Allegro Romano

To truly experience Allegro Romano, you have to be open to it. This is our 2^nd time here and it was just as fun and unique as the 1^st.
If you can, sit at the front table by the window. And be prepared to spend a couple hours here, because, in true Italian fashion, you are invited to stay all night if you really want.
Despite the elegant ambiance, the Italian-​born owner, Lorenzo, can be seen walking around in his tie-​dye shirt amongst his dress-​shirt-​and-​slacks-​wearing staff. At any other restaurant, he would be considered crazy, but his eccentricity helps make this place memorable.
It’s hard to find parking on the street, so Lorenzo helped my dad find a spot in his own personal driveway. Later on, when my dad ordered a glass of tawny port, Lorenzo came over and took a sip out of my dad’s glass, saying that, he too, wanted a glass. He came back with a bottle, opened it, poured himself a glass and then topped off my dad’s. If a waiter at Applebee’s started drinking out of your soda cup, you’d probably be concerned, but not with Lorenzo.
As for the food, it’s the best Italian I’ve ever had. We ordered three appetizers: the Roasted Beets Caprese ($ 12), the San Daniele Prosciutto ($ 17), and Tortelloni ($ 22). The latter two were my absolute favorites. I couldn’t stop dipping my bread in the arugula pesto sauce that tops the Tortelloni.
For my meal, I got the Petto di Pollo ($ 22), which was fantastic. Every bite of chicken was superb with the orange-​marsala sauce.
My fiancée got the Gnocchi ($ 22), which featured part 2 of my bread-​dipping fiesta. This was probably my favorite dish. The garlic was perfectly proportioned in the old Madeira sauce.
For dessert, we got organic strawberries with chocolate sauce, along with the Tiramisu – which was terrific. They also gave us complimentary biscotti and watermelon. Oh, and I can’t forget the endless dessert Ruby Port on the house! They literally just keep pouring it if you want.
Upon leaving, the three servers who were assigned to our table, plus Lorenzo, came out to hug us all goodbye.
If you want to go out for a REALLY nice meal without breaking the bank, I suggest heading here. While it’s not cheap, you and your date could probably leave here under $ 80 (more if you drink alcohol).
The funny thing is, as amazing as the food tastes, it’s not even what you remember here. It’s the experience as a whole. Allegro Romano is definitely one of my favorite restaurants ever!

Terrible service!!! The waiter (who claimed to be the owner) was rude, forgot dishes and blamed it on us, and then overcharged us — the prices on the check had no correlation to the menu. Check your bill!

My favorite Italian restaurant in SF so far! The food is amazing!!!
The treatment of the owner and waiters is very special. Their wine is quality! And the place is super cozy in a very romantic place in nob hill with a bay view and financial district.
Recommended for a romantic dinner!

Delicious food. Nice waiters. Lovely atmosphere, but, not sure who the guy in charge was, but he was a little snotty and not dressed very nice for such a nice restaurant.

New FAVORITE restaurant in SF!
(And we have lived here for 20+ years)
You know how we are all looking for that hidden restaurant that has predictably amazing food, a local, inviting feel where you look around and everyone is having a great time and enjoying themselves and their food and you feel like you’re a part of a community? Well, Allegro Romano is that place!
Huge kudos to Lorenzo for making each guest feel so appreciated and for all the special welcoming touches that make you feel like you are a guest in his home. Again, the food is spectacular. I promise you will leave feeling happy to have eaten at this local gem of a restaurant.
We will be back soon and often!
Liz and Mike

Everything about this place is perfect. Best Italian restaurant in San Francisco. The owner Lorenzo is so attentive and the food is absolutely amazing. It’s more than just going out for a nice dinner with great food, it’s an experience. On top of it all, the prices are modest. Best kept secret in SF by far.

Went tonight, highly recommended, I found it to be over rated. The food was ok, but not the wow factor I would prefer.

