(415) 982-1124
519 Columbus Ave
San Francisco,
CA
94133
37.7996
-122.4092
Neighborhoods: North Beach, Northeast
What People Are Saying About L'Osteria Del Forno
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – Tiny L'Osteria del Forno is a true diamond in the touristy rough of North Beach. As diners step inside the 28-seat room, they could be entering a cafe in Siena, complete with small tables, wine served in water glasses and a friendly, food-savvy staff. Everything on the menu is baked in the oven, from superb thin-crust pizzas lightly covered with fresh mozzarella to stellar focaccia sandwiches and daily roasts.
11/04/09
Worst meal I have ever had in San Francisco
by LyndaJ
The wait staff was surly and appeared quite bothered to wait on customers. The pasta Bolognese made me wish for a frozen dinner, a frozen dinner offers more food too! If you only accept cash, perhaps they should make note of that prior to presenting the check. They do have a sense of humor, they thought they deserved a 20% tip! Stay away!
- Pros: location
- Cons: service and food
10/04/09
A taste experience not to be missed
by davidB
They make such a perfect thin-crusted pizza that since I first discovered them 15 years ago I've had a hard time bringing myself to tour the menu. Due to the tiny kitchen size, they can't get city approval for any cooking devices but the pizza oven, and their entire repertoire is a function of that odd constraint. They do amazing things with au gratin and roasted vegetables.
The wine list is put together by a schizophrenic. Right now (late 09) I'd recommend the 06 LaGrein from Hofstatter.
Warning: if you want basil on your Margherita, you have to ask. I park in Chinatown and walk 4 blocks.
- Pros: they do a lot with so little
- Cons: parking, wine
11/03/08
Can't Beat this Food for the Money
by SusanRS
Afraid that their being listed in Zagat might have changed things, we went back to our favorite Italian food restaurant not knowing what we'd find. Everything is as it was when we left it - the food, the wine and the prices are all exactly like we remembered. Great food, especially great prices and brisk, but accommodating service. If you like Olive Garden, don't take up space in this restaurant, please! This is so much more than a chain restaurant could ever be. Obscure and delicious menu items make the dining experience unforgettable. We loved the Belgian endive wrapped in Speck, roasted. The roasted beef appetizer with porcini mushrooms was a perfect starter. But we're still talking about the superb milk roasted pork! Simply awesome.
- Pros: Great food at great prices.
- Cons: Tiny space.
The Details on L'Osteria Del Forno
Parking:
Finding a spot on the street is next to impossible; try one of the lots on Broadway near Columbus.
Know Before You Go:
Make a stop at the ATM before going--no credit cards or debit cards accepted.
Save Time:
Reservations are not accepted here, so plan accordingly.
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