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Frascati
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Frascati
8.5
Russian Hill bistro blending Mediterranean-leaning Italian plates with polished neighborhood hospitality. Handmade pastas and a thoughtful wine list make it a reliable date-night choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handmade pappardelle, Seared scallops, Burrata with seasonal accompaniments
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Mediterranean-accented Italian cooking with intimate, cable-car-adjacent charm.
Who should go: Date-night and wine-focused diners
When to visit: Early evening reservations for calm pacing
What to order: Pappardelle, scallops, seasonal burrata
Insider tip: Request a window table to watch the Hyde Street cable cars glide by.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Hyde and Union; best to use nearby garages on Polk or Lombard. No valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished but relaxed. Jeans are fine if paired with a nice top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a conversation without raising your voice, though weekend evenings are livelier.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations highly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though lunch service is less common—check current hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pastas and starters, including burrata and seasonal vegetable dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable plates if requested, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available on request; kitchen can adjust many mains.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate tables, cable-car views, and a thoughtful wine list make it a romantic but approachable choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can sometimes snag a bar seat early evening, but reservations are strongly recommended, especially weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—menu and ambiance lean adult, but well-behaved older kids are fine; no kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Romantic Mediterranean-leaning Italian meals with attentive service and a curated wine list.
Skip if: You’re looking for large groups, quick service, or a family-focused atmosphere—opt for a more casual trattoria nearby.
Frascati
8.0
Mediterranean-influenced New American bistro perched on Hyde with warm hospitality. The compact menu favors seasonal pastas, seared seafood, and classic mains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared Day-Boat Scallops, Housemade Gnocchi, Roasted Chicken
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Seasonal bistro plates in a cozy, cable-car-kissed corner space.
Who should go: Neighborhood date-night regulars
When to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations
What to order: Scallops; gnocchi; roast chicken
Insider tip: Time your arrival with the Hyde & Powell cable car stop out front.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered on Hyde; best bet is nearby neighborhood garages within a 5–7 minute walk. No valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean toward dressy casual for date night or business dinners.
Noise level: Moderate – lively but still easy to hold a conversation at a two-top.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly advised.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; steady but manageable traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – at least 3–4 seasonal vegetarian dishes, especially among pastas and starters.
Vegan options: Limited – usually 1–2 adaptable options; staff can adjust salads or sides on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – several entrées can be made gluten-free, including seafood dishes and roasted meats; gluten-free pasta available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the intimate corner setting, polished service, and cable-car backdrop create a romantic yet approachable atmosphere for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends and peak hours almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly – the compact dining room is geared more toward adults. Older kids may be fine, but it’s not ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: More intimate and neighborhood-driven than larger fine-dining spots, with a personal touch and strong seasonal pastas.
Skip if: If you’re seeking a buzzy, high-energy bar scene or extensive vegan menu, look elsewhere.
Frascati
8.2
Long-running corner bistro blending Italian and Mediterranean comforts with personable service. The compact room and cable-car views make it a reliable neighborhood classic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade gnocchi, Seafood risotto, Panna cotta
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Warm, personable hospitality with steady, classic flavors.
Who should go: Couples and small groups seeking comfort
When to visit: Weeknights before 7 pm for a quieter room
What to order: Gnocchi; seafood risotto; panna cotta
Insider tip: Cable car stops nearby—plan a scenic post-dinner ride.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Russian Hill; best to allow extra time or use nearby paid garages on Polk Street.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but most guests lean toward neat, date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate—tables are close together but conversation with your party is comfortable.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations highly recommended.
Weekday lunch: No wait—generally not open for lunch, dinner only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta and salad options can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—request modifications; about 1–2 items can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Yes—kitchen can adjust many dishes; gluten-free pasta is available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the cozy corner setting, personable staff, and cable-car views make it intimate and memorable without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for adults or older teens—no children’s menu or space for strollers, though well-behaved kids are welcome.
Best For
Better for: Better for warm neighborhood dining with steady quality and personal service than trendier Polk Street newcomers.
Skip if: Skip if you want a large, spacious room for big groups or a highly modern, experimental menu.
Frascati
8.2
Long-running Hyde Street bistro with Mediterranean-Italian leanings and friendly neighborhood service. It’s a comfortable pick for a relaxed date with well-executed pastas, risotti, and a solid wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wild mushroom risotto, Housemade gnocchi, Grilled prawns with saffron aioli
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Neighborhood bistro feel with steady, seasonal Italian plates.
Who should go: Couples wanting unpretentious comfort
When to visit: Tue–Thu evenings before peak
What to order: Gnocchi, mushroom risotto, panna cotta
Insider tip: The Hyde & Powell cable car stops right outside—plan a scenic exit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Hyde and neighboring blocks; spaces can be tough after 6pm, no valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—nice jeans and a collared shirt or casual dress fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing but still comfortable for conversation with your date.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are fine.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pastas, risotti, and starters can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 items can be adapted; ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available on request, though no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its cozy bistro feel, warm service, and comfortable noise level make it ideal for a relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weeknights, usually yes if you arrive early. On weekends, reservations are recommended or you may face a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—better suited to adults and couples. Families with older kids would be fine, but there are no high chairs or kid menus.
Best For
Better for: A more relaxed, neighborhood date night than fancier Nob Hill Italian destinations.
Skip if: You want a white-tablecloth fine dining experience or a menu heavy in vegan options.
Frascati
8.3
Long-running Hyde Street bistro serving Italian-Mediterranean plates with friendly, old-school hospitality. Limited outdoor tables overlook the cable car line for classic neighborhood charm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh fettuccine Bolognese, Russet potato gnocchi with mushrooms, Duck risotto
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Neighborhood stalwart with cable-car views and house-made pastas.
Who should go: Classic Italian lovers and locals
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm for outdoor seats
What to order: Fettuccine Bolognese, gnocchi, duck risotto
Insider tip: Outdoor tables are first-come—arrive a little early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is metered and limited; spots are scarce after 6pm. No valet service provided.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are acceptable but most guests lean slightly dressy for evening meals.
Noise level: Moderate—lively neighborhood chatter, but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: No wait—walk-ins usually seated right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta and appetizer dishes accommodate vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options available; modifications possible if requested.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available upon request, though cross-contact may occur.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate size, attentive service, and outdoor tables with cable-car views make it a charming, low-key date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early; weekends almost always require a reservation for outdoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-oriented, but older kids who enjoy Italian food are welcome. No dedicated kids’ menu or play area.
Best For
Better for: A warm, neighborhood-style bistro experience with personal service and outdoor tables overlooking the cable car line.
Skip if: You want expansive patio seating, a fully vegan menu, or a bustling, trendy bar scene—look elsewhere for those.