On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

The Steps of Rome Caffe

3 star rating
based on 369 reviews

Category: Italian

Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
348 Columbus Ave
(between Grant Ave & Vallejo St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 397-0435
Hours:

Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Fri-Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Parking:
Street
Price Range:
$$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Dinner, Late Night
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
You Might Also Consider

Pomodoro Pizza

3.5 star rating
57 reviews
Neighborhood:
Financial District

"I tried this place the other day and thought the pizza was pretty good.  Food: They serve pasta, salads, and most importantly pizza. It's…" read more »

369 reviews for The Steps of Rome Caffe

Review Highlights   

user photo
"Now the selling point: The best home-made tiramisu IN TOWN." (in 71 reviews)
user photo
"Chocolate profiteroles and affogato topped off a really easy sunday night…" (in 5 reviews)
user photo
"Regardless, some favorites: Penne a la vodka sauce - delish." (in 10 reviews)
  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Christine Y.

 

28

21

Christine Y.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
11/14/2009

Ja'know, this place ain't a bad last stop before leaving the city after a night of bar-hopping, clubbing, shopping, or what have you!

My girl friend and I were introduced to this place after a nice dinner and wine bar night. We thought we were headed to the bridge when a guy friend (the driver) said: "so... I have a question for you guys."
us: "yes?"
him: "what do you think about having dessert?"
us: "*SQUEAL*, YES, you're the best!"
(Guys, there's a nice tip for you on how to get brownie points with girls.)

Since we came to top off our night and satisfy our sweet tooth, this review is JUST for the dessert. Our very friendly, 1/2 Spanish/Chilean waiter-who-lived-in-South-America-for-6-months-tra veling-and-now-lives-in-SF-and-really-misses-Barce lona-and-has-a-cute-accent sold us on his favorites: the tiramisu, chocolate souffle, and strawberries with cream.

The strawberries with cream was basically halved strawberries mixed in whipped cream in a nice serving cup. It not being strawberry season, one can imagine how the strawberries themselves tasted. I thought the cream was extremely, extremely light and airy, with a good tinge of sweetness. I ate spoonfuls at a time, and I'm not usually a cream person at all, which speaks a lot for how light it was.

The tiramisu was just OK for me. I thought the ladyfinger layers could have been thicker, there could have been more coffee flavoring, and maybe half as much cream on that top layer. Once again, I'm not really a cream person. We had a difference of opinion at the table: my guy friend says he used drive to SF just to sit in his car and eat one of these babies, come back in and order one more, eat it, nap 20 minutes, and then drive back to the East Bay. So I would definitely recommend you to try it for yourself and see what you think!

The chocolate souffle, though, is a no-brainer. This was the waiter's fave and we could all see why! Served warm with 2 scoops of French vanilla ice cream and hot fudge, this decadent dessert hits the tastebuds with a rich, soft texture on the inside, and cakey/crunchy texture on the outside. A tiny spoonful would seem to infuse every corner of my mouth with flavor, and the French vanilla was the perfect pairing. I will be begging pretty please for this dessert on future visits to SF - and it comes with a cherry on top, too. =)

Overall, the vibe here is super-friendly, feel-good, and electric. It's almost as if you would expect the most unexpected things to happen here at any moment. I hope to repeat here and try the food next time. It's open till 3am, so take advantage!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Fiona S.

 

33

25

Fiona S.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
11/20/2009

t is fashionable for a North Beach resident to despise eating on Columbus. Looking for a quick non-sandwich bite, it's a 'oh, what-the-hell' mentality. The Steps of Rome Caffe has always looked warm and inviting, with young faces in their 20's dining and laughing like they came straight out of Lonely Planet: San Francisco.

Menu Item:

Caprese
Use of beef tomatoes in a salad is always a turn off. The sad, pale red color reminds you of the flavorless adolescence prior to the discovery of heirloom vegetables. Mozzarella was sub par.

House Gnocchi
Floating in a thick puddle of tomato-basil sauce with sausage, this dish appears warm and full of texture. Upon first bite, the dream of warm pillowy potato-dough crashes and dies. The gnocchi were pasta in flavor, mud-ball in texture.

