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The Italian Homemade Company
Master Critic Review
The Italian Homemade Company
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Counter-service Italian spot known for housemade pastas and daily baked trays of meat or veggie lasagna. Portions are generous and pricing stays friendly, making it an easy stop before a show or while strolling Hayes Valley.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meat Lasagna (béchamel & bolognese), Veggie Lasagna (spinach pasta, seasonal veg), Piadina with Prosciutto
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Housemade lasagna in both meat and vegetarian versions at counter-service speed.
Who should go: Casual pasta fans on a budget
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner to avoid lines
What to order: Meat lasagna, veggie lasagna, tiramisu
Insider tip: Ask for warm focaccia to mop up extra béchamel and sauce.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley is limited, especially evenings and weekends. Paid garages are within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual. Jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation-friendly with occasional bustle at peak times.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes at peak hours; counter moves steadily.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though seating can fill around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – full vegetarian lasagna and pasta options are available.
Vegan options: Limited – most items include dairy; salad and a few sides are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta or prep, so not recommended for strict gluten-free diets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more casual counter-service, so better for a laid-back meal than a romantic night out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don’t take reservations. Just order at the counter and grab a table if available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, very. Families with children are common, and portion sizes work well for sharing.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable housemade lasagna and pastas without the formality of a sit-down Italian restaurant.
Skip if: You want a romantic dinner setting, craft cocktails, or gluten-free options.