Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Sports
- Rooftop seating
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Zingari – San Francisco
Zingari - San Francisco
Photo from Zingari
Zingari at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 108 of the guests
#1934 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#117 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
786
Reviews
61.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Live jazz
- Italian cuisine
- Good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Expensive
- Inconsistent service
- Food quality
The restaurant Zingari, an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood, invites you to a memorable dining experience. You’ll discover an upscale yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a trendy night out.
With its unique rooftop seating, you can enjoy stunning city views while savoring delicious cuisine. This spot is renowned for its live music, adding an extra layer of charm to your visit.
Overview: Introducting Zingari
Zingari offers a distinctive dining experience, often celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, particularly the engaging live jazz music. Many guests appreciate the generally well-prepared Italian food, which features a range of classic dishes and appealing drinks.
However, the experience at Zingari isn’t without its caveats. While some find the overall offering appealing, there are frequent discussions regarding the restaurant’s value for money and occasional inconsistencies in the service provided.
Good
6.6
out of 10
786
Reviews
61.1%
Satisfaction
259
negative
47
neutral
480
positive
Looking at the overall picture, Zingari holds an average Restaurant Score of 6.6, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 61.1%. This assessment is drawn from 786 customer opinions, comprising 480 positive remarks against 259 negative ones.
Digging deeper, the Ambience (7.4) stands out as a strong point, with the live music creating a memorable setting. The Food (7.2) also generally receives positive feedback for its quality.
However, Service (6.4) proves to be more inconsistent, and Value (2.6) is a clear area where many customers express significant dissatisfaction.
What people like
- Engaging live jazz
- Quality Italian cuisine
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices
- Service inconsistencies
- Dish quality concerns
If you’re seeking a lively atmosphere with live jazz and a menu of classic Italian dishes, Zingari could be a fitting choice for a special evening out. The engaging ambiance and often delightful food are certainly highlights.
However, be prepared for a higher price point, as value is a consistent concern among patrons. With a recommendation score of 6.7, it’s a place to consider if the unique setting and cuisine align with your priorities, despite potential service variations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Zingari
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
Overall, the food experience here is quite good, with a score of 7.2, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.8%. Many of the 221 positive remarks praise the authentic Italian food, especially the delicious pasta dishes and generous portion sizes. Guests also frequently highlight the excellent drinks and wine selections.
However, some of the 73 negative comments point to concerns about subpar food quality and dishes being overpriced. A few diners also mentioned small portion sizes and instances of improperly prepared food, suggesting inconsistency in the kitchen.
Food
321
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
73
negative
27
neutral
221
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian flavors
- Delicious pasta dishes
- Excellent drinks
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Overpriced dishes
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodYou truly can’t go wrong with the combination of live Jazz and great food. The staff was great, the wine exquisite, and the food was excellent. The environment was both intimate and quaint, making it a perfect mainstay for our San Francisco vacation.
- wineYou truly can’t go wrong with the combination of live Jazz and great food. The staff was great, the wine exquisite, and the food was excellent. The environment was both intimate and quaint, making it a perfect mainstay for our San Francisco vacation.
- drinksNow on to the food: every dish we had was absolutely perfect. Our drinks were just as good. Tiramisú, yes please.
- pastaThe pasta en salad was great and beautifully prepared
- cocktailsthe cocktails are phenomenal
- menua menu that showcases a perfect blend
- Italian foodThey didn't have any music playing the night we had dinner, so I can't comment on how that would have impacted the experience. But if you're looking for really good Italian food and great drinks, and aren't on a tight budget, Zingari is a great option.
- meatballsThe meatballs were a great way to start
- classic Italian foodClassic italiano food and wines
- dessertsMy experience at this Italian restaurant and jazz bar was truly grand. I enjoyed great apps, meats, veggies, cheeses, pastas, and desserts. The service was wonderful, and the cocktails were magnificent.
Frequently criticized
- foodHorrible food but the ombience was nice
- pastaThe quality and service were not worth the high price. I was charged $130 for pasta and basic drinks, which is excessive. If you have any other dining options, I strongly advise you to choose another place.
- clam chowderthe "clam" chowder was actually made of shredded pieces of chicken and ham
- food qualityI felt the food was improperly prepared and the cocktails were poorly mixed. This was honestly the worst quality for my money dinner I've had. The only positive aspect was the talented band, but even they seemed out of place in such an establishment.