Ciopino
While the tomato-saffron broth was hearty, it lacks a brightness one usually finds in such stew. The seafood were on the overcooked side. Garlic bread sticks, however flavorful and flakey, were not able to salvage this single-noted dish.

North Beach Snootiness: 1. Columbus Ave.: 0

Recommended for-
when you want a quick, unremarkable dinner while your laundry dries around the corner

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Michelle C.

 

23

31

Michelle C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/7/2009

This place is oh-so-fun! First off, the food isn't bad @ all =) I love their super think crust pizzas and extended dessert menu! =) Whenever I'm in North Beach, I almost always stop in there for a casual, late-night craving for dessert =)

Let me warn you....it IS a little cheesy. You have guys pretending they are from Italy...with a phony accent. And, don't get offended when your waiter kisses you and grabs you by the hand, either! haha...or if he turns off the lights @ the restaurant and start grinding you with his shirt off! haha that was entertaining to watch! they always put on a good show!

Service IS a bit slow, though. But, what do you expect from a restaurant full of waiters who flirts with the girls all day long til 3am! Yes, they do open late. =)

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Emily C.

 

0

8

Emily C.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
11/23/2009

After eating at the HOUSE, our party headed over to Steps of Rome for some dessert.  

We had to wait over 30 minutes for a table, but that's really nobody's fault.  The people there were very nice and attentive.  Gave us updates on the availability of tables every 5 minutes or so.  

Once seated, our table ordered tiramisus, espresso creme brulee, cheesecake, chocolate souffle, and some other things.  All I remember is the HAZELNUT GELATO!!!!  It was awesomest!  Mmmm...I forgot about my creme brulee and kept going for my friend's gelato (that came with his chocolate souffle).  If it wasn't for the gelato, SoR would be at 2 stars.  

Side note:  My sister got a nice embarrassing "happy birthday" from the servers.  Very fun group and great energy in the restaurant.  

I would go back if I was in the area and needed a dessert fix.  Prices were about $5-7 per dessert.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Lynette M.

 

41

14

Lynette M.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
11/9/2009

Ok first parking is a pain in the b..! I would like to warn you about the music it is usually extremely high.The food is ok.I would say that the waiters are very friendly.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Christina D.

 

2

134

Christina D.

Burlingame, CA

3 star rating
11/6/2009

Their food is really good but that doesn't always mean that I want a side a creepy, overly friendly Italian guy on the side.  Sometimes it's all good and sometimes it's not.  Might comeback for their delicious food or may opt to go to the other Steps of Rome.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Liza T.

 

12

41

Liza T.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/19/2009

This review is only for dessert!  

Good selection of dessert.  Fast and friendly service,  A cool place for dessert!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Christina G.

Elite '09

87

121

Christina G.

San Jose, CA

3 star rating
9/22/2009

"Flattery will get you nowhere."  Make them drunk and THEN flatter them, and you'll probably make a lot of money.  Those who've visited Steps of Rome with a bunch of sorority girls will know what I am talking about.  By the 3rd, 4th round they no longer care about the food.  

Not that it's not entertaining to watch!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Yelena K.

 

3

10

Yelena K.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/20/2009

How this place gets bad reviews is beyond me. Considering that the food is delish, the atmosphere is fun and unpretentious (who says that the sign of good food is an over-the-top decor), and the tiramisu is to DIE FOR.

I started coming here when I was 17, and this place hasn't changed. It still looks crappy and banged up, but better yet, they still have the FOTB italian boys who work there who will flirt with a group of single girls (a MUST place if you need an emotional pick-me-up). I used to take all my girlfriends here if they had boy troubles.

Oh, and the chef if I'm not mistaken IS actually Italian. I am one of those food snobs that gets frustrated for the constant Authentic food signs with the kitchen staff that does not even come close to the restaurant ethnicity. So on the occasion that I find an Italian place that has Italian chefs working there, I LOVE it.

The food is rich and creamy, the service could be better on a busy night, but the fun atmosphere makes up for the wait. Don't expect this to be Michelin guide 5 star establishment, but if you like good pasta, you won't be disappointed. Last time we went in after Columbus day parade, were seated immediately and within minutes were sipping yummy alcoholic concoctions, followed by a wonderful dinner. The Penne A La Vodka (I hope that's the right name) is delish!!!!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Patty O.

