SPQRpricey but worth itThis restaurant is worthy of a special night out. The food is generally really good, though some dishes are definitely better than others. The Ceasar wedge as appetizer was delicious, the truffle pasta special we had was expensive and not that great, but the fava bean stuffed ravioli was to die for - exquisite. The mortadella appetizer was just as good as it was in Italy except...they fried the mortadella (personal preference of mine is not to have it fried). The wine list was extensive and good. Service was outstanding. Our seating felt a little cramped, but you could also call it romantic. :) All in all, it was a great place to come for a special celebration, though it was quite expensive.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMWe all had a great eveningThe food was excellent and the service outstanding. Our server did a great job of making us feel special.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMFun night out on FilmoreTwo of us dined at SPQR. Small but cozy. If you like to watch the chefs preparing ask to sit at the counter. Started with corn soup...probably my favorite dish of the night. Also had a mushroom pasta which was a bit heavy and once I added more cheese it came to life. The waiter recommended the sea urchin but the person I Was with didn't like it. I ordered a pasta with saffron and I don't think I would order it again. We split a salad with large bacon bits and goat cheese and arugula...we both liked it. For dessert we had Italian donuts with ice-cream and apples with caramel sauce and it was yummy. So we loved some things and didn't like others. I would definitely try it though. Seemed to be popular always full with people waiting to get in.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMFood and WIne extraoridnaireAbsolutely best experience for amazing pasta and wine pairing for lunch today. The bartender/waitress has terrific knowledge of the wines and shows passion in the pairings. Laid back authentic atmosphere. A must do if you appreciate great food and wine6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGood eats!My daughter and I enjoyed a fabulous dinner here. The food was outstanding and the service was great. The elderflower spritzer they made for her was delicious! We would definitely recommend it to our foodie friends.6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat ExperienceFood was amazing, service was fantastic. The buckwheat tagliatelle, cider and bacon braised suckling pork and spigarello is a must have! As are the doughnuts for dessert. Overall, incredible!6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat serviceOur waitress was very knowledgeable about the food and the wines offered that evening. Her recommendations were wonderful.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food.The dishes were excellent. The ambiance good, the service good but the dessert was really disappointing.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMTiny gemLooks are decieving at this Cal-Ital restaurant on Filmore Street in San Fran. The tables are tiny and the clients are packed in but still the place only serves a small clientelle each night. It looks like the menu changes nightly according to what is in season and freshly available. The menu is very innovative - pairing unusual combinations. This is not the Italian, I was brought up on back east. For example our appetizer was sweet carrot and lentil salad, medjool date and vadouvan curry crema, followed by pasta entree of torchio, morel mushroom, mushroom broth, stridoli, garden rosemary and pecorino and finished with cappuccino and bamboloni. Amazing dinner, makes us want to go back nightly to try everything else on the menu!6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMNever fails!SPQR is always excellent. Probably the best real pasta in San Francisco and excellent service. Great to have this place just a few blocks from home. If you like Roman/Italian food... The this is the place...6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMWow! Amazing unique food!We hadn't been to SPRQ in several years as we keep going to the new restaurants in SF. But I had been reading about how great it is so we went back this week. Loved it! Sat at chef's counter which was really fun and interesting to see the six young chefs in action. We had a variety of their apps and pastas to share - all unique and delicious. One of my personal favorite dishes was the carrot & lentil salad. Best carrots dish I've ever had! Great start to the meal. We finished with two desserts and then the owner sent us another special dessert of the night - the main ingredient was parsnips!5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMChef's tasting menuMy wife and I asked for the chef's tasting menu on a Sunday night, and spent the next 2 hours in culinary delight. I'll highlight the corn soup, the scallop mushroom dish, and the mint chocolate desert as our favorite.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautifully presented, flat flavorsI had seen SPQR favorably reviewed on "Check Please" and in the SF Chronicle. Four of us were there for lunch on Sunday, and had the scrumptious chicken liver mousse, the excellent green salad, which was perfectly seasoned and prepared, the squab rignoletti, which was ordinary, two veal scallopini/sweetbread dishes in a caper butter sauce, which were flat and bland and we needed to ask for lemon to give them any depth of flavor, and the scallop dish, which was very sparse, with several halved scallops in a sauce combination that looked beautiful, but again, lacked flavor. We brought our own French burgundy, and our excellent server forgave the $25.00 corkage fee. Presentation is excellent, but the flavors don't match the presentation.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding, innovative cuisine.Outstanding, innovative cuisine. Service is terrific.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMA very small, narrow restaurant.A very small, narrow restaurant. Definitely need reservations; it's very popular and crowded. Great food both in presentation and taste. Server was very helpful in explaining menu entrees as they were distinctive and unique. One negative was the music was loud, intrusive, and inappropriate for a relaxing dining experience. If one wanted a romantic dinner spot, this would not be it. On the other hand, if one's primary focus were outstanding cuisine, this is definitely the place.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMTables are really close togetherTables are really close together so you can hear people's conversations. Staff are very knowledgeable about thei wine list but they don't have a full bar. Loved all of their pastas. Happy to see duck liver terrine on the menu, although it wasn't super smooth despite being described as a refined dish. Desserts were not noteworthy. Would go back for more pasta. The mushroom spaghetti with duck bolognese was wonderful - rich up front but the more I ate, the more I wanted.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently one of the best in SFMy partner and I went to SPQR again, for a special treat. We've probably been 4 times now, and, well, it's pretty close to perfect. The food is really exceptional: interesting combinations and flavors, not too heavy, really wonderful salads and burrata, and probably the best pastas in the city. The decor, staff, music, and attention to detail make this place pretty special. They must have sound-proofed the room....it is totally packed with diners, yet the noise isn't crazy.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMA Line Around the BlockWe were dining early. On arrival we were greet immediately. The host stand is in the doorway?!!
We were seated immediately. The interior is dark. Decor is black on black, but the space is comfortable and the waitstaff immediately
attentive. The pseudo Italian food was off the hook in terms of creativity and flavor. The server was very assertive. She was going to take care of us whether we wanted her or not.
They were going to flip these tables, so the server had to get in and get the job done. We might have like a little time
to get settled and say hello to each other before the barrage of specials, wine requests etc. The food came in a
very timely manner and it was delicious and beautiful to look at. Would highly recommend SPQR.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMBest pasta in the worldThe asparagus risotto and kale ravioli were two of the best pasta dishes my friend and I have ever had. The rabbit "lasagna" was a bit gamey and far too dry. But the rest of the meal was spectacular. Nice staff, cozy wood space, and chef counter make this a great place for a date or a regular spot (though it is on the pricey end).5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst timerService was amazing! Food was great, loved the music they were playing. Even though the space was small, felt very comfortable! Overall experience was great!5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMSPQR--A SAN FRANCISCO GEM!Provides a very special dining experience--the menu, wine list, service and ambiance blend into a most perfect combination.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMPasta to dream aboutLove SPQR -the most creative and delicious pasta, and salads entrees and desserts are also wonderful. Fusilli with veal and spinach a month ago was so good I dreamt about it. This visit had an amazing spaghetti with black trumpet mushrooms and duck bolognese. Carrots five ways including a carrot top fritter was a delicious salad to share. Amazing chocolate dessert.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent Dining ExperienceThis was my 1st experience eating at a Michelin Star rated restaurant. I had taken my wife there for her birthday on Wednesday May 8th, and I knew that we were in for a treat when the only reservations available for mid-week were either 5:30 or 9:30, when booking 2 weeks in advance. Upon arrival we were greeting by a friendly & professional wait staff. The restaurant was edgy, and current in decor. The menu was hard to decipher but our server was extremely helpful. My wife admitted that having looked at the menu before hand, she would have not chosen this restaurant as it seemed a bit more challenging than she usually likes, although she is a foody and enjoys fine dining experiences. Needless to say, we loved it! DELICIOUS! SPQR = 10!5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMYes!Excellent food that was creative and balanced in taste and texture . Prices moderate and value worthwhile. Parking may be problematic but well worth a visit. Will go again during another season for a different take on their menu.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMPet FriendlySPQR is pet friendly and human friendly. With ever visit which has been with 3 couples or our family dog, the food is excellent and we feel we get exceptional attention and service. SPQR is truly a neighborhood gem.4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMAttentive service. InventiveAttentive service. Inventive and tasty pasta and small dishes4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had five dishes, and eachWe had five dishes, and each one was delicious. We followed the advice of on line reviewers and our waitress, so maybe we got the best of the menu. Each one was full of wonderful flavors and a mix of textures.
The only downsides are that it is pricy (over $200 for the two of us) and very crowded. They make maximum use of their small space, which means servers and customers have to turn sideways to squeeze past each other. I prefer a little more elbow room, personally. But the prevalence of wood in the furnishings and decor absorb a lot of sound, so at least the noise level is reasonable, in spite of the close quarters.
Would definitely do it again as a special night out.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWe haven't been to SPQR forWe haven't been to SPQR for about a year. We adore the owner of this restaurant. That being said, we had a rather odd night. Our waitress was not particularly friendly(which is not normal for this establishment!) and the food has really changed. I was mislead to believe my meal would be "mild tasting." It was incredibly spicy which made me wonder if the waitress had even tried it. I was tempted to send it back but we were sort of in a rush so my husband and I switched meals. His pork belly raviolis were divine! Additionally the duck liver appetizer was delicious and the Wagyu Beef appetizer was also perfectly presented and tasted lovely. The desserts were very different and beautifully presented.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMOUT OF THIS WORLDOur experience at SPQR was wonderful. We started with a bottle of excellent recommended white wine. We enjoyed one small plate prior to the main course. I had the white asparagus, which was out of this world and gorgeous. My main dish was the tuscan kale francobolli with goat cheese. Absolutely fabulous. For dessert, I had this amazing smooth caramel-like sweet creamy dish in a small drinking glass topped with a macaroon-like biscuit. The menu seems to change very frequently. Honestly, I wouldn't hesitate to order any of the desserts on the menu. I can't find words to do this meal justice. I had a business dinner at Boulevard the night prior, but I enjoyed SPQR significantly more.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMChef's Counter makes the mealSitting at the Chef's counter was definitely the most memorable part of the meal - watching them work was absolutely fascinating. The food was quite good too, although possibly not as mind blowing as I would have expected given the Michelin rating.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMSPQR is a very special placeSPQR is a very special place and I wish that I could come more often.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMSPQR - Fabulous!My husband and I had a wonderful time at SPQR. If you go try the chicken mousse. It's amazing! The service is impeccable. This restaurant is definitely not for kids, but it's a great place for adults.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing experience, wonderfulAmazing experience, wonderful food, service and ambiance. Highly recommend.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing food, wonderful serviceAmazing food, wonderful service but very, very loud.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat service from beginningGreat service from beginning to end. The food was delicious and we had a fantastic time. I can't wait to go again.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMhave been to sister restauranthave been to sister restaurant A16. went with local couple one of whom is in the wine business and knows his eats as well. had multiple small dishes and shared one main- from duck heart salad to suckling pig. every course nicely plated and delicious. the wine list was extensive and strictly italian so was glad had expert along although the sommelier picked the main red. finished with nice dessert wine. not inexpensive but would highly recommend and look forward to my next visit.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply "very, very good"My first visit for almost 3 years did not disappoint. Courteous, efficient service, excellent wines by the glass at affordable prices, beautifully executed food.... One of the best all-round meals I've had in a long time in SF.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMBest in SFBest restaurant in SF. Been here 10+ times and cannot stop thinking about it.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a wonderful meal. VeryHad a wonderful meal. Very reasonably priced for the quality. One of San Francisco's best.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMTotally high level cuisineTotally high level cuisine and lovingly prepared. The highlight of our trip to SF.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMDecided to go at the lastDecided to go at the last minute, and got an early reservation. Great chicken liver mousse, chicory salad with smoked bacon and pecans, followed by fettuccine and a lovely spicy pasta dish. Good Sicilian wine that tasted like a full Pinot Noir, and finished with a great chocolate dessert with ice cream and a warm bread pudding. Attentive service when you want it, otherwise just a delicious and relaxing dinner in the neighborhood.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, great service,Great food, great service, but tables were so close together that we had to move ours out of the way in order for the people next to us to get out. That was super annoying, and it was like we were sitting at the same table.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMSPQR was exceptional! WonderfulSPQR was exceptional! Wonderful service, lovely atmosphere and fantastic, inventive dishes!4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food is absolutely outstanding!The food is absolutely outstanding! Unbelievable creativity and execution make it easy to understand why this restaurant received a Michelin star. On the downside, the entire restaurant feels cramped and tables are literally less than 12 inches from each other (you may have more room and privacy at a communal table). This atmosphere is fine if you are a SF foodie or live in a nearby neighborhood, but anyone going out of their way for a romantic night out at an Italian restaurant may feel encumbered by the lack of privacy.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a creative and enjoyableWhat a creative and enjoyable restaurant. The wine list has so many intresting and affordable selctions to go with the delicious and very creative menu. The tables here are quite close together as the amount of seats are very limited. We had a reservation that had a slight delay but we had a drink next door as recomended by the staff at SPQR while we waited for a short while. We had a great dinner here.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyed dining at SPQR forEnjoyed dining at SPQR for a special occasion.. They have a quite a few Vegetarian choices and the food was excellent! Being a small place, was fully booked that night and the ambiance was great. Our waiter was knowledgeable and courteous and she helped us with the vegetarian menu selections. The black truffle special risotto was excellent and so was the carrot salad- beautifully presented. Overall we really enjoyed dining here..4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMI discovered SPQR on a busyI discovered SPQR on a busy Friday night, and I have been so impressed by the complexity of their pasta dishes that I went back for a special Easter lunch with my nephew. Not disappointed at all the second time.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had dinner at Frances theWe had dinner at Frances the night before we dinned at SPQR. What a difference. While Frances was decent and technically good food. SPQR exceeded on all accounts. The service was attentive, friendly, helpful and hospitable. The atmosphere is beautiful, warm, inviting and comfortable and the food is outstanding. I can't recommend SPQR enough.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThe way the chef combinesThe way the chef combines interesting ingredients is amazing!! We have never been disappointed with our dining experiences at this restaurant. The staff is very knowledgable and helpful in wine pairings.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat experience and goodGreat experience and good solid food...would definitely good back3/27/2013 12:00:00 AM