Rose Pistola

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 ;-)

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!

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

03/28/07

Fantastic service, great food, huge wine list!

by tallandcreepy at Citysearch

Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable on the wine list. He suggested a fantastic Barolo for under $100.

If we had been thin skinned, our meal might have been ruined by the 10 people ranging from ages 8-108 sitting behind us.

They demanded his attention, claimed to be ready, then made the poor guy stand there and answer 100 questions, on top of wanting to change every order from what was printed on the menu. Through all of that our server still dealt with them in such a pleasant manner.

I don't understand why people go out to a nice restaurant and demand that the restaurant cooks the food in a way other than the menu suggests. I understand allergies etc... but just not wanting to try something different is not a good excuse. STAY AT HOME if you want to do that.

Food Great, Service Great, Wine Great,

• Pros: great service, fantastic and unique food. extensive wine list.
• Cons: Location makes it easy for amatures to walk in...

01/18/07

Kid Friendly

by stentorian at Citysearch

Made an early reservation in mid January for a party of 4, including my almost two year old son. Although we arrived before the kitchen opened, we were graciously invited to wait at the well stocked, comfortable bar. The bar staff was friendly, courteous, and professional.

At dinner our server, Natasha, provided assistance with entree choices and wine selection. Her recommendations did not disappoint. My osso buco was very good, and my dinner companions were pleased with their lamb chops. Appetizers and desserts were also very good. The service was excellent.

While Rose Pistola is not the place for your child's birthday party, we experienced no difficulty about our son, even after he became cranky. Of course, we did dine early, before the tables became exceedingly busy. This is a marvelous restaurant in a hopping area of San Francisco. It was on the expensive side but worth it.

• Pros: Courteous and professional service
• Cons: none

10/30/06

WoW!

by basil_rathbone at Citysearch

I am blown away by the negative reviews for the Rose Pistola.

I have been dining there since the beginning. The menu changes daily, and the selections are a gastronomical delight. Sure the staff changes almost as much as the menu, but that's the restaurant business. What I have read suggests to me that some of these folks have dined at the Rose Pistola on nights when it's so busy that server really can not afford to stand and chat for five or more minutes. I have witnessed on many occasions , people who think that they are the only ones in a restaurant, and the server is their pesonal servant. Remember folks, you are not the only ones in your server's section, typically there are at least 14 others that need attention too.

As far as the wine list goes, there are many selections for under $40, I have wine every time I'm there and that is typically what I spend. I've never had a server push the big sell on me. I usually explain what I like, and the servers usually will offer me selections in at least three different price ranges.

If you feel like your service is not up to par, or the "bread boy" tosses bread on your table and mumbles to you, maybe you should ask yourself, is this really what's going on? or, am I impatient?

I eat out at least 4 nights a week, and two of those are usually at the Rose Pistola, and I have to say that most of the people I see that have problems are the ones who are inflexible. They want fettuccini alfredo with a chicken breast, and that's all they will have. Well, the Rose Pistola does not work like that. There are 50 other Italian restaurants in North Beach that make all of the typical Italian fare. If you want chicken parm, go to one of those places. If you want something unique and delicious, try the Rose Pistola, try something different for once, you may be pleasantly suprised.

• Pros: Awesome menu, which changes daily, incredible wine list
• Cons: Can be very loud

09/10/06

Love it!

by christina_jackson at Citysearch

Rose Pistola is one of my all-time favorites. I've been there on dates, business lunches, dinners with friends and out-of-town guests and I ALWAYS walk away feeling glad that I came.

The setting is lively, service is great, the staff friendly and the menu interesting. The wait staff is always knowledgable and willing to make recommendations. The iron skillet mussles, the farinata and the carpaccio are some of my favorite antipasti. The cheese stuffed focaccia with truffle oil and chanterelles is to die for...a treat that is true, authentic Northern Italy! From their sea Bass with roasted fennel to their Osso Buco, ingredients are fresh and food is flavorful and delicious. Fantastic wine list as well.

• Pros: Fresh, interesting food, great wine list
• Cons: Parking is tough, but they have a valet

08/30/06

Lovely and Delicious

by johngarner777 at Citysearch

Rose Pistola is one of my favorite restaurants in the city with that classic San Francisco feel. It's right in the heart of North Beach, just around the corner form Washington Square Park. The interior is warm and inviting. It's got a huge, comfortable bar where they also play Jazz from time to time. Great for drinks with friends or a casual dinner. The food is fantastic. Last time I was there, I had the Quail wrapped in Fig which was incredible. Also, The Truffle Ravioli is to die for. Their pizzas are a great starter. The signature dessert is profiteroles.

• Pros: Ambiance, Food, Bar scene
• Cons: Parking is tough, but they have valet

08/29/06

Always fun & fabulous

by vkfin at Citysearch

Over the past few years we've been here several times and have never been even slightly disappointed by the service, the extensive wine list or the wonderful northern Italian cuisine. The atmosphere is warm & inviting; all of the staff from the hostesses to the bartenders and the servers are always friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. Every time we have special guests to entertain, this is always our first choice restaurant because we know it will be an enjoyable experience for everyone. Rose Pistola recently celebrated their 10th anniversary, and that's a long time in the restaurant business, but there's a good reason for its longevity and popularity. Check it out for yourself and you'll see why!

• Pros: Interesting menu, and Italian wine list
• Cons: Parking can be tough so use the valet

08/28/06

great service! great food!

by kellip_sf at Citysearch

My favorite thing about this place (besides the requisite yummy yummy food) is how nice everyone who works there is. I have lived here for 13 years and I never get tired of it. The valets have a sparkle in their eye, the bartender treats you like you've been coming there forever and generally everyone makes you feel very welcome. A true italian welcome! I recently sent 3 clients here. I called ahead to make a reservation, asked that they get a little extra attention if there was time and wah la...I had 3 very happy East coast clients. I highly recommend this place to out-of-towners and locals alike!