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Pasta Paradiso - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
180 Spear St(between Howard St & Mission St)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Neighbourhood: SOMA
(415) 227-1616
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
125 reviews for Pasta Paradiso
Review Highlights
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"This is my favorite lunch spot go-to." In 12 reviews -
"Great affordable food, great service and a very friendly..." In 7 reviews -
"Mango Chicken Salad: Great lunch special deals." In 3 reviews
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125 reviews in English
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Review from Dickson T.
San Bruno, CA
7/13/2011
I've only tried this place once, but from that one bowl of delicious alfredo goodness, i'm hooked. I got #22 and I remember the number because everything is way too difficult to say. It was the chicken alfredo with sundried tomatoes. It wasn't the BEST pasta I've ever had, but considering that this was 8 bucks in the financial district and they gave you a large chunk of bread, I'd say that's a fairly decent deal. The salads looked really good too. Might try that next time.
Actually I think I might just get some for lunch today. -
Review from Mark M.
6/21/2011
This is a good place where you can get some classic pasta without breaking the bank. The staff is also helpful and friendly.
If you are here, get the pastas with the red sauces, not the whites. Their reds and pink sauces are all quite good.
This is a very chill place and they won't hurry you like a lot of downtown places. So take your time... -
Review from Kimberly B.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Our company has ordered take-out from here several times and their pastas were good. I try to limit my pasta intake though, so what I really love this place for is their grilled salmon with steamed veggies (today it was summer squash and zucchini) and basmati rice. You also get a huge hunk of sourdough bread with your order and the price can't be beat ($10.40 total including the tax).
Right now they don't have outdoor seating anymore due to construction on the building, but I'm hoping that they bring it back once the construction is over. It's a nice place to sit outside for lunch or even go after work on a nice day for a glass of wine.
Service is quick, too, which makes it good for someone like me with a 30-minute lunch break! -
Review from Vera W.
2/13/2011
Mango Chicken Salad: Great lunch special deals. Huge salad with generous amounts of everything! To-go comes with bread and a biscotti! You could split the salad into two meals! The Italian guy at the counter is pretty funny, too.
I want to try their strawberry chicken salad next. Pasta looks good, too. -
Review from B F.
San Mateo, CA
9/25/2010
12:00 - lunchtime begins
12:05 - walk to pasta paradiso
12:08 - order fettucini carbonara + snapple
12:10 - sit at table
12:11 - waiter serves cold bread and butter
12:13 - food arrives at table HOLY..WTF...FAST
12:23 - finished food
12:32 - writes this review while walking back to work on my iphone
Food was pretty good and decently priced. Service was super fast too. Definitely a cool spot for lunch if you're working nearby. -
Review from Edi B.
Vallejo, CA
Updated - 12/14/2010
Well, I still l like their food and they seem to be fine for pick-up or dine-in....
However I rely on them for catering most of all and the last 2 orders I made were disappointing.
Not necessarily the food but things were missing or the order came with incorrect food.
I don't know -what burns my ass is our office spends alot of money there and I couldn't even get an apology. Nothing! Kind of a bummer.5 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/8/2010
Professional and prompt! I love using this place for catering work lunch.
It's such a crowd pleaser… Read more »
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Review from Kevin L.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2010
Solid restaurants start with a solid management. They definitely put customers first.
This is a perfect place for a casual sit-down. It is open late, and it is a great happy hour spot, especially for those looking to grab some food and drinks before a ball game.
The portions are generous. You definitely won't walk away hungry.
My favorite dish is the MANGO CHICKEN SALAD, which is loaded with tender meat, avocado, blue cheese, and mango, topped with walnuts. You can't go wrong...unless you're allergic to nuts.
They also have a nice patio area. Sit down and grab a beer! -
Review from G L.
San Francisco, CA
9/13/2010
G at 19 having a conversation with his room mate
Room mate "what ya cooking G?"
