03/26/08

authentic italian

by steller604

the food was superb. Everything was bursting with flavour and the service was excellent. The only downfall was that even though we made reservations earlier in the day, we still had to wait 30 mins to get seated. Would definitely recommend this place to any outsiders looking for authentic italian.

11/01/07

The best Pasta and atmosphere

by callahandy

The last reviewer must have been at a different restaurant, this place is great. No its not a fake accent, my husband has known most of these people for many years. This is one of the best Italian restaurants in the City and we love all the waiters and Chris the bartender is a peach. Go and enjoy, you wont be sorry.

• Pros: Grtet Food
• Cons: Parking

08/26/07

Bad Choice

by live_2_eat

If you are looking for a place to enjoy a relaxing meal with family and friends, Firenze By Night is NOT it. We reserved the private back room for our extended family of about 25 people. Many of us had come from long distances to be together. Our reservations were for 6 P.M. Courses arrived and were removed so quickly there was hardly time to finish them. By 8:00 the waitstaff were literally taking glasses from our hands and half filled plates from in front of us in order to rush us out. Tables were being stripped of tableclothes and the second group was entering the room as we were quickly trying to say our good-byes. We had not been told that there was a second seating following ours. In addition, the tables were arranged in a large U-shape, making conversation with anyone not seated directly to one's right or left, impossible. The gnocchi were delicious as per their reputation, but the rest of the meal was mediocre; completely devoid of the quality and care of an "award winning" italian restaurant.

06/24/07

Great customer service, tasty Italian food

by green101

Very good gnochi and pastas. All staff was extremely friendly and courteous. Food service was prompt though other table service (beverage refills etc) could use some improvement. Space is limited just like other places in San Francisco. Definitely one of the gems in North Beach and would recommend it for a homey authentic Italian dinner.

Small, homey North Beach venue with traditional Italian fare and an authentically Itailan waitstaff.

by Contributor

In Short
Firenze By Night has a reputation for offering authentic Northern Italian food and a friendly, knowledgeable waitstaff. Known especially for its award-winning gnocchi, the restaurant also serves up a variety of seafood dishes such as sauteed calamari and fresh clams in linguini. Other popular menu items include garlic escargot and pappardelle with rabbit sauce. The space can get loud and crowded on weekend nights; reservations are encouraged.

05/13/07

Great Authentic Northern Italian Food

by northbaywriters

My husband and I had a wonderful meal Friday night at Firenze. Our waiter, Sergio, was terrific and the food was outstanding. I had gnocchi and my husband had cannilonni. We shared the antipasto plate and enjoyed a fine chianti. The ambiance is relaxing, warm and friendly. The food authentic and delicious. Prices very reasonable. My family originates from Northern Italy so I grew up eating many of these dishes made by my grandmother and Firenze is right on the mark. Grandma would approve! We plan to go back in a few weeks and do it again. Ciao.

• Pros: food, ambiance and cost
• Cons: none for us

01/27/07

Nice Italian Restaurant

by mushci

I was pleased but not specifically "wowed" by this Italian restaurant. I order the "award winning" gnocchi, which was tasty and came in a very good portion size. The restaurant itself is cozy and bustling with people talking a laughing: its seemed like it would be equally suitable to bring a date or a group of friends. The only thing I can really complain about is that although the service was quick, our waiter was sort of rude and didn't easily comply with requests (such as splitting the check).

• Pros: food, atmosphere, location
• Cons: service

01/03/07

Best Gnocci

by johnrreese

I love this place and go 2-3 times a month with friends. The food is great and Sergio makes you feel like family! The regulars get to know you as well and before you know it, everyone knows your name! The Cheers of North Beach!

• Pros: Friendly good service

09/05/06

Authentic Italian, Wonderful Service

by aprendergast

We love Firenze by Night! We stumbled onto it during a trip to SF a couple years ago & make a point to eat there every time we're back in SF. The food is absolutely amazing--simply prepared, quality ingredients, & authentic preparations. The service is always fantastic. The waiters make you feel at home & special and hover just enough to be attentive without being annoying. The ambiance is great too--just a real Italian bistro with great food & atmosphere. When the owner's in, he always stops by to chat with every table, making it a really fun experience. If you're looking for no nonsense, great Italian food, this place does it every time.

• Pros: Delicious food, Attentive Service, Fun Location (in heart of little Italy SF)
• Cons: Parking

05/04/06

My favorite!

by jessicambay

We live in North Beach and it's taken us 5 years to stumble upon this gem. It is the absolute best Italian in the neighborhood. Very authentic. The specials are always the best, but we have never had anything off of the menu that we didn't absolutely love. The service is great on Weekday evenings but you'll have to wait a while for a table on weekends after 8ish. However, we have had parties there of over 30 people on a Saturday night and been extremely pleased with the service and the food. So just don't forget to make reservations.

• Pros: Petrale Sole Special, Gnocchi, Escargot