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"Everything I eat here is so freakin' good. I have been here many times w my boo and friends and they all love it. Love the authenticity of…" read more »
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It's a true shame that I haven't reviewed Allegro yet. I've been here at least three times -- most recently with my parents -- and have yet to be disappointed. It's a hidden gem.
Two caveats: We've sometimes had to wait outside, despite having a reservation (even on a weeknight) -- and the wine list is heavy on chiantis, which, tho I love Italian food, simply aren't my favorite wine.
The good news: Excellent food, good service and a great location, nestled in a non-commercial area at the near-top of Russian Hill. Try the gnocchi (like mac 'n cheese with tiny pasta pillows!), lobster ravioli or the ricotta and sage ravioli. Or, if you're in the mood for a hearty meal, try Willy Brown's favorite, the rigatoni with Italian bacon. And enjoy the cozy atmosphere: Chef Lorenzo often shares a glass of wine and carries on conversations with the clientele.
I had a delightful dining experience here last night for a friend's birthday celebration. They graciously accommodated our group of 9 with short notice after Bix "lost" our reservation. It turns out it was their 5 year anniversary and so they were giving all of the ladies roses - how charming!
Let's move on to the most important thing - the food. 2 words - super delicious. Everyone in our group enjoyed everything. Personally, I had the ceasar sald with fresh crab meat and the rigatoni with pancetta. Yum! They also helped us pair the food with a very nice, yet reasonably priced wine.
The one challenge here is parking, so take muni or a cab.
Outstanding service and tasty food - cinque stelle!
I really loved this place.
I went there awhile back for a going away party for my husband's best friend. It was a party of about 10 people.From what I remember the food was delicious. The service was excellent. The non-stop wine was delicious and though the place is a bit smushed, it is intimate, has rose petals, and great lighting. The ambiance is so fabulous that we actually stayed until closing.
Really nice.
I did ask what kind of wine they were pouring but the waiter refused to answer my question.
Eh! I'll be back, anyway.
Lorenzo won't let you ride his motorcycles (he seems to have at least a dozen in assorted colors). Other than that, he can do no wrong! Everything about his restaurant, Allegro Romano, is wonderful. Great for dates, business dinners, you name it; you can't go wide of the mark! The food is stellar, service flawless, ambiance romantic yet sophisticated, Go, enjoy, and return many times.
Food is nice, and decorations are a nice touch. Service was bad though, maitre'd in particular was rude and servers were a little spacey. Not bad, but you can get better in SF. My favorite Italian in SF is Albona Ristorante Istriano - an interesting Istrian take on Italian food.
I just recently had my birthday dinner at Allegro Romano. Lorenzo was able to accommodate us on short notice and made it a wonderful night!
Here is my breakdown:
Service: 5 stars - Funny, helpful, non pretentious chefs.
Food: 4.75 stars - The scallops and risotto are the best I've ever had.
Ambiance: 5 stars - Intimate dining experience with great decor.
Loved this place.....came for a friends bday..... and our other friend knew the owner. He just kept the food and wine coming. This place is fab! We had just about everything on the menu and it was all delicious, I've been dying to go back. Nothing negative to say about this restaurant. It's really cute from the inside, the staff is great and the food is fab. I seriously can't wait to go back.
Adorable neighborhood restaurant with extreme charm. Staff, including the maitre d'/owner, is super attentive. Diners get a glass of port with desert and, the women, get a rose from the owner. Food is uncomplicated but very good - pasta is home made and excellent.
Make a reservation because the restaurant is small, fills up quickly, and does nor really seek to do too many seatings in any one evening. Also, allow plenty of time to park since spots are very difficult to find.
My boyfriend and i have been wanting to try this place and we live in the area.
Last week we came here and didn't have reservation but they got us a place in a bout 10 minutes.
Everything is awesome, the food, the service, the place.
We love it and will be back to bring our friends to have a nice dinner here.
Well done!!!
Had a client in town asking for a reservation for Italian nearby. I used to live nearby and sent him here, a regrettable decision.
I made them a reservation for 8pm, they arrived before 8:05 (i am actually certain of this bc i got an email that they found it ok). Long story short, it turns out they had given away the table, asked them to wait outside on a windy day for 40 minutes, and was not at all apologetic.
