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Allegro Romano
Categories: Restaurants Italian Restaurants Seafood Italian, Seafood [Edit]
1701 Jones St(between Broadway St & Glover St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Neighbourhoods: Nob Hill, Russian Hill
(415) 928-4002
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Tommaso's has been serving San Franciscans the finest Italian food full of fresh ingredients, for over 75 years. We are an authentic landmark in North… read more »
237 reviews for Allegro Romano
Review Highlights
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"...the rigatoni that was billed as "Willie Brown's favorite." In 9 reviews -
"Amazing lobster ravioli and I didn't feel rushed at all." In 24 reviews -
"spaghetti in carbonara and white truffle sauce is to die..." In 8 reviews
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236 reviews in English
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Review from Larisa G.
Woodland Hills, CA
5/18/2012
We had a fantastic experience, from the moment we made the reservation for 15 to celebrate our son's graduation from Cal. Shockingly, very few restaurants in the area were willing to take 15 people at 7 pm, but this restaurant welcomed us with open arms. When we arrived driving the impossibly large 15 passenger van, Lorenzo and one of the waiters rushed outside to move their motorcycles to make room for us to park. Such kindness reminded us of the most amazing experiences traveling in Italy.
Taking care of a group of 15 is no easy task, but the waiters made everything carefree and simple - serving delicious antipasti, family style, letting everyone order of the menu for the entre and then capping the perfect meal with dessert samplers. I was particularly impressed when the waiter suggested a house Chianti rather than trying to up-sell me into a more expensive selection. The wine was wonderful! Our guests all agreed that this was one of the finest meals for all of us. Thank you, Allegro Romano, for helping us celebrate in style and treating us the honored guests in your home. We will never forget this evening!
P.S. Asparagus appetizer was out of this world! -
Review from Michael C.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2012
I'm Italian/Sicilian by descent, so it takes a lot for me to go pay money for Italian food. Because, all modesty aide for the moment I can cook better Italian food than most supposed Italian places in San Francisco. I love this place. So much so that I confess, I was reluctant to post this.
I do not lightly recommend Italian restaurants to people because, as I've said elsewhere on this site, my ethnic 'cred is on the line.
As far as this wop is concerned, this place is, bar none, consistently the best Italian in San Francisco! There is none better. I used to live in the neighborhood, when I did we were there a couple of times a month for years. I don't live in this neighborhood any longer and Ive rarely been there this last ten years now, but oh man it is still that good.
Its not cheap, but its not terribly pricey either. As far as I'm concerned for what you get, the food, the service, the whole experience, its a bargain for what you get.
I feel morally compelled to point out that this is one of those places where, if you know what you're looking for, and you're willing to spend some time scouring the wine list, there are some absolutely sublime wines, for less than what you'd pay for them at retail.
I've lived in San Francisco for many years, and, as much as I love this place for being so casual and accepting, one of the downsides is often service, even in high-end places is, well, pretty casual. The service in this place is consistently absolutely impeccable.
Food, wine, service, the neighborhood, this place is the entire package. Go there, just go.
Oh and in so far as some of the negative reviews of this place goes, and I did, many years ago witness such an event, they won't tolerate loud, drunken cretins ruining other people's experience there. I happen to agree with this and applaud them for it.
One word of caution, the place is tiny, make a reservation, don't just show up
Also, if you want a special place to impress someone, take a date, give someone from out of town a memorable San Francisco experience, this is a good place to do that. Walk half a block East from here to the wall at the top of the hill on Broadway and experience one of the best views of San Francisco you'll never find on any tourist map. I used to spend hours sitting here when I lived in this neighborhood. You can see the fog rolling in at sunset, hear the foghorns out on the bay, and it is very peaceful and quiet up there. It is, in a word, magnificent. -
Review from Sasha R.
4/20/2012
I wanted to write before my delicious memories fade, as I enjoy round 2 from our dinner last night (portions were truly gargantuan). although I did want to scarf my entire plate of garlic halibut pasta last night. but really it was like a pound of pasta each, which no one could possibly finish, um, except for the men at the table who were scraping their plates. including the husband who got the lobster ravioli (and he NEVER gets the lobster option).
produce was fresh (yummy asparagus), pasta was PERFECTLY cooked, and all was very well-priced. just wish the wine list was a bit more adventurous. service was a bunch of dolls! attentive, friendly, and good looking, to boot :) this is not the trendy latest, just a good place to enjoy italian food, done classy, done right. -
Review from Suz L.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2012
My ex boyfriend and I came here on our first date and it was a cute but kinda cheesy. The food was pretty good and the service was great. I don't recall what we had but we shared all of our food and didn't have any complaints. I do remember that the waiter kept topping of our wine and even gave us a complimentary dessert wine to share. Surprisingly I haven't been back but definitely worth checking out.
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Review from Jennifer G.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2012
This place is soooo good that I debated giving it 1 star to keep people from discovering it. Lorenzo delivers impeccable service to both large and small groups. Call in advance for reservations because he is often booked up.
Dinners are reasonably priced around $18. My favorite dishes include the Amatriciana, the Fettuccine with Truffle sauce, and the Linguine with Foie Gras and asparagus.
Often times he will have a special that includes truffles. He will bring the truffle out to your table and shave a generous portion on your meal right in front of you. Normally you wouldn't be able to find a dish like this in the city for less than $40, but Lorenzo serves it for around $24.