Some things are best unexpected. This one was it. I left it up to someone else to decide where to dine and that doesn’t happen too often. (However, I was secretly testing the waters to see where I will be taken.)
Located on top of Russian Hill and at a corner spot surrounded by residential homes, this restaurant may be quite modestly hidden. Let’s keep it that way because it leaves it so charming to be dining here.
Entering inside from a fairly long week, the tables are topped with rose petals, which exudes the romantic ambiance of a wine and dine affair that awaits.
Service was splendid. Wine was recommended by our lovely, red lipstick waitress and it complimented well with the entrees. I insisted on ordering up a bottle to indulge for a Fri-​date. Why not? It calms the nerves and lessens my anxious mind, which puts me at ease for a suave conversation to take place.
They offer a tasting family menu that included 4 courses with dessert. I’d wish I have known that so I could have tried a varietal of dishes from this intimate restaurant. (Probably, it was a sign to return.)
Our waitress informed the chef to divvy up the plates and it was nice. They sure know how to cook up their creamy risotto. I adored the scallops with squid ink risotto in aged balsamic bell pepper bisque as a starter. Their dover sole fish in caper sauce with black olive risotto was solid and on point. I loved the lobster ravioli with pink vodka sauce. It was superbly fresh and every bite of that was accounted for.
It was about sunset when the dining was over and there was still daylight. If you step right outside, the view of the city with the Transamerica building at the central point, is at a bird’s eye.
There’s nothing like an admirable city view in sunset colors with pleasant dining to end a healthy day.
I had a lovely time here and this restaurant surely caught me off guard on how pleasant it was to be!
The best things are unexpected because there were no expectations. Contemplated and saw that begin again. Yours truly, Tiffany D.

The food, service, ambiance and location were all terrific! From our table in the front window, we could see the bay bridge lights and the top of the Transamerica building. Our server was fun, knowledgeable and attentive. We shared wine, appetizers, entrées and desserts and everything was delicious! Lorenzo, the chef/​owner, checked on us repeatedly and even called taxis for us. We were the last table to depart the restaurant and he chatted with us on the street corner until the taxis arrived. Perfect night!

I came here on a Monday night with my BF and his mom. When we arrived, it seemed like they weren’t quite ready to open yet. However, the (what seemed like) owner still managed to settle us down and make us feel comfortable.
We started off with:
Seared sea scallops over black squid ink risotto — ⁵⁄₅ stars!!! All 3 of us agreed that this was the star of the whole dinner. The dish as a whole had so much depth of flavor. I’d definitely come back just for that.
As for entrees:
Homemade lobster ravioli with tomato vodka pink sauce — 3.5÷5 stars
Sea urchin pasta ala carbonara: 3.5÷5 stars
Gnocchi with foie gras & black truffles: 3.5÷5 stars
All of our pastas were creamy, relatively on the heavier side. We all thought that the pastas were ok. Not sure how to describe it, but I think it was because we were so blown away by the scallops/​risotto appetizer, our standards were probably a little too high after that.
What makes Allegro Romano 5 stars is their attentiveness and how kind/​giving they are! At the end of our meal, we were offered biscottis and dessert wine. After we finished them, we were still lounging around, and we got another plate of biscottis! How sweet! They also offered more dessert wine but we were a-​ok. Also, whenever one of us has gone to the bathroom, they always re-​folded our napkins. We were just very surprised on how awesome the service was, and the attentiveness. It was crazy!
Although the pasta was not as memorable as we had hoped, we all agreed that we would come back for the service alone. It was the experience that we enjoyed more so than the food.

It saddens me to give this restaurant a poor rating but unfortunately it never lived up to the expectations (specially after reading all the positive reviews)
I have to agree with the small group of other patrons who felt the lacking service and sub par food didn’t justify the hype.
My husband and I dined here on a Saturday night at the peak of dinner time. The reservation process itself was a nightmare– we called the restaurant where the owner answered and after perfunctory responses actually hung up on us once saying something like «we have a party that evening so no reservations». We just thought to check on open-​table in any case and lo-​and-​behold our requested time and date was very much available. We booked anyway thinking maybe there as some miscommunication over the phone.
We noticed that there were indeed 3 tables booked with larger groups of 4 – 6 people for celebration dinners of different occasions, but there were also 3 other tables including ours where couples were seated just regularly there to enjoy a meal.
My main gripes with this establishment:
— We received little or no attention throughout the evening. In fact our server was more interested in serving the other «big ticket» tables. We had to remind our server to give us some bread after 20 mins of waiting for anything to eat. This is basic courtesy.
— We were seated in the back corner and it was as if we were NOT THERE. Seriously. The owner actually went and checked with all other people on all the tables except ours (especially those with larger business)!
— the FOOD was just ok. Anyone who’s dined at high quality Italian restaurants should not be simply floored with truffles being served on a pasta. I can only venture a guess that the quality of the truffles used in this case was quite poor, as it didn’t really add any aroma to the dish. Honestly, I was really disappointed as I am crazy about truffles and was looking forward to this dish all week. We drove all the way from east Bay for this — so you can imagine how we felt. And at $ 40 a plate I certainly expected more. My husbands sea urchin pasta was in great sauce but the pasta itself was way to al dente (as was mine).
It was a memorable meal for the wrong reasons. The reluctant service along with the average food and unworthy prices made this a flop in my books.