- tiramisuFood-wise, far and away the best thing I tried was the namesake entree: fettuccini alla Zingari (prawns, garlic, white wine, lemon caper, smoked tomato, Calabrian chili). The biggest fail was the still frozen tiramisu.
- bread servicethe bread service, which was 7.50 was made of this ridiculously dry bread
- lamb chopsmeat was very dry and hard to cut
- meatballs25$ juste pour 4 boulettes
- qualitytoo expensive for quality and service
- shrimpthe shrimp smelled like it had been placed in a vinegar bath
If youre seeking authentic Italian flavors and dont mind potentially inconsistent portion sizes or prices, the food here can be a real treat. Be prepared for a mixed bag, but the highlights often shine through.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, there's a lot to appreciate here! With 126 positive remarks out of 211 total, many guests raved about the great service from attentive staff and professional waiters. Shout-outs to specific servers like Tyler and Rich, along with accommodating managers like Neeraj, highlight moments of genuine hospitality and prompt responses.
However, the overall score of 6.4 (average) and customer satisfaction of 59.7% (mixed) suggest some inconsistencies. About 79 comments pointed to areas needing work, including extremely slow service and frustrating wait times. Issues with poor communication regarding reservations and occasional unprofessional staff attitude also cropped up, indicating a need for more consistent execution.
Service
211
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
79
negative
6
neutral
126
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Professional, knowledgeable waiters
- Accommodating management
What people don't like
- Extremely slow service
- Long wait times
- Poor reservation communication
Often praised
- serviceThe pasta itself was absolutely unforgettable – fresh, perfectly al dente, with a rich and beautifully balanced sauce that offered true comfort in every bite. The service was also top-notch, warm and attentive without being overbearing. For anyone in San Francisco craving genuine Italian food, Zingari is a must-visit.
- staffThe food was delicious, the wine was spirited 😂, and the service was impeccable. The entire staff made me feel as though I was a part of one big experiment where they were testing how to provide an elevated experience accessible. All of that was capped by an amazing jazz trio, their name escapes me, who did a fantastic job entertaining the room.
- hospitalityThe pasta and salad were delicious and beautifully prepared, with flavors that combined perfectly. Thank you for your hospitality and service! We will definitely be back again.
- ownerThe owner was very generous and took care of our drinks
- waiterThe Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini was the best I’ve ever had. Our waiter from Turkey, made the experience truly unique and personalized. Thank you again!
- great servicegreat service
- server TylerOur server Tyler... was amazing; knowledgeable, informative and very proactive and attentive.
- teamEach bite was a journey to Italy, with rich, well-balanced flavors showcasing the kitchen's expertise and adherence to traditional techniques. The team at Zingari deserves special recognition for creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment I walked in. Their professionalism and genuine enthusiasm for the food, coupled with their menu knowledge and willingness to make recommendations, significantly enhanced the overall dining experience.
- wait staffMy recent stay at the Donatello led me to dine at Zinagari. We arrived a bit early for dinner service, but the wait staff at the bar was very pleasant and seated us at a table. The jazz music was a nice touch, and the red wine we ordered was excellent.
- welcomewarmly welcomed and made to feel completely at ease
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food was subpar. Our waiter seemed to be the only one working, which unfortunately impacted the service, as they were unable to serve us in a timely manner. We were also surprised by the bill, as we were not informed that the sparkling water was $12 per bottle, leading to a $24 charge for water, which my husband found upsetting.
- reservationMy partner and I had a reservation for 8: 30 PM on Valentine's Day, but we ended up waiting for an hour and ultimately gave up and left at 9: 30 PM. It seemed the owner had overbooked the restaurant, as we were unable to get a table despite our reservation. Approximately seven other couples were in the same situation.
- wait timeI repeatedly asked the manager about our seating time, and he kept assuring us it would only be a few more minutes. After nearly an hour of waiting, I noticed he started avoiding us and stopped providing updates. When I finally managed to confront him, he admitted he couldn't accommodate our reservation.
- staffstaff was not helpful at all in finding a place to park
- waitersthe waiters didn't pay attention to our table and proceeded to ignore us
- waiting timehad to wait for bruschetta for 30 mins, while lamb chops for another 20 mins
- managementVery unprofessional behavior and poor management
- professionalismor professionalism, avoid this place
- seatinggentleman then try’s to seat us hesitantly and confused.
