I chanced upon this cute little Italian restaurant in San Francisco. The waiter had an Italian accent, which was encouraging. There was a black and white movie playing on the wall, unsure whether it was American. The decor was definitely of Italian origin from the floor to the bar. I came during happy hour, and ordered the house red wine, which was tasty. The waiter asked me if I wanted to order more wine before happy hour was over, which was thoughtful. The bread, although good, did not come automatically with butter or oil and vinegar, which I thought unusual for an Italian restaurant. I ordered the popular pasta dish according to my waiter, "pappardelle verdi al raga della nonna". It is meat and pork with spinach flat noodles. The sauce was zesty and thick, and the spinach pasta was al dente and tasted homemade. I topped it off with affogato, which is vanilla gelato and espresso. It was good, but not the best I've had. All in all, pretty good Italian hideaway in San Francisco. read more

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I didn't know what to expect, but booked this spot for date night to celebrate our anniversary because there was an Amex and Resy offer (ha!). I was really enticed by the fresh pasta options on the menu, and how the whole place reminded me a little bit of Foreign Cinema with the quirky interior and the black and white projected films. We had a super early seating, because some how in my mind, it would be warmer. Luckily we didn't have to sit outside, but note that you can only make reservations for the outdoor areas. The wait staff was exceptionally attentive and friendly. We got some pastas, got in some happy hour appetizers, and had the duck breast. The duck was ESPECIALLY delicious. The sauce, the mash, the whole plate. I practically licked it clean the flavor was so delicious. Definitely can see how everything on the menu might not be a hit but certain things absolutely are. Will return! read more

We met a friend for dinner here - his choice and it was soon clear why. To begin with setting, we sat in the outside patio behind the restaurant's front, which required us to walk through the kitchen. I always find this charming and interesting, so I liked this. They used large photographs of (I assume) Italy on fabric walls to give the patio a rustic look. I liked the overall effect (even though it was a windy night, causing the fabric facade to blow, which would have given it a Salvador Dali effect has I imbibed more wine). We began with the burrata, which was unlike any burrata I've had before. I think of burrata as cheese, tomatoes, etc. on a (toasted) piece of bread, but what came out was something deconstructed, mozzarella atop fresh tomatoes and (Kalamata?) olives with warm, thick slices of bread on the side. This also worked. From my entrée, I ordered the paccheri ai frutti di mare (tube-shaped pasta with mixed seafood). One thing I find annoying is when I order seafood at a restaurant and it comes out unshelled, so I have to get my fingers all fishy to eat food I paid to have made for me. I was pleased that this was not the case for my dish, which was beautifully as well as functionally plated. The texture was good, with the firm bite (not quite al dente) of the pasta pairing well with the seafood. The sauce was savory with a slight semi-sweet note, and an oceanic flavor. I liked it. However, what I liked more was the agnolotti al plin, which is what my gf ordered. The balance of the firmness of the pasta with the warm texture of what it enclosed was wonderful. The flavor was warm, rustic without being gamey, with a sweet note (like a yam, not fruit or candy), and the sauce was wonderful. She gave me one bite, but no more. Overall, this was a lovely outing. A little on the pricey side, so I probably won't be a regular here. But it was a nice night out. read more

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Came here for a holiday party and I was so impressed! There was a cute outdoor patio in the back with heated lamps. I didn't order drinks, but my coworkers loved their espresso martini. For appetizer, I got Insalata di polpo: warm Spanish octopus salad, fennel, celery, potatoes, Taggiasca olives, peas puree, lemon dressing. This was delicious. It was tender and flavorful. For pasta, I got Cappellacci al nero, zucca e capesante: home-made hat-shaped squid ink ravioli, kabocha squash filling, garlic-chili evoo sautéed, Hokkaido scallops carpaccio. This was my favorite. The ravioli was cooked perfectly and the scallops went very well with it. There was a nice kick to it. I wanted more! For the main dish, I chose Petto d'anatra: seared duck breast, french potato, red wine poached d'Anjou pear, cocoa grilled organic carrot, red wine reduction demi glace. The duck was surprisingly good. The skin was very crispy and the perfect amount of fattiness. The carrots were a bit tiny. This dish wasn't the most presentable. For dessert, we had Torta frangipane mele e pinoli: frangipane apple-pine nuts tart, creme anglaise. This was good. Very crunchy! The staff was very friendly! I will definitely return. read more