ACK! career limiting move.
came here around valentines day..........small quaint neighborhood restaurant with nice touches of rose petals on candle lit tables & was given a rose when we left. hub got a steak plate & i got their gorgonzola gnocchi, don't remember our appetizer........not memorable, just remembered that we both didn't care for our dishes. also got fake greeting vibe, so we won't back. we prefer amarena, that's our spot.
Lorenzo is the best proprietor and a great neighbor. Dinner is always a treat and very intimate.
Allegro Romano is always busy. I had tried to get in many times either showing up at their door hungry or ringing an unanswered phone. When we finally got in we found that they thanked us for coming back again and that they were sorry they did not have a table for us before.
The place is cute and the tables are beautifully decorated with fresh rose petals and memorizing aromas come from the kitchen. The owner came over and informed us (it was only 6.30 at this stage) that we were welcome to the table all night, to take our time and enjoy are meal. We ordered and the waiter brought over two additional complimentary appetizers. We had a lovely meal, nice simple Italian, with clean flavors and fresh ingredients.
At the end of the meal our plates were cleared and two port glasses were put down in front of us and they filled them with complimentary delicious port. We said we didn't want desert and decided to sit and enjoy our port and wait for the check to arrive. When we asked for our check and the waiter said "No check, Porto!" and out came more port. From that point onward every time we went to leave or pay the bill we were told no "Porto" instead. The waiter said "It's taken you so long to get in, do you really think we're going to let you leave".
We sat there soaking up the atmosphere and sipping port. After many many more"Portos" the waiter presented me with a rose and we were payed our check and leave. Three hours after we'd gone into the place we left and walked around the corner to our place finally understanding why the place is always full.
Wanted to try this place after I walked past it on my morning dog walk. Cozy inside. Surprised so many people say it's hard to get a table. We went at 7:30 on a Sat. and there was plenty of tables free. I ordered Willie Brown's favorite rigatoni. Kind of blah. I'm not sure Willie tried too many other dishes. The lobster / crab ravioli was really good though. As was the caprese salad. I was a tad bit disappointed by the tiramisu to end the night. Service was really good.
Maybe I had higher hopes after reading some of the reviews. I'd definitely say 3.5 stars. If you're going with a friend, just keep in mind, the place is loaded with rose petals, glitter and candles. I'd probably try it again if the owner doesn't ban me for my 3 star review.
I could never get a reservation here and i tried many times. On top of that, they close on Sundays and Mondays. Will I ever make it in here?
Flash back - walking home and decided to take Broadway up the hill. Walked by this place - is this a restaurant? Closed? How is it possible that we never knew this place existed? Note to self - look up in Yelp and come back to try.
Fast forward - enjoying a cold beer in North Beach at Boardroom one warm afternoon. Started talking about restaurants and this was mentioned. One of the patrons said it's a great place - I want to try but can never get in! Turned to hubby and said "let's just go there now and see if we can get in." Off we go.
We were brave...we decided to go straight up on Broadway and endure the steep hill and the 161 steps! We tell ourselves that we can eat anything we want after this work out.
Upon reaching the top of the hill, the restaurant is in site. The owner in biking outfit was talking to two other bikers. The place just opened up. Hostess asked if we have reservation - no but we walked up 161 steps to come here! Hostess asked owner and he said let them sit anywhere they want!
Walked in and I see what others described. Candlelight and rose petals...so romantic. We chose the corner table at the very end where there's a curtain you can pull to get a little more privacy. Given we were the first table, we had GREAT service. I told them how I was never successful getting a reservation but now know the trick...come early!
It has been a while and I can't find my receipt but I recall the appetizer that we shared had risotto...after the first bite, I was absolutely in love. Perfectly cooked risotto! Imagine a mouthful of buttery flavored rice that melts in the mouth - yeah, that's how good it was.
For entree, I had the special of the day - risotto with lobster tail. Need I say more? Cloud nine. Hubby had the lamb chop and it was very good - it was tasty with just the right gamey flavor to it, which we both love.
The owner suggested a bottle of red and decanter it for us - very good. Again, the service was superb. Our glass was always filled whenever it got low and the staff was never in your face...did everything very stealthily.
A table of regular patrons came in and looked at our dishes. They were especially interested in the lamb and ended up ordering it. Friendly folks - thank us for recommending the dish to them.
