Excellent service, ambiance and pedicure! I booked an appointment with Lavinia for my mother's funeral. Lavinia is so accommodating and lovely...easy to talk to and makes you feel like a VIP guest. She takes her time and has a nice selection of nail colors. I will definitely book again when I'm in town. Be sure to book your next nail appointment with Lavinia! 10 stars hands (and feet) down!! read more

Having just moved back to the city, I wanted to find a 5 star manicurist who is at least semi close to my place. And, instead of just defaulting to a nail salon I've frequented in the past, I wanted to find someone that takes special care & does a detailed, thorough job. Aka...more artisan & less assembly line. So, I went to Yelp. Obvs. I go to yelp for everything. And, I found a 5 star nail artisan. There is zero hype where Lavinia is concerned. She's a gem through & through. From the Air Force, to sales, to beginning her nail career at Elizabeth Arden, where she garnered many of her longtime clients...she finally opened her own salon 34 years ago. 34 years ago. When I say her own salon, I mean her own salon. She is owner & employee. This is a nail salon for one. One table, one tech. Many shelves. Countless color options; most are from Chanel. No acrylics OR gel. This is old school, healthy, & classic. When you enter, there's a small "coat room," and then you walk into the "salon." It's a warm & even homey space. Framed artsy black & white photos intermix w photos of her family. It's quiet, comfortable, & comforting. She offered me a cup of coffee, which I really needed. And, it was a good cup of coffee! Then it happened. She proceeded to give me the most detailed mani & pedi that I've ever had. Case in point? It was 2 hours. 2 hours for a "regular" mani & pedi. Even more, she's engaging. Like to hell & back. We covered the homeless, loveable but not-so-likable family members, the best carnitas in the bay, & how "women only need a red lip, short red nail, & a pair of great sunglasses." (Coco Chanel lived it, Paloma Picasso said it, & Jackie O followed it). There were also some local politics, & Jesus was mixed in there, too. We mused. We laughed. But despite the convo, Lavinia never lost focus from the job at hand. She's as thorough & professional AF. Basically, I left feeling like I just had a visit w an old friend. A friend, incidentally, who does manicures for professional photo shoots, too. The next time you're rifling through a magazine/newspaper supplement/catalog, & you see a hand modeling a ring, or a flute of champagne... Those nails could have been done by Lavinia. 6 stars if I could. read more

Lavinia is a true professional and a wonderful, intelligent woman. Her prices are a little higher than your regular nail salon, but make an appointment with her and you'll quickly find out that the price is more than reasonable. She is by far the best manicurist that I've EVER been to. Her technique is thorough and careful, and my sad fingertips and cuticles have been transformed. She takes care of her clients and will go the extra mile (without charging you!) to ensure the best service. The interesting conversation is the cherry on top -- Lavinia has served in the Air Force, invests in stocks, follows the news, and has so many stories to tell. 100% will be back. A few notes: - Regular polish ONLY. No gel, no acrylics, no dip-powder. - Probably not a good option for those who are in a rush or those who don't like talking to their manicurist. - Make an appointment. No walk-ins. read more

She is such a wonderful woman to talk to and a meticulous technician. She spent a great length of time paying close attention to detail to each one of my nails. I will definitely be going back to see her. Note...She doesn't offer gel nails. read more

Lavinia is a wonderful manicurist, conversationalist and person. She is a highly skilled and experienced professional, having worked for Elizabeth Arden before branching out on her own. She is repped too and does work on advertising campaigns for big fashion houses and photo shoots. Lavinia's manicures and pedicures are meticulously executed and last. My hands and nails arrive looking worn and tired and leave looking rejuvenated by her attention and care. Her touch is light and gentle; I barely register her shaping my nails or trimming my cuticles. A manicure is an intimate experience. It's someone holding your hand for 30 minutes to an hour. Lavinia handles this intimacy with elegance and grace. Her conversation is varied and cultured. She's lived in the Bay Area her whole life and is generous in how she shares her local knowledge. Spending time in her presence is uplifting. We cover everything and anything and I always walk away having laughed and enjoyed myself, with some gently delivered life advice and a new restaurant, movie, musician, actor or play to follow up on. I love visiting with Lavinia. Thank you for taking care of me and my nails so well. read more