Homemade Italian food in a glam vibey spot in the Castro! The old silent movies playing on the wall give it a mood! Espresso martini and bolognese is perfect, but everything comes out freshly made and it shows. Highly recommend tiramisu. The staff are always welcoming and friendly. read more

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Delicious pasta and the backyard was very lovely. Great place to hang out with friends or go on a date! You'd be surprised about the path to backyard if it's the first time read more

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Most romantic Italian resto in SF Cozy, hip, dim, with classic Italian films projected on the walls, and unpretentious Italian fare + a great bar to complement it all. I've returned to here again and again, because it's just one of those spots that never fails to make it feel like a special night read more

Authentic Italian food and the owner Francesco is so kind and warm! Sexy cozy place! The ambiance is beautiful and true Italian!

A night out with friends, on a date, rekindling your romance, a business dinner, this is the place for you. From the delicious food to the amazing decors and service, this is absolute a POESIA. I wish I was a poet because I do not have the words to describe the experience. Everything was perfect. I felt like I was in wonderland. My first experience here was during lockdown and it blew my mind then. I am sorry I don't have them words but i hope my lack of them expresses enough. Highly recommended!!!!! read more

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Food is authentic Italian and the service is great. Wish for a better wine selection but overall relly good.

Neighborhood gem I go to again & again. Perfect for large parties, a romantic date night, or friends night out. Friendly & helpful staff. Warm, welcoming atmosphere. Special but not pretentious. They have a lovely cozy bar as you walk in, where you can start the evening or spend all night, an interesting dining room, & I love the back patio. There even is a cute table for two out front. There is a steep flight of stairs up & a walk thru the kitchen to the patio so call if you have accessibility issues (they have a separate street level cafe below Poesia, too). I usually get the pasta because it is freshly made with interesting seasonal fillings & delicious sauces, but the other dishes are fantastic, too. Don't miss dessert! Great wine list & cocktails, including mocktails! read more

I've discovered I shouldn't go to pricier Italian spots because it just isn't worth it in my opinion. The ambience of this restaurant is really nice, especially the back patio. Really European vibes and nice warm lighting at night. Service was also excellent here! Food was decent, but not worth the high price points. I had the agnolotti with lamb and the orecchiette, the latter of which I definitely preferred (plus it was a bigger serving). The tagliere appetizer was also fun, with a lot of yummy cheeses and meats! read more

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What a cool spot! We have been in the area for a while and somehow managed to miss this gem. The staff is super friendly Their patio is perfect and heated at night, a good spot when outdoor dining is all we have Their pastas are just perfect ! We had the pinched pasta with veal (YUM) and their ravioli with spinach (10/10). We also ordered the Tuna crostini to start with, and it was the right level of creamy and perfect flavor. Do not forget to have a tiramisu before you call it a night ! read more

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Tucked away upstairs in a pretty old house in the Castro, this Italian restaurant is a delightful find. Inside, it's cozy with dim, romantic lighting, and outside there's a lovely patio with plants and heaters. Even on a quiet Wednesday evening, there was plenty of seating available. Their Happy Hour is a great way to try out discounted appetizers and smaller versions of their main dishes, and trust me, they're all delicious. It's not the cheapest option for Happy Hour, but if you're in the mood to splurge a bit, it's totally worth it. We ended up spending about $50 per person, including tips, for three dishes and a glass of their house wine. We're definitely planning to come back for more! Vibes: 4.5/5 Food 4.2/5 Calamari 4.5/5 Bruschetta 3.5 Cacio e pepe: 4.2/5 Agnolotti al plin: 3.8/5 Tagliatelle al ragu "della nonna" 4/5 Service 5/5 This place is a bit hard to find so be sure to look for the Poesia signs and go up the stairs! read more

