Palio

Name: Palio
Address: 640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94111
Telephone: (415) 395-9800
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1354 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 25, 2022

June 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:30 PM

Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(415) 395-9800

Delivery

Order online

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
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
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”. With a full time, dedicated Event Planning Department, Palio d’Asti offers 3 totally private party rooms and semi-private areas that can easily accommodate for groups of 20 to 300 for breakfast, 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: (888) 480-9029

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, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Focaccia$8.00
Housemade herb focaccia bread, herbs, garlic, parmigiano infused olive oil
Zuppa del Giorno$11.00
Chef's daily fresh made soup
Insalata Romana$11.00
Romaine, dates, goat cheese, shallots, parsley, balsamic vinaigrette
Asparagi con Uova$16.00
asparagus, grana padano cheese, breadcrumbs, soft cooked egg, aleppo pepper
Burrata$16.00
fresh mozzarella, arugula, cherry tomatoes, basil infused olive oil, focaccia crostini
Fritto Misto$17.00
"Mixed fry" of calamari, prawns, vegetables, calabrian cocktail sauce and tartar sauce
Carpaccio di Manzo$23.00
Raw filet of beef, arugula, fried capers, lemon aioli
Salumi$18.00
Assorted salumi, cheese, olives, toasted almonds, cornichons, focaccia crostini

Insalatone

Pollo Arrosto$18.00
Roasted Mary's organic chicken, pancetta, gorgonzola dolce, frisée, red onion, radicchio, red wine vinaigrette
Gamberi$18.00
Marinated Gulf prawns, mixed greens, fennel, pistachio pesto

Pizza

Gluten Free Dough $6 Supplement (may be exposed to wheat)

Margherita$16.00
San Marzano tomato sauce, oregano, mozzarella, basil
Funghi$18.00
Wood oven braised wild mushrooms, fontina cheese, thyme, roasted garlic
Calabrese$18.00
San Marzano tomato sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese
Siciliana$21.00
Pork fennel sausage, red peppers, red onions, San Marzano tomato sauce, caciocavallo cheese
Prosciutto$22.00
Pizza bianca, prosciutto di parma, Di Stefano burrata, arugula
Valeria$23.00
San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, wild mushrooms, roasted garlic, pepperoni, chili flakes
Tutti Carne$25.00
San Marzano tomato sauce, pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, mozzarella

Pasta

Imported Gluten Free Corn Pasta $4 Supplement

Pasta del Giorno
Daily changing pasta of the day
- AQ
Gamberi Alfredo$21.00
Tagliolini pasta, prawns, wild mushrooms, alfredo sauce
Tagliolini con Granchio$26.00
Spaghettini, Dungeness crab, tomato sauce, breadcrumbs
Rigatoni con Ragu Napolitano$22.00
Pork and caper ragu, pecorino chili, san marzano tomatoes, tube pasta
Spaghetti con Polpette$22.00
classic ricotta meatballs, tomato sauce, parmigiano cheese

Secondi

Piatti del Giorno
seasonal entree of the day
- A/Q
Melanzane alla Parmigiana$19.00
Wood oven baked eggplant, cow's milk ricotta, mozzarella, basil
Salmone$24.00
Grilled salmon, roasted potatoes, sauteed vegetables, pepperonata
Branzino$36.00
Wild Mediterranean sea bass, herb dressing, roasted potatoes, sauteed vegetables
Pollo alla Parmigiana$24.00
Breaded Mary's chicken breast, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, roasted vegetables
Bistecca$58.00
rosemary marinated 14 oz grilled rib eye steak, horseradish cream, roasted potatoes and vegetables

What 1,354 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Good for Groups
San Francisco
Good for Groups