 

15

51

Patty O.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
9/15/2009

Referring to a review that I read earlier...the dudes here definitely are flirts.  A friend of mine was asking for ketchup and they said that they didn't have any, so one of them went to like a restaurant next door and got her some ketchup packs.  Aww how nice. They even gave us free tiramisu to share, which I will talk about later.

In my opinion, this is a cute little cafe with affordable Italian food.  My friends and I all had paninis.  I had the Panina Margutta which consists of grilled eggplant and zucchini with mozerella, it was also served with salad - $5.95.  It was pretty good as far as panini goes, but nothing amazing.

What IS amazing though, is the TIRAMISU. Before this, I wasn't much of a tiramisu person, but I must say, now I have a completely different perspective on this subject. Not too sweet, or bitter, or coffee-ey, with the perfect texture, and such a pretty presentation. Yumm!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Alex C.

 

7

73

Alex C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/22/2009

Dear Steps of Rome Caffe,

How are you? I'm well, and not hungry thanks very much to you! I love our lunch dates on those lazy, idle weekdays and those quick dinners we randomly have. Your food is truly amazing, especially, your grilled salmon. I love your charming personality, and the personalities that help you function. Though half the time your insides are speaking in Italian, i feel that it adds to the ambiance. Lets not forget to mention how awesome you look. Have you been working out?... *wink*wink*... Things that can improve our relationship is if service was a bit faster, i really don't like an empty glass of water during our lunches/dinners, so lets work on that. together. Other than that, you're about perfect!

ps. your location is the best!

sincerely,
alex c.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of illya k.

 

0

13

illya k.

Oakland, CA

3 star rating
9/6/2009

OK I'll be honest two of those stars go strictly to the good looking baristas and their skills on holding a note.  Lot's of charisma and good moods and atmosphere going on, such flirts but what else can you expect from a bunch of good looking Italian baristas!!

So the other star goes strictly to the Tiramisu cuz I have yet to try another one better.  This is indeed the best Tiramisu in the Bay.  So far as the coffee and food.. hmmm.. I've had better.  The coffee is good, it isn't bad it just lacks a little "heat" (even the baristas are hotter than the coffee) my espresso/latte should be served burning tongue hot.
And Steps of Rome hasn't been serving up hotness for me.  I've gotten several tepid espressos/cappuccinos before.. Step it up eh?

The food.. well I've only dared to eat here twice.. so it wouldn't be a fair judgement.. but so far.. ehh it's OK but too many waaaaay better places for Italian food around.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Julia G.

Elite '09

598

331

Julia G.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
8/2/2009

We were headed to the taqueria down the street until one of my friends piped up, "Have you guys been to Steps of Rome? It's SO FUN!!" Somehow our drunken burrito track took a turn on to the Steps of Rome; a turn that I wasn't completely behind at the time.

I can see the appeal on some levels. As far as tourists traps go, it's probably one of the best and liveliest of the lot of them. After 8pm or so they crank up the top 40 and before you know it you're rockin' out over your pasta and wine.

I ordered the pumpkin ravioli's; it was recommended by the server. I'm not usually in to cream sauce at all but on the menu it said "a little light cream sauce." Unfortunately when I got my meal it was absolutely drenched in thick, white sauce that you could probably cut through with a knife. Man, if that's what they consider, "light," I don't even want to imagine what heavy would indicate. As far as taste goes, it wasn't half bad! The pumpkin wasn't too sweet which can often be a problem and the sauce was actually quite flavorful despite its quantity and thickness. Unfortunately my tum doesn't do well with such heavy fats so I had to call it a night after our meal.

Bottom line: I wasn't terribly disappointed but I definitely wouldn't climb any steps for it.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Charles K.

Elite '09

89

251

Charles K.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
9/2/2009

They have profiteroles! It's such a rare treat, and I can only find these in heavily Italian populated neighborhoods.

I come here just for these, and they have a vanilla variant. I would suggest sticking to the chocolate.

Coffee here is better than average, but nothing to boast about.