Poesia - Calamari alla Griglia and Bruschetta - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have been coming to this restaurant for years and years. And I always keep repeating. Possibly one of my favorite Italian restaurants. This is the local hood cozy type restaurant, which makes you feel at home for its intimate ambiance. Decoration, lightning, wall colors are just fabulous, paying attention to details and clearly displaying artistic and Italian stylish traits. Added to that they project old classic Italian movies on the wall, which is the icing on the cake. Both with a romantic partner or a small group of friends, this is an outstanding and enjoyful dining experience, tasting truly Italian dishes and good Italian wines, falling on a kind of gourmet touch. And yes, not only is the owner Francesco Italian, but also most of his staff/team - they're all super friendly and the service is stupendous. You can even speak Italian with them! So, for starters I tend to go to options like Salmone marinato, Vitello Tonnato, Tagliere di salumi e formaggi and burrata. For pastas, I like their Tagliatelle al ragu "Della Nonna", Agnolotti al plin or Tortelli neri di zucca e gamberi. Other delicious main courses are: Petto D'anatra, Filleto di manzo, Trancio di pesce, Guancia di vitello. Oh, and they used to have a luscious Branzino, which was a fave. They have a great variety for white and red Italian wines. For dessert I cannot help frequently choosing their fluffy Tiramisù or a Mousse al Cioccolato. You can also have an Affogato, an Italian real espresso or try a gràppa di camomila for digestive, among other options. This is for sure a local business to try out!!! read more

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Great friendly service. The back garden was a lovely space with different colored lights, heating lamps and greenery. The printed murals hid the fencing and does a decent job of changing the space a little. The food was very nice with distinct flavors. The smoked eggplant is a bit of an acquired taste. We had the vegetable platter appetizer which was a nice starter. We had the agnolotti with rabbit/veal and the sauce was lovely and the filling was tasty. The pasta was a bit firmer than expected but was still nice. Added some texture to the dish. We also had the Bottoni in seafood sauce which the smoked eggplant paired very nicely with the shrimp and seafood tomato sauce. The duck breast entree was also very well flavored and the middle was tender and pink- which is how we like it. We loved the canoli dessert, nice citrus cream with pistachios- had good texture with the nuts. The strawberry crostatina was not as special compared to the canoli. Overall a great place to dine, great service and very tasty Italian food. read more

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Poesia exceeded our expectations in many ways. We had been looking for a restaurant that still did outdoor seating and could accommodate 8 for a birthday celebration. The outdoor area was super cute at night, the food was absolutely incredible especially the fresh pasta, and they made a cake just for my husband. Francesco was great to communicate with and made our experience a lovely one. We will absolutely be back. Great customer service + delicious wine + the best pasta read more

Poesia - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

The service here is amazing, I've been twice and I've always had awesome servers. I love that the restaurant is inside this old Victorian house, it makes it extra gorgeous and special. My favorite dishes are the agnolotti and the burrata. So good! read more

I wanted to love this place! Great ambiance, everything on the menu sounded delicious and the wait staff were knowledgeable and attentive. Unfortunately, not one in our group of 5 enjoyed the pasta dishes we ordered. I ordered the ghnochetti, and was very underwhelmed. I was unable to taste anything outside of the overwhelming potato flavor. My friends ordered a variety of other pasta dishes, none of which they said they would recommend. I would like to say I would come back for another shot, but for the price point there are so many great Italian restaurants in the city that I doubt I will. read more

My husband and I came Saturday night with other two friends. We were interesting about the menu they were offering for the fall restaurant week. My husband and one of our friend tried this menu, while I ordered the orecchiette with tomato and burrata and the other friend the burrata for appetizer and the tagliatelle al ragù as a main. I tried and liked the polpo that was the appetizer of the special menu (my husband got the tuna tartare because polpo was finished at the time we ordered the menu). Polpo was incredibly soft. Then I ate the orecchiette and I liked them (pasta is homemade, so it's better than the industrial type) even though I think there was much more sauce than the pasta itself. I preferred more the main of the special menu: cappellaci al nero filled with squash...unbelievable taste!! I loved everything about this plate, especially how cappellacci were rich of flavor. Then I tried also the second of the menu, that was the duck. It was delicious too. I loved that it wasn't so fat like other ducks I ate. I also liked every side of the plate (the pear, the mashed potatoes and the chocolate carrot). I finished my meal with tortino frangipane mele e pinoli. This was my least favorite dish. It wasn't bad, but I think the cake wasn't enough filled with the apples. I didn't try the dessert of the menu (the vegan sorbetto), but my husband said it was good. The staff was friendly, also because the owner and the chef Marcello speak Italian. The service was a little bit slow, but overall was good. The ambience is very particular because of the interesting decor. read more

