10/29/08

Way overrated

by PPerera

Way overrated. If you're looking for the cheesy "romantic" Italian experience, by all means go for it, but if what you want is good food, there are plenty of better options.

They also rush you, like some of the other reviews mentioned, and some of the wait staff is just plain spacey. For instance - I asked for another glass of wine, and ten minutes later the waitress had no idea what I was talking about, and worse, she didn't look like she cared one bit that she'd completely forgotten it.

I much prefer Frascati in Russian Hill or Acquerello in Nob Hill when I'm looking for a nice Italian dinner - always good food and good service at those places. (Prices, well, let's not get into that. :P)

• Pros: Tasty food
• Cons: Cheesy, overpriced

09/06/08

My WORT restaurant experience in SF!

by ckingston

I had a DISGUSTING experience here!!! My girlfriend found a TICK in her salad and the waiter just shrugged it off like it was nothing - she barely apologized at all. We then complained to the maitre'd, and asked that the salad be taken off our bill, and he was extremely RUDE in response - basically saying that the waitress had already apologized, they were busy and that was that.

I'd been to the restaurant before and liked the food and the ambience, but the same guy - brusque balding guy with an Italian accent - was rude to my party the last time too, and after this I am NEVER going back. Unbelievable that they think they can treat people like this and have them come back!!!

• Pros: Usually good ambience and food
• Cons: Can be ruined by truly awful service and condescending attitude

08/04/08

Fantastic Dining Experience

by B08

Allegro Romano is truly a San Francisco gem. The food, though not as chic as some other local Italian hot spots, is elegant yet unpretentious. The menu avoids the mundane and offers exciting and unique dishes, yet remains firmly grounded in traditional Italian cooking. My personal favorite? The fettuccine with truffles - not the most exotic dish on the menu but one of the best pasta dishes I've ever had.

But Allegro Romano's real charm is its service. Lorenzo and his staff are amazing! A quick anecdote: I went to Allegro Romano's about 5 months ago with a small group of friends. Sitting just a couple tables over was a U.S. Senator and his wife. Though the senator was clearly the VIP that night (he definitely got the best table), Lorenzo and his staff did an outstanding job of making everyone in the restaurant feel like pampered guests. Lorenzo himself brought free bruschetta, port, and dessert for the table, and gave roses to all of the girls in our party.

The cozy, inviting atmosphere at Allegro Romano's cannot be beat and suits just about any occasion. Whether I was celebrating an anniversary, enjoying a night out with friends, or spending time with family, my experience at Allegro Romano's has always been outstanding.

• Pros: Ambience, Service, Food
• Cons: Parking

04/09/08

average food, above average price, below average service

by EricFelix

We used to go to this place 3 years ago often, when it was run by it's former owner. The service was always excellent and the food fantastic. Used to be.

We recently visited again after living out of the are for a 2 years.The new owner insists that he has been there for the last 5 years (an outright lie)

Food was sort of ok, we were a party of 3, I ordered fillet which was overcooked with boring brown "European" sauce. the salmon was overcooked but gnocchi was pretty good. On the deserts, we had a ball of strawberries (can't mess that up) and quite awful chocolate moose.

We were rushed to finish our meal and clear the table for the next party, the check arrived before we finished eating which was fine by us because it meant we didn't have to wait to get out of that place.

The price considering the quality of food was high and it is a shame because this used to be a truly fantastic place that just went down hill.

• Pros: location
• Cons: pricey, quality of food and service leaves much to be desiered

10/19/06

The small place with big taste

by jzastrow

I recently visited this quaint spot at the recommendation of several locals. When I arrived, I was surprised to find it in the middle of a residential neighborhood. The unassuming exterior of the structe hides a true gem. The restaurant is very small and the tables are close together, however, what they lack in space, they certainly make up for in every other area. It is an intimate and romantic spot. And the low lighting only enhances the mood.

Lorenzo and his staff are very gracious and welcoming. We were welcomed at the door and promptly seated. While the menu is short, the quality is excellent. The veal dishes are masterful and the dover sole was flavorful and melt in your mouth tender. Dishes are expertly prepared and presented.

The feeling is one of family. Lorenzo will show up at your table. He is warm and accomodating and may just sit at your table for a moment or two. Be sure to let the staff know if you are celebrating a birthday. They will lower the lights, bring on the desert and sing a robust round of "Happy Birthday". And at Lorenzo's gentle insistance, the entire restaurant will join in!!

Don't skip dessert. The tiramisu is to die for. And for those of you who don't love that overbearing "espresso" taste of traditional tiramisu, fear not. Their version is prepared as more of a torte. It is light, creamy, and heavenly.

I highly recommend this spot. My only suggestion is to make reservations weeks in advance. Enjoy!!

• Pros: everything
• Cons: nothing

08/25/06

Low-key neighborhood spot with personable staff

by eenstice

I have lived in San Francisco for one year, and have been to a number of "highly-rated" restautants during that time. Although Allegro does not receive ratings as high as other pricier Italian restaurants (which will remain nameless, only to spare them my not-so-favorable comments) in the city, the combination of quality dishes and extraordinary service make this my favorite spot.

Surrounded by families young and old, single men and women in their 20s and 30s, Allegro attracts people of all ages for its warm and dedicated staff, and its high-quality food. The bruschetta has a powerful flavor, served with wonderfully ripe tomatoes, although sometimes drenced in too much olive oil. I would recommend the Lobster Bisque or Mixed Greens to start, depending on your taste buds that night, the latter of course being much lighter. When I asked for a wine recommendation, one of the owners brought out a bottle of chardonnay that he always drinks, and we loved it! It also was NOT the most expensive one, which is often the case when owners want to "recommend" something.

While I do not eat boar, a friend proclaimed twice, "this is still the highest-quality, best-tasting boar I've ever had." Yes, he is a boar-aficianado. I have ordered the red snaper twice, and they prepare it two different ways, one with a red sauce drizzled with olives and garlic, one with a light wine sauce.

In all honesty, while the food truly is some of the best Italian I've had in the city, I love Allegro more for its genuinely friendly and unpretentious staff. I feel like I'm in someone's living room when I'm there, and I chat with the staff. This place is hands-down, my favorite restaurant.

• Pros: Ambience, Price, Food
• Cons: parking

05/11/06

User review by snakyk

by snakyk

A wonderfully romantic ambience with a warm family like greeting. The fettuccini was the best I ever had (next to my mom's). The bruschetta was fresh and great. The tiramisu melted in your mouth and was heavenly (and I don't like it!). You can't go wrong with any other items! The wine selections are fabulous. Take someone special or your family for this exceptional Russian Hill treat!

04/10/06

Fun Place in a cool setting

by b21lewis

I really enjoyed this fun little neighborhood spot. The owner is really nice and makes sure to provide entertainment for everyone. You have to be in the mood for a good time since you'll be singing along with some Italian classics. I would recommend Willie Brown's favorite pasta dish. My girlfriend had the lobster and crab ravioli which was a little fishy, but she would still go back and just order something else. Free brushetta and port, what more do you need.

03/25/06

Best of the best

by davesue

For those of you who have not found Allegro Romano, we are sorry for you. For those of us who have dined there, we are truly fortunate. Lorenzo and his excellent staff prepare the BEST Italian food in San Francisco. The feeling of family comes to the forefront the minute you enter the building and is there right up to the time your lady is handed a long stem rose, you get a goodby handshake and the clock starts to tick until you can return for dinner. From the bruscetta, entree and dessert, Lorenzo oversees the truly heavenly evening. Whether going for a very special occasion, or just to get away, don't miss this one, you really will be sorry. Although we would like to keep this all to ourselves, we believe in sharing, so please go and enjoy like we do.

• Pros: Family feeling, Priced Accordingly
• Cons: None could be found

03/19/06

Molto bene or should I say, muy bien!

by huera

The service and food quality dished out with ease and grace by professional Mexican men make this restaurant one worth returning over again. A cozy, romantic hideout - always entertains with its owners fighting in Italian in the background.

Haven't had a bad meal yet - although the cold food tastes as it is, pre-prepared. Two disappointments: First is the wine list - one would expect fantastic and hard-to-find gems. Unfortunately, the unknown names are not gems. Second - if you get there at 5 or 7, expect to be rushed out to prepare for the next round of seating.

• Pros: Service, Food quality, Atmosphere
• Cons: Block seating, Hard to park, Dueling Owners