We also had dessert but I forgot what. As the night fell and the sky darkened, we can see a sliver of view from our seat...beautiful, it was truly a dreamy evening and one we'll happily repeat even if it means hiking up the 161 (owner claims 165) steps!
Of course, it wouldn't be the perfect evening without the perfect rose. Thank you, it was definitely worth the wait, the hike and the hype!
I read some of the other reviews before writing this. I like attentive waiters; maybe some people do not? Everyone is different!
I've only been here one time, but I had a really positive experience and would recommend it to anyone. I remember thinking the food was great, the atmosphere cute and fun, and the service excellent.
What makes Allegro Romano so unique:
1.) Every day is Valentine's Day. I'm talking rose petals scattered all over the tables and roses handed out to the ladies at the end of the meal. So, kinda awkward for the girl sitting next to me who was there with her dad.
2.) The owner, Lorenzo, can rock some loud plaid pants and busy silk shirts.
3.) On any given night, you might rub elbows with Mayor Newsom, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, and Omar Vizquel.
4.) You feel like you're a guest in Lorenzo's home in Italy. Instead of ordering yourself, tell him you want to do family style, and he'll pick the wine and dishes for you.
5.) A cab waits for you outside after you're done. Well, we happened to be the last ones there, so I don't know if this is automatically done for every customer, but they'll definitely call one for you if you need one.
The pastas are delicious -- you can't go wrong with any one of them. If you're indecisive like me (I'm a true Libra), just leave it up to Lorenzo!
I was just messaged by what I assume is someone affiliated with Allegro Romano (no friends, no reviews, 35 pictures of Allegro, guests, and food) who asked me to take down my "untrue" review (which gave it an average 3 stars). When I refused, he cordially informed me I was blacklisted.
Fine by me.
I had been dying to try Allegro Romano after seeing the great Yelp reviews. Bottom line: the service… Read more »
we love going to Allegro Romano. It's always our go-to place when we have guests in town. Lorenzo is the best in the business. It is a special experience- great service and ambiance.
Allegro Romano is THE reason I joined Yelp. I wanted this restaurant to be my very first review.
I went here the middle of last year (I know, late review) with my girlfriend on a special occasion. We made reservations ahead of time because I saw how popular they are on Yelp. We were treated like VIPs and we weren't rushed AT ALL to finish. It seemed like they wanted us to stay. My girlfriend got Willy Brown's Favorite which we thought was very good.
A little off topic: we were the only non-Caucasians there besides the employees. Not really important but thought I'd mention it.
I've been to Allegro Romano three times. It's in my neighborhood so I almost felt obligated. The service is somewhat uneven. The owner is very genial (and an outlandish dresser) and greets almost everyone warmly. The clientele seems to be primarily from the neighborhood (which makes sense given the location and lack of parking) which creates a nice ambiance.
The food was good but not amazing. The sauces tend to be a little too thick, the flavors a little too bland and the presentation a little too disheveled to be great. I don't want to sound too negative, though--there are some redeeming qualities. Unusual specials for one as well as good sized portions.
Certainly a good option for Nob Hill dwellers but I wouldn't go too far out of the way to get there.
So on another Yelp recommendation, my friend and I decided to try Allegro Romano.
When we started ordering, all the items we picked were not available. It was only 8pm but I guess there was a shortage on soup and crab cakes. The food that we finally ended up getting was very good. I had the Veal Scallopine and my friend had the lobster ravioli. We had the bruschetta and salads to start. To make up for the food shortage the owner presented us with a dessert platter to die for.
My friend never liked Tiramisu but she loved Allegro's. It was so very good and it was a great way to end a delightful meal.
I was going to be lazy and not write a review because everyone already KNOWS that Allegro Romano rocks my (and your) socks. But I had to give props, in writing, after what happened on Friday night.
As expected, the four of us (two couples) had a fantabulous meal there that reminded me of the wonderful and quaint restaurants from my trip to Rome. We shared the scallop w/ risotto, bruschetta and beef carpaccio apps (all highly, highly recommended, but if you could only have one, go with the carpaccio). I had the scallopino, fiance and friend had the Willie Brown rigatoni, and friend's wife had the special pesto tortellini. Again, all were delicious.