The best part is sometimes he gives out freebies throughout the night. You'll get bruschetta for an appetizer, biscotti and strawberries for dessert, a glass of port and a rose for all of the ladies as they walk out the door.
This is a gem, and an amazing place for a date :) -
Review from Shelly E.
Chicago, IL
3/16/2012
I am a foodie. My husband and I PLAN our vacations around food. Ignore the negative comments. EVERYTHING was fabulous. Order anything you like and it will be divine. Party of 5 on two nights (vacation) ordered different things each night (3 apps and 5 mains and 3 desserts) and each was heaven. Go there. Don't hesitate.
Bonus: the wait staff is the best I have ever experienced. Vegas, NY, Boston, Maine. Hawaii, all of CA, Mexico, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bahamas, Canada included. -
Review from Priya N.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2012
This place is very close to 5 stars in my view but the final verdict is 4. There was a little confusion which led to an unnecessary delay in being seated (despite having a reservation) - but they made up for it with complimentary bruschetta. We shared the Dover Sole and Rigatoni all'Amatriciana and both were phenomenal. Tiramsu was good but not the best ever. I will definitely be back to check out the Lobster Ravioli.... this might just be my favorite Italian restaurant in the city.
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Review from Monelle P.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Born and raised in the city, I pride myself on knowing the food scene. When Cherylynn A. suggested Allegro Romano for dinner, the record needle literally went off track.. Wha? Where? Huh? I had never heard of it before and surprisingly so! One look at the walls and they're covered with pictures of celebrities. And not only is Rigatoni alla 'Amatriciana featured on the menu as Willie Brown's favorite pasta dish, but the server also told me that Gary Danko frequents Allegro for the Fettucini with White Truffle Sauce and the New York Strip Steak.
Suffice it say, I have more in common with Willie Brown and Gary Danko than I thought because Allegro has now become my favorite Italian restaurant in SF. BOLD WORDS, right?! Well, as I'm writing this review, my mouth is literally WATERING, thinking about other pasta dishes I can return and try. (Note: After I wrote this review, I made reservations for this upcoming Saturday).
We started off our meal with a complimentary bruschetta. The bread was toasted to crunchy perfection and topped with a fresh mix of tomatoes, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
We each ordered the Rigatoni Pasta with Foie Gras, Black Truffles & Old Madera Wine. The server was helpful enough to suggest that we split the pasta dish to make room for the entree. I'm glad he did! The half portion size was very generous! I ate this pasta so slooooow, attempting to saver and prolong the orgasmic experience. The rigatoni was perfectly al dente, its toothsome ridges coated with a rich, decadent savory sauce of foie gras, black truffles and wine. The sauce was PERFECTION: subtly sweet, savory, and earthy. The last time I had foie gras-truffle pasta this mind-blowingly good was at Acquerello, but for double the price.
Next, I had the Scaloppini with Porcini Mushrooms. Anything that's noted on the menu as "a piece of Heaven" has to be tried at least once. The tender, thinly sliced pieces of veal were dredged in flour, sautéed, and topped with fresh porcini mushrooms in a Barolo-Port reduction demi-glace. Though "a piece of Heaven" may be a stretch, this dish was still very, very good. The port reduction was reminiscent of the foie gras-truffle sauce from my first course: rich, decadent, subtly sweet, but still savory.
I tried a piece of Cherylynn A's Filetto ai Porcino and Baretto Sauce Black Angus filet mignon with porcini mushrooms & Barolo red wine sauce and it was also very, very good.
Just when I thought the meal was over, it got extended by another hour, some complimentary housemade almond biscotti, and a whole lotta port. Service during this entire time was TOP-NOTCH.
Allegro is a neighborhood gem. Reasonably priced for all budgets, but with a romantic, intimate atmosphere that speaks to champagne tastes. Our server also mentioned that most of its customers come from hotels like the Fairmont, InterContinental, and the Ritz. -
Review from Cherylynn N.
San Francisco, CA
Ti Piaci (I like)...Ti Adoro (I adore)...Ti Amo (I love)?
The feeling of being at a loss for words...it always happens when you're least expecting it; the indescribable feeling that leaves you awestruck and completely speechless. Allegro Romano epitomizes this feeling.
Born and raised in the city, it never ceases to amaze me the amount of undiscovered gems there are. Words cannot even begin to describe how I feel about Allegro Romano, a neighborhood gem that's tucked away in one of San Francisco's seven hills.
With 75-80% of its customers from neighboring hotels like the Fairmont, InterContinental, and the Ritz, Allegro Romano is where numerous celebrities including Conan O'Brien, Brad Pitt, Demi Moore (when carbs was still her BFF), and my favorite president Bill Clinton have seek refuge for a quaint dinner away from the paparazzi and the nosy public. It's also frequented by Willie Brown, Gavin Newsom, and Gary Danko whose favorite dishes are the Fettuccine with White Truffle Sauce and the New York Strip Steak.
Coming from a bloodline of a Roman restaurateur, chef/owner Lorenzo Logoreci creates and flawlessly executes rustic Italian dishes full of deep complex flavors and with finesse at affordable prices. Think Acquerello but for the fraction of the cost. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
F O O D
*AMUSE BOUCHE: Bruschetta
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Toasted to a delicious crunchiness, the bread was rubbed with garlic before being topped with ripen tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. Fresh. Simple. Satisfying.
*RIGATONI w/ Foie Gras, Black Truffles & Old Madera Wine (half order - $9)
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Suggested by our waiter, I got a half order of this dish which was a perfect precursor to my entree.