Lorenzo is probably the greatest restaurant host I’ve ever met. His skill in the kitchen, and his instinct for what works well is spot on. Put those two things together, and he’s got a killer thing going at Allergro Romano. He has this kind of no-​nonsense yet warm and friendly approach to things that leaves you feeling like you are in good hands for dinner.
His casual approach to phenomenal food is so well done that it is almost easy to miss. It’s like being at home, where your grandmother whips up this phenomenal meal without any fuss; it just kind of happens. This is what Lorenzo does — he’s darting about, talking to customers, pouring wine, directing the staff, running back to the kitchen, and suddenly you have a curated meal in front of you. Sure you can order exactly what you want, but if you let him select a few things, you are infinitely better off.
So, details.
The wine list is impressive.
The caprese salad is awesome — he uses some kind of basil pesto that is intense, but just the right amount.
Bruschetta — can’t get enough of it.
And the entrees are top notch — Every one I’ve had is superb.
Dessert — if you are a dessert person, this place is worth it just for dessert. Let Lorenzo surprise you. You won’t be sorry.
If you are walking, it is worth the near vertical climb to the top of Russian Hill. Get up there and enjoy!

This place was absolutely fantastic. A bit out of my normal price range, but I came here with a group from work to celebrate the holidays. They had some excellent red wine and the appetizers were just fantastic. I ordered the filet mignon and it was just perfect. Nice and tender and paired superbly with the red wine (as a side note I’m not even a big drinker and it was that good). I tried the asparagus soup as well and it was rich and creamy. I immediately wished I had ordered more! The place was fantastic and I would gladly come back here again!

Confirmed reservation made through Unilocal and reconfirmed with another e-​mail reminder on the day of reservation was not honored.
Be wary of this unprofessional establishment!

I had dinner here a few nights ago. Between the three of us, we shared the heirloom tomato salad, asparagus, rigatoni with oxtail, fettucini with Bolognese sauce, and the sole. I thought everything tasted decent but nothing was very memorable that would set them apart from any other Italian restaurant in the city. Then we ended with a chocolate gelato which was my favorite part of the meal, it was encased in a chocolate crust with chocolate power on top.
I did think the service was great with our bread basket being refilled without us asking, water and wine glasses always being refilled, and a free biscotti dessert and port at the end.
I’d recommend the restaurant for someone who lives or is staying in the area that is looking for something very nearby.

What a gem! It’s a small restaurant with a very neighborhood feeling and just quintessential San Francisco. The waiters are so friendly and attentive. The place is just so old school, with white table clothes and rose pedals, yes rose pedals, on the table! And every table gets complimentary biscotti with whipped cream and the ladies get a long stem rose. All the wines are poured into glass decanters to help it air. I mean, this type of service and attention to detail just doesn’t really exist in the city anymore.
The food was amazing, too. We shared an app, a pasta and a main. The waitress split the plates for us, free of charge. She offered it, we didn’t even have to ask. We had the beef carpaccio, gnocchi and the scallopini. The gnocchi was pillowy light. It’s the top three gnocchi that I’ve had in San Francisco. We also had the cheesecake for dessert. It was OK, nothing outstanding, but definitely hit the spot.
With a bottle of wine, our total was around $ 120. Compared to 90% of middle price range restaurants in the city, I would say it’s top 8. Just fantastic.

I have been using Unilocal for a number of years now, without posting any reviews. Today I break the dry spell for Allegro Romano:
I’d first seen this spot while driving by one day and immediately added it to one of my must try spots as I’m always looking for authentic Italian in San Francisco. On a whim last night, I visited their website around 2PM looking for a reservation that evening and was booked for a table for two at 8PM. Note: I attempted to call three times around 7 to try and bump the reservation up half an hour, but my calls were not answered. Stick to online reservations for this spot.
When we arrived we were immediately seated at a nice table. While the dining room is small, it was relatively full for a Wednesday night, a good sign to me. The waiters immediately brought out bread and water and menus. We started with the Bruschetta and Prosciutto & Fresh Burrata, served with honey and oil. The Bruschetta was fresh and had a strong basil flavor, and the toast it was served on was the perfect texture for cutting (not rock hard!). The second starter was nice as well, even I enjoyed the combination of the four ingredients and I typically do not like Burrata cheese.
Our primi course included the Risotto with shaved Truffles and the Rigatoni al’ Arbëria. The Risotto was creamy, cheesy, and sitting in a savory broth that I have never experienced before with Risotto. The cherry on top was the heaping dose of freshly shaved truffle on top, which they perform at the table. If you are a truffle lover this is the dish for you. Next the Rigatoni came out, which they kindly plated on two clean, warmed plates for my Dad and I. This dish included braised oxtail in a cream sauce. The menu advertised it with porchini mushrooms but all we found were carrots. The oxtail was cooked perfectly though and I think this dish was perfect for those looking for a hearty dish.
Lastly, we ordered the Scaloppini with Porcini Mushrooms. By now, I was pretty full, so I’d like to give this one another try when I’m not so completely stuffed. Again, the waiter brought out two plates for us, already split in the kitchen. The Scaloppini was tender and came with a rich sauce that was perfect when mixed with the mashed potatoes and greens that also came with the dish.
Overall the food was very nice, but the service is what will make me recommend this to others and return myself. During the course of our meal I believe we had four different waiters and servers doting on us. Lorenzo, the host was also in on the action engaging in our questions about the ingredients and their origin throughout Italy. They pay great attention to requests in delivery of the courses, making sure to leave time between each course so all your plates don’t end up on the table at once. Even after declining desert, they still delivered a plate of fresh watermelon and biscotti to the table for us to enjoy on the house.
Come to Allegro Romano for good food, great service, and an authentic Italian experience.

Molto bene!
Allegro has the makings of the perfect dinner date: romantic environs, cozy feel and scrumptious food. Add a glass of prosecco or vino and voila! instant 5 stars date night.
Even more fun is when you’re on a double date night. Cat and Ryan have been here numerous times and swear by the foie gras pasta made with al dente rigatoni, tender aspargus spears in an undeniably rich foie gras sauce. LIP. SMACKING. GOOD. Lighten up your meal with a caprese salad and a creamy tomato soup. Finish off with the sinful chocolate tartufo (skip the cappucino cake!)
Service is easy and caring, especially when the owner hands you complimentary port, biscotti and fruit before he sends you off for part two of your date.
Where’s that? sorry, you’re not invited ;-)

Combine a legacy of having a truly authentic family restaurant in Rome with the swanky cool vibe of a quaint but elegant bistro and fresh pastas of the adjacent Italian neighborhood of North Beach in SF… and you get Allegro Romano. Often a hangout by locals (even though it’s close to the touristy North Beach), this quaint bistro on the corner of a residential tree-​lined street on the top of the hill is a gem. Proprietor Lorenzo is a charming and funny host. The staff is impeccable and always trying to foresee what you may want before you ask for it. And, like a true Italian restaurant, you aren’t rushed but are allowed to enjoy your dinner at leisure… but without having to trade prompt service. You can order off the menu or do what we sometimes do, which is ask Lorenzo to «Feed Me!» and he will bring out approximately 7 – 10 of the best items on the menu. If you are there when Lorenzo cranks up the volume on «That’s Amore!» and gets the entire restaurant to sing it, then you are in for a treat. Speaking of treats… there are rose petals on each table and often ladies will get a beautiful rose bud to take home with them at the end of the evening. Parking is difficult here as there are no nearby garages and street parking is at a premium (as this is a well established residential neighborhood), but take ground transport or catch a cab… this is well worth trekking to.

Love Allegro! I recently took my brother for his birthday and we had a great time. We are from New York, Italian and love Italian food and honestly Allegro Romano has some of the best Italian food in San Francisco.
They always have some great specials and go the extra mile with their service. It always feels cozy and the staff is so friendly.
I’ll be a customer for life.
Tip: Bring your friends visiting from out of town. It’s tucked away in a residential neighborhood and is the epitome of San Francisco dining. There is also a great view of the bay bridge just half s block from the front door.