And then the complementary biscotti w/ whip (which I know they give you even if you don't order dessert, although we did this time) and of course the complementary bottomless port.
But here's where it gets crazy, over-the-top, can you believe they actually did this part -- so we cab it back to our 'hood all the way in SOMA and friend's wife realizes that she left her clutch back at the restaurant. We knew they were closed by now since we were the last ones there but we tried calling anyway. And what did they do?
THE OWNER DROVE HIS PRIUS AND BROUGHT IT TO THE BAR WE WERE AT AROUND THE CORNER FROM OUR PAD. IN SOMA.
(And keep in mind that it's not like we're "regulars" or that we acted like we were worthy of that type of awesome treatment, i.e., we didn't tip 50% or anything like that.)
So here's the deal -- 5 stars for the restaurant, which includes food, service, ambiance, etc. etc. Another 5 stars for the oh-no-they-didn't (but in a good way) hospitality.
Now THAT is the epitome of going the extra mile.
Okay, so just so I'm being fair, there are a couple items to note that have really nothing to do with the restaurant, but that you should know if you're thinking of going there. (1) No parking. Cab it. Bus it. Walk it. But do NOT drive it. Yes, the owner saves some spots in front of the restaurant for his patrons, but you don't want to chance that it'll be available. (2) Not on OpenTable. But then, if they were, it'd probably be harder to get a reservation than it is now. And if you leave a message with your reservation info, make sure to call back to confirm.
The End. Still giving the place TEN freaking stars.
My boyfriend surprised me by taking me here on our 1 year anniversary and it was absolutely magical. The food, service and ambiance were amazing. Lorenzo is an incredible host and makes his patrons feel so welcome. All of the little touches (the roses Lorenzo gives to all the women, sample apps that we didn't order or pay for and the port at the end of the meal) contributed to a very memorable evening for both of us and earned my boyfriend some major browny points!
This place might be a little too romantic for casual dining with friends but if you want to share a special meal with a special someone, this is a great spot.
Overrated.
If your idea of romantic is listening to a playlist of o-sole-mio and similar greatest hits of Italian opera while 5 different waiters fuss over you, then well...
With all the tables cramped so close together, as you look to your side you feel like you're in a feedlot. Faces upon faces chewing in unison.
The waitstaff was constantly hovering over us, twice reaching down to straighten my fork. Why they bothered to do this I have no idea. They also asked me for ID, which was weird. And having finished my first drink halfway through, they took my glass without offering a refill. Aren't you supposed to ask?
And so rushed! I thought a place like this would let you settle into your meal. Not the case. Stuff was coming out of the kitchen so fast that we were done with 3 courses in just over an hour.
We left with a rose that they plopped down with the check, much like a 2-for-1 coupon. My heart sighed.
Party of four. No special occasion.
We had the 58$ sampling menu.
Very delicious. Every course was refined and distinct. What you would have expected.
Everything was superb, the service was good.
Only thing that I will say is parking could be a bit tricky. (plan 15-30 mins for parking).
I've heard so many good things about Allegro, a group of us decided to have a friend's birthday dinner there. First off the place is in the Russian Hill neighborhood, and had I not heard about it thru a friend, would probably never have passed it or eaten here. The dining area is small and may seat only about 40 or so people, but the atmosphere is very quaint and cozy. The service was outstanding. The minute a plate is empty it is immediately taken off your table. It's like they had one waiter assigned to each table, and the owner, Lorenzo, is always walking around making sure everything is up to standard.
Our party ordered several of every appetizer on the menu, and none of them were a disappointment. The beef carpaccio is the best I've ever had, and we also had a homemade mortadella and salami which were flavored to perfection. The asparagus was delicious also...
For the main entree, I had the Rigatoni alla Amatriciana (Willy Brown's favorite, haha) which was perfectly cooked and flavored. I also tasted the Ravioli di Aragosta in Salsa Rosa which was the homemade stuffed lobster and crab ravioli in a vodka creme sauce...HOLY MOLY...I don't even like crab, but this ravioli was to my palette's delight! The wild boar fettuccine with porcini reduction was also perfectly flavored. Allegro knows their Italian, and is probably the best tasting I've had in the city to date. You have to get a reservation tho, as the place fills up quick (even on a Monday night), and the only thing I would like to see is maybe a bit of a bigger dining area so everything doesn't feel quite as cramped.
