(415) 399-0499

532 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133 37.7999 -122.4092

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Neighborhoods: North Beach, Northeast

ROSEPISTOLASF.COM

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 8.07.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Late Night Dining, Outdoor Dining, People Watching, Family Style Dining, Online Reservations, Group Dining, Notable Wine List

General Info:

Open 7 Days

Cuisine:

Italian

What People Are Saying About Rose Pistola

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

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…

Editor's Tips

Parking:
Avoid the North Beach nightmare; valet service is offered nightly.
What to Drink:
Though there are California wines on the wine list, the Italian selections pair best with the kitchen's style of food.
When to Go:
Avoid the crowds and dine at off-hours. Food is served all day long and deep into the night.
1 Star Rating: Poor

01/29/08

Horrible Service - Very Unprofessional

by TopShef at Citysearch

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.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/25/07

Rose Pistola -- A North Beach Must...

by catholicoldman at Citysearch

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 ;-)
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/20/07

Rose Pistola a Great Dining Experience!

by calladaddy at Citysearch

This is only my second review online. In my last review I stated that Terzo was one of the best eating experiences in my 80 years in SF. Well, Mike over at Terzo recommended that I visit his wife here at Rose Pistola. Sorry Mike, I think I have to ammend my previous statement.

I've got to say that Jen at Rose Pistola was the shining star of this place. Her knowledge of wine and cusine was highly impressive. If she wasn't already taken and I wasn't swinging the other way...

I really had a great evening. I followed Jen's recommendations all the way and enjoyed everything!

Lauri, the owner sure knows how to pick her staff!

I'm definitely coming back!

If you don't ask for Jen when you visit Rose Pistola you have no one to blame but yourself!

Thanks Jen!

  • Pros: The mussels are divine pillows of heaven
  • Cons: Cons? I cannot think of any negatives!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/02/07

Love, love, love it

by ishafoodlover at Citysearch

Love,love,love it.

I'v eaten there many times and The food is always great (super fresh & authentic) the servers are always friendly and knowledgeable. I would recomend it to anyone that likes "real food' or would like to try real italian

  • Pros: great food and service
1 Star Rating: Poor

04/30/07

Extremely disappointed

by randykaiser at Citysearch

My wife and I chose a late dinner to hopefully enjoy the live music while we dined. But the noise level in the building was so high, it was impossible to hear the band. Besides that, the service was poor, especially the bartender who continued a conversation for roughly five minutes while I waited to place my order. The food was average at best. Prices are way too high for such average food and service.

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