It's open late, has outdoor seating, and jam-packed on warm days. Ok, SF doesn't have many warm days, so sometimes it's just jam-packed.

I just went here the other day, and the profiteroles are always amazing! I had to take someone special here, and they did not disappoint.

It's fun sitting in the sun, and people watch. I always end up striking great conversations with random people, and having fun being a voyer. People in the city are magical creatures.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Anika F.

Elite '09

8

33

Anika F.

Dallas, TX

3 star rating
10/12/2009

If we were dealing in half stars, this place might rate a 2.5 for me.  I'd give the dessert/drinks a 4, and the pasta/service a 2.  Our waiter really flirtatious and just a little bit smarmy. This was funny at first, but it was impossible to get his attention when we wanted our check because he was too busy watching a baseball game on tv.  I think he was trying to coast by on the strength of his Italian accent, but the food was mediocre and I don't think I'd ever eat a whole meal here.  I might come back for the dessert wine and tiramisu again, but only if I had a lot of time on my hands.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Dani D.

Elite '09

4

113

Dani D.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
8/1/2009

Food deserves 4 stars, service (by US standards) 2 stars, the ambiance rating depends on the occasion. If you're there on a date and actually want to hear the person, 1 star. If you're there with a large group of drunk, rowdy friends, it's 5 stars.

This place is ridiculously LOUD! DO NOT bring your grandparents here. Or pretty much anyone who has a slight hearing disability or lacks the ability to shout at the top of their lungs to be heard... They play loud hip-hop music and play it at top volume, then with all the people in the restaurant shouting to be heard above the restaurant, before you know it the decibel level is equivalent to that of standing directly in front of the speakers at a rock concert.

The staff operates with the laissez-faire attitude of most European service industry employees. This means that you may get your drink order in 5 minutes, 50 minutes, or never. As long as you accept this before you go in, you'll have a great dining experience.

As for the food, I ordered my favorite Italian restaurant dish: Parmigiana di Pollo (or Chicken Parmesan) with a side of pasta. It's one of my favorite dishes, and Steps of Rome prepares it perfectly. The chicken is tender and there is lots of freshly grated cheese. A decadent dish full of calories and carbohydrates but that's what gyms and naps are for.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of ROE Z.

 

0

43

ROE Z.

Sunnyvale, CA

5 star rating
11/10/2009

This is my favorite Caffe in SF. It has a relaxing fun atmosphere with great coffee and cool energetic staff. My boyfriend and I had a great time here on his first visit to SF :)

Was this review …?

 

Photo of e s.

 

0

33

e s.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/8/2009

Great tiramisu!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Shafaq C.

 

11

58

Shafaq C.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
7/28/2009

I went to Steps of Rome after hearing that it was one of the best restaurants in Little Italy/North Beach. After feeling overwhelmed by the numerous options of italian joints, I decided to give this place a try. I had the gnocchi which was okay, the menu wasn't too accommodating for my pescetarian diet.

However, if food quality is not your priority, and especially if you're a relatively cute girl who likes italian men flirting with you, this may be the place for you. The italian waiters at Steps of Rome Caffe are very flirtatious, and will fall all over the table of girls all night. IF it's you're birthday, they will bump music, sing to you, and then probably dance and grind you in an italian waiter sandwich.

Now, it wasn't my birthday, nor am I a big fan of random guys being in my personal space...but if this is something you enjoy, Steps of Rome Caffe might just be the fun North Beach spot to take your friends to and have fun. They do it light heartedly and in a fun nature I suppose, but at the end of the day, it's a restaurant with italian men flirting with anything that moves, oh and I forgot to mention, extremely SLOW service.

Before I wrap up, a quick note on that: it took an HOUR for us to get our food. Yes, an hour. We were starving. And it was moderately busy, not even super packed. The staff were too busy dancing and flirting
that it seems they forgot about the reason everyone was there...DINNER. I guess they were trying to instill the European concept of leisure in the meals and spending a lot of time at restaurants...I would've been happier being fed sooner.

So if you go there and its always packed... it's partially because people have been there forever waiting for their food. Oh and the desserts are pretty good.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Oak L.

 

2

30

Oak L.

