(415) 563-4043
1851 Union St
San Francisco,
CA
94123
37.7977
-122.4297
Neighborhoods: Cow Hollow, North
Years in business
Established in 1958
Price:
$$
Last updated 1.24.11
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Date Spot, Special Occasion Dining, Carry Out, Notable Wine List
General Info:
Open 7 Days
Cuisine:
Reviews & Ratings for Luisa's Italian Cuisine
30 reviews
What users are saying:
- Citysearch (27)
- |
- Around the Web (3)
- |
- All (30)
Worst Italian in SF
by topbouncer at Citysearch
We had horrible experience with Luisa and her staff. I will never return here and urge everyone to enjoy any of the other great Italian restaurants in the marina besides this one!
We wanted to try Luisa's after passing by several times and then seeing the restaurant online. We purchased a gift certificate online and went with four people to try Luisa's. On the door was a hand written sign "NO LONGER ACCEPTING RESTAURANT dot c CERTIFICATES". Interesting since we got this a few days ago. Just checked online and they are still selling gift certificates!
I would usually have remained to eat except the jerk seating people was extremely rude. Luisa did not step in, and then was rude when our party decided to go enjoy a meal next door at Campannini.
DO NOT EAT HERE, your money is much better off where you can get good service in a better atmosphere.
Great food!
by tchnan at Citysearch
Authentic Italian Cusine in a fun, atmosphere. Try the delicious handmade pastas, all delicious. The garlic bread is awesome. The hanging Chianti bottles in a nice touch!
Food was awesome
by Suneel at Citysearch
Being a visitor to SF area, I just happened to have food here and I must say I was very happy with my choice.
Hope to dine here again.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!
by goldrush09 at Citysearch
I travel to the city from time to time and found this to be a wonderful place to eat. The atmosphere is quaint with the Chanti bottles hanging from the ceiling. The Italian music in the background adds a very nice touch. Most impressive though was the FOOD. Simply fantastic! I highly recommend the Cioppino. The ingredients were fresh and the sauce was incredible. WHAT FLAVOR! There was a great selection of wines and I had the homemade Tira Misu for dessert which just made the whole meal. The service was excellent as well. Thank you Luisa. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.
- Pros: Food was excellent, service professional, atmosphere pleasant.
- Cons: None
You don't want to miss out!
by MalaHite at Citysearch
This is a taste of Italy! Luisa's is a small, quaint, romantic restaurant in the heart of the City. The service is very personal, the menu is expansive, and the food is authentic. And it's better than that . . . if you know good Italian food, you will be delighted at how incredible your experience will be! Start with the bruchetta, then savor the gnochi with aurora sauce, stuffed calamari or my other favorite, chicken piamontesse . . . OH MY GOD! You can't go wrong with anything you choose. And if you are really lucky, you will have the pleasure of meeting the lovely Luisa, who will make a perfect recommendation for you, and charm you throughout the evening!
- Pros: Everything!
- Cons: I don't live close enough to dine there often!
i like to get drunk and not be annoyed
by capncrunch at Citysearch
this bar is great! the food is overpriced, but the owner is a money grubbing she-dog who has nothing to do but shaft her customers, what can you do. happy hour is good though, nice drinks, nice bartenders, nice atmosphere, great margaritas!! 10 different beers for 3 dollars each??
- Pros: drinks, people, atmosphere, bartenders, grey goose in the well?? woo hoo
- Cons: i spend too much money
Trash Bags in front all the time !
by DXFJ at Citysearch
I never had dinner here because every time I walk by, they always have either big plastic bags filled with garbage or waste boxes in front of their restaurant. The sidewalk in front their restaurant is dirty from their garbage. Sometimes they even left broken glasses there. There are so many dogs and people walking on Union st.
Doesn't the city care about the health issue?
Amazing, warm, & hearty (Roma) Italian Atmosphere and Cuisine
by tylerblaine at Citysearch
This is absolutely my favorite Italian restaurant in the city! I have eaten at many Italian restaurants in North Beach and would definitely recommend Luisa's over all of them. It is also great to see the owner, Luisa, walking around, chatting with her clientele, and making new friends. The decor in the restaurant is quintessential Rome with a home-style touch.
When I go to Luisa's I do find it hard not to order my favorite signature dish, Osso Bucco. I consider myself to be a connoisseur of Osso Bucco and Luisa's is one of the best! I would say the menu is a hearty affair, so if you're in need of some serious comfort food this should be your place; that being said, if you're looking for lighter fare, then Luisa's might not be a perfect fit.
- Pros: Excellence in hearty italian and warm, inviting atmosphere
- Cons: Not a calorie counting menu
Very romantic and cozy place.
by perica73 at Citysearch
My husband and I had a nice italian dinner recently at Luisa's Italian Restuarant on Union Street. We were both pleasantly surprised as all of the tables were bussed, and very clean as well as, the silverware. The atmosphere was very cozy and when the server arrived to take our orders and offer suggestions, she was very courteous and helpful. She was perfect - not too intrusive, but very responsive and friendly - excellent service overall.
I had the house ravioli's and they were perfect. They were not over cooked and mushy and the red sauce was nice and thick and very tasty like what my father (who's Italian) made for us growing up. The portion size was good (not huge, nor just bird food) and the galic and basil flavors were not overwhelming.
My husband had the house spaghetti with meatballs and his noodles were also cooked perfectly and strained correctly (not in a pool of water like some restaurants) and he also said the tomatoes in the sauce tasted very fresh and in general it tasted home made.
I would recommend this restaurant for any couple that's looking to have a small romantic dinner without the loud noise and bustle of buzy bodies moving all about like other large restaurants.
- Pros: cozy, quite, good food and service
- Cons: a little pricey
Fun place with great food!
by smithy11 at Citysearch
Luisa is the best! The portions are large and the rigatoni with meatballs are very tasty! With the wine bottles hanging from the ceiling this place has a warm friendly vibe and I would eat here again in a heartbeat.
- Pros: Great, friendly ambience
- Cons: It's small so get there early!

