accommodate us, but only if we agreed to a $50 per person pre-fixe menu with very limited options.
The amount of food described didn’t sound sufficient for a meal, and drinks weren’t even included. When I pushed back, they lowered the price, but also said the portion sizes would shrink accordingly. It felt like they were just trying to see how much money they could squeeze out of me rather than honoring the reservation I had already made.
Because they called around noon the day of, I had no time to make other arrangements, and I had already coordinated plans with my entire party. The whole experience came across as unprofessional, manipulative, and stressful and was made even worse by the fact that it happened on my birthday. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.
- reservation1
- pre-fixe menu2
- portion sizes2
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Excellent Food and Service for Any Occasion
I’ve hosted a few work dinners here and they’ve always taken great care of us. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the food is outstanding. The burrata with prosciutto was a favorite at the table, the pastas were fresh and flavorful, and the pizzas (especially the truffle mushroom) were a hit.
We ended with panna cotta and budino, both excellent. Overall, a great spot for both business dinners and a night out with friends.
- staff10
- food10
- burrata with prosciutto10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Wonderful Neighborhood Spot with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a wonderful neighborhood dinner spot with great food. The owner and staff truly go above and beyond.
We will definitely be back again!
- food10
- neighborhood dinner spot9
- owner and staff10
What Uva Enoteca offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you find at Uva Enoteca?
At Uva Enoteca, you can expect a versatile atmosphere that is both casual and upscale, cozy and trendy, making it ideal for a romantic outing. You can enjoy various dining options including brunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable table service.
Does Uva Enoteca offer accessible options and special offerings like happy hour?
Yes, Uva Enoteca is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You can also take advantage of their popular happy hour, featuring both drinks and food, alongside a selection of small plates and vegetarian options.
What are the standout features of Uva Enoteca?
Uva Enoteca is highly regarded for its authentic Puglian cuisine, particularly its delicious pizzas and pastas, alongside a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff are often praised for their attentive and knowledgeable service.
How does Uva Enoteca score overall with customers?
Uva Enoteca holds a strong restaurant score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction of 86.4%. Its Food scores highest (8.5), followed by Service (8.3) and Ambience (8.1), while Value is rated moderately (6.1).
Are there any common concerns at Uva Enoteca?
Some guests have noted that the ambiance can occasionally be loud or feel a bit crowded. There have also been isolated comments regarding service inconsistencies and perceptions of value, particularly concerning portion sizes or pricing.