Low prices are the draw at this North Beach people-watching spot.

(510) 343-6143

431 Columbus Ave (Vallejo St)
San Francisco, CA 94133 37.7989 -122.4081

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Neighborhoods: North Beach, Northeast

Hours:

Daily 11:30am-11:30pm

Price:

$

Last updated 2.03.12

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

Cash

Restaurant Special Features:

Lunch Spot, Late Night Dining, Romantic Dining, Group Dining

Cuisine:

Pizza, Italian

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…

Provided by CityGrid

Read more from the owner

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

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…

Editor's Tips

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.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/23/09

Great Italian food and service

by maddergoose at Citysearch

Niccolo did an excellent job of letting us just relax and enjoy our dinner. The staff also did a great job of reccommending the best wine. we truly enjoyed our panta rei experience

  • Pros: good staff, great food
1 Star Rating: Poor

03/22/09

Worst Meal in San Francisco

by sportsfansf at Citysearch

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.

  • Pros: Friendly Staff
  • Cons: Tasteless Food; Mediocre Service; Dirty
4 Star Rating: Recommended

03/16/09

Good Food, Loud

by JD1B at Citysearch

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.

  • Pros: Good Food, friendly service
  • Cons: Loud
3 Star Rating: Average

12/18/08

So so?

Contributor at Citysearch

The atmosphere was great but food was so so... it could have been better,The atmosphere was great but food was so so... it could have been better.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/13/07

AMAZAINGLY DELICIOUS! OVER the TOP SERVICE!

by ibsonia at Citysearch

Panta Rei has the best representation, presentation, and quality that I have ever experienced. Hands down the best Itallian food and service. I recommend this restuarant to anyone who enjoys high quality food, wine, good music, and over the top service. The Tiramisu is the BEST!!

  • Pros: A Place for Anyone to Enjoy!
  • Cons: I wish there was one in San Diego

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.

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