G: "Pasta"
Room mate: "Good, you can't burn pasta" (this statement was made due to a previous botched cooking job I did)
Some 10 minutes later
Room mate: "I guess I was wrong , you some how managed to burn pasta"
Why do I bring up this memory that had long been suppressed and almost forgotten about?
Because the pasta I had at Pasta Paradiso reminded me exactly of the pasta I use to cook when I was 19 and still acclimating to not having mom cook me dinner every night.
I ordered the Fusilli which was horribly horribly overcooked and the vegetables were a mush mess. The sauce was actually pretty good but even the best sauce doesn't make up for the previous two gaffes in this dish. -
Review from Natalie S.
Las Vegas, NV
Updated - 3/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Penne Alla Vodka!!! Awesome!!!
I love this place. Never had a bad experience here. And they almost always give me free dessert when eating there.
Super fast preparing to-go orders!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/19/2010
Great food at a good price and incredibly fast! Love the Penny alla Vodka! If you eat in,… Read more »
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Review from Andi T.
Updated - 7/22/2010
Now open for happy hour and dinner!
Happy hour is not at all crowded, so I'm keeping PP in mind for a group outing. The dinner menu is a limited version of the lunch menu (at slightly higher prices), with the addition of some Middle Eastern dishes -- kabobs and such. Dinner service was friendly and attentive, and we were even offered a complimentary slice of carrot cake!Listed in: Italian Restaurants I have…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/13/2005
I like this place for lunch, too. Quick, friendly service, and you can usually get a table if… Read more »
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Review from Cher O.
San Mateo, CA
1/24/2011
decent pasta place within waking distance from my work.
PROS:
- Quick service (which is a big plus when choosing a lunchtime spot!)
- Nice staff
- Good menu variety with daily specials
- Hefty portions: Half a pasta dish would be filling for lunch and the other half would be perfect for dinner
- Outdoor seating is great for people watching... when the sun is out
CONS:
- Not too expensive but the price definitely isn't their best quality
- Complimentary bread isn't impressive at all (hard and dry)
- Entrance area is a cluster since everyone is there (1) ordering their food (2) waiting for their food (3) grabbing a drink (4) trying to enter/exit
bottom line: i would visit just to order the salmon fettucini alfredo!! DELICIOSO!! -
Review from David D.
10/8/2007 1 photo
Italian or Spanish?
I wondered how to commemorate Columbus Day, which is today on the business calendar and this Friday on the historical calendar.* After all, Columbus was a sailor from the Republic of Genoa, but he immigrated to Castile in 1486, became an Admiral, a Governor, and a Viceroy of Spain through his accomplishments, and is now entombed in Seville.
In deference to the Italian community, I visited Pasta Paradiso. I ordered spaghetti with meatballs and a Coke, for $8.95 + tip. After all, this staple of the Italian highway was only made possible through the discovery of the tomato in the New World.
A hearty bowl of spaghetti Bolognese (meat sauce, not meatballs) was happily heated and served by an all Spanish-American staff. (No Italians in sight.) That mix-up seemed appropriate, as Christopher Columbus himself was sure to his dying day that he was conquering India.
The spaghetti was moist, with soft noodles in a tomato broth. It was exactly what I would expect in a fast-food store.
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*But the stock market was open and I worked today.
Note to self: wash shirt immediately when I get home.Listed in: Way Downtown
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Review from Ed U.
9/6/2007 1 Check-in Here
"Oh think twice, its another day for
You and me in Paradiso
Oh think twice, its just another day for you,
You and me in Paradiso..."
Actually it's not another day...today was the first day I tried this place even though I pass by it on the way to my bus every day. It's always filled with happy hour revelers since beers are only $2.50 and martinis for $4.50. Say, that's not a bad deal.
But I was here for a lunch with colleagues I don't know that well. Pasta is actually a high-risk venture for anyone trying to look corporate since you can't quite be yourself. I am not what you call a cautious eater. That's why I have Tide sticks - one in my desk at work, one in my kitchen at home, one in my jacket pocket. I am a world-class spot producer no matter how careful I try to be. Today was sadly no exception.
The overhead menu is a bit overwhelming the first time you see it, and the prices are not that obvious either. Oh and people are waiting behind me. Decisions, decisions...and the pressure to be decisive in front of my co-workers. I felt a drip of perspiration sidling down the small of my back. OK, OK...I ordered the $8.45 Fettuccine di Mare, and I was given the choice of tomato or white wine sauce.
My brain tried to process the information. Tomato...red...bad. White wine...white...can't tell. OK, white wine. The three of us sat at a table waiting for our orders, and my bowl came stocked with clams over fettuccine noodles dripping in the wine sauce. Oh man, I'm in trouble. Not only do I have to shuck the clams, but I have to avoid the perils of the watery sauce. I keep staring at my shirt after every bite.
The pasta bowl was actually quite good, so hearty that I actually paid attention to the conversation instead of my shirt. By meal's end, I was relaxed but oh, there it is...three successive spots on the left side of my chest. Damn. When the hell did that happen? I tried to conceal it with my hand in what I though was a nonchalant manner. I realized I looked palsied when one of my colleagues offered to call 911 for medical attention. Oh man, where's my Tide stick? Damn, I left it in my jacket pocket.
As I left the restaurant looking like I was doing the Pledge of Allegiance forever, I thought I'd definitely come back if I could just remember to bring my own bib. Nothing says corporate authority like wearing a bib. But the bigger dilemma is what the hell am I gonna do for my 500th review?
FOOD - 4 stars...good, unadventurous pasta...but bring the spot remover, you pig
AMBIANCE - 3 stars...not much on decor, but it is for the working set after all.
SERVICE - 4 stars...actually very helpful once I got over my menu overload anxiety
TOTAL - 4 stars...a solid alternative for lunch and happy hour if you can find a table -
Review from Quinn S.
3/2/2007
I just grabbed lunch at Pasta P, and I was pleasantly surprised.
The gents behind the counter were friendly and helpful and the food came out so fast that I thought they must have the wrong table.
The bread and butter was generic yet appreciated, but the pasta was spot on what I wanted, and portion sizes are ample. Thick, viscous alfredo sauce that was more about the cheese than the cream, and gnocchi that were plump and tasty. Better than anything you can buy in a store, but I still like the gnocchi I make better. They have a fairly large menu as well as a long daily specials list that should not be overlooked.
The room is very clean and it was busy, but not so much that I couldn't get a table at 1:00. They also provide outdoor seating which must be great on a warm, sunny day.
I was genially thanked three times before I could cross the fifteen feet from my table to the door, and as I glanced back, they had already cleared the table before I walked out onto the sidewalk. Fast, efficient and friendly service, coupled with hot, hearty food makes this place a great spot to do lunch in the Financial District.Listed in: Lunch Near the Office
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Review from Jaimie M.
New York, NY
4/8/2009
Cute local spot with super-nice service. We stopped in here on a Tuesday night on the way to the gym, and literally rolled out! I ordered one of the specials, grilled salmon with veggies and mashed potatoes, and my partner had the gnocchi with tomato sauce.
Our server was great and brought out warm ciabatta bread with olive oil and balsamic dipping sauce along with pint glasses of ice water with lemon. Small things, but so appreciated!
The food arrived quickly, and both entrees looked good. My salmon was tasty, but it was a lot of food and everything had a lot of olive oil on it. I tried some of the gnocchi as well and it had good flavor, but a bit mushier than I'm used to. Overall a nice meal, but sooo much food, I think we'd have been happier splitting one of the entrees, or taking leftovers home, instead of trying to tackle the generous portions.
We asked for the check, and received a large slice of gratis cheesecake with fresh strawberries. So not needed, but really tasty and a sweet gesture. Check was also extremely reasonable - all in all a very nice experience!
N.B. - my partner used the restroom and felt it should have been a bit cleaner, I did not see this so cannot comment on it, but it seemed to negatively effect his experience so wanted to mention this. -
Review from Ali R.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2009
This location is much better than the one inside One Market, weird how that works. Pasta Paradiso is a great place for a quick lunch in the FIDI, whether you are craving soup, salad, or pasta. They also have "real meals" like fish and stuff.
It's only there on some days, but the Strawberry Salad is TO DIE FOR. Ever since my first bite, I have been obsessed with strawberries and stinky cheese in my salads. They go together perfectly.
So the answer to everyone's question of where to get the best salad in the FIDI? Pasta Paradiso on the days they have the Strawberry Salad. (Their website says they have it on Tuesdays - which is today!!)
Here's what is in the Strawberry Salad: Spinach, Gorgonzola, Strawberries, Walnuts, Chicken, Artichoke Hearts, Tomatoes, and maybe some other stuff. -
Review from meg w.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 6/7/2010
The grilled mahi mahi was better than I expected. It came w mashed potatoes which normally I'd leave untouched, but I ate every bit.
The caprese app, less better than I expected, not much flavor - hard to do w a good basil and mozerella.
We did delivery, service was on time.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/30/2007
I don't eat a lot of pasta, but when I get the hankerin' I like this place. I've only had the penne… Read more »
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Review from Jean K.
6/6/2008
The ratings for this place really baffle me. Is it only reviewed by people who work near the Rincon Center and are incapable of walking more than a block to eat lunch? If you're idea of normal Italian food is ravioli out of a can, then I can understand why you think this place is good. In fact, it's only slighter better than ravioli out of the can.
I mean, really, guys, you live in San Francisco. I understand the Italian food might not compare to Italy but c'mon, there's so much better out there. Do you really think Pasta Paradiso deserves 4 stars compared to Delfina? Let's think about this.... Um... NO!
The pasta here was less than half-hearted, it was pretty no hearted in the preparation. The ravioli looked and tasted like it was out of a can, which was corrobated by the fact it wasn't even warm. The other pasta was okay but was tossed with chewy meatballs, definitely a sign that they were frozen out of a package and not home made. I make meatballs at home and they are chewy in that meaty way, not the rubbery way that is indicative of preservatives.
I can say I will never come here for lunch again. -
Review from Lise L.
Oakland, CA
11/10/2006
ANOTHER UPDATE:
After yet another inexpensive but perfect dinner, I have to up the rating to 5 stars. The arrabiatta is always nice, service on the ball and friendly and dessert free yet again. Definitely a great post-happy hour destination!
UPDATE:
We had a wonderful casual dinner last night when we decided we just couldnt face the cold, wet, holidayish commute home before eating. I had the lowfat alfredo with spinach and mushrooms, and a glass of the very decent house red. Hubby To Be had my usual, arrabiatta and a glass of the red. We scarfed the hearty yumminess down. I wasnt sure how good a low fat alfredo would be, but it was great, and I actually liked that it wasnt as coma-inducing as the full fat version. Of course, if you want pure indulgence, don't skimp and go for the real thing, because this was different than the classic full creaminess. But, for what it was, it was GREAT.
The server was adorable, sweet and very attentive. All in all a great dinner before heading home, and very affordable one at that. Dinner for two came in under $30!
We will definitely be dining in again.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
I came in for lunch today and was happily surprised. It is a very casual environment for Italian cuisine - you order at the counter and take your plastic number, and your order is brought out amazingly quickly to you at the table.
I ordered the pasta arabbiata and was blown away. I usually order it extra spicy and still end up asking for red pepper flakes. Today, I was wishing for a second glass of red (pretty decent for house red!) since it was very spicy. And, this was without me asking for extra spice.
I also noticed a low fat alfredo. Still probably not Weight Watchers friendly but could be a healthier choice when craving comfort food.
Another plus is that vegetarian items are clearly marked as such on the menu - no guessing games!
I will definitely be back!!!Listed in: Al Fresco
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Review from Jenny L.
12/12/2008
If you catch them on a good day, they'll give you free tiramisu. Delicious, delicious tiramisu (the way to my heart).
The meals are so large that we usually split it amongst two people. It comes with a salad and a soda. And they also have warm, freshly baked bread.