Oakland, CA

1 star rating
6/12/2009

Steps of Rome pissed me off this weekend.

I've talked the place up to several people as a spot with some good homemade pasta and oddly, one of the best pieces of steak I've ever had. They turned me on to carpaccio and the carbonara is awesome. I love having a glass of wine there during the day and people watching, or laughing hysterically at the sleazy waiters dancing suggestively with dingbat fakeass blond birthday girls at night.

Unfortunately, I went on Sunday afternoon with a friend, to show her how awesome it was. We were seated and then promptly ignored. For way too long. I am a patient, polite, normal human being who seems to attract bad service- so I am used to waiting a bit to order my food (is spotty service a San Francisco thing??). This shit was ridiculous. The dude was just wandering around, chatting, cleaning tables, taking other people's orders. He just left us sitting there....staring out the window.....eventually fuming and starving. So we left. Sorry, but your crappy excuse for a server cost you my business and the word-of-mouth I often give to the many special people who call me up to ask me where to eat.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Alicia K.

 

12

40

Alicia K.

Alameda, CA

1 star rating
Updated - 6/14/2009

Went back recently and had a HORRIBLE experience...1st time ever.  The new server...fresh off the boat like they're known for was cool at first...playful, sweet, and swift.  We all ordered wine and it was about 1:20 a.m.  I stepped outside to have a smoke and all of the sudden I see the server go to our table and take away the three full freshly ordered glasses.  I guess it was time for glassware to be pulled off of the floor but he could have told us when we ordered that we'd have to suck down the wine like dehydrated pigs.  The three glasses were on the bill...we took our food to go.  When questioned about the situation my girlfriend was talked down to and the server acted like it was "normal".  Maybe it's normal in his third world village but things are different in the Bay bro!  

BOOOOOOOO DEPORT THAT SERVER! Someone call the immigration!

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    1/18/2009

    When partying in North Beach...go to The Steps of Rome to end the evening.  The food is like Denny's… Read more »

Photo of Kenny L.

Elite '09

330

534

Kenny L.

San Ramon, CA

3 star rating
5/24/2009

Anyone who cannot spend a day walking from BART to Coit Tower, walk all the way to Pac Heights, Walked ALL THE WAY to J-town, MUNI to Mission with a stop over at Alamo Sq, MUNI to Union Sq., and walked to North Beach for dinner is a wimp!

So this was the place Jessika said that her friend "Wilma", who I still think is some imaginary friend, recommend as a "must do" in North Beach.

For me, on the other hand, it was an uninspiring "meh".

Long story short: Dinner was coming and my Boston Yelp friends Jessika and Paul couldn't decide on a place to eat. Union Sq area was too tourist trappy and expensive. Nob Hill didn't give that much favorable results, so it was North Beach as the destination. She has mentioned this place before leaving and so it was something that needed to be checked off, even if it took up forever to find (esp since we didn't have the addy in the first place).

We had almost given up and were ready to dine at E' Tutto Qua when I asked the host where Steps on the Rome is. Wow, it's only a block on the right of us!

Much more casual than E' Tutto Qua. There even were games of soccer and the Cav vs Orlando basketball game on. I had the cioppino, which was "House specialty: hearty fish stew with mussels, clams, salmon, calamari, shrimp, & scallops in a fresh vegetable & tomato saffron broth; served with garlic crostini". While it wasn't distasteful, it didn't have that "ShamWow factor" to it.

Note to self and others: Not a destination worth going to! :(

Was this review …?

 

Photo of theresa d.

 

8

111

theresa d.

Daly City, CA

3 star rating
9/15/2009

There are only a few places in SF that are open really late and serve dessert and this is one of them. The waiters are flirts, the music is loud, its really bright inside, and you'll prob have to yell to talk to your friends sitting at the same table. But the desserts are good and so is their coffee.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Maddy S.

 

0

83

Maddy S.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
5/22/2009

Never my first choice, but always a good backup plan!

I like their pizza, like their risotto, like their pasta, LOVE their dessert selection!
Nice wine selection, nice atmosphere both when busy and slow.

I have been coming here for 10 years. It has changed over the years as it was a great late night spot to go to on any given night of the week. It had a very multicultural scene, but not so much anymore!  