The deliciously creamy foie gras, black truffle, and sweet Mandera wine sauce caressed every single ridge of the al-dente rigatoni making each morsel insanely decadent. Though there was no visible foie gras, the familiar luxurious richness was prominent with the earthiness of the black truffles taking it to the top.
*FILETTO ai Porcini & Barolo Sauce ($25.50)
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The filet mignon was seared to a rare as requested with a vibrant red center. Unlike most filets I've had, Allegro Romano's filet was so soft that it cut like butter; it was even softer than some wagyu steaks I've had.
The porcini and Barolo wine sauce was ridiculously good, robust, and packed with an intense earthiness that gave a sinfully savoryness with a tinge of sweetness to the filet.
*COMPLIMENTARY DESSERT: House-made Almond Biscotti
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Thoroughly stuffed (I could only eat half my filet), we opted out of dessert but we're still given a small bite to appease our sweet tooth. The biscotto was unlike others I've had; it was like eating a nutty cookie with a rich crumbly texture.
S E R V I C E
Charming, attentive, and down-to-earth. If you don't like attention or being waited on hand and foot (*raises hand*)...honey, you better learn to like it before coming to Allegro Romano. Our waiters were constantly checking up on us trying to ensure we were enjoying our meal. I felt uneasy at first but soon realized as other diners started coming in that making you feel like you're the "guest of honor" is the Allegro Romano's way of customer service.
A M B I A N C E / D E C O R
Allegro Romano screams ROMANTIC DATE NIGHT! Are you listening fellas? When a woman says she doesn't like the cliché dozen roses and a nice, fancy dinner. LIES. ALL LIES. Women say one thing but it REALLY means another; for example, when a woman says, "No, pizza is fine honey", what she really means is "F*cking, cheap bastard". GET IT?
If you want to WOOOOO that special lady in your life, Allegro Romano is the perfect place to enjoy an intimate, romantic dinner complete with dim lighting, candles, red rose petals scattered atop crisp white linen tables and views of the illuminated bay bridge.
P A R K I N G
Very difficult street parking. Cab it.
Ohhhh, don't forget to order a svelte bottle of red wine and watch the magic happen... ( ^_~)
CARPE DIEM. -
Review from Amy T.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2012
When we were visiting Italy we met the owners brother and he told us to try Allegro Romano. We have dined a few times now and it is my new favorite restaurant in San Francisco. Love the neighborhood, love the quaint size and the food is AMAZING! My favorite dish is the shaved truffle linguine. The owner is so nice and the wait staff is great too. A must go
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Review from Liz T.
2/2/2012
Honestly, I wasn't going to write a review for this restaurant. It already has 215 reviews and only 32 seats. For being popular among celebrities, I'm extremely shocked there isn't a six-month waiting list and pleasantly surprised commoners like myself can make a reservation for the same week. As I grow older, however, I've decided to be less selfish--and more sharing. You're welcome for #216.
My girl friends and I had a romantic dinner for five here, complete with rose petals on white tablecloth, Dean Martin's "That's Amore," and one of the best service in town. We each received complimentary port wine for dessert and long-stem red roses to take home--I can't even remember the last time a boy gave me flowers on a date. Oh, wait... 11th grade. Chinese hole-in-the-wall. Unmemorable except for that.
Anyway, the food. The food sounded mouthwatering on the menu, looked tantalizing in front of me, and tasted unbelievable in my mouth. We began with the caviar and salmon crepes ($12.50). They were light yet tasty; my only complaint was that they were very small. I could've had two orders of that by myself for an appetizer, but I'm also eating to keep warm for the 50-degree winters here.
Next I had the rigatoni with foie gras, black truffles, and Madeira wine ($18). The sauce was flavorful, rich, and plentiful. I even saved a few bites to take home, so that I could relive my foodgasm the next day. Absolutely divine. I also tried MS's white truffle tortellini in basil pesto sauce ($18.50). Another winner. For the record, all the pastas are homemade and heavenly. I just can't wait to try the lobster ravioli with pink vodka sauce and scallop risotto in black ink and fig-balsamic sauce! I can't even say that without drooling a little on my keyboard.
For dessert we shared the tartufo tre scalini--a rich, handmade chocolate ice cream roll. Apparently, Allegro Romano and it's sister restaurant (Tre Scalini in Rome) are famous for it, and it paired perfectly with the port. DC said it was the best meal we've had, and we have weekly dinners together at different restaurants, so that speaks volumes.
I couldn't be happier that Allegro Romano is in my neighborhood. Not only does Russian Hill have the best French (La Folie) and best German (Leopold's) in SF, it also has the best Italian. Ok, Acquerello may be #1 and in Nob Hill, but Allegro Romano is a close second and much more reasonably priced.
I actually spent five months in Italy last year, so I'm kind of an authority on Italian cuisine. Ha. -
Review from Roger N.
San Jose, CA
5/14/2012
My wife and I had a spectacular dinner here. The restaurant has about 13 tables so you will need reservations. The food is extremely fresh. Not hidden in deep strong sauces but an awesome blend of mild fresh flavours that work excellent together. The service is amazing as well. I used to work in fine dining restaurants and it is refreshing to see some folks still understand how to deliver excellent service.
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Review from Jen L.
2/5/2012
Dining at Allegro Romano is like having a decadent Italian dinner at a good friend's home. The owner and waitstaff are the most attentive, generous and thoughtful I've experienced to date. Some suggested tips before you arrive:
Make a reservation. This place is cozy but well appointed and charming. Luck was in the cards that a couple of cancellations allowed a few walk-ins to dine very well. Thank you.