I've been seeing Lavinia for 10 years and always happy seeing her. As a hair stylist with my hands in water all the time she keeps theme looking good. I just love her new location in a very chic building on Union Square. You must try her. read more

Lavinia is AWESOME! I'm a guy and never had my 'nails done' before, but now can't stop looking at them! I took the elevator to the fifth floor of a building near Union Square. When I knocked to enter, Lavinia said "Hi are you Mike?'" and pulled me in, while saying "don't be shy!" I was offered a toasted bagel, a drink and some cheese while she setup. The office was small but real cozy. After a good 45 minutes, my nails were smooth, clean, shiny and white, while my hands were soft and massaged. I lost track of how many steps it took! She's also great conversationalist and had a lot of fun discussing our interests and current events. I highly recommend visiting her! read more

The hype is real. Lavinia is an absolute goddess. Her studio is an intimate and cozy in an unassuming building in Union Square. When you arrive, it feels like you're visiting with your oldest and best friend. This woman has serious history and her stories are amazing. If you need a restaurant recommendation - she's your lady. I will say that when you make an appointment with Lavinia, clear your calendar. You don't want to rush the experience. It is like therapy and connecting with a great friend and getting your nails done all at once. I had the extreme fortune of booking my appointment on Friday morning, and had a first hand experience with "the Friday ladies" -- where I met a couple of Lavinia's oldest and best clients. I got my nails done and chatted along with the group of ladies and then stuck around just to chat some more. I left feeling rejuvenated and with great nails. As for the polish selection - she uses Chanel polishes almost exclusively. And no gel or shellac here - Lavinia's hot tip for keeping my nails fresh was to top coat every day. She's a pro. My only wish is that I lived in the Bay area so I could make Lavinia my regular, but alas - I'll just have to keep her number handy for the next time I'm in town! read more

I grew up with this lovely woman in my life, perfectly painted nails included, and I was thrilled to have a chance to refer a high profile client to her today. Thought I'd write up a review since Lavinia is fresh on my mind. I am 100% biased... She is the best and there's simply no messing with perfection. Lavinia will keep your nails and cuticles clean, fresh, beautiful and HEALTHY... You do not need or want to mess around with gels or acrylics because of her magical services. Lavinia will educate you on how to care for your polish, your nail bed, your cuticles, your heels, and your spirit. Lavinia loves the performing arts, she has such a playful and nurturing soul, and she is fast, thorough, and incredibly knowledgeable. You're going to leave with a happy buzzing feeling AND with a fabulous, long-lasting mani/pedi... Just keep those paws of yours out of the dishes tonight. ;) Lavinia, you're an amazing human being. I'm thinking of you and wishing for you hundreds of the sweetest repeat clients and the biggest of tips. Much love! SB read more

ABSOLUTELY WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BEST PEDICURE AROUND!!! I have been a customer of Lavinia's for several years. I love so many things about my visits to her salon but most of all it is C L E A N - no strong orders and welcoming. Her attention to detail and expertise is very evident. Plainly put, she cares about you and takes pride in her work. The Big Deal for me is that THE PEDICURE LASTS!!! If you haven't visited Lavinia's yet - I highly suggest that you include it on your very near future "Bucket List". OUTSTANDING..... read more

Omg I have found the most amazing manicurist ever!!! I was referred to her from a friend who has been going to Lavinia for years and I can't believe how much detail and care she puts on her work! Super friendly and welcoming, great cleans and cute space right at union Square!!!! The besssttttttt!!!!! I won't let anyone touch my hands other than Lavinia!!!! read more

Triple the five stars. Lavinia is an artist, and such a lovely, elegant, warmhearted woman. The end result - in my case, a pedicure - is sheer perfection: my feet are babysoft, my nails are beautifully shaped, and the polish is a gorgeous shade of red (she has the most extensive selection of Chanel shades that I have ever seen, plus more brands as well). I normally avoid getting pedicures since I am very ticklish, but Lavinia has the gentlest touch I have ever experienced, and she still did a perfect job. This is indeed what a pedicure should look and feel like. Not only will I come for myself, but the next audition or shoot that I have, I am definitely coming to Lavinia. Lavinia herself is an absolute delight, and the entire experience is such a pleasure that I can't wait to return. She knows food, Italy, opera, musical theater, Bay Area restaurants, movies, and more. Her studio is cozy, comfortable, airy, quiet, and clean. One note: Lavinia doesn't do acrylics or gels. I had a feeling that because of this choice against the prevailing trends that Lavinia would be really good as what she does do - straightforward nail polish - and I found that she is even better than I imagined. I can't stop staring at my feet - they are so beautiful! And Lavinia is so wonderful to spend time with - I can't wait to return. read more