Their creamy pasta dish (forgot what it was called, i think it was fettuccine alfredo) was the best pasta I've had in a few years. I went to a friend's birthday party here and ever since, I've been looking for a spot in my calendar to go back. And yeah, the owner was very hospitable and colorful.
One thing I do want to mention, though, is that it gets a little hot in the restaurant in the event of a freak heat wave.
How could you not love a place where every day is Valentine's Day? This place is hilarious, and such a gem! They have this classy decor that is slightly marred by rose petals and heart-shaped votives on every table, but yet it works!
The host was wearing the most ridiculous red plaid pants , with a matching red sweater, but the service was amazing. After we finished our bottle of wine, they gave us free glasses of port, and then kept refilling them! I also think they gave the table next to us a free dessert, but maybe that was the wine talking. At one point, they gave all of the women roses as well. Too much - I loved it!
Let me not forget to comment on the food. I had sea bass, and it was scrumptious! My date had lamb, and he was very happy with it.
Huge thumbs up for Allegro Romano!
Wow is all I have to say.
PERFECT romantic date night. Kick off with a little romantic music, red roses on the table, candle light, and a cute date...
Caprese salad for two and the lobster/crab raviolis.
Bottle of red wine and extremely attentive staff. The host/owner/server was adorable. He moved us between salad and entrees to accommodate a large group coming in, but we were happy to switch booths.
Super small joint. Make reservations for a special occasion. I even left with a red rose.... I know I know. Sounds cheesy but this chick needs a little cheesy romance every once and awhile.
Yelp should make 5+++ stars available just for establishments like this one. I was here last night with a big birthday party, and we all had a phenomenal time. At first I was a little worried that our group would overpower the quaint restaurant. But with the gracious wait staff, Lorenzo dancing through the tables in his red and gold sneakers, rose petals and confetti adorning the tables, Sade's "No Ordinary Love" streaming through the speakers, and the parade of delicious food, Allegro Romano is a celebration all its own. By no means is any of this corny, rather you feel like you're having the best of times at a friend's dinner party in their comfortable Russian Hill home.
The food here is incredible. Simple Italian fare bursting with robust and memorable flavors. For appetizers, we had the beef and salmon carpaccio, fresh buffala mozzarella, and scallops risotto- all which tickled our palate and left us wanting more. And there was more, much much more. I had the fettuccine with lobster in a rustic tomato sauce. It was one of the specials of the night, and by lobster I don't mean a few petty clumps of meat scattered throughout your pasta. We're talking about half a lobster tail complete with a claw. Some of the other favorites at the table were the gnocchi, home-made lobster and crab stuffed ravioli, salmon alla romano- actually forget it, everything that we ordered was fantastic.
Many restaurants spend too much time and energy in their food and not enough in the dining experience. At Allegro Romano, it is obvious that the front of the house works just as hard as the back. I can not praise enough the outstanding level of service that we received from Lorenzo, his wife (or at least I think she's his wife), and the staff that tended to our every request before we even had to ask. Our glasses were always filled with their signature Chianti, the bread basket was always full, and the dirty plates were whisked away and replaced with clean ones before anyone even noticed. They even turned off the lights when the birthday cake was brought out and everyone participated in the birthday song and dance. Even though we got the cake from Cheesecake Factory, they courteously sliced and plated it for us, even adding a personal touch by sprinkling powdered chocolate on each plate.
There are many excellent restaurants in the City, but only a few who really put their heart into their food. Allegro Romano definitely has the soul that eludes so many of their competitors, not only because they play Sade and flatter you with roses at the end of the evening, but because it is very clear that they are truly passionate about Italian cooking and 100% committed to their clientele.
Yes, yes, and yes! Visiting from San Diego (where there's no such thing as service) I went to Yelp for help in selecting a great dining experience. Yelp came through again! Allegro's not only boasts good food, fun and great service, but its an exceptional value. They included bruschetta, dessert and port as well with our dinner! The owner had (no Cavalli...True Religion tonight) the place singing, drinking and in great spirits. Apparently Sade dined there a few weeks prior..the owner was on a Sade kick.I do recommend making reservations as its a cozy place.
