Laiola
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: (415) 346-5641
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Fillmore Street
- Hours:
- Daily Mon-Sun 5:30pm-10:30pm, Bar open until 11pm
Editorial Review for Laiola – by Roxanne Webber
The Scene
Laughter fills the dining room, where walls painted chocolate brown, caramel and red are accented by copper-colored ceiling panels. Groups lounge on the oxblood leather banquettes, sharing plates, while couples sit at tables and gaze out the large windows facing Chestnut Street. A partial exhibition kitchen reveals cheerful chefs slicing housemade charcuterie, while nearby the bartender pours signature cocktails and chats with guests sitting at the low copper bar.
The Food
Small plates rule the roost, from piquant Manzanillo olives flavored with thyme and lemon to a seasonal offering of Smith Ranch peaches wrapped in jamón and served on a peppery baby-arugula salad. A variety of charcuterie is prepared in-house, including wild-boar chorizo, which finds its way into bacon-wrapped Medjool dates, and a flavorful salchichón studded with creamy chunks of fat. Soft scoops of strawberry-sangria sorbet and almond-milk sherbet are garnished with a dice of fresh strawberries and make a refreshing end to the meal.
Hits: The menu standout: a perfectly seasoned baby octopus, grilled just until tender and served on a bed of fresh Romano and shelling beans, tiny pieces of celery and a tangy vinaigrette.
Misses: 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.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitFor a romantic evening, ask for the semi-secluded table for two just inside the entrance.
What to DrinkTake 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 GoLaiola is open everyday, making it ideal for a casual bite after work.
User Reviews for Laiola
01/09/2008 Posted by sfbw
My girlfriends and I were enjoying a wonderful dinner at Laiola, and right as they took our dessert away, before we had finished our wine, the host came over and politely asked us to leave since there was another table of hungry people waiting. Now, all of us at the table have served at restaurants before and we know how quickly you need to turn around tables, however, we had not been there for more than 90 minutes and were drinking wine and ordering lots of food and were in no way overstaying our welcome by any restaurants standards. To be asked to leave the table, before we were even finished, after not having been there for that long, felt totally inappropriate and is a major faux pas in the restaurant industry. I have dined here 4 other times before and each time remarked about the incredible service, fun and friendly staff and wonderful ambience...after this experience, i don't know what to think.
Pros: great food and atmosphere
Cons: asked us to leave our table before we were finished
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
01/03/2008 Posted by mak8hot
We stumble across this little trendy restaurant on a Friday night. From beginning we had good feeling about the whole ambiance. It's a wonderful place to have a great dinner and be able to talk at the same time. I love it because although it located on Chestnut but it doesn't feel like a meat market like other places.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
