Panta Rei
Low prices are the draw at this North Beach people-watching spot.
(510) 343-6143
431 Columbus Ave
(at Vallejo St)
San Francisco,
CA
94133
37.7989
-122.4081
Neighborhoods: North Beach, Northeast
Hours:
Daily 11:30am-11:30pm
Price:
$
Last updated 6.24.09
What People Are Saying About Panta Rei
The Owner
Panta Rei
Owner
Welcome to Panta Rei. Offering age-old Italian tradition and timeless recipes that have been passed down through generations, the restaurant successfully combines cuisine and atmosphere to create a dining experience that won't soon be forgotten. Quiet and elegant, Panta Rei is the kind of place that could be your home away from home--smells of spices and homemade cooking fill the air while a friendly and knowledgeable wait staff bends over backwards to cater to your every need.
The menu is vast and impressive showcasing traditional Italian specialties as well as modern adaptations. There is something here sure to tempt every palate even the most discriminating of gourmets. No matter what the occasion calls for or your appetite demands, the friendly staff at Panta Rei promises to make your next dining experience truly unforgettable.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
A cajoling employee beckons at the entrance in standard North Beach fashion. Handsome servers, dressed in slim black shirts and faded blue jeans, jet around the red-and-brown triangular space, barely keeping up with the influx of tourists. It's not the most exacting style of service, but it's fitting for the easygoing surroundings.
The Food
By and large, the Italian menu is a notch above most other nearby spots. Tomato bruschetta arrives with slices of squeaky mozzarella and flecks of oregano, and briny clams and mussels flaunt their stuff in a pool of olive oil-slicked tomato broth. Black olive, orange and mixed green salad is simple and carefully dressed. Gummy cream sauce does little for green-on-green spinach tortelloni, and caveman era-sized lamb shank looms over a pile of vegetables drenched in butter. By-the-book lasagna saves the day with its mild layers of pasta and bechamel.
User Reviews
sportsfansf
March 22, 2009
This is without doubt one of the worst Italian meals I've ever had. It's clear that this place is meant to draw in tourist that don't know any better. What really stands out for this place is the food, and it is tasteless! Nothing seems homemade-the Caesar salad had a totally canned/jared dressing that was thick and piled on; a pesto pasta dish had absolutely no flavor at all (it was even a bit watery); a bolognese pasta tasted liked it came right from a can of 'Chef-Boy-R-Dee.' Beyond the poor food, the place is pretty dirty, from the stained menus to them wiping the tables down so that all the bread crumbs and other table scraps slip and stay stuck between the cracks of the adjoining tables. Forks are not replaced so prepare to mix and match your starter with your entree. And not once did a waiter come by a table (we watched 5 around us including ours) to check in and see if everything was OK. Most of the staff huddled at the bar area being social, texting rather than paying attention to people eating. It's clear that this is a tourist trap to say the least. I might have expected this is Rome where I've experienced mediocre restaurants located near tourists sites, but here in S.F. It honestly makes The Olive Garden a dream destination. I only wish I read some reviews before going. Nothing personal or against the folks that work there but way too may other places in the city to eat at. Save your money and take your taste buds somewhere else..that is unless you like bland food.
read full review
joedrucker
March 16, 2009
Had dinner on a Saturday night. The food was good. Very simple italian dishes and the ingredients tasted fresh. My wife and I had a really good meal, reasonably priced. This is not a romantic restaurant. House music playing in the background and the restaurant was very busy. In my opinion this would be a good group dinner place or dinner before a night on the town.
read full reviewAnonymous
February 14, 2009
This restaurant has great Italian food. I really enjoy their raviolis and spaghetti and homemade spaghetti sauce, Servers are very friendly and professional. Prices are pretty good.
read full reviewThe Details on Panta Rei
Where to Sit:
A handful of outdoor tables are prime locations for taking in the hustle and bustle of Columbus Avenue.
Know Before You Go:
This restaurant takes cash only.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Lunch Spot, Late Night Dining, Romantic Dining, Group Dining
Cuisine:
Message from Panta Rei
- Authentic Italian cuisine
- Friendly staff
- Traditional specialties
Welcome to Panta Rei. Offering age-old Italian tradition and timeless recipes that have been passed down through generations, the restaurant successfully combines cuisine and atmosphere to create a dining experience that won't soon be forgotten. Quiet and elegant, Panta Rei is the kind of place that could be your home away from home--smells of spices and homemade cooking fill the air while a friendly and knowledgeable wait staff bends over backwards to cater to your every need.
The menu is vast and impressive showcasing traditional Italian specialties as well as modern adaptations. There is something here sure to tempt every palate even the most discriminating of gourmets. No matter what the occasion calls for or your appetite demands, the friendly staff at Panta Rei promises to make your next dining experience truly unforgettable.