I'm always hesitant to walk into an Italian restaurant because I work at one. Why pay for something when I can stuff my face or free before my shift? I went into Allegro with some skepticism but I was blown away by the Gnocchi with Gorgonzola and walnuts. Best gnocchi I've ever had. My boyfriend had the rigatoni and couldn't stop raving about the sauce. We had the Tiramisu for dessert and the complementary biscotti won us over.
I know a restaurant is good if I'm still craving for the food the next day and boyyy was I craving for that gnocchi.
I'm hesitant to write this because I live really close to this place and really, really want it to be my fave neighborhood haunt. And, like Mixt Greens, my three stars are sorta out of place on a page full of Allegro fans. I wanted to love it so much that it took me a few visits (plus a trip to Milano) to figure out what it is that I don't like.
I feel like I'm being nickel and dimed when I go to Allegro. Yes, there is free bruschetta and port and, sometimes, biscotti. But, aside from the bruschetta, I probably wouldn't order it anyhow, so it's not such a huge deal. The thing is, I feel like they make up for it in other ways. I went there once with a pal and we ordered a carafe of the house red, thinking we were doing dinner on the cheap (for lushes). I don't remember if we didn't see the price on the menu or if it wasn't there but, when the bill came, it was $36 (just for the wine). Really? Seems a scoche high for a carafe, hm? To be fair, the waitress discounted it when we asked about it, but it still seemed a bit strange. Do they expect you to haggle?
Last night, I went with another pal and we ordered the caprese salad to share. They served it on one plate and it was fine; nothing outstanding and the portion wasn't tinyor enourmous. When the bill came, we realized they charged us for two salads. It was $13. Again, not outrageously high but...really?
Again, I feel so loyal to this place because it's in my hood and the wacky (but fab) owner always helps me find parking and, for sure, I'll keep going, but I'll be pretty sure to keep tabs on my wallet if I'm on a budget.
I almost don't want to review this place so that this little gem of a place will not be revealed.
Lorenzo is AMAZING! In the kitchen, serving wine, parking cars, singing and just being very hospitable.
I've come here several times to take clients out for dinner. Never have I seen the menu but I'm sure one exists. Come with a healthy appetite if you go for the tasting menu.
To Start..... Capreses salad, salumi, beef carpaccio, melon wrapped prosciutto, salmon roe rolls, bruschetta, and asparagus w/ lots of parmesan.
Next.... Fresh tortellini pasta with alfredo sauce and truffle oil, sirloin with mashed potatoes and veggies, THEN.... sea bass a la picatta w/ garlic spinach
To finish.... tiramisu, cheesecake, key lime tart, chocolate espresso cake
All that washed down with 4 bottles of wine and Lorenzo still tops us off with a glass of port and leaves the bottle for us to free pour if we'd like some more.
I can't even begin with which one is my favorite. Carpaccio, bruschetta, sea bass, tiramisu, key lime tart. The entire meal was a great feast of good food, good wine, and good company.
Don't forget to sing That's Amore otherwise the song will not end.
Wow, I hope to keep this my little secret... but I am so nice to share! This place is amazing. I'll continue to go here with friends, family, big groups or small. A romantic success is how I'd describe this quaint Russian Hill neighborhood Restaurant. The food is delicious, the ambiance is serene and Lorenzo is my new best friend.
As a guest you'll feel well taken care of. Each table looks like it is set up for a special occasion, which is how it should be every time you eat out.
We filled our tummies with the most delicious sea bass and fillet mignon. Mmmm... And they wont let you leave without tasting at least one or every dessert they have on the menu.
The portions are plentiful and the price's are unbelievably amazing for the service and food your receive.
I walked by this place with my boyfriend, and it looked bustling. We read the yelp reviews and were so excited to try it. It sounded like my type of place: unpretentious, hearty, tasty food, and a charming owner who seemed destined to become a close friend. In the end, we were very disappointed, and both agreed we don't want to go back.
First, the owner would only give us a reservation at 6pm, he said that was the only table he had all night. It was friday night so I took the reservation, but when we got there it was clear that this was not the only available table. The restaurant was completely empty the entire time we were there (6-7:30), except for an elderly couple and a couple with a very loud baby. Needless to say the atmoshphere was not great: half staff meeting, half toddler daycare, but mostly just totally empty!!! (Really, we couldn't have come in at 6:30? 7?)