Excellent service to boot. -
Review from Denise M.
4/24/2009
I can't believe this place has been in my work neighborhood this whole time and I've never tried it until now! Well, actually, my friend and I tried it a month ago, and today we went back for our second luncheon.
I had the daily special - rigatoni with a pink cream sauce. Mushrooms, chicken and spinach. So good! My friend had the grilled salmon with pesto, pilaf and veggies. Delicious.
Definitely a new favorite lunch place. -
Review from Walt L.
San Ramon, CA
6/22/2009
This place is quickly becoming one of my fav lunch spots. During lunch hours, it does get packed but I've always gotten good service, food to table time is fairly quick and most importantly, the food is good. Bada boom bada bing, I was in and out, happy and ready to go back to work!
So far I've had the grilled salmon and grilled swordfish specials on separate occasions and I have no complaints. One thing that did catch my eye last week was someone ordered chicken and waffles? REALLY?? Didn't find it on the menu and I hope they'll serve it to a newbie like me. -
Review from Mari C.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2008
Umbrella - $13.00
Rainboots - $17.95
Hot lasgane on a rainy day - $7.87
There is nothing priceless here.
Sure, it was pretty good at the time. And I think I got a lesser impression because any sort of takeout tastes worse than it would it would if it had been on a plate. I'll probably go again, but I wouldn't take a date. And maybe I won't order something so heavy.Listed in: Mama Mia!
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Review from L. Renee D.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2009
If you like flies swarming around your food, this place is for you.
Also, If you think Prego spaghetti sauce tastes good, this place is for you. -
Review from Emily D.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2007
If you are considering this spot for lunch do yourself a favor: walk a block down the street to Walgreens and get a can of SpaghettiO's instead. The food here tastes as if this is what the cooks have done anyway, so it will save them a trip too.
If the food doesn't scare you away the crowd definitely will. There are quite a few large law firms and corporations in the area, and this seems to be the place where all of the interns go for lunch. I prayed for my cochlea to uncoil as I stood among the crowd of H&M clad 20-somethings constantly spouting "likeohmygod" and "that's hot" and "ilikesototallylovethisplace" in the 5 minutes I waited for my food.
I went to this place based on Yelp reviews and the recommendations of my co-workers, all of whom raved about how cheap and wonderful it is. Maybe I'm just frugal and critical, because I felt this place was a rip-off -- veg arrabiata for $9! -- and gross.
Two stars for the friendly service and for the pleasant outdoor seating area. -
Review from Leah S.
San Francisco, CA
2/28/2008
Immortalized in our office as "Stinky Bar" from its previous incarnation, where they used to set up a smorgasbord of all kinds of grossness right by the window, Pasta Paradiso is awesome.
It saddens me that the first place in SF that says "The Usual?" when I walk in is a restaurant, but at least they're saying it about their HH.
On the rare occasions that we eat here, everything's always really good, but I like the fact that they're so friendly and always throw in a cookie with your order, and the fact that they stay open later than usual for a place in the financial district.
Give me Stinky Bar over sceney Cosmopolitan any day. -
Review from Natalie P.
Los Angeles, CA
12/4/2007
Talk about a go-to. This is my favorite lunch spot go-to. Today's menu - (like alot of days) was the chicken parm sandwich. It's big, it's hot, it's melted mozzarella is fresh and all on the softest roll you can ask for. Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette is the perfect balance (especially when trying to stay away from fries).
And if it's not a chicken parm sandwich - it's usually one of their salads. The large spinach (add chicken) is phenomenal. Italian bacon, tomatoes, feta, pine nuts... heaven. OR.... they always have two salad specials. The Mango Chicken with walnuts or the Strawberry Artichoke are both phenomenal... & also a major go-to!
I always call ahead or fight the hungry line to pick up & take back to the ofifce.
Top it all off though - they cater too. I've had them help with two separate (& important 30+ person events) and they were an absolute breeze. Food was hot, prepped perfectly, serving utensils, & some extra bread & dessert. You can't ask for more. Ask for Paul. He'll do your event right. :) -
Review from John B.