I hate that they close early these days, even on weekends!

I would still go there if I want to grab a bite after 11pm and my first choices are closed. I also find that in the midst of all the touristy places in North Beach, Steps of Rome remains genuine in a way..

Was this review …?

 

Photo of laura w.

Elite '09

65

181

laura w.

Silver Spring, MD

3 star rating
4/19/2009

The place was busy on the Saturday evening I went here. We had to wait a couple minutes outside while the waiter cleared a spot for us. There's literally no waiting room in the entrance.

It was OK for dinner, but not spectacular. The waiter service was a bit slow, as in a couple who came in after us actually got helped before we did, which kind of irks me. The bread was not super fresh, either.  Approaching stale...

I thought the crab ravioli with pink cream sauce sounded like it would be good, and it tasted OK. It was heavy handed on the sauce though, and I would not call it a particularly inspired dish. Boyfriend got the lobster ravioli, and he liked it though. I guess it's not that hard to cook Italian food.

Prices are OK - I would have been annoyed if it had cost more than it did,  but for what it was, I wasn't.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jay H.

 

0

45

Jay H.

Indio, CA

3 star rating
7/12/2009

We stopped by for a late-night tiramisu and coffee.  Young, hip crowd, hip-hop music blaring in the background.  

Ambience- Playful, loud, fun, friendly.

Food- The espresso and tiramisu was damn good, says the wife.

Service- Friendly, young waiters working hard for a tip.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jay W.

Elite '09

119

141

Jay W.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
4/1/2009

Back in my North Beach, single, poor but hanging with the best wingmen ever days, this was a frequent late night stop.

We didn't go there for the food but rather to find women as drunk as (or hopefully drunker than) we were.  It was a pretty safe bet.

We called it "the Steps of Bone."  Need I elaborate?

Eating here sober, though?  Shudder.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Lena D.

Elite '09

77

205

Lena D.

San Jose, CA

2 star rating
8/12/2009

came here over the weekend because a friend hyped up the place.

1 star for the profiteroles and 1 star for the sauce used in the penne a la vodka sauce and the lobster ravioli..

the bread was stale and only tasted good when dipped in the sauce of my ravioli.. i was told the bread is usually fresher..

the lobster ravioli was okay but not great. it seemed like it was frozen and microwaved.. there was a lot of filling which was great but again.. it didnt wow me..

the service was not slow as past reviews have indicated.. although it wasn't busy....

the profiteroles (dark) was delicious though..

i wish i liked it better.... but it doesnt get more than 2 stars from me..

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Purple Lotus x.

 

5

36

Purple Lotus x.

San Mateo, CA

1 star rating
Updated - 6/30/2009

Won't be going there again...ever. This was a few months ago. Had a friend visiting and we were looking for a restaurant. All of them were full but it seemed that the wait at the Step of Rome was a big shorter so we waited there.

We were a group of 6. Got a table. Sat down to order. Bread comes. Usual stuff except that my slice of bread....HAD A CLUMP OF HAIR IN IT! Not A hair...a CLUMP of hair. I am not that squeemish. If it is a hair I might just throw that piece of bread away and not be bothered. This was quite a lot to deal with.

When I could finally get our waiter's attention I told him. He looked at it. Took it away. No apologies no nothing. I was upset. The food came and I barely ate it since I had lost my appetite. I wonder why?

We couldn't get out of thee fast enough. When the tip came we tipped half. I wrote on the receipt because there was a clump of hair in my bread. The manager processed the payment and came to see what was going on. I explained and he apologised. I said that I was more upset since the waiter didn't even comment on it. No apology no nothing. I told him I wanted to say something since they should know if their food has been contaminated. He explained that the bread is purchased from a bakery and he would speak to them. That is all I needed.

He gave us a free dessert but no one touched it. Obviously quality control and customer service isn't really a priority. They think that the waiters spoon feeding cream to their female customers will be enough to distract from the quality of food.

Never again.

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    12/22/2007

    Just got back from Steps of Rome. We had dessert and it was great! We ordered the chocolate souffle,… Read more »

Photo of debbie t.

 

6

19

debbie t.

