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L'Ottavo - San FranciscoReservations
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Downtown / Union Square Restaurant Reviews >
Italian Restaurant Reviews
L'Ottavo - San Francisco Reviews List
L'Ottavo - San Francisco
L’Ottavo Ristorante has delighted locals and visitors to San Francisco for 20 years with our authentic Italian cuisine. Our small family-run restaurant feels intimate, cozy and tucked away from hectic city life. At L’Ottavo, you can picture yourself stepping out of San Francisco and into a neighborhood restaurant in Rome where the food is consistently delicious, the service is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is comfortable and unpretentious. Our menu offers chicken, veal, beef and fish dishes and an ample selection of delicious pasta. Our customers especially rave about our Homemade pasta, Lasagna, Veal Saltimbocca, Chicken with Marsala wine and Mushrooms, Lobster Ravioli and New York Steak, as well as our daily specials, which feature fresh selections from our local markets. Come visit us for old world Italian charm, a flavorful Italian meal and classic Italian wines. We are walking distance from Union Square, located near major hotels.
See more L'Ottavo - San Francisco details
45 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 45 reviews
5 stars
(18)
4 stars
(20)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(31)
- romantic(19)
- special occasion(19)
- good for groups(15)
- fit for foodies(10)
- notable wine list(6)
L'Ottavo - San Francisco Reviews List
Review 1 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our favorite restaurants
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of our favorite restaurants in my neighborhood.
Recommend the Lasagna, Lobster Ravioli, and Snapper.
Nice service, reasonably priced, and good wine selection"
Recommend the Lasagna, Lobster Ravioli, and Snapper.
Nice service, reasonably priced, and good wine selection"
Dined on 5/22/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 2 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was delicious. Our server was very friendly and helped guide our way through the menu. The service was efficient. We'd go back in a heart beat."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Gnocchi heaven
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fresh pastas a must to try and enjoy.
Gnocchi were very light and fluffy morsels.
Quiet little place off Union Square.
Not very crowded before 7pm but recommend reservation after then on weekend."
Gnocchi were very light and fluffy morsels.
Quiet little place off Union Square.
Not very crowded before 7pm but recommend reservation after then on weekend."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love it !!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We took some friends from out of town here- they were so impressed they want to visit again just to eat here! It's fine by me, I'd eat here every night if I could."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 5 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Nice traditional Italian meal. The Lasagna Bolognese was quite good. Very friendly and accommodating service."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place to eat before a show!! Excellent service and great menu. We would definitely visit this place again."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great experience at L'Ottavo, where we came to celebrate a birthday.
The stand-outs were the gnocchi and lobster ravioli.
Good wine recommendation, too.
Thanks for a nice evening experience."
The stand-outs were the gnocchi and lobster ravioli.
Good wine recommendation, too.
Thanks for a nice evening experience."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Neighborhood Italian, well priced
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Pleasant quiet Italian without pretension. Good portions, fish is popular and well priced. Comes with overcooked veggies. Mixed Starter was disappointing- lots of salami and veggies but no fish, cheese or olives. Service is friendly. Very much a local but if your in the area and need something reasonably priced I would think you would be happy."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2005
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Review 9 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Neighborhood feel, great rustic
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Neighborhood feel, great rustic Italian food and very good service! Surprise find!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2000
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice atmosphere, welcoming
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nice atmosphere, welcoming staff, and good service. Food included fresh ingredients, house-made pasta, great wine list, and delicious desserts. Would definitely return!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A table with 12 diners had
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A table with 12 diners had us worried about our own 2 person meal and service, but the staff at L'Ottavo handled it all perfectly. The noise level was higher but not more than you'd expect from a large group on a Saturday. The food was prepared well, but I'd like to try this restaurant again at a less busy time/night."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 12 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent fresh pasta. Party
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent fresh pasta. Party of eight anjd everyone loved the food from lasagna to penne with sausage. Salmon and beef carpaccio both excellent starters. Only drawback is no full bar, limited wine list."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice small restaurant, home
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nice small restaurant, home made pasta, $$, good service, need a reservation too small to go with out one"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: kid-friendly, romantic
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Review 14 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous food and service,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fabulous food and service, with my foodie husband. Pasta and fish were to die for."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is our favorite Italian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is our favorite Italian restaurant. The food and service is outstanding!"
Dined on 03/28/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very friendly, homey spot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very friendly, homey spot for excellent Italian food. A great neighborhood spot."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A Good Low-Key Pre-Curtain Option
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nice low-key Italian food near the theaters. A good option for those "good but nothing really fancy or expensive" evenings."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Old school ambiance charming
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Old school ambiance charming food OUTSTANDING"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great restaurant, food,service,wine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great restaurant, food,service,wine excellent. Can't wait to eat there again! The snapper is fantastic."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We celebrated our 15th wedding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary at L'Ottavo and from start to finish was extremely satisfied with the overall dinner experience."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had an early reservation
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had an early reservation (5:30) so the restaurant wasn't very crowded, thus the noise level was low. But I think if more tables were occupied, the noise level would be more "energetic". Lovely dining experience though for us and great food. Thank you!"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Excellent beef carpaccia and
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent beef carpaccia and pasta. Great home-made tiramisu. Friendly service."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2007
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
When we arrived they were
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"When we arrived they were unable to find our reservation through Open Table...without any hesitation they quickly made arrangements for a table for us. I had given the waitress our Open Table confirmation number and was advised that they would follow-through...obviously, they did! Food was tasty...enjoyed it thoroughly."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I dined at L'Ottavo three
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I dined at L'Ottavo three times within two months. Our meals were delicious! We all enjoyed our meals . A great place for a celebration or a casual evening out with friends. I will be back!"
Dined on 02/19/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for L'Ottavo - San Francisco
Based on the average of (21) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate