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Rose Pistola Reviews List

Rose Pistola

Voted the best new restaurant in the country in 1996, Rose Pistola is a celebration of the bawdy, friendly but sophisticated side of San Francisco’s Italian district – North Beach. This stylish gathering place personifies the vibrancy of its namesake, a North Beach denizen who ran the most colorful bar and restaurant in the neighborhood. With its San Francisco-style dining counter, booths cozy dining room and lively bar, Rose Pistola invites everything from a leisurely glass of Chianti and a bowl of pasta, to a traditional, Italian-style feast of seasonal antipasti, whole roasted fish and rotisserie meats.
See more Rose Pistola details
193 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
(193 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 193 reviews
5 stars
(61)
4 stars
(90)
3 stars
(27)
2 stars
(12)
1 star
(3)
Food 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Noise Level
2.3 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(89)
  • neighborhood gem(83)
  • special occasion(60)
  • good for groups(58)
  • romantic(32)
  • great for lunch(31)
Rose Pistola Reviews List
Review 1 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Outstanding Fare

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This is a great argument in favor of why San Francisco's food scene can outdo New York's. Rose Pistola provides a wonderful example of how an Italian/Tuscan restaurant can use ingredients available locally, and create SPECIAL Italian-Californian fare. Their menu varies by the season. For example, they are serving minestrone with kale pesto now. Their pizzas have really thin crusts, as one may find in Italy, and eggs can be added, on request. Their cocktails go way beyond just a good wine-list. (Ask for a grapefruit 'mimosa'!) Their service is superb, and they really do listen to patrons' feedback. Reservations are advisable on most nights, but their weekend brunch and everyday lunch menus are great too.
One of SF's top restaurants!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
+1point
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Review 2 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Another great experiene.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Another great experiene. I love Rose Pistola!!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
+1point
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Review 3 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Better than anticipated.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Exceeded expectations. Read some reviews about bad service, but it must have been on really a busy night. We had excellent service. The staff was exceptionally friendly and food came out quickly.
Veggie sampler platter was excellent, especially the roasted broccoli and squash. Farfalle pasta with braised beef ragu was the best twist we've ever had on a spaghetti bolognese. Pizza is good, but pasta and veggies were the main highlights. As for dessert, the one we ordered (ricotta cheesecake) didn't even register on the server's favorites, but it was incredible. Made us want to go back and try the top 4 he recommended before we went with his 5th choice!
Valet was appreciated, since it is difficult to find parking in area."
Dined on 02/05/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
+1point
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Review 4 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had a wonderful Sunday

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had a wonderful Sunday brunch at Rose Pistola in a booth looking out at the passing scene in North Beach. Our waitress was very attentive and knowledgeable, and the food was fabulous. Couldn't recommend it more highly. A great spot in North Beach, right near Washington Park, in the middle of all the action! Thanks Rose PIstola!"
Dined on 01/27/2013
 2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 5 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/16/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great homemade pasta, sauces and salads."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Delicious, fresh food--live jazz

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My husband, teenage son and I really enjoyed our dinner here. The Italian-inspired cuisine was very fresh and delicious with in-season ingredients. We enjoyed everything from the appetizers (Frito misto, burata with fava beans) to main courses (grilled octopus, Dungeness crab cioppino), to the dessert (chocolate bundino with espresso cream, vanilla gelato). Cocktails were interesting and tasty too. We also enjoyed the jazz combo that started at 8pm. We'll be back to try the pizza and pastas too."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 7 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Rose Pistola has gone downhill

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It's quite shocking how blah (average) the food has become, relative to when Rose Pistola first opened for business. Entrees: The slow braised lamb was an awful cut of meat, was not on the bone, and paled in comparison to restaurants like Aziza that do it right. The pork chop was small and bland. The branzano was tasty but it was the smallest morsel of fish I've ever been served (Approx 5 inches long and 2.5 inches wide). It made me wonder if the restaurant is purposefully cutting their food costs to increase their margins?
The service was outstanding as it has always been. This is our 6th visit to Rose Pistola since it opened and we will unfortunately not be going back. There are so many restaurants in SF with better food."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups
0points
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Review 8 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent restaurant

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This was our first time there and the food was great. We had an order of the paparadelle and halibut. Everything was cooked to perfection. Looking forward to eating there again."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
0points
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Review 9 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It was a great restaurant to celebrate two girlfriends 50th Birthday, great food and great service."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 10 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Can't Beat Fresh Seafood

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The King Salmon was excellent. It was very fresh and delicious but had too much sauce sitting under it. It would've been nice if it had been served with rice or pasta to help soak up all the juices."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: special occasion
0points
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Review 11 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A special place.