Walk or take a cab. Luck also left us a rare parking spot across the street. You may leave a little tipsy from the complimentary port after dinner.
Come hungry. Fresh breads and dipping sauces as are port, coffee and water are repeatedly filled back up. They want you to stay, dine, chat, and enjoy life. Mi casa, sous casa.
Maybe sing a bar or two. There was a newly married couple + a birthday, so naturally, the house sang That's Amore with applauding afterwards.
Rose. It was one of the nicest sentiments of the evening. A perfect red rose handed to each gal. Sorry guys.
Food. Portions are reasonable and rich, so we shared some of the specials:
Softshell crabs with spinach. The crabs were so fresh, you could taste their salty ocean brine.
Pasta with black truffle oil and cheese. The waiter grated A LOT of yummy extra truffle on top. Divine.
Turkey scallopine with mashed potatoes & spinach. Tender and lots of flavor.
Dessert: chocolate mousse with a cookie crumb top. Yowza.
Amore, Allegro Romano. Grazie! -
Review from AriesMist H.
Hayward, CA
5/6/2012
I heard about this place some months (or maybe it was a year?) ago from non other than the owner himself. I won't get into the specifics of our chance (and slightly comical) meeting, I will say that I gave him a major side eye when he told me (with a thick Italian accent), "I run little Italian restaurant in San Francisco called Allegro. Allegro Romano. " Well, last night me and the girls decided to give his "little Italian restaurant" a try (and it is indeed little, hella little. Do make reservations). Suffice it to say, that major side eye I threw him so many months ago turned into a bug eye as I started off my meal with the Crepes al Caviar and Salmon. All I can say about them is that they are THEBOMB.COM! Everything we ordered was so dayum tasty. From the Rigatoni Pasta with Foie Gras (better get yours before the July 1st CA. foie gras ban) to the tiny biscotti that came with our homemade gelato; everything was a hit. Absolutely no misses. And we weren't the only ones who thought so. The man at the table next to us spent most of his meal moaning and panting about how good it was. The parking of course is a nightmare, the place overall is a bit cramped, and the pic of the owner with Brad Pitt taped on the front window is a bit tacky, but after you've parked and settled in, you will not be disappointed.
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Review from Olivia L.
San Jose, CA
1/8/2012
If it weren't for the food being good I would have given no stars (if that were possible) Seriously the food is the only good thing about this place. THE SERVICE IS AWFUL! and the owner is rude!
I went here with a bunch of friends to celebrate a friend's birthday and pretty much from the moment we walk in we got attitude by the servers and the owner. The full-of-themselves attitude and the vibe we got as if we weren't important enough to be there is what really pisses me off.
Some friends arrived late and one friend decided to pour herself a glass of wine and the server ran over and literally snatched the bottle out of her hand mid pour then rudely asked for her ID. Instead of politely walking over and asking for her ID before she had some wine. Be professional!
Then as he went around to check all our IDs (totally fine obviously we are in our early 20s and should be carded) he made a big stink about one of our friends not drinking (??!!) how fricken rude of the server!!! It's a personal choice to drink or not to drink alcohol and being made fun of for it is soooo not cool!
When we got the check they must of come back 10 times to see if we were done figuring out how much everybody owed. It got so rude and irritating we literally had to yell at them that we weren't done yet and we'd let them know. Then to top it off we were the last table to be in the restaurant (and it wasn't that late) and as soon as the 2nd to last table got up to leave they turned on all the lights in a passive aggressive effort to get us out. Clearly our money and patronage wasn't good enough for them.
I've never experience service this rude anywhere! Needless to say none of us will be coming back.
Way to judge a group of girls by our age, when we were completely polite, not rowdy at all, and just trying to enjoy a night out. -
Review from Enrico P.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012
Wow! This is an Italian restaurant run by an effervescent Romano named Lorenzo who makes you feel like you are his personal friend $ houseguest. We absolutely enjoyed our meal - Mediterranean sea bass, Fetticini al Fredo, spinach and mushroom side and the chocolate crusted gelato.
I am ambivalent to praise this place any more than I am right here or I/we may have a harder time getting a table ourselves.
A true neighborhood trattoria that is a gem for Nob Hill/Russian Hill with even a bit if secret parking.
Kudos to my partner for even noticing it!! -
Review from Frank J.
1/10/2012
The only negative thing that I could possibly say is that parking in the area is terrible. If you are considering driving I would look for other options if you don't want to drive around for a while looking for a spot. The restaurant itself - Fantastic! This has to be one of the most underrated restaurants in the city and just became one of my favorites. I am going to become a regular here and take out-of-town guests here for sure.
We came in a party of five for my father-in-laws birthday and right off the bat we were greeted by the owner/chef and his great staff. The people here really make you feel at home; actually as a guest in their home. I think the reviews complaining about service or the overbearing owner is from people that like to be left alone and eat with their heads down or have no experience with cultures outside of the US. The owner walks around and jokes with people and the staff is attentive and friendly. The ladies at the table loved being addressed as bella. From start to finish we were there about three hours and never once felt rushed to leave. We actually were encouraged to stay longer even though the restaurant was almost full all evening.
As for the food, it was a large selection of better-than-average Italian fare. Everything tasted very authentic and reminded me of when I was in Italy. The prices are also extremely reasonable for the quality and portion size.