Berkeley, CA

2 star rating
9/18/2009

This is the first restaurant I tried in Little Italy, and I was so disappointed!  For an Italian resturant, I expected better, much better.

First off, the service is horrible.  When my friends and I arrived for dinner, we were promptly seated, but not given menus.  We tried to flag down a waiter, but after 15 minutes, we got up and got the menus ourselves.  One of the "supposed" charms of the resturant is the good looking waiters.  Um..where?  I sure didn't see any.  They may be good looking, but their attitude towards service made them worst than Snow White's stepmother.  

They give you bread, but it's not worth trying.  In fact, ask them to take it back.  It was dry and stale; I had better cardboard.  Even, the olive oil and vinegar didn't make it taste any better.

Next off food...I ordered crab ravioli.  The filling for it was AMAZING!  The zest of lemon, buttery, meaty crab...yummy!  But, the chef had to ruin it by under-cooking the pasta.  And, by giving me 5 pieces.  My friends ordered the pesto and goocchi.  The pesto was okay...not fabulous. But, can anyone really go wrong with pesto?  The only good one was the gnocchi, but that was probably bc of the sausages.  Sausages make everything taste better.  

Since it was my friend's birthday, we ordered a tiramisu, hoping that she might get some action.  Okay, the guys weren't cute, but it was her birthday--she deserves a lap dance!   The waiter dropped the cake on our  table and walked away.  Where was the dancing? The singing?  By now, I was ready to leave.  I took a bite of the tiramisu and cringed.  Not enough rum.  And, the cream tasted like lard.  The cake wasn't even moist!  Like the bread, it tasted like it had been sitting out for days.

Bottom line: Don't come here.  Scratch that; come here when you're drunk.  The food will taste better.  And, the bartistas will look better.  And, maybe their service would look like actually service.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Sean S.

 

13

9

Sean S.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
5/23/2009

I mainly wandered in here because it was after 11 on a friday and I was dying for some food, and they were open.

I had the pumpkin ravioli, which was good and filling, but seemed kinda pricey, but pretty typical for North Beach.
The place was hopping and there were three birthdays going off in the short time I was there, and in two of them, the guys working there decided it was their duty to sort of "dirty dance" with the birthday girls, which was a unique spectacle to say the least.

My food came at a decent speed, but overall the service was slow. It took me a 2nd try to get my beer and the check was REALLY slow in coming.

Anyhow... for me it was a late night place to eat, and it served it's purpose and it was slightly amusing.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of aspasia s.

Elite '09

265

881

aspasia s.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
Updated - 6/10/2009 1 photo

I'm so 3008 -

YO so 2000 AND LATE!

This place is so YESTERYEARS!

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 1 star rating
    9/26/2005

    I would tend to agree that steps has evolved into a sleazy tourist and bridge.n.tunnel attraction.… Read more »

Photo of Nathalie C.

 

11

60

Nathalie C.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
4/13/2009

All 3 times I came here, it was dead.  I like that about a restaurant...the food was ok, but there was a hair on one of the 'clean' plates they had delivered for bread.  

The service is good, very friendly, but a bit slow.  It wouldn't be my first choice on North Beach, but maybe the third.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Angela P.

Elite '09

143

268

Angela P.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
5/23/2009

This is a gem of North Beach.  

I love this place!  I have been coming here since high school and it is still a charmer.  I have only eaten dessert and had coffee here.   The desserts are great, the coffee authentic and strong, and the vibe is so fun.  The is one of the best places to sit outside and watch the crowds and sip on espresso and chill out.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Vithiet K.

Elite '09

11

42

Vithiet K.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
4/24/2009

3.5 stars.
I've been going there semi regularly for the past 5 years.
The place has ups and downs.
It's small so it feels cozy when empty, but loud when crowded. In general the staff is nice and cool, but some of the guys might have a little too much of that Italian attitude, which might annoy some.

The food also has ups and downs; a slight tendency to be too salty somethimes. Fettuncine carbonara is good. I probably will misspell that but the Spiedi di Gembini is also very good.

Now the selling point: The best home-made tiramisu IN TOWN. Period.

Why I now write a review: they just started accepting Amex!