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 4/30/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I have been to Rose Pistola twice and both times I had a truly wonderful dining experience. The food, the service, the charm...they all come together to create a unique place to eat with and enjoy your friends and family. Totally recommend."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 12 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

It was pretty good, but a

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It was pretty good, but a bit pricey."
Dined on 04/23/2013
 2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
0points
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Review 13 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A Great Choice for a Fun Evening

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We were celebrating our twin boys 16th birthday and chose Rose Pistola because they wanted Italian food and we wanted something better than the usual spaghetti and meatballs and waiters in old, tired tuxes. Rose Pistola was an excellent choice. We had great service, good food and just the right amount of energetic noise around us. I had steamed Halibut and, while it was beautifully cooked, it needed a little spicier topping. My husband and one son had spaghetti and lamb meatballs and it was fabulous. Our other son had pork chops which had a beautiful sauce. We'd definitely go back again."
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 14 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Food portions was very small,

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food portions was very small, food is bland, service is super slow though our server seems pleasant. Need improvement on food and value for money."
Dined on 04/26/2013
 2005
0points
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Review 15 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food, relaxed service

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great food, relaxed service which was perfect for our group to stay and listen to live jazz in the nearby bar!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 16 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Dim lights, great ambiance,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Dim lights, great ambiance, quick service, busy restaurant, great hostess who gave us directions and best of all valet, so no worries on the parking situation in North Beach."
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
0points
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Review 17 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Food is good, but too expensive

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food is good, but too expensive for what you get!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2010
0points
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Review 18 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was good. Atmosphere

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was good. Atmosphere was great. Loved the live music. Thank You!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2007
0points
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Review 19 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A great place for a weekday

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"A great place for a weekday or a special celebration. The starters, sides, and entrees are superb, and the service is appropriately attentive. I'll be back over and over!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
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Review 20 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Born and raised in the area

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
"Born and raised in the area and Rose Pistola was a personal friend. She would not be happy with the restaurant using her name and serving that food. Very bland and lack luster. What a shame. Great location, beautiful restaurant, the service was excellent but they certainly need help in the kitchen. I won't be rushing back. There are too many really good restaurants in Northbeach and the Marina to frequent Rose Pistola's."
Dined on 04/17/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 21 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Always have an excellent meal

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Always have an excellent meal here."
Dined on 04/16/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
0points
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Review 22 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

If you want to hear your eating

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"If you want to hear your eating mates this is not the place for you. Even worst if within 50 feet of the band playing on the night we were there."
Dined on 04/12/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
0points
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Review 23 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The food was very good...better

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was very good...better than ever. However,the portions were so tiny it was a bit ridiculous."
Dined on 04/12/2013
 2003
0points
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Review 24 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

DISAPPOINTING

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The Roman Artichoke appetiser we ordered was a salt lick... The waiteress seemed quite surprised and did not offer a solution...
The pizza my partner ordered was served cold and my chicken al mattone was undercooked! I was VERY disappointed and will never go back. I had tried Rose Pistola many years ago when they first opened, but alot has changed!
A lasting note.... Their seared mussels that are served on a stand fill the dining area with a penetrating smoked odor that covered my clothes... Just when I was happy to be put out of my pain from the awful experience, I had the unfortuante pleasure of smoked filled clothes as I visited with guests at the theatre! Embarassing!
Save your money and go elsewhere!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
 2007
0points
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Review 25 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good experience, not over the top.

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We've always had great dinners here at Rose Pistola. This time, however, I would only rate the dinner good. Nothing really wrong, just nothing really special. My pollo al mattone was tasty. Mary's lamb shoulder fine. But nothing really stood out. Our server was very nice and paid appropriate attention to us. The maitre, from Calabria, was also attentive and did recommend a fine wine to accompany the lamb."
Dined on 04/14/2013
 2006
0points
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Review 26 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

One of our San Francisco favorites:

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"One of our San Francisco favorites: delicious food, gracious servers, and a comfortable dining room. Clearly the chef takes the food seriously, but there is nothing stuffy about Rose Pistola."
Dined on 04/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
0points
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Review 27 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Always a hit with my guests.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Always a hit with my guests. I often go alone for lunch as well. Amazing service. Menu is seasonal and well prepared."
Dined on 04/10/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
0points
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Review 28 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Noisy and pricey for what

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Noisy and pricey for what you get . Great pea and artichoke soup!"
Dined on 04/03/2013
 2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
0points
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Review 29 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Our waitress was knowledgeable

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Our waitress was knowledgeable and provided timely and friendly service. The food was fresh and delicious. We sat by the window, watching San Francisco go by as we dined. Outstanding!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
 2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
0points
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Review 30 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Great experience sitting at

