0 Followers
The Italian Homemade Company
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
The Italian Homemade Company
7.9
Fast-casual pasta shop turning out meaty and veggie lasagnas made with fresh pasta sheets. Lines move quickly, portions are generous, and prices are friendly for the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meat Lasagna (Bolognese & Béchamel), Veggie Lasagna, Piadina Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fresh pasta sheets and wallet-friendly, counter-service lasagna.
Who should go: Casual diners wanting speed and value
When to visit: Midday to avoid peak dinner lines
What to order: Meat Lasagna; Veggie Lasagna; Gnocchi add-ons
Insider tip: Grab focaccia or piadina to mop up extra sauce.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—limited spots along Columbus Avenue and neighboring blocks; garages nearby on Vallejo and Stockton.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; most diners wear jeans or everyday clothes.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversation is easy at off-times but energetic around dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; line moves quickly due to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 5 minutes, especially before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—dedicated veggie lasagna and several meatless pasta options.
Vegan options: Limited—sauces and pastas often contain egg or cheese; check daily specials for plant-based options.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta or lasagna; cross-contact likely due to open kitchen prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than romantic dinners; the setup is counter-service and communal, though the energy is friendly and unpretentious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted. It’s first-come, first-served, and turnover is fast thanks to quick service and shared tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—very. Families often stop in for pasta and lasagna; there’s ample space for strollers and kid-approved options like gnocchi and focaccia.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive fresh pasta without fuss—ideal for casual meals or takeout in North Beach.
Skip if: You’re seeking a slow, sit-down Italian dinner or craft cocktails; this is more a fast-casual pasta stop than a date-night destination.
The Italian Homemade Company
7.8
Counter-service pasta shop turning out fresh tagliatelle, piadine, and gnocchi with choose-your-sauce flexibility. Casual seating and quick turnover suit everyday cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle al Ragù, Gnocchi Sorrentina, Piadina Prosciutto e Rucola
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Fresh pasta, fast service, and mix-and-match sauces.
Who should go: Casual pasta fans on the go
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner
What to order: Tagliatelle ragù; gnocchi; piadina
Insider tip: Order direct for faster pickup and better prices.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only around Columbus Ave and Vallejo St; can be tough during dinner hours but easier mid-afternoon.
Dress code: Totally casual—come as you are; jeans, hoodies, or shorts all fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak meal times; quieter in mid-afternoon, though outdoor tables are near street traffic.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during rush; quick counter turnover keeps things moving.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; grab-and-go service is efficient.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample vegetarian sauces and pasta combos like pesto or tomato-basil.
Vegan options: Limited—some sauces work if you skip cheese; ask staff for details.
Gluten-free options: Not officially gluten-free; no separate prep area, though a few rice-based pastas may be available at times.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date—it’s counter-service and quick, but fun and casual for an early meetup or low-pressure hangout.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first come, first served; turnover is steady, so finding a spot rarely takes long.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—simple menu, friendly staff, and outdoor tables make it easy for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Fresh, handmade pasta to-go or casual daytime meals when you want quality without a full-service commitment.
Skip if: You’re looking for wine service, table waitstaff, or a slow, romantic dinner—this is a fast-casual setup.
The Italian Homemade Company
7.9
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Counter-service pasta shop known for fresh sfoglia, house sauces, and Romagnolo piadine. Sidewalk tables make it an easy, affordable al fresco pasta stop in the heart of Columbus Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle al Ragù, Piadina Prosciutto e Squacquerone, Gnocchi Pesto
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fresh pasta made daily with casual sidewalk seating and low prices.
Who should go: Budget-minded pasta lovers
When to visit: Mid-afternoon lull for faster counter service
What to order: Tagliatelle ragù; pesto gnocchi; piadina sandwich
Insider tip: Buy fresh pasta and sauce to cook at home—priced by the pound.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Columbus Avenue and nearby side streets; can be tough during dinner rush or weekends.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are, jeans and sneakers perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — outdoor tables face steady street chatter but still conversational.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for outdoor tables; quick counter service once seated.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during peak tourist lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta and salad options like pesto or pomodoro.
Vegan options: Limited — only a few sauce options without cheese or meat.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta, but piadine sandwiches can be customized.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual and low-pressure — it’s more cozy lunch stop than romantic dinner spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service, so seating is first-come, first-served with steady turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — quick service, approachable dishes, and outdoor seating make it easy for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, authentic pasta without the price or formality of sit-down trattorias nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for wine service, table service, or a long lingering meal.
The Italian Homemade Company
8.0
Counter-service fresh pasta and piadina keep things simple: choose a pasta shape, sauce, and a couple sides, then grab sidewalk seating. It’s an easy, affordable way to feed a family without a long sit-down commitment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle Bolognese, Pesto Trofie, Piadina Prosciutto & Arugula
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Fresh pasta, fast—customizable plates at friendly prices.
Who should go: Families needing quick pasta without fuss
When to visit: Lunch 11:30–1:00 or early dinner before crowds
What to order: Tagliatelle Bolognese; pesto trofie; piadina sandwich
Insider tip: Grab to-go and picnic on Washington Square five minutes away.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Columbus and nearby side streets; expect moderate difficulty during peak lunch and dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; jeans, sneakers, and kids in tow are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate — busy but manageable during peak hours, with outdoor tables offering more comfort for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes; lines move quickly due to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; short line around 12:15–12:45pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian pasta sauces and piadina fillings available.
Vegan options: Limited — pesto and pomodoro sauces work, but most pastas contain egg.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta prep area, so not safe for severe sensitivities.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date — it’s more of a casual lunch or quick pasta stop, but outdoor seating can still feel charming in nice weather.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service only, so tables are first-come, first-served and turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely — perfect for families with kids aged 3 and up; plenty of simple pasta options and no long waits.
Best For
Better for: Quick, customizable fresh pasta without a sit-down time commitment.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service Italian dinner with wine and table service — try Original Joe’s instead.