My recommendation: don't go there on week end evenings.
Best time is a sunny afternoon,sitting outside, just for a couple of (overpriced) coffees and a slice of tiramisu!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Kari S.

Elite '09

125

157

Kari S.

Sunnyvale, CA

3 star rating
2/2/2009

Steps of Rome has excellent service (extra star!).  They are warm, attentive, AND baby friendly.  Three and a half of us (the "half" being Jacob, my friend's adorable little chunk of a baby) came here to dine last week and looked around to see two other infants at various tables.  The wait staff doted on the kids and gave them maracas to play with.  It was quite the fun outing.

Unfortunately, the food was...lacking.  The sauce, however, was not.  Between the three of us, we ordered saltimbocca, pumpkin-sage ravioli, and some sort of pollo ala romana dish - and what we got was soup.  Each dish was swimming in salty, excessive sauce.  Now, I'm no land-lubber but that was overkill even by my standards.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Sam W.

Elite '09

16

119

Sam W.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
5/11/2009

They have very good sweet treats here! I came here with a fairly large group (6-8) of people once in the afternoon. The staff was friendly, and there was a large selection of goodies. Each of us ordered something different, and they all came out looking very nice. I don't remember what I ordered, but it was one of their cakes (tiramisu, probably).

I would recommend this joint!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Justin C.

Elite '09

341

308

Justin C.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
2/6/2009

If you're not sick of the "We Italian.  We da best!!  We italian.  We da best!!" bravado, you'll love Steps of Rome.

Groups of stupid young girls from the suburbs with their princess tiaras and what passes for fashion these days LOVE this place.

Bad food, dance music, and obnoxious Italian accents.  Cheap sex with guys pretending to be Italian in the famous "Rape-o-Matic" bathrooms.

I'm glad the waiters routinely get their asses kicked, usually by angry boyfriends  and husbands who won't stand by watching their girls going into the bathrooms then getting sexually assaulted.

I'm not condoning violence, but if a waiter ever tries to drug, rape and steal your girlfriend and you punch his lights out, I don't think anyone would blame you.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Samantha M.

 

8

103

Samantha M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/1/2009

Bravo!  Bravisimo! When in North Beach, I usually stop in here during the mid-afternoons... during non-peak times between lunch and dinner when I  don't want to be bothered with some of the pricier restaurants down the street and when I'd like to get some reading and/or studying done. When I enter the building, I am greeted by at least three very cute Italian guys, who yell simultaniously: "Buon giorno, signorina!" Then at least two of them grab a menu and attempt to beat the other one over to the table.  It's so cute. The men are hot and attentive. Since I go there during non-peak hours they often come over to ask me how everything is and to refill the water, etc.  The food is great. I've tried a variety of things on their menus and nothing has dissappointed me, but the best is definitely their TIRAMISU. Definitely THE best Tiramisu I've had outside of Italy. Sometimes I go there just for the Tiramisu, and their version of hot chocolate, which I also love to death. I was going there 3 times a week for their tiramisu, then I decided to cut back a bit so I can keep my figure so the waiters will keep tripping over themselves when I come in!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Waj S.

 

0

1

Waj S.

San Jose, CA

3 star rating
9/7/2009

Nice place for dessert. Chocolate truffle and tiramisu are my favorites. I love the life in this place. Ideal for a bday celebration ;-)!!!

Was this review …?

 

1 to 40 of 369 |  
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ...
Write a Review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

  • Photo of Steps of Rome Trattoria

    Steps of Rome Trattoria

    3 star rating
     232 reviews

    Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

    Category: Italian

  • Photo of Panta Rei Restaurant

    Panta Rei Restaurant

    3.5 star rating
     323 reviews

    Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

    Category: Italian

  • Photo of Caffe Puccini

    Caffe Puccini

    4 star rating
     102 reviews

    Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

    Category: Sandwiches

  • Photo of E' Tutto Qua

    E' Tutto Qua

    4 star rating
     408 reviews

    Neighborhood: Nob Hill

    Category: Italian

  • Photo of Ristorante Ideale

    Ristorante Ideale

    4 star rating
     160 reviews

    Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

    Category: Italian

People Viewed This After Searching For...