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great experience sitting at the display bar in front of the pizza oven. Had suckling pig, just as I had in Rome."
Dined on 04/07/2013
 2005
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, romantic
0points
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Review 31 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

report back from my boss,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"report back from my boss, who the reservation was for:AWESOME :)"
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2013
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Review 32 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

All the seafood items we ordered

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"All the seafood items we ordered were overcooked. My pasta tasted like a jar of cheap tomato sauce. The risotto looked and tasted like dinty moore beef stew (or alpo if we are being brutally honest). The service was awkward - an order was taken from 2 of our party of 8 and then the waitress disappeared for 20 minutes before completing the process. The best part was the crispy chickpeas. Overall not recommended."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2010
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Review 33 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Surprising menu, always fabulous.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Rose Pistola has a very inventive Italian menu. The fresh pea soup with dungeness crab was an absolute knock-out. Casey is always very accommodating. This is a wonderful North Beach restaurant that is especially welcoming at lunch-time when it is not too busy."
Dined on 04/04/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 34 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Not overwhelmed with the great

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Not overwhelmed with the great service or stellar food. thought it was a bit pricey for what we got, especially considering the stiff competition in north beach. I did enjoy the ambiance though, we were seated next to a window overlooking Columbus, so great people watching, and the inside was spacious and clean."
Dined on 04/01/2013
 2006
0points
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Review 35 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

My husband and I were in town

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My husband and I were in town visitng our duaghter who attends college. We had a reservation and were seated as soon as we arrived; our waiter was attentive and gave good suggestions for food and wine. All-round nice experience."
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2004
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Review 36 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

We used to really enjoy this

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We used to really enjoy this place. Now the food is forgettable and the service is careless. My pizza was cold. My companions' entrees were poor."
Dined on 03/25/2013
 2004
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Review 37 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We had a wonderful family

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We had a wonderful family celebration dinner. Food was very good; service was professional, knowledgeable and efficient. This was a bustling place and very fun to celebrate multiple birthdays.
Only one minor problem - it was very cool - could not identify where the breeze came from, but several of us wished we had coats on.
Look forward to returning.
"
Dined on 03/24/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 38 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Terrific. Visited Saturday

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Terrific. Visited Saturday evening, March 23, after a long day of travel from Chicago. Fresh, tasty ingredients. Terrific wait staff."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2003
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 39 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Finding restaurants in SF

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Finding restaurants in SF that are truly good for groups can be difficult. Rose Pistola was a FANTASTIC night out for 10 adults and 2 children under 2. The wait staff was very attentive and made some really great wine recommendations. We will definitely come back!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 40 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food and the menu changes

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great food and the menu changes regularly. Pasta was amazing."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 41 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great waitress and fun seating

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great waitress and fun seating near the bar and live jazz always great!!!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 42 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Manna from HEAVEN

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had dinner here our last night in SF on a vacation with our children, 7 & 9. While there isn't a children's menu, they were more than happy to whip up something kid friendly for our girls. And the food was heavenly. This was some of the best fresh pasta I've ever had. I enjoyed a fusili with brisket ragu that I'm still thinking about even a week later. We've been to many Italian restaurants in the Bay area, but I think Rose Pistola is our favorite."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 43 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Outstanding Calssic Italian

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Outstanding Calssic Italian fare"
Dined on 03/20/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 44 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The service was so disappointing

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The service was so disappointing that it affected our entire experience. From the moment we pulled up to the valet to the time we asked for our check, I was embarrassed to have brought my out of town guests to Rose Pistola. The valet was distracted talking to the merchant next door. So much so I had to ask him if he was available to park my car. We were an hour early for our reservation since the flight my guests came in on was early. We were graciously greeted and seated right away. However, our server was distracted and seemed disinterested in us. Granted, he was knowledgable of the menu and answered our questions and made recommendations. The food was delicious but not so much so that I would subject myself again to the service."
Dined on 03/19/2013
 2003
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 45 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 46 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Delicious food. Excellent

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Delicious food. Excellent service. Soooooooooo noisy, but it was the night before St. Pat's Day, so maybe that was the reason. Would definitely eat here again."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 47 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food and service were outstanding!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food and service were outstanding! Will definately dine there again."
Dined on 03/13/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 48 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Another awesome meal. I just

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Another awesome meal. I just can't get enough of Rose Pistola!!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 49 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

While a nice cafe experience

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"While a nice cafe experience in North Beach, the food was 45 minutes late & b/c it was rushed, the pasta came out almost crunchy. The manager comped 1 entree off the order, but I won't be back. With so many great restaurants in SF, why waste your time with mediocre food & slow service?"
Dined on 03/13/2013
 2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 50 for Rose Pistola
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very enjoyable experience.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Very enjoyable experience. Will definitely go again."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, great for lunch
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