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Palio Overhead Creditkristenloken - Palio, San Francisco, CA

Palio

4.8
4.8
1441 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Top Tags:
Voted "2018 Best Overall Restaurant" by SF Bay Guardian readers, Palio is a favorite of downtown denizens looking for the perfect spot to make a deal, travelers who appreciate Michelin rated comfortable dining, and anyone seeking an exceptional group dining or private party venue. A place where historic techniques blend with a contemporary approach, and Michelin rated "comfortable" service personally overseen daily by owner Martino Di Grande.

Palio’s menu (including gluten free and heart healthy options) is a veritable culinary tour of Italy; emphasizing the cooking of different regions as the seasons change. Palio's menu utilizes organic produce from small, local farms as well as sustainable agriculture and aquaculture. The Wine Spectator award winning list has always been exceptional, including a wide range of Italian varietals and California offerings. Full bar.


Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Pizzeria, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Fri 2:30 pm–8:00 pm Sat 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (415) 395-9800
  • Website
    https://www.paliosf.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    Persons with Disabilities, Women
  • Executive chef
    Mauricio Martinez
  • Catering
    Considered by many to be one of San Francisco’s best private dining venues, Palio is elegant and timeless, yet approachable and “green”. Palio offers 3 totally private party rooms and semi-private areas that can easily accommodate for groups of 20 to 300 for lunch, all day meetings, cocktail receptions, and dinner.
  • Private party facilities
    Since 1990, Palio has thrived as San Francisco’s favorite downtown Italian Restaurant by offering a seasonally changing menu, professional European service, a Wine Spectator recognized wine list and a premium full bar. Private Dining Options for groups of 8-250.
  • Private party contact
    Valeria DiGrande: (415) 395-9800
  • Location
    640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
  • Neighborhood
    Financial District / Embarcadero
  • Cross street
    Montgomery/Sacramento
  • Parking details
    Free street parking after 6PM on the South side of Sacramento St. and after 7PM on the north side of Sacramento St. Free street parking on Saturday evenings.
  • Public transit
    By bus on the #1 California Line <br />Only one block from the California St. cable car stop at California and Kearny <br />5 level blocks (no hills) from Montgomery St. Bart and Muni Station <br /><br />
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,441 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    Good for business meals

  • San Francisco

    Good for business meals

1,441 Reviews

  1. nannini

    San Francisco

    154 reviews

    5.0

    154 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Very classy place-will be back -fabulous ambiance food was good wine superb

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall1food1service2ambience3
    Was there for thanksgiving dinner. One of the worst dining experience in SF - Severely overpriced for sub standard quality food and portion.

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  3. MariaT

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Palio is my go-to restaurant in the FiDi for taking clients to lunch. It's beautiful inside. The atmosphere is calm and the noise level is very acceptable; lively but quiet enough to hear everyone at your table. Everyone at Palio is very friendly and will greet you like you like an old friend welcoming you back. It's really lovely. And the food? The food is amazing. I've had their pastas, their soups, their fish dishes. The steak salad is my favorite. It's all made fresh and made well. Just delicious. Bring a client here, come for happy hour after work or dinner. You will be very happy you did.

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  4. MARCOXXX

    San Francisco

    78 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    78 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Lower quality after Covina break we won't return back

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  5. DangerMan

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal food. Phenomenal service. Excellent atmosphere. Cannot recommend Palio enough.

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  6. Jill

    Los Angeles

    64 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Group of 6 friends who hadn’t seen each other in quite a while. This was perfect, great food, friendly staff, highly recommend

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  7. janesings

    San Francisco

    161 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    161 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful, as always! The food and service were great. And the restaurant graciously accommodated a last minute change to the time and number of people in our group. I have many of my business lunches with clients there. My guests, colleagues, and I are never disappointed.

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  8. ChrisC

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Palio has been one of our favorite restaurants for many many years. The owner and those who work there are welcoming, polite and efficient. The food is always tasty -- we often order a pizza for appetizers, but if not the soup and salads are always fresh. Palio's location, atmosphere and food should make it even more popular than it is. And, finally, they are able to easily accommodate large parties for special events such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Very nice to have your holiday dinner well cooked and not have any dishes to do!

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  9. Stella

    San Francisco

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ambiance and service at this restaurant is top-notch. The food is delicious and presented in a very visually appealing manner. A wonderful place for lunch with friends or a business meeting. 

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  10. LarryG

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and great food. I took a former colleague here for a farewell lunch before I retire.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a great overall experience. I like the space, the ease of parking, friendly staff, nice ambiance, delicious pizza and the food came out steaming hot, just awesome. We’ll be back for sure.

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  12. Recee

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a hidden gem in SF. The food, service and location was awesome! We will definitely return. They even have two nice size meeting spaces in the back for private groups.

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  13. Jass

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was good and service was best !! Everything from making reservation to food was great.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is a gem. Great food, warm and welcoming service, and an excellent wine list to pair with the menu. When we visit the city again, we will be sure to go back.

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  15. jordana

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was amazing. Food, drinks, service, everything. The only thing i don't understand is why this place wasn't packed.

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  16. cgb1

    San Francisco

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Aaithrnoc and friendly. For financial community Should be filled but is not on beaten path.!

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  17. Peter

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Palio never disappoints. The service from the owner/maitre d to the wait staff is exceptional.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great spot. Even with short staff - were very taken care of and the food was great as well

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  19. Flint

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Palio will forever be in my list of favorite restaurants and it easily sits at number 1 simply off ambiance and hospitality. No one does their job better than all the staff. I will always recommend this restaurant for as long as I live!