San Francisco, CA
3/13/2007
So I had the daily special for lunch. A rigatoni with bacon, mushrooms, something else in pink sauce. Oh my goodness, it was great! Bread was also on the table. It might have tasted so good because I was starving but hey, that's my fault.
I'll be honest, I didn't know what I was ordering because I didn't grow up eating italian. Well, I had pasta and pizza, that's it. But next time I come here, I feel like I can close my eyes and point and whatever comes out will be right on. To be continued... -
Review from Matt H.
Berkeley, CA
12/7/2006
Got a hankerin' for good Italian food on the cheap? This is your spot then because Paradiso is easily one of the best financial district sit-down (or take-out) eateries in the area.
Their standard alfredo dishes have a sauce made with egg and really quite thick cream, and there's parmesian cheese on every table - lay it down and you have the thickest alfredo sauce I've been able to find short of fancy-pants restaurants. It's delicious. Depending on what you like, you can get it with grilled chicken, plain, with crushed red pepper, or thick-cut bacon (carbonara). I love the bacon, but beware - their bacon is very salty so if you're not ready for it that might put you off. Their pasta for these dishes are always slightly al dente, which is how I like it - no soggy noodles for me, thanks!
Their Chicken Parmesian and other sandwiches are valiant efforts, tasty and big enough, but they're clearly second cut to the fork and knife meals.
On the sidewall, there are pictures showing their specials of the day. The variety is astounding for financial district eating - mussels, pesto, salmon steaks, gnocchi - you never know what's going to be up there, but you're almost guaranteed it'll be good. It's also really nice to see a photo of what you're going to get, since many times you're just in for a quick lunch and you wouldn't necessarily gamble on something you're not familiar with. These pictures make it far more likely you'll get something new each time.
As for service and atomosphere - it's top end luncheon. Clean tables, quick servers who speak english (yes, I said it!), and a host/owner who is friendly, courteous, and fast. What more could you ask for? -
Review from Cat R.
Castro Valley, CA
7/8/2006
I've been working in the Financial District for awhile and I used to never stop here because it looks expensive and slow. And that's hard when you work for minimum wage and only have a 30 min lunch.
But I thought why not try it out because they always have great music playing and the food smells so good.
I'm so glad I finally went in because it was the best pesto pasta I have ever had. And I don't think I waited more then 5 minutes when I ordered it to go. Plus it was enough for me to save half of it for my dinner. Or maybe the next time I will split it with a friend.Listed in: Around Where I Work
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Review from Tracy O.
Laguna Beach, CA
5/2/2008
This type of place reminds me of why SF the perfect city.
I went here for the first time today for lunch and it was delicious. I ordered the Raviolli della Casa and it was so flavorful that it was the equivalent to fancier restaurant servings. That's saying a lot for this town. Ingredients tasted fresh - not packaged or canned. Trust me, there's a huge taste difference.
You seat yourself and they serve food quickly so our lunch group was out of there before the lunch hour was over. We didn't even feel rushed.
No other city in the US could give you such yummy-ness for under $10! -
Review from Cindy C.
3/1/2007
I had lunch here today. I'll come here again the next time I am ready for food coma after lunch. Definitely not a South Beach diet friendly place. :D
The menu board had no prices, so at first it was a bit scary. But after we asked and realized that most pasta dishes were around $7, we ordered and looked forward to our meals.
The decor of the place was nice. Small, cozy and nicely decorated, made the place feel very much like a restaurant instead of an order at the register and wait for ur food place like it really was.
The portions were big. We ordered: gnocci, spaghetti, and lasagna. I had the lasagna, which was huge and yummy. The only problem was that it came out much later than my coworkers' gnocci and spaghetti so they were almost done (we were all starving).
Anyway, I am still combating my overeating and food coma even as I write this now so I won't be revisiting them soon but will definitely go again! -
Review from Joe U.
