Laiola
(415) 346-5641
2031 Chestnut St
San Francisco,
CA
94123
37.8006
-122.4367
Neighborhoods: Marina, North
What People Are Saying About Laiola
The Editor
Patrick Heig
Citysearch
This modern Spanish tapas bar gets the young stilettoed and stylish crowd indigenous to the area as well as dedicated foodies you don't normally find in the Marina. Chocolate brown, caramel and red walls accented by a copper bar frame chatty groups lounging on oxblood leather banquettes and couples at the two-top tables by the streetside windows. The small plates--house-made wild boar chorizo inside bacon-wrapped Medjool dates, and the famous (don't miss them) chickpea croquettes, and a flavorful salchichón studded with creamy chunks of fat--are difficult to share, though that has more to do with delicious than with size of portion. Ace bartender Brooke Arthur's specialty cocktails are a smash-hit as well, though they tend to cause crowds to swell, which is Laiola's main weakness, although it's not usually considered one in a neighborhood where the most popular restaurants have bar-like scenes during the dinner hour.
User Reviews
RichardWS
February 20, 2009
The headline says it all. This restaurant is immune to one having a bad experience. I have eaten here over six times in the past six months, and it just keeps getting better! I just wish I lived in the Marina area so that I could frequent it more! (The Red Sangria is amazing!)
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1mag
November 08, 2008
In 12 years living in SF and dining out regularly, this ranks as one of the worst 3 restaurants I?ve eaten at. We had to wait 15 minutes to be seated for our reservation. Our group of 7 was squeezed into a table for 6. The entire table had to be moved out for someone to use the restroom. It took 10 minutes for them to take our order and another 10 minutes to bring our drinks. 20 minutes is a long time to sit at a restaurant with nothing but water in front of you. The food (small plates) did not match the menu on website. The variety, selection and overall taste of their dishes was uninspired. We were told that you can only order their grass-fed steak medium-rare or well done and that they ?don?t do temperatures.? Too bad they made such a fuss about their steak because it was ultimately chewy and overly buttered. We had to ask 3 times for one couple?s overly cooked steak to be delivered. By the time it came, the rest of the table was finished, so we watched as they ate by themselves. There are so many wonderful restaurants in SF. This is not one of them.
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tommoxie
June 23, 2008
for all that love calimari this is the place save the sace to dip in ur bread :) every thing was great that we orderd excepted for the potatos i could make them better at my home.i orderd the wine from the list and ask the waiter what was best for the dishes and he was right on cant remeber his name but was fast and very helpful :) :) the chesse cake was alittle dry but the brulay was fantastic love the small sevings so all can get a small taste of exselence dont pass up the lamb cook to perfetion with the greens ummy ty!!!!! :)
read full reviewThe Details on Laiola
Where to Sit:
For a romantic evening, ask for the semi-secluded table for two just inside the entrance.
What to Drink:
Take advantage of Laiola's carafinas (about one-third of a bottle) and try a few wines from the unique offerings. A must try: the nectar-like vino dulce with dessert.
When to Go:
Laiola is open everyday, making it ideal for a casual bite after work.
Know Before You Go:
While the restaurant accepts reservations, those who arrive early for pre-dinner drinks may have to sip their cocktails awkwardly in the doorway, as the bar is reserved for walk-in diners and there's often a long wait list for a seat.
Save Money:
Want to go out to a nice dinner with your unemployed friend without a side of awkward? Bring'em to Laiola, where they'll comp the meal of your recently laid off friend on "Pink Slip Sundays."
The Extras:
Do not, under any circumstances, miss the pan con chocolate with sea salt and olive oil. Seriously.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, People Watching, Business Dining, Date Spot, Group Dining, Happy Hour, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene, Notable Wine List
General Info:
Notable Chef:
Mark Denham