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  20. ChrisC

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Palio, and its owner, Martino are the best. We've been going there for years for special occasions and for no particular occasion, but just want good food in a welcoming venue. Martino always has a reasonably priced Italian wine that pairs beautifully with the meal. Wonderful place and people

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  21. SteveB

    Indiana

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Outstanding service. Our server was knowledge and attentive without hovering

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Tahoe

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Even with a wedding party in the next room the service and food were great.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Tahoe

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Palio always exceeds expectations. I can see why they’ve been around for so long.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Tahoe

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorite restaurants in SF. The food and service always exceed expectations. Well done!

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  25. eatinnyc

    Philadelphia

    32 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    I came here to celebrate my birthday with my mom, stepdad and girlfriend. The waitstaff was very nice and the food was good, but the waiter forgot to bring our burrata to the table and charged us for an extra tiramisu at the end of the meal (which was later removed from the bill). It was an okay experience - nothing spectacular.

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  26. DanielleW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Palio is a wonderful staple in the community. A great place to have a business meeting or spending time with family. Thank you!

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  27. Phoenixrising1

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall1food1service5ambience4
    A bit inconsistent this time. The first time I had the carbonara, it was impressive (and I had just gotten back from Rome). This time, it was lackluster. Further, the bill charge didn’t match the menu pricing.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    wonderful service. food was very good - consistent.

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  29. Flint

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Palio is quite literally the most outstanding restaurant in all of San Francisco! The staff is attentive, the host is extremely welcoming, and the ambiance is fantastic. The food is exceptional; I had their Gamberi Alfredo and it was as if I consumed a warm embrace. 100/10 would recommend

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  30. ChrisC

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Palio is, and has been for years, one of our favorite restaurants. Food is consistently delicious, serve is always good and Martino is a wonderful host -- he has a nice selection of Italian wines at fair prices and so do yourself a favor and ask him to recommend a bottle at your price point.

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  31. Rachel

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I came to Palio for a date night. We ordered the Insalata Romana, Pizza Siciliana and Tagliatelle Bolognese. Everything was delicious, and Martino, the owner, and the waitstaff were friendly and hospitable. We'll definitely be back to Palio as it's a family favorite.

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  32. Adbblbe

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great - both taste and portion. Servers were polite and attentive. Menu was interesting and offered many options.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have eaten at Palio a few times, but this is the first time since the Pandemic. The menu has been pared down some, but we all found something that we enjoyed. The restaurant was not full when we were there and the staff arranged the guests with space between tables so the noise level was moderate. This helped facilitate an enjoyable conversation at our table. We will go back.

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  34. Lovestodine

    San Francisco

    102 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    102 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is the fourth time I have gone to this restaurant in six weeks. It’s consistently excellent. This service is fantastic and the food is so fresh and good.  It’s definitely my new place to take customers. The only problem is I keep planning to order a pizza when I get there, but the specials are always so good! I have yet to do that. Highly recommend!!

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  35. DarcyH

    Calgary

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic spot for Italian fare in San Francisco. The owner greeted us upon entering, checked during our meal, and made sure to say goodbye on the way out. Food was excellent. Highly recommend!

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  36. Phil

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    The food was good but not great, the service was also good, but the ambience was just ok...I seem to remember Palio being a more elegant place with exquisite ambience and Michelin-quality food. Maybe the pandemic had it's impact on Palio, but I do wish it could be like the Palio of old...

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  37. janesings

    San Francisco

    161 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    161 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service are both terrific. It is a great place for a business lunch.

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  38. Lovestodine

    San Francisco

    102 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    102 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I thought this restaurant was closed. When it popped up on open table I jumped on a reservation. It was delicious. I had the swordfish special and my friend had the pasta special. It was great. Service was excellent. Can’t wait to go back and get pizza!

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  39. sfdi

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    I ordered the gamberi salad. The greens and the shrimp were fine quality but overall the salad was tasteless. Supposedly it came with pistachio pesto but I didn't taste it at all. So overall I was disappointed. Service was excellent and the ambience was nice.

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  40. Dinearoundmom

    San Francisco

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Delicious food and old school service. Love the place!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Physical distancing

    • Extra space between tables

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Palio using the Order Online button. Palio also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates. Palio also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 395-9800.

Palio is rated 4.8 stars by 1441 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Palio

640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Montgomery/Sacramento
  • Neighborhood
    Financial District / Embarcadero
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Fri 2:30 pm–8:00 pm Sat 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Pizzeria, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Free street parking after 6PM on the South side of Sacramento St. and after 7PM on the north side of Sacramento St. Free street parking on Saturday evenings.
  • Public transit
    By bus on the #1 California Line Only one block from the California St. cable car stop at California and Kearny 5 level blocks (no hills) from Montgomery St. Bart and Muni Station
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Persons with Disabilities, Women
  • Executive chef
    Mauricio Martinez
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    https://www.paliosf.com/
  • Phone number
    (415) 395-9800
  • Catering
    Considered by many to be one of San Francisco’s best private dining venues, Palio is elegant and timeless, yet approachable and “green”. Palio offers 3 totally private party rooms and semi-private areas that can easily accommodate for groups of 20 to 300 for lunch, all day meetings, cocktail receptions, and dinner.
  • Private party facilities
    Since 1990, Palio has thrived as San Francisco’s favorite downtown Italian Restaurant by offering a seasonally changing menu, professional European service, a Wine Spectator recognized wine list and a premium full bar. Private Dining Options for groups of 8-250.
  • Private party contact
    Valeria DiGrande: (415) 395-9800
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