If you are looking for a restaurant where you can sit, eat and leave this is probably not the place for you. If you want a memorable dining experience with great food this is the place. -
Review from j j.
Santa Monica, CA
2/22/2012
This place is fantastic. A+ for food & service.
Make a reservation, especially if it's a weekend. We called Friday afternoon for a Saturday res and they were all booked up, LUCKY for us, they had a table for that night! We got there on time and they sat us in about ten minutes.
All our food was absolutely delicious. One of the highlights was the black truffle risotto special. The white truffle fettuccine was also to die for. My friend ordered the Rigatoni all'Amatriciana, which was recommended by the waiter. It was good, but definitely not as delicious as everything else. We flagged down our waiter and she politely told him there was nothing wrong with the food, she just wasn't crazy about it. He joked that he was hurt that she didn't like his favorite and brought something else for her right away. I mean, that is GREAT service!! There is nothing wrong with the food and they just want you to be happy so they bring you something else anyways!! Love this place.
Definitely worth going and I hope to go back next time I'm in the area. My only one tiiiiiiiny gripe would be that the decor is a tad outdated, but it actually kind of works for this charming and yummy Italian restaurant. -
Review from Tiffany N.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2012
Excellent service and food is spectacular! Asparagus alla Parmigiana, Mushrooms Trifolati, and Homemade lobster ravioli with vodka pink sauce was so delicious! It totally hit the spot. Everything was was so freakin good! Great dinner place for date night! You will be very pleased.
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Review from Eleanor C.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2012
i don't give 5 stars often, but i really liked this place. i came here with my husband and my parents for my birthday and i can't believe this is my first time here!
the restaurant is small and cozy - we were definitely pretty close to the table next to us, but it was fine. there were definitely a lot of waiters serving in a small space, so the service was great! i really wanted to try almost everything on the menu, but we had to pick. the owner came by the table to show us a piece of black truffle and told us we could get it with fettuccine or risotto and as a main or an appetizer. i couldn't resist and decided that since it was my birthday, i could splurge a little. so we ordered a truffle fettuccine as an appetizer to share. i got a bit worried after, because i realized we didn't know the price!
i ordered the scaloppini with porcini mushrooms as my main course. Hubby ordered the special, which was the osso bucco. I helped my mom choose the risotto with scallops in a black ink and fig sauce and my dad got the king salmon.
they serve bread with a red dip - i think it was tomato and red pepper? not sure. i wish the bread were warm - because you could tell it was pretty good bread.
then we waited for our appetizer. they mistakenly took a couple cold appetizers to our table with some sharing plates and made it a point to change the plates when they realized our appetizer was warm to a warm plate. good service! oh wow - the truffle fettuccine was sooo good. rich and heavy, but i kept on wanting to eat more. and i think the owner shaved at least 8-10 pieces of truffle on the pasta. it was so flavorful and addictive. my favorite of the night for sure.
for the mains, my favorite was the osso bucco - it was so tender and flavorful and seasoned just right. then it would probably be the risotto and scallops. the scallops were cooked perfectly! and then the veal and salmon which was good, but nothing special (the mushrooms on the veal were yummy)
we didn't get to try their desserts, because we brought our own cake. They helped us serve the cake on nicely decorated plates.
The best part of the meal was the fact that it was so reasonable. The truffle fettuccine was less than $20 (phew!) and they didn't charge us a cake cutting fee which is really nice. They also gave all the females in the restaurant a beautiful red rose at the end. Will definitely be back! -
Review from dave u.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2012
Hands down one of the best places in the city! If you like good service, then you will like Allegro. Go figure out what you like about the menu on your own. There will be something on the menu that you like. If you don't like Allegro afterwards that is fine... but you will.... oh how you will.
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Review from Juliette P.
New York, NY
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
My husband and I came here for our anniversary its a very romantic restaurant the tables are adorned with rose petals. The customer service is A+ they're very attentive and make sure they tend to your needs. One of the many reasons we wanted to come here was to try their tartufo which is world famous it is an Italian ice cream that was invented by the family of the person who owns Allegro Romano and he has incorporated it in his menu, the reason I didn't give them five stars was because I actually had a better tartufo in New York I don't know how that was possible but the day i visited the tartufo tasted a bit like Hagan Dazs Ice Cream. The food however is amazing It is a four course menu like all Italian restaurants so make sure you come prepared to spend a big amount. We had brushetta, crepes filled with salmon topped with caviar and a very delicious truffle sauce and the beef carpaccio as our appetizers for our pasta course we had scallops with the squid ink risotto the squid ink adds a very distinct taste but makes it that much better for the secondi course we had the salmon with capers and mashed potatoes the salmon was medium rare and very juicy the capers tied in make the taste very special, the veal topped with the prosciutto and bathed in white wine was delicious. another desert I ordered was the chocolate mousse cake which was a lot tastier than the tartufo at the end when we were about to leave the owner handed me a rose which was a very sweet gesture that they do for they're customers I can say that I will be coming here again.
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Review from Scott M.
Los Angeles, CA
11/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
The food wasn't mind blowing and was a few small dings I could give some of the dishes but overall it was good. What's really great here is the incredible service. It's a small neighbor joint and they treat it's patrons like family. The portions were hearty and we got twice as many desserts as order followed by and additional comp plate of cookies. ANd that wasn't enough, glasses of Port magically appeared when the desserts were served. When the glass got lower than half way, they'd come around and fill..like 3 or 4 times. I serious had tell them no more.
Excellent experience. -
Review from Brooke I.
Foster City, CA
11/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday (11/2/2011) and from start to finish, our experience was great.
The restaurant is quaint and kind of hidden within the neighborhood. The decor is tacky but it just adds to the place's charm. For a Wednesday night, it was packed...I'm assuming that it usually is. We started with the mushrooms, caprese, and a glass of Prosecco. From the first bite of our appetizers we knew we were in for a treat. For dinner, we brought our own bottle of wine (Corkage: $25) and we had the lobster ravioli and the veal. Our entrees were to-die-for, everything was rich and tasty and cooked to perfection. For the meal alone, 5 stars.
The extras of this restaurant really pushed it toward a place I'd love to frequent on a regular basis, if only I lived closer. One of the servers (who had a great set of pipes) busted out into Opera mid-dinner. The servers made a big fuss over my birthday which I appreciated and thought was cute. We were brought a complimentary dessert and two glasses of port.
On a side note, everyone, from the hostess, to two servers, to presumably the owner...offered to call us a cab. I guess some people would be offended or felt like alcoholics, but I thought it was great. Awesome food, friendly service, and making sure you get home safely - 5 stars for sure! -
Review from Scuba Z.
San Francisco, CA
10/26/2011
My wife ordered the Black Truffle Fetticini Special which was brilliant! Stole a few bites from her plate...was still salivating the next morning.
I ordered the Rigatoni Amerigina (Willie Brown's Favorite). It was very good...but after a few bites it had me thinking I should have tried the Foie Gras Rigatoni. Next time for sure.
Our friend had the Rissotto. It was also very good...worth ordering if you have a hankering for a rice dish.
The Bruschetta was okay...nothing special. I've made better at home. The Caviar Crepe was delicious...but the serving was tiny. Didn't think it was worth it...better to explore other appetizers.
The service was top-notch. Definitely going back sooner than later. -
Review from Melanie S.
Capitola, CA
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
The food was of the best Italian I've ever had, and I used to run an Italian kitchen! The service was impeccable. Yes, it was friendly and gregarious... good Lord people who have criticized the over-friendliness of the staff and owner... did you realize that you were dining in an Italian restaurant??? It's the nature of the beast and it's what makes it so special and wonderful!
They spoiled me rotten. It was my 40th birthday and I was celebrating with several friends at my side. The food came family style in waves of delicious variety. The Black Truffle Fettuccine (imported from Italy, of course) was so orgasmic that I had to cut it into tiny pieces and let it just savor on my tongue, hoping that the flavor could stay with me forever.... oh, just remembering makes my mouth water with satisfaction!
The waiter danced with me to That's Amore by Dean Martin... The entire restaurant sang happy birthday to me... The wine glasses and water glasses never hit bottom. It was a perfect evening....
Until the bill came. This was the only reason I'm giving Allegro Romano a 4 star rather than a 5 star rating. And, as I type this... I'm not convinced it's completely fair. Ideally, I would give them 4.5 stars. Here's the bill situation. We only ordered 3 carafes of wine, but apparently they just kept bringing them and we ended up having 6, and two were comped. There were so many dishes of food coming and we weren't able to assess how much wine we were drinking or not drinking because we never ever served ourselves. If the glass was down a half an inch, they would top it off without us even really being aware of it. We should have clarified the price of the family style dining prior to ordering it. We made assumptions that it wasn't going to be too much because the entrees ranged from $15-$25, so even double the price of the most expensive entree wasn't a big deal. Ultimately, when the bill came, each of the 7 of us owed well over $100 each. None of us were prepared for that singular expense. We handled it, but it did knock the wind out of our sails. I know to many of you readers out there, you may be thinking that a $100 a person isn't a big deal, but to me and my group, it was a lot for one meal.
Ultimately, it was very, very worth it. The experience will stay with me forever. And, it really WAS worth the large price tag. I just wish we knew up front of the expense so it wouldn't have been such a shocker.
I will be back again and again, as often as they will have me! I'll just walk in knowing the operating system this time so I can navigate specific to my budget! -
Review from Ria J.
San Francisco, CA
3/10/2012
Probably the best italian food in town.
If your looking for a small family run good food italian place to eat this is definitely the place.
they have great service and on top of that great food!!
i love the bruchetta and the lamb ragu ! OH and the gelato for desert is AMAZE -
Review from Artist z.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2011
Service was a little too overbearing, and the food was nothing special. Little full of themselves! The pasta and veal was blah, nothing special. The steak was AWFUL! Dry, mealy, tasteless. I don't think we'd go back.
The waiters were all over our women, like that Saturday night live Italian restaurant skit! It was just over the top ridiculous! I was told I was quite by the owner while with my guest. Well I am not quite now Yo! -
Review from Natalie M.
Los Angeles, CA
2/18/2012
Last night was my second visit. I had excellent experiences in service and quality both times I went.
The first time we were there, we were a party of 4. The couple we were meeting circled the neighborhood for 25 min looking for parking. When our server asked us where the other half of the party was, we explained the situation. He told us to have him bring the car up front and he'd get us a spot. Way above the call of duty! No one has ever done that for me before.
Now the food. I had the truffle risotto and it took every ounce of self restraint not to lick the plate. Everyone else's dishes were delicious. The boar bolognese and the fois gras rigatoni were amazing.
