Ristorante Ideale
(415) 391-4129
1315 Grant Ave
San Francisco,
CA
94133
37.799
-122.4073
Neighborhoods: Northeast, Telegraph Hill
What People Are Saying About Ristorante Ideale
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Diners weary of the barkers on Columbus Avenue should consider a detour to quirky Grant Avenue instead. The restaurant has two brightly painted rooms, one with a small but full bar in the back and the other packed with couples and families next to walls with cheerful mosaics. The noise can escalate quickly and service can be erratic, but a festive spirit prevails.
The Food
The dishes here reflect the way Italians really eat. An appetizer of zucchini with truffle oil and Parmesan cheese is so delicious it's difficult to share, as are the scrumptious, smoky bundles of grilled calamari with arugula. Pastas are homemade and merit return visits, including some toothy orecchiette with pecorino and rapini, whose sole fault is the terrifying hunks of garlic. The sauce on the dry pork chop can't save it, but the accompanying roasted potatoes are flavorful and perfectly crispy.
User Reviews
mangiona
March 19, 2009
I lived in Italy for many years and this is the only place I will go for Italian food. The pastas and breads are all homemade. The orecchiete (homemade ear pasta) are better than those that my Nonna made. The shaved fennel salad with gorgonzola and oranges is another of my favoties, as are the succulent lamb chops. Don't miss the Profiterol drizzled with Chocolate or the flaky Mille Foglie for dessert. It's the only place I'll bring my Italian friends to dine. Plus with all of the friendly Italians, you feel like you're in Rome!
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skp4444
December 17, 2008
Ideale is warm and filled with smiling people. It's no wonder they're smiling considering the fantastic, unique but comforting food and the kind people who work here. I love this restaurant.
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sanfrandiner
May 27, 2008
i used to be a chef here. we throw all the unfinished wine from our patrons glasses into a big tub at the end of each night. then in the morning the kitchen staff would rebottle it in our house chianti bottles and resell it at 24 dollars a bottle. im not a bitter ex employee. in fact i loved working there. its just disgusting and illegal and just plain crazy. DONT ORDER THE HOUSE CHIANTI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
read full reviewThe Details on Ristorante Ideale
Parking:
There is valet parking available at Bocce Cafe at 478 Green Street around the corner for $12.
What to Drink:
Italian liquors like limoncello or lesser-known ones like VOV are well-represented at the bar. Be sure to ask for a recommendation.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Online Reservations, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar
