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Marcella's Lasagneria
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Marcella's Lasagneria
8.1
Casual Dogpatch counter-service spot focused on handmade lasagnas and homestyle pastas, with a few outdoor tables for relaxed, affordable al fresco meals. Portions and pricing make it a solid weeknight choice without sacrificing Italian comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Abruzzo (sausage), Bolognese lasagna, Sicilian eggplant lasagna
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Handmade lasagna program with multiple regional styles served outdoors at casual prices.
Who should go: Pasta lovers on a budget
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner to avoid lines
What to order: Abruzzo, Bolognese, Sicilian eggplant
Insider tip: Grab to-go lasagna and snag a sidewalk table for the fastest experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Dogpatch is usually manageable midday but fills quickly after 6pm; no valet service available.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and sneakers are fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low to moderate—generally quiet enough for easy conversation outdoors.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes at peak, since seating is limited outdoors.
Weekday lunch: No wait most days; lines move quickly for counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian lasagna and pasta options are always on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited—occasional rotating vegan pasta or lasagna, but not a dedicated section.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pastas or lasagnas; best for those without strict dietary needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual hangouts or low-key dates—outdoor tables are cozy but the counter-service format is less formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—tables are first-come, first-served. Arrive early on weekends to secure outdoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple pasta and lasagna plates work well for kids, though seating is limited and there’s no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Affordable handmade lasagna and pasta in a casual, neighborhood setting—great value compared to sit-down Italian spots nearby.
Skip if: Skip if you want a polished, full-service Italian dinner with wine pairings—this is more of a comfort-driven, counter-service experience.
Marcella's Lasagneria
8.3
Family-operated lasagneria specializing in ultra-thin pasta layered with béchamel and house-made fillings, served in generous portions roughly the size of a small novel. Seven signature lasagna varieties alongside panini, flatbread pizzas, and daily soups make this a Dogpatch lunch destination with sidewalk patio seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Abruzzo Lasagna with House-Made Sausage, Mushroom Lasagna, Butternut Squash Lasagna
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Dedicated lasagneria with seven unique varieties and authentic Italian cheese imports
Who should go: Lasagna lovers, families wanting generous portions, lunch crowds
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner; closed Sundays
What to order: Abruzzo or Mushroom lasagna, Caprese salad with imported mozzarella, whole tray for events
Insider tip: Order lasagna cold to-go and heat at home for easy weeknight dinners
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking easy in this part of Dogpatch - no meters, usually find spots within a block. This is one of SF's easier parking neighborhoods.
Dress code: Ultra-casual - work clothes, gym clothes, whatever. You're eating lasagna on paper plates at a counter or sidewalk patio.
Noise level: Low to moderate - small space with limited seating means intimate and conversational. Outdoor patio is quiet.
Weekend wait: Closed Sundays; Saturday lunch (10am-2pm) can have 10-15 min wait during peak noon hour
Weekday lunch: 5-10 minutes typical during lunch rush (12-1pm); otherwise walk right in. Limited seating means turnover is quick.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - four varieties: Sicilian Eggplant, Mushroom, Butternut Squash, and Verdura (vegetables). Also vegetarian panini and salads.
Vegan options: Very limited - most lasagnas contain béchamel, cheese, and eggs in pasta. Salads can be modified; best to call ahead.
Gluten-free options: No - this is a pasta-focused operation with housemade lasagna sheets as the centerpiece. Not the place for GF needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates no-frills authenticity over ambiance. You're eating on paper plates in a tiny space or sidewalk patio. Better for established couples who value great food over romance - think '3rd date comfort food' not '1st date impression.'
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they accommodate groups of 6+ with advance notice, but walk-ins are the norm. It's counter-service style with limited seating. Arrive before noon for best table selection, or plan for takeout if it's crowded.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - paper plates mean no stress about broken dishes, portions are huge so kids can share, and the family-run vibe welcomes children warmly. All ages work here. Outdoor patio seating is ideal for wiggly toddlers.
How much food is one portion really? Seriously huge - each individual lasagna serves 1-2 people easily. Think 'meal prep for two days' not 'single lunch.' Many diners take half home. Whole sheet trays ($80) serve 6 people generously.
What's the best way to experience Marcella's? Order one lasagna for every two people, add a Caprese salad to share, and embrace the casual sidewalk patio vibe. Or get it cold to-go and reheat at home - many locals treat this as their Italian meal-prep source.
Best For
Better for: Authentic homestyle lasagna, massive portions at fair prices, quick lunch turnaround, takeout/catering for events, family-run warmth, non-touristy Dogpatch location, lunch meetings near Chase Center
Skip if: You want sit-down dinner service with wine and ambiance, need gluten-free options, expecting cloth napkins and formal service, want traditional spaghetti/meatball Italian-American fare, or dining after 2pm on weekdays