We went back last night and I had the truffle risotto again. It was just as amazing as I'd remembered. My boyfriend had the boar bolognese again too. My friend had the white truffle fettuccine and we were arguing who had the best dish and couldn't decide.
They also gave the ladies in the party a rose as a parting gift both times. The first time the chef comped us a bruschetta; the second time we had a nice glass of port with dessert as a surprise.
I LOVE this place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Highly highly recommended. -
Review from Christie W.
San Francisco, CA
9/17/2011
I can't believe I've never been to this restaurant! I've lived in SF for a decade and this place is my new go-to Italian restaurant!
My husband and I came here on a recommendation and walked in with no reservation on a Friday night. We were treated like one of the celebrities hanging on the wall the entire night. We started with the best bruschetta I've ever tasted - it's harder than it looks to get something so simple so spot on. Their caviar & salmon appetizer is to die for - and they even gave us a little extra after I gushed about how good it was! We had the rigatoni and the truffle risotto - literally the most decadent portions of truffle I have ever seen, I felt like I was swimming in heaven it was so good! Why fly to Italy when you can duck into a great neighborhood restaurant that is better than the food I had there?
We both had fish as our 3rd course, my sea bass was cooked to perfection so that the natural flavors really shined. Our servers kept serving us rounds of drinks on the house - all so delicious that we staggered out of the restaurant full of the best meal we had ever had.
This restaurant is a must-do - a quiet little place tucked in an iconic neighborhood run by a wonderful proprietor. They make classic and beguilingly simple dishes where the natural flavors of their ingredients truly stand out. We expect to come here for years to come - just get there early enough to try to find parking. :) -
Review from Meghan A.
Berkeley, CA
10/13/2011
I don't have anything bad to say about this place or my experience.
My husband ordered the Ribeye, which was cooked to perfection. The roast potatoes that went with it were amazing and had much more flavor than the roast potatoes I've had in the past.
I had the Lobster Ravioli, I couldn't decide between that or the Scallops but the ravioli was amazing.
We also had the bruschetta, the tiramisu, key lime pie, and the Chianti. All were equally delicious. The service was amazing, probably the best service I have had in SF, they had our food ready right away filled our coffee cups and water glasses quickly. Our server was excellent very professional but also had a personality.
They also gave us a complimentary glass of port and a complimentary dessert which was also delicious. I can't say more about how fabulous it was. At the end of the night the hostess brought me a rose to take home.
I'm so happy we live right around the corner so we can go back again!
If you're coming to town I would definitely suggest giving Allegro Romano a try! -
Review from John S.
Austin, TX
1/9/2012
If you are looking for a unique and romantic experience in San Francisco then Allegro Romano is THE place. The food is just amazing from the simple dishes on up and the specials are typically really exceptional. I had a fetticcuini with black truffles when last there that was to die for!! Lorenzo and his staff make things perfect and the service is first rate in this intimate setting on Russian Hill. I live in Texas but when I am in SF I always try to get a table if I can...so make your reservations in advance if you want to share in the experience! Ciao Lorenzo!!
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Review from Kelley B.
Foster City, CA
8/6/2011
*Food - YUMS! - We ordered an appetizer "package"-like deal that allowed us to get tastes of almost all of the appetizers. SOo good. For my main course I had the lobster ravioli and it was amazing. I think there was only one of us who wasn't 100% happy with his food, but he didn't dislike it either.
*Service - Super nice, fun, goofy staff. How nice were they? One person in our party thought they were almost TOO nice, haha. Definitely made the experience more than just an average dinner out. Just an example of how much above and beyond they go for their customers: 2/4 of our party came into the restaurant and explained that the other two were looking for parking. They told us that one of the waiters would be happy to move his motorcycle that was parked right out front so that we could have his spot. How amazing is that?!
*Atmosphere - Cozy, intimate, and warm. Although they don't have a lot of space, I think that's part of their charm.
I will definitely be going back to Allegro Romano at some point, and I'd recommend it to anyone else! -
Review from nick g.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2011
one of the best italian meals i have had outside of italy.
amazing food - perfect pastas, great starters, great grilled fish
perfect service - friendly and attentive with grat suggestions. they clearly care
this is what i was hoping for from seven hills -
Review from Darlene D.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/1/2011
Part of my job is to refer guests or make restaurant reservations at their request. I have been dealing with the owner & his restaurant for years, which was usually positive, but just today I had two different guests have issue with the restaurant. ITS NOT EVEN THE FOOD BECAUSE THEY NEVER MADE IT IN THERE! Making reservations is a complete NIGHTMARE because they NEVER EVER acknowledge voicemail although the owner claims to return phone calls. What's worse is them NOT returning a guest's phone call. You've got to have the 'in' with the owner
or be one of his hoi-polloi regulars to get any acknowledgement. It just gets worse every year but then again he's successful enough that he doesn't need the additional business. It's unfortunate because it WAS a great place where he always went out of his way to make you feel @ home. I think 'someone' needs to come down to earth and go back to running an approachable and great neighborhood restaurant it once was. If you truly want to dine here, make sure you call during business hours because maybe you'll get a live voice on the line.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/24/2008
Because the business I'm in encourages me to dine @ different places, I'm lucky enough to be spoiled… Read more »
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Review from Austin K.
Stanford, CA
7/29/2011
The food was exceptional -- they do their menu very well. Let me quickly move past that to what made the experience truly outstanding.