- waitera waiter was drunk
The service here can be a bit of a mixed bag. While you might encounter incredibly friendly and professional staff who go above and beyond, be prepared for potential delays and communication hiccups, especially around reservations. If you value attentive, personalized care, you might find it, but patience is key.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a high note, scoring a solid 7.4 with customer satisfaction at a respectable 72.5%. Many of the 129 positive remarks praise the live music, good vibes, and intimate dining experience, often describing it as a beautiful restaurant with an upscale atmosphere. It seems like a truly special spot for a memorable evening.
However, not everyone is charmed, with 40 negative comments pointing to issues like a noisy or loud jazz environment that can feel overwhelming. Some found the vibe a bit weird or the place feeling tired, suggesting it might not always live up to expectations.
Ambience
178
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
40
negative
9
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent live music
- Intimate dining experience
- Beautiful interior design
What people don't like
- Overly loud music
- Noisy atmosphere
- Tired interior feel
Often praised
- atmosphereAs a solo diner, I was warmly welcomed and made to feel completely at ease. The atmosphere was enchanting, enhanced by live music that set the perfect tone for the evening. The four-dish Christmas set was exquisite, with each dish offering a beautiful blend of flavors.
- ambianceThe food, service, and ambiance are all top tier.
- musicWith light, soothing music playing in the background
- live musicMy experience at the restaurant was excellent. The food was superb, the service was attentive, and the live music created a wonderful atmosphere. While it is pricey, the quality justifies the cost.
- jazz musicWhat a great hidden gem in the downtown San Francisco area right by Union Square. I was walking on Post Street with my date and we both heard some live jazz music playing coming from this venue, so we decided to stop by and get a bite to eat. The service was superb, and you were assisted by the super friendly staff, then followed by our knowledgeable waiter.
- live jazz musicthe live jazz music. The soothing tunes create a warm, inviting ambiance
- vibeThe vibe was both comfortable and classy
- jazzYou like jazz??? Them this place is for you!
- environmentenvironment intimate and quaint
- experienceThe cocktails were great and the food was nothing short of excellent. It was pretty expensive, so I guess we should expect more when you pay more, but even so, we were surprised at how great the experience was. They didn't have any music playing the night we had dinner, so I can't comment on how that would have impacted the experience.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereplaying dance / house music during dinner
- live musicexpecting live music only to find it’s just elevator jazz
- musicthe MUSIC is terrible. It's this terrible electro-funk music that VIBRATES the entire restaurant
- experiencewasn’t the experience we expected or hoped for
- jazzadvertised jazz only lasted 45 minutes
- Jazz nightJazz night turned karaoke
- elevator jazzit’s just elevator jazz on the stereo
- establishmentestablishment felt run down
- interiorInterior wasn’t as nice as on the photos
- jazz areajazz area as that is small and loud
If you're seeking a lively spot with great live music and an intimate, upscale feel, this place is definitely worth checking out. But if you prefer a quiet dinner with easy conversation, you might find the noise level a bit much.
Value (2.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place presents a bit of a puzzle. While only 4 out of 76 comments touch on the positive side, some guests did find it a special occasion spot where the experience was worth the price, even noting that prices could be reasonable. A small perk mentioned was validated valet parking, which helped offset some costs for a few.
However, the overall sentiment regarding value is quite poor, with a score of 2.6 and customer satisfaction at a mere 5.3%. A staggering 67 remarks highlight concerns about expensive and pricey offerings, with many feeling items were overpriced. Frequent complaints include hidden fees, mandatory gratuity, and unexpected cancellation fees, leading to a perception of very poor value for money.
Value
76
Reviews
5%
Satisfaction
67
negative
5
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
- Special occasion place
What people don't like
- Expensive pricing
- Hidden fees
- Mandatory gratuity
Often praised
- pricesthe prices are reasonable
- special occasiona "special occasion" type of place
- valet parkingThey validate 2 h of valet parking at the Donatello hotel, so our 4 h parking cost $25
- worth the priceWorth the price
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, described as solid Italian, but it was very expensive for what it was. The service was good, however, the overall vibe felt a bit weird.
- billOur bill was almost $400 after everything... NOT WORTH IT.
- expensiveThe cocktails were great and the food was nothing short of excellent. It was pretty expensive, so I guess we should expect more when you pay more, but even so, we were surprised at how great the experience was. They didn't have any music playing the night we had dinner, so I can't comment on how that would have impacted the experience.