5/1/2008
Another great downtown SF lunch spot, but it doesn't come without it's flaws. While the food is good, you have to time it juust right to get a table (usually around 11:50) or you will be eating with your neighbors elbow right by your head.
I've tried the Chicken Parmesan and the vegetarian sandwich (has eggplant)...both equally great! Everyone I take there really likes the food.
I'm not sure if the salad wasn't washed enough last time I was there, but it didn't sit well with me after lunch, if you know what I mean.
Great prices, good people and they always hook you up. Great place! -
Review from Jessica C.
San Francisco, CA
8/22/2007
Ah, Pasta Paradiso. I love this place. It's close to my work and is a great place to come for a quick but good bite. I adore the chicken salad with mango and blue cheese- yum! Also, the bread is great to take back to the office and snack on later... I'm definitely guilty of the afternoon hunger.
Overall, this place is friendly, very reasonable and never takes too long! Great in my book. -
Review from Robyn F.
7/2/2008
I came here for lunch last week and had the spaghetti bolognese.
Atmosphere - like how they have outdoor seating, though it's a little cramped during the rush hour
Entree - A little too salty and the sauce was a bit runny. However, the portion size was huge
Service - My entree came out a full 10 minutes later than my 2 companions, which was a little strange, as I ordered before them -
Review from Dani D.
Northern, CA
7/3/2007
I have walked past this place a few times.I usually have one thing on my mind.Ahem,sushi from across the way or something else.
Moving forward I had a change of heart the other day and thought I would eat something from here.The menu is rather large.I couldn't decide and I wanted to make a choice quickly because people were behind me and it felt they were breathing down the back of my neck.I handled it with grace,because they were probably hungry like myself.
Some pasta w/side of salad,bread and butter about $10.I didn't eat the bread,but the salad was ok and the pasta was FILLING.
A few choices for the not so sure hungry explorer. -
Review from Richard L.
Oakland, CA
5/13/2010
If I could put a negative 5 I would. I wish I would have read Cy. L's review of the gnocchi, because that dish was straight up terrible. Hands down, worst pasta dish I've ever had.
Listen, I love food. My stomache size will prove that. My wife will attest that I will pretty much enjoy anything. But this...this was just not edible. I'm sorry to sound so mean, but that really was bad.
The gnocchi was pasty. It had no flavor. It dissolved in my mouth, in a bad way.
To top it off, when I told the waiter about it, he did absolutely nothing about it.
Oh well, I shouldn't complain. i'm thankful that i'm even able to go out to places once in a while and eat. -
Review from Mariela D.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2010
I like this one better than the one at One Market because it's quaint and cozy. This one has outdoor seating and quite a few tables inside. I love that Pasta Paradiso makes your food to order, yet it costs less than $10 to eat there. Your pasta comes with a small side order of bread with little butter packets. You can add a side salad and drink for $3 more (I think). I love the pasta with canadian bacon and rose sauce, but my second favorite is the penne pasta with italian sausage and red peppers.
I don't like the vinaigrette dressing they use on their salad, but that's just my opinion. -
Review from Steve D.
San Mateo, CA
7/7/2007
You can eat at Pasta Paradiso for at least a month straight and have something different to eat each day. They have a very good selection of different pasta dishes which is perfect for a quick lunch. Orders take about 10 minutes to prepare so its convenient to call in your order if you are doing take out.
I've tried at least 5 different pasta dishes which were all a little bland but satisfying. Just stay away from the Turkey Lasagna, one bite of that and you may not wanna come back. -
Review from Kev C.
Oakland, CA
4/27/2007
Date: 4/27 Ate lunch at PP, and it was good. I ordered #8 which was penne with italian sausage. I will give props for the service though. The food came out in less than 5 minutes, and we were served with bread and water almost immediately (granted it was 2:30pm in the afternoon, but still the staff was def on top of their stuff).
The food on the otherhand didn't make my mouth water, but for the price, it was certainly a good deal. I will give it another try and update my score once i've had another try at some new dishes.