We found the owner to be pretty rude. When we first walked in, he yelled to the hostess from outside to stop (she was directing us to a corner booth), and had us stand in the middle of the restaurant while he came in and put us at the worst table, right by the entrance to the back. Then he proceeded to comment and sort of complain to the staff about different parties and reservations they had for the night. After listening to the owner bitch, (so awkward)... he took our order, (literally we both felt nervous by that point) and then rudely asked for our IDs when we ordered wine, really bizarre.
We ordered the ceaser salad with crab, beef carpaccio, the famous crab and lobster ravioli, and the scallopini. Uh, the beef carpaccio was really good, the salad was just OK, the crab tasted really fishy. The ravioli was totally ordinary (I prefer many of the pre-made ones you can get at TJs). I'm really confused as to what the reviews raved about. The scallopini was barely average too, with mashed potatoes and boring steamed vegetables.
On a positive note, the tables were creatively decorated, the chef sent out a free strawberry desert and the busboy gave me a pretty rose from the centerpiece. Clearly, the staff takes care to make the restaurant a special place.
However, the food was really average, the owner hostile (or maybe in a bad mood, or we somehow offended him?)....It definitely wasn't the special, delicious experience I expected. It was awkward and I couldn't wait to leave.
We had a group dinner here for my boyfriend's birthday and it was an absolutely lovely time. 4 stars for food, 5 stars for everything else.
We had the table in the front (note, it gets cold up front!), which was decorated with glitter and rose petals, which added to the "special occasion" feel. The service was excellent! Seriously, 5 stars for service. The staff was attentive and friendly and even helped our friends find parking in the neighborhood! I wish all restaurants did that.
On to the food -- the caprese salad was delicious and better than most places that I've been to. The mozzarella just melts in your mouth. We also ordered the melon and prosciutto (which was gorgeous), the bruschetta (very yum) and the salmon carpaccio (awesome -- you must order -- the salmon was basically cooked in the lemon juice and very flavorful). Instead of oil and vinegar, they have this dipping paste -- not sure what it is, but it tastes a little of anchovies and is pretty addicting.
I started with the lobster bisque, which was rich and flavorful. I doubled up on the lobster and ordered the special homemade fettucine with lobster, which was a bit on the salty side but otherwise, very tasty with good size chunks of lobster. My boyfriend ordered the tortellini with white truffle oil and pesto. I had a bite and it was also very good.
We were all stuffed so didn't order dessert, but they brought out some complimentary dessert and port for us for the birthday celebration, which I thought was a very nice touch.
We ordered 3 bottles of wine off the menu, all of which were good and reasonably priced.
I really wish I lived in the neighborhood so I could come here more often. The restaurant is super cute and cozy! I would definitely recommend for a romantic night out or with a small group.
Allegro personifies the perfect neighborhood Italian restaurant. Tucked away on a residential block of Russian Hill, we were treated like royalty from the moment we walked in. The evening started with complimentary bruschetta and ended with complimentary port (including a free refill!) In between we enjoyed a fantastic asparagus appetizer (beating out my previous favorite at Tommaso's) and some of the tastiest pasta I've had in San Francisco.
Be prepared for the manager (owner?) busting out a sing along version of "That's Amore!" that should have been cheesy but for some reason seemed to work.
This is my new favorite restaurant. Ate here Friday night with out of town friends. Called earlier in the day and was able to get an 8:30 reservation- other than that they were fully booked. (Note: at least for a weekend night you DO need a reservation. While we were waiting for our table many walk-ins were turned away.)
This is a small charming restaurant with wonderful food and amazing service. I had the perfect green salad and the fettuccine with white truffle oil. It was rich, but really wonderful. My friends enjoyed their meals as well- the asparagus ravioli and the chicken with capers. There were plenty of pasta options for vegetarians, which was nice. The tiramisu is wonderful. Cabs can be difficult to get after the meal, so ask them to call you one as you are getting ready to leave. Otherwise it is a steep walk down to Polk St.- not fun if you are in heels and had plenty of wonderful well-priced Italian wine with your meal.
A great place to take parents to. A great date place. Generally a wonderful little place that is terrific value!
Special Truffle Menu & Prix…
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
Get a complimentary Bottle of…
Neighborhood: Civic…
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Russian Hill
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
Category: Italian
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