- hidden feesThis restaurant operates on hidden fees
- mealmost expensive meal and the worst experience
- priceythis place is a bit pricey
- tip20% de pourboires sont imposés sur l'addition
- 20% tipTheir 20% was barely earned
- Michelin star priceswe paid Michelin star prices
- PricesPrices are not in ascending order
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a significant tab, as value is a major sticking point for many. With such low satisfaction, its likely to disappoint if youre on a tight budget or expect fair pricing. Only consider it if youre not concerned about cost and are prepared for potential extra charges.
How are the prices at Zingari?
On average, you’ll spend around 81 per person – based on 108 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s definitely on the higher-end side.
Looking at the full picture, while the average is 81, a significant number of diners are actually spending over 101 $, suggesting a mix of experiences, from a la carte to more premium meals.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 108 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar Italian restaurants in San Francisco.
Considering its a higher-end Italian spot in San Francisco, the pricing feels fair if the quality and experience match. We recommend checking out the menu to see if it aligns with what youre looking for.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Zingari
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Hidden Fees and Minimum Spend
I booked a group dinner at Zingari through OpenTable and later discovered $300 in hidden fees and a $500 minimum spend that were never disclosed. I canceled immediately, even though it was days in advance. No food or service was provided, and all cancellation requests were documented in writing.
Be cautious—verify all fees and terms before booking. This feels more like a scam than a restaurant experience.
- cancellation requests6
- hidden fees1
- minimum spend1
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Long Wait, Small Portions, Overpriced
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. We had a booking but were made to wait for more than 1 hour. When the food finally arrived, the portions were very small, to the point where we had to eat elsewhere afterward.
To add to the frustration, we were overcharged with some superficial line items. I definitely would not recommend coming here.
- food5
- wait time1
- food amount2
- overcharged2
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Perfect Pasta and Old Fashioned
I chose to visit here yesterday after arriving for the Dreamforce conference. I ordered the Rigatoni con Salsiccia, and it was perfect. As someone who is very picky about pasta, I can attest that they hit the fine line of sauce-to-pasta ratio.
I also enjoyed the Old Fashioned with walnut bitters, which was also very tasty.
- Rigatoni con Salsiccia10
- sauce to pasta ratio9
- Old Fashioned9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Hidden Fees and Deceptive Practices
I booked a group dinner at Zingari and was unexpectedly charged a $300 cancellation fee, even though I canceled a full week in advance. Their stated cancellation policy indicated a $50 per person fee for cancellations made 7 days prior. However, the restaurant waited until late at night, exactly 7 days before the reservation, to send undisclosed minimums and fee-heavy menu options.
This occurred after I had already requested cancellation multiple times. To make matters worse, they processed a charge even after I confirmed I would not be attending. This restaurant seems to operate on hidden fees, last-minute fine print, and a refusal to honor clear cancellation requests.
It felt intentionally deceptive, presenting normal reservations as flexible only to turn them into expensive ‘contracts. ’ I strongly advise avoiding this place if you value transparency or professionalism. There are many honest, quality Italian restaurants in San Francisco that treat guests with respect.
- Italian restaurants8
- cancellation fee1
- cancellation policy2
- undisclosed minimums1
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Expensive Piano Bar, Mediocre Food
My experience at the restaurant was dominated by the piano bar, which was too loud and ended early. The food was okay, but super expensive. The dessert tasted industrial.
- Plat5
- piano bar2
- super cher2
- Dessert industriel3
What Zingari offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does Zingari Steakhouse & Pasta Bar offer?
At Zingari Steakhouse & Pasta Bar, you’ll find an atmosphere that is both upscale and romantic, yet cozy and trendy. You can enjoy various dining options including lunch, dinner, brunch, and dessert, all with comfortable table service. Don’t miss the unique rooftop seating for an elevated experience.
What accessibility features and parking options are available at Zingari Steakhouse & Pasta Bar?
Zingari Steakhouse & Pasta Bar offers comprehensive accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. Parking options include paid garages, lots, and street parking, plus some free street parking. The venue is also good for kids, providing high chairs.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Zingari?
Zingari receives an average Restaurant Score of 6.6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 61.1%. While the Ambience (7.4) and Food (7.2) are generally well-regarded, Service (6.4) is inconsistent, and Value (2.6) is a common concern among patrons.
Does Zingari offer live music?
Yes, Zingari is frequently praised for its live jazz music, which many customers find creates an enchanting and inviting atmosphere. However, some experiences note inconsistencies in the type or duration of the music provided.
Is Zingari considered good value for money?
Customer opinions indicate that Zingari is generally perceived as expensive, with many feeling the prices are high for the quality received. It’s often described as a place suitable for a “special occasion” rather than regular dining due to its cost.