What set the restaurant apart was the charming, playful, engaging owner and staff. I went with a female friend, and they thought we were on a date, which catalyzed a slew of jokes, free appetizers, a rose for her, free dessert and free port post-dinner. The water in my glass never dipped below 3/4 full. The service was tremendous, they've nailed the ambiance, and the staff set the place apart from other great restaurants in the neighborhood.
Take a date here, immediately. -
Review from Nicole W.
11/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Before you read the review, you should know that...
Food = 4.5 stars. Service = 4.5 stars. Temperature of the restaurant = 2 stars.
I would have loved to give Allegro Romano 5 stars but was uncomfortably hot during my meal there. Yes, it was during the strange SF heat wave in mid-October. But shoot, I can't enjoy my meal to the fullest (even when it's super delicious) when I am extremely warm. And the restaurant wasn't even full.
That being said, THIS PLACE ROCKS. I would definitely return, although just a forewarning it's a celebratory/romantic kind of place. Came here for my dad's birthday dinner as a double date with my parents and boyfriend and had a wonderful time.
1. We were seated right on time (6pm reservation, although the server warned us there was another reservation for our table at 8. But hey, honesty with your customers? Mad respect).
2. The owner came over and introduced himself.
3. The servers knew a LOT about the specials of the evening.
4. Service was excellent. Almost TOO excellent considering the fact that my water glass was filled at least 10 times during our 1.5 hour dinner...not an exaggeration.
5. My fish (sea bass) was arguably the best fish I have ever eaten in my life. It wasn't overly seasoned and literally melted in my mouth. Served with spinach and mashed potatoes. I died.
6. My mom raved about her lobster ravioli.
7. My boyfriend got the salmon, he said it was good but not the best he's ever had. So...don't order the salmon.
8. My dad got a pasta special. He loved it.
9. Desserts ordered were tiramisu and cheesecake. Tiramisu was so goooood! Their biscotti that they serve with their desserts is also delicious, and I'm not a big biscotti fan.
10. They found out it was my dad's birthday and dessert was on the house :) I really respect places with great customer service and AR was not a disappointment.
11. Ladies get a rose upon departure from the restaurant. Excellent touch, Allegro Romano, excellent touch.
Will definitely be back, the prices aren't bad when you consider what you're getting and it was one of the most enjoyable dining experiences I've had yet in SF. -
Review from Rommel H.
Burlingame, CA
2/2/2011
Had dinner here with a few friends last weekend and we had a great experience.
Had reservations for 7:45 and they were ready for us, no waiting.
It's a cool, quaint atmosphere in a nice neighborhood. The wait staff were very friendly and funny. Definitely a very pleasant experience.
Appetizers were delicious and I had the Rigatoni (which is Willy Browns favorite dish apparently). Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the food.
Ordered a bottle of wine, friend tasted it, they decanted it, friend changed his mind and Lorenzo was VERY gracious and understanding when we ordered another different bottle. It was actually not a corked bottle, my friend just didn't like it. Once it has been decanted, I figure the restaurant has no obligation to bring another bottle out since we tasted it and gave them the thumbs up. Amazing customer service.
Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a nice, friendly, neighborhood restaurant with kick ass food. -
Review from Victoria H.
Walnut Creek, CA
7/16/2011
Where to start...
My boyfriend and I came for a nice dinner before a night out. We came in around 7:30, and the cozy spot was already busy. Our waiter was very attentive and friendly throughout the night- checking in and then leaving us to enjoy.
I had the caprese salad and black truffle risotto, and my boyfriend had the melon with prosciutto and truffle ravioli. Everything was perfect. Ingredients perfectly fresh, creamy flavorful sauces, yet nothing overpowered the truffle.
After the hostess called our cab, our waiter brought by a few glasses of port. We spoke a few minutes, everyone here is great! -
Review from Raquel Y.
Came here for a nice and fancy date, and I was not disappointed :) and that was with BIG expectations too! The parking was monstrous. We drove like 20 minutes around the place trying to find parking, having no luck whatsoever. We had to drive like 5 miles down in a parking garage where it was like 15 all night. Then we had to walk 10-15 minutes to the restaurant, with huge hills because there was no taxi around! By the time we got to the restaurant, we were tired and said "this better be worth it."
But the atmosphere of the restaurant was romantic. Servers in uniform and were all very hospitable, dimly lit place, candle light dinners with rose pedals on each table. It was a small, but charming. We were also impressed by all the celebrities that have been to Allegro before, such as Bob Saget, Brat Pitt, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, and much more. Thought, "hey, this place has to be good. But they probably didn't hike up the hill like we did."
We were served with bread as appetizers that's always nice to have as a free appetizer. The server recommended a "Lobster Base Soup", which I got and actually tasted really good. [http://s3-media1.ak.ye... It was from this soup that I liked the place and forgot about the adventure we had to go through to get here. My date got the "Asparagus alla Parmigiana" which was also delicious. [http://s3-media2.ak.ye...
We both got pastas that pretty much WOW'ed us. I got the pasta with "white truffle sauce" since that's what was most talked about on yelp [http://s3-media4.ak.ye..., and my date got the "Rigatoni alla Amatriciana" which was amazinggg. [http://s3-media1.ak.ye... It was tasty, zesty, and just had a really good kick to it that I haven't had in any other type of pasta before.
For a place to be in the corner of no where, having high expectations due to an adventure having to get there, and still thinking it deserves 5 stars, I think that pretty much says this is a perfect place to dine if you're looking for a nice and romantic meal in the city of San Francisco.Listed in: Fav places to eat around the…, Great Fine Dining in SF
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