An INCREDIBLE experience. Very intimate, so comfortable and Lavinia is as warm and welcoming as they come. Don't balk at her pricing either - she is well worth it. So gentle and thorough as she works on your hands/feet and you can genuinely tell she loves what she does and that love is translated in her work. Excellent selection of beautiful polishes (Chanel, YSL, OPI, Dior, etc). I was a little concerned my flats would rub my polish and she whipped out a brand new pair of old Navy sandals for me and I almost fell over from the wonderful care she took of me. I hope to come back every chance I get. Much love to you, Lavinia! read more

WOW Lavinia really CARES. That's what I appreciate about her the most! She treats you as her own, and she really does care about you and the HEALTH of your nails! I love that, because she truly uses products that are high quality and GOOD for you! She's expensive, but for the products she uses (aka Chanel nail polishes) and for the service she provides, she is a GEM! Highly highly recommend her esp if you're looking to treat yourself to a high quality, amazing mani pedi! I will most definitely be back! read more

If you want to be pampered, this is the place! I have been a client for years and no one has ever been able deliver the level of quality and service that I have received from Lavinia. Manicures last at least two weeks and pedicures easily one month. The conversation is always fun and interesting and the snacks are a great bonus. However, that is not what keeps me coming back. Lavinia is a one woman show and you are her sole focus (no pun intended). Her products are top quality. She is detail oriented and one of the most sincere and fun loving people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. read more

A few days ago, after painfully snagging a hangnail, I looked at my neglected cuticles for the first time in a long while and knew I needed really good, professional help. I turned to Yelp, where I found Nails by Lavinia, as you have done and you should continue to follow my path by calling her for your appointment. She is as wonderful as three people have said before me. In a nice, comfortable, private, one-on-one setting, I had a terrific cup of coffee and a great conversation with an interesting, interested and elegant woman. Most importantly of course, she fixed my hands. As bad as I knew they were, she reassured me that all would be well and as I look at my fingers typing this review now, it is difficult to believe these are the hands I woke up with today. I thought it would take a couple weeks and at least a return visit. She talked with me about how to take better care of my nails and gave me advice. I won't need Yelp for a manicurist again because I know where I am going again when the time comes...Nails by Lavinia. If you ever do look online, Lavina, Thank you and see you again. read more

Can I just say how amazing, wonderful, delightful this manicure and pedicure experience was? Lavinia is the most lovely person and offers such a warm environment in her cute little studio, great conversation and some yummy tea. I have never had my nails done so beautifully and so thoroughly. This is what a manicure and pedicure really should look and feel like. She even spent time writing down some restaurant tips which were awesome recommendations (since we were visiting from SLO). I now feel like I am part of her family! I will definitely be back each and every time I visit SF read more

My daughter and I made appointments with Lavinia, for last Thursday. My daughter was getting married and I wanted to treat her. Lavinia was great. I loved my manicure and I loved talking with Lavinia. My nails still look beautiful! If I ever make it back to downtown SF, Lavinia will be on my list of places to go! read more

WHAT A WONDERFUL PLACE! In addition to getting the painful cracks in my heels cured as if by magic (plus an amazingly good pedicure), I get to spend an hour with Lavinia, who may just be the most interesting person in San Francisco. If you want a treat, just start talking music with her. It is definitely worth a visit. Steve read more

Manicures and pedicures don't get any better than this! Lavinia is fun and charming and her M&Ps are simply the best. Her place is spotless and you will enjoy her undivided attention. read more

Not only is this the best M&P place in the city (feet like a baby's, nails like old money), but LaVinia--who was at Elizabeth Arden before she went on her own when they closed--is a wonderful woman! She is an encyclopedia of food, restaurants, opera, music. You will enjoy every minute. WELL worth the money. read more