Rose Pistola
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 399-0499
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Green Street
- Specialties:
- Italian Food
- Hours:
- Lunch: 11:30am-4pm, Dinner: Sun-Thu 5:30pm-11pm, Fri, Sat 5:30pm-12am
Editorial Review for Rose Pistola – by Scott Hocker
The Scene
Columbus Avenue gets its fair share of tourists and this North Beach institution, with its exposed wood beams and sleek design, is no exception. A wood-burning oven roars away at the center of an open kitchen, while white smock-clad servers scurry around the multiple dining areas providing warm, if perfunctory, service.
The Food
Make no mistake--the olive oil-drenched antipasti are the highlight of the meal. In high spring, plates include bright-green fava beans speckled by cubes of soft pecorino; sashimi-like tuna crudo with crunchy shaved artichoke salad; and grilled rabbit livers wrapped around skewers of fresh rosemary. Main courses spotlight seafood, with more than five varieties prepared in several ways, from roasted with fennel to braised with a spicy tomato broth.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
ParkingAvoid the North Beach nightmare; valet service is offered nightly.
What to DrinkThough there are California wines on the wine list, the Italian selections pair best with the kitchen's style of food.
When to GoAvoid the crowds and dine at off-hours. Food is served all day long and deep into the night.
User Reviews for Rose Pistola
01/29/2008 Posted by TopShef
I have eaten at the restaurant a few times now and have not been overly impressed with the food; however, my last experience was enough to keep me from ever setting foot in the restaurant again. I went to the restaurant with a friend of mine this last Sunday and the place was dead (only two tables taken when we walked in). I politely told the hostess that we were only going to be ordering desert and maybe a bottle of wine or coffee. She replied that we have to sit at the bar if that is all we are ordering. No problem I thought – we walked over to the bar area and sat at a high top table just next to the bar (can actually see this in the picture they have on this site). The hostess rudely approached us and said we were not allowed to sit at the high top and that they have “rules that need to followed”. I politely asked if all the tables were reserved and if they were planning on having a rush of people to which she responded “rules are rules” Moral of the story is that I walked out and I do not plan on returning. If the restaurant was full I could understand (and even then feel it is wrong) but seeing how it was empty I feel as though it was a very bad play on their part and definitely not handled in the right manner. There are much better places to visit in this City.
08/25/2007 Posted by catholicoldman
What a great place to eat! I was there on a Saturday night and really enjoyed the Jazz. I happen to be a Spumante fiend and truly enjoyed the Ca’ del Bosco ‘Brut’ Franciacorta, Lombardia. We started with the Iron Roasted Skillet Mussels and Ahi Tuna Tartare with Green Olive Tapenade & Grilled Ciabatta as appatisers. Then we had the Mixed Grill for Two, which is a wonderful combination of Tai Snapper, Calamari, Mussles and Whole Shrimp. Then for desert you cannot miss having the Brown Sugar Corn Cake with Blueberry Basil Sorbetto & Fresh Blueberries -- it was out of this world! For really GREAT service please be sure to ask for Jen -- she really makes this place ROCK.
Pros: Too many to list
Cons: Jen does not work on Monday or Tuesday ;-)