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I'd walked by this place dozens of times. After seeing their menu online (and various reviews on different sites) decided to check it out. I ate early; 5PM. Just me and two other diners inside at that early hour. I had the insalata de pesche for a starter (excellent) and the petto d'anatra (duck breast) as a main (beyond excellent -- one of the most perfectly done duck breasts I've had anywhere). For dessert I had good ol' tiramisu and a tawny port. The dessert menu just listed it as "port tawny 20 yrs." I asked which port it was before ordering. It was Sandman. Great. You'll get Taylor or Broadbent all over the place. You don't run across Sandman very often and it's good stuff. Service was fast and pleasant. I also had a black negroni when I was first seated. Hidden gem. Quirky and charming inside. Very worth a visit. I'll be back to try some of their other apps and mains. read more

Food was delicious and the staff was so kind and accommodating to the needs of our large group. Ambiencelivrly and I'll definitely return !is l read more

I made an early dinner reservation for my partner and I at Poesia for Christmas after my original reservation at another restaurant fell through due to COVID. I specifically chose Christmas day since I preferred this menu over their other holiday set menu options: - Appetizer - Vitello Tonnato - I'm admittedly not a huge fan of celery so proceeded with caution... and I was pleasantly surprised - the celery was shaved into smaller bits which added to the flavour of the tuna (so good!) without overwhelming it. This is the dish my partner was anticipating the most and he easily devoured the whole thing. - Main - Tortellini in Brodo - This is the dish I was most looking forward to. The tortellini was very good and not too big (a common thing in Italian restaurants in the U.S.), though the broth was somewhat plain. - Entree - Agnello grigliato (grilled rack of lamb) - The lamb was so good and tasty and cooked just right, and it was complemented well by the mushrooms and potatoes on the side - Dessert - Tiramisu - Tiramisu is my favourite Italian dessert and the one at Poesia was just the right consistency (not too thick or too thin) and each flavour stood out well: mascarpone, chocolate, and coffee Between the food and the staff (so friendly, helpful, and attentive!), we had such a great dinner here on Christmas day. I so look forward to coming back again for their regularly offered menu. read more

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Our server Lorenzo was hilarious, also recommended the most delicious food. My friends were in the with the bruschetta, and I withe beef tartar. The food here is very fresh. Even though the plates are small, they are enough to share. The pork tenderloins was delicious, the halibut was a tiny bit dry but still tasted good. All in all we had a really great time. We'll go again:) read more

Amazing hand made pasta and super cute, romantic spot. A hidden sf gem for sure :) service is always great, and easy to make a reservation too. read more

Poesia - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

One of my favorite restaurants in the area! I've been here twice and have always had excellent service and sat outside in their backyard area (highly recommended as there are heat lamps and it has a nice ambiance). All the dishes I've tried were excellent, except the bruschetta was alright (not bad, but not the best I've had - worth skipping). Good vegetarian options and was able to accommodate my brother who is vegan by removing the cheese which is in the cavatelli dish (I ordered the cavatelli with cheese pictured below) read more

Poesia - Cavatelli al pomodoro e burrata - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

I went here for thanksgiving dinner with my friends and it was a pleasant surprise. Beautiful patio on the back which is also shielded from the wind so it does not get cold. Inside ambience near the bar is also very cool and perfect for dates. The food was good, tasty but not overly salty like in many restaurants, sauces accompanying the dishes were truly a match in heaven along with the wine pairing. Can't say how the normal day menu fares but it is a place recommended also among the Italian community so I am pretty sure you won't be disappointed! read more

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Cute little place. Great food, great staff. I had the steak which was amazing. Sat outside once which was so nice, and inside one other night and they had someone playing Cello which made the whole night very chill. read more

We had the sweetest waiter who took great care of us in this adorable restaurant. They had an old Italian movie playing, light music, and just the sound of people having a great time. All three people in my party really enjoyed their food, I think the cavatelli was the #1 fav. We also enjoyed cocktails - the Dante was incredible and citrus forward. Perfectly located in the Castro, it's great for a way to start or end your evening! read more

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The Ambiance is Priceless with films being shown on the walls of the main dinning room. Attentive and knowledgeable staff. You can get The Best Espresso Martini I've Ever Had the Pleasure of Having! The food is delicious and authentic having spent a lot of time throughout Italy in my travels. Amazing affordable wine selections. You never feel rushed and the outside area is Epic!!! Whenever my Husband and I have visitors from out of town or if we're celebrating a special occasion, Poesia has Always Been our Go-To place!!! We've made so so many Great Memories here. I have Never Ever been disappointed here! read more

Well, can one outrageous error completely cancel the excellence of a meal? Possibly...but how many stars to knock off? One? Two? Gosh: A food critic can really sit on their high horse on the Victor Emmanuel II Monument in Rome and look out to see how much damage would bring the Visigoth chefs to their knees. I voted for una stella. ** YOU CANNOT LEAVE THE STRINGS ON SNOW PEAS AND SERVE THEM IN A RESPECTABLE RESTAURANT ** Now that I've gotten that off my hoary chest, let me suggest you get the amazing duck breast then have the cannoli for dessert. Nice wine selection, too. Fine service. $$$$ read more

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Thank God outdoor dinning is available again. for Adult Italian dinning it's hard to do better then Poesia. I have been here before , but finally thought to post a review based on this latest experience. slightly hidden up a flight of stairs it's easy to miss Poesia on busy 18th, but its more then worth finding. Dinning is off the busy road so you can avoid the crowds. Great attentive service, with quality food at a moderate price point that I enjoy eating in , but have never opted for takeout. As for the dishes , I like to share starters so it been the Formaggi a plate of cured meats and cheeses , and or the Albacore tuna pate with house bread. For a pasta course it's hard to outshine their Agnolotti Plin, and for a protein the Chicken , and or the Scallops. They also have a nice selection of beverages , but I tend to go with what I know a Negroni In the end , a great Date Night Spot , or place to connect with new or close friends. read more

Authentic Italian food and pasta, friendly and attentive service, but atmosphere could use some help. We started with the chicken liver mouse, which was a big portion, 4 pieces of bread with tons of mouse on them, great for sharing. We also got the salad, while it was simple, every ingredient was fresh, paired well and nicely plated and prepared. For the entrees we each got a pasta dish, my husband got the special with venison meat, which was a bit dry, but the sauce and pasta were great and made to order. I got the meat ravioli, they were tender, great flavor and sauce. We both really enjoyed the dishes and were pleasantly surprised. We got two glasses of wine and finished up with an espresso martini and port. The service was very friendly and attentive, they staff was knowledgeable and genuinely wanting everyone to have a great time. We wanted to sit inside, and I know every place is trying to figure it out. I don't enjoy having the same temp indoors as outdoors. Doors and windows open, we sat in our jackets. The tables were very far apart, yet they hung some plastic from the ceiling in between them. For those of us going indoors, we are comfortable doing so, and I'd prefer not to catch a cold. I'm not saying keep it all closed, but I should be able to sit without a jacket. read more

Cool spot with indoor and outdoor seating. Met a new friend here today. When we left we both looked for a recycle receptacle for our glass bottles. The clerk said there was one behind the counter. I noted many people probably don't ask and toss recyclables into landfill bin. He agreed and said he's been encouraging management to get a blue bin ( and I might add a green one for compostables). Another guy tried to say someone sorts recyclables before stream gets into curbside bins. I HIGHLY doubt employees voluntarily do that sorting. If you care about your personal impact and waste there are other places doing more on that front. read more

Excellent food , I recommend. Just watch out the computer people who like to campaign all day. read more

Poesia - Croissant - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Been looking for consistently good Italian food since moving to San Francisco 3 years ago. Everything at Poesia is fresh and authentic including food and cocktails! read more

The restaurant has a cute back yard patio. My BF & I shared an appetizer( toast w/tuna paste), beet salad then I had chicken( it was huge - I saved the half to go ) ,my BF had a filet mignon. We shared tiramisu for a dessert to finish. Foods are very good and our server was excellent. read more

Poesia - Salad and appetizer - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

The inside of this restaurant is really cute and the staff is kind and attentive. I think for the price though, I've had better Italian food. The pasta that I got was a little undercooked and the sauce was quite greasy. My friends who ordered other dishes complained that their pasta was too salty or too fatty tasting. For $30, I don't think the pasta was worth it. read more

Poesia - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

5% service fee, automatic 1 star. It's the cost of doing business, just be like every other company and roll it into your prices. Really excellent food, and nice atmosphere - it's unique walking through the kitchen to the patio. I enjoyed my dinner, but I despise the practice of hiding true prices behind extra fees when other restaurants and bars survive just fine. read more

Absolute amazing pastries and sandwiches. Their patio is great and a good spot to enjoy a spritz or two.