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o
otdiner
San Francisco
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Classy & delicious, so glad to be back...mix calamari appetizer, excellent salmon, huge 'entree' size salad...and superb chardonnay by the glass.
MO
MinervaO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
My team had a fantastic lunch. Food was amazing and we will book this restaurant again. thank you!
SF
SFOGalPal
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience5
Attractive, clubby atmosphere and attentive, cordial service. Portion size of the $25 pasta carbonara was miniscule...more like a chef's tasting and certainly not a fulfilling entrée. Accompaniments with Branzino @ $38 were marginal....overly roasted Brussel sprouts. Disappointing meal for the tab size.
LC
LeslieC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just a great environment with delicious food and excellent service
CD
CorrinaD
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Serving portions were tiny. It is a bit overpriced for what you get. The place is beautiful but the food was mediocre.
PG
PinotGrigioandPups
Austin
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Service and apps were outstanding. Atmosphere started off very quiet but eventually the place filled up. Pasta dishes weren’t as good as drinks and apps but still far better than many places at this price, and portions were large. I’d go back.
O
Oaklander
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience4
Food was good. Only complaint was I had indicated in my reservation and told the host at the counter that we were celebrating my father-in-law's 91st birthday and they did not even acknowledge it. Thought they might at least give him a piece of cake or ice cream with a candle in it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Birmingham
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had a lovely meal
N
Nemo
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Open and appealing interior with nice spacing between tables and an attentive wait- staff who appear when needed. Plentiful mix of food options -- our group of 12 selected a range of appetizers and entrees from pizza, to pasta to fish -- and all were well prepared and presented. A friendly, comfortable atmosphere and the owner stopped by our table to say welcome. We'll go back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful and elegant setting. The food was divine and the staff was very attentive.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Pittsburgh
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Lovely restaurant. Quiet enough to carry on conversation but not so quiet that you felt like people could overhear your conversations. Food was very good and a nice variety.
S
Stevenk
Atlanta
78 reviews
vip
4.0
78 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Very nice Restaurant. Our first visit. Start with a small Pizza appetizer . Pastas are good. Enjoy
AC
AnthonyC
San Francisco
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service. Excellent authentic Italian cooking. Lovely ambiance. Welcoming friendly host and waiters.
TD
TonyD
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
great ambiance had a successful meeting and a great meal
RA
ReneA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing service! So easy to change the reservation and served a group of 14 with ease. Will come back!
AM
AlanM
Orange County
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect. Waiter was excellent. Knew when to stay back and when to approach. Made great recommendations. Food was excellent.
LB
LaurieB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a party of 16. The restaurant had several large parties, but you would have never known it. The food was excellent and service outstanding in an elegant setting.
LS
LynnS
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I really appreciated their flexibility when my reservation headcount changed twice last minute. The food and service were fantastic.
R
Rosie
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and cocktails! Service was excellent. Definitely try the cannolis too with some coffee!
S
Santino
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Without a doubt this is the place to go to for the BEST italian food in SF. The staff are all in incredible especially Valeria. She is so nice and so incredibly beautiful. Her husband is the luckiest man in the world to have her. Did I mention how pretty she is?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had not been to Palio in a while due to Covid and was excited to see the outcome of the renovation. I wasn’t disappointed. Beyond the look however was the food which exceeded my expectations. I didn’t think it could be any better but they outdid themselves. I will be back very very soon
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience start to finish. We usually get GF pizza, always fresh with great ingredients. My husband gets Gf pasta, I usually splurge and get the crab pasta. It’s so flavorful. Service was prompt without being overbearing. It seems to be a true family business. Those are hard to come by in the city.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tahoe
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just fantastic from start to finish
SB
SteveB
Indiana
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 12, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Food was great. Nice selections and variety. Had one entree that was late coming out so I ended up getting my food after my 11 colleagues.
B
Bree
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just exceptional! The food was divine. The service was incredibly friendly and welcoming. We will be back for sure. It’s the perfect spot for a celebration or just a fantastic meal.
RJ
RosemaryJ
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience3
Oily food, bumbling service, and flies in food. It’s a shadow of its former self.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience3
Inattentive service; hostess was too busy chatting to help the poor server who seemed like he was on his own for the night, with restaurant tables and a party. Took 2 hours to get through basic dinner.
A
Arizona
San Francisco
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Restaurant week started last night, I was so excited when I had seen the menu for this restaurant. I wanted to try out their menu but once we were sat, the menu wasn’t the same and it was altered. I was a bit upset but Martino, great guy by the way, had explained to us what has happened and the rest was history! I will definitely come back for their service and food! It was an amazing experience!
CC
CeeCee
New England
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience3
Food was okay, but nothing I'd need to go back and try again. There was one waiter for the entire restaurant which meant service was understandably slow. They're doing the best they can with incredibly limited staff, but I think that's just hurting them.
g
grandpa284
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What makes Palio special is the staff. Arturo is a true gem. For us he selects the food we enjoy, and provides stories as well. A special treat!
MB
MBB12
San Francisco
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on March 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food Service personnel were attentive Good place for lunch meetings - not too loud
HT
HughT
San Francisco
52 reviews
vip
5.0
52 reviews
Dined on March 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was perfect! Terrific post Pandemic dining.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was very attentive and provided excellent service. The food was served very quickly. Would definitely come back again.
T
Twirlgirl
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great food
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Palio is still quiet as are most downtown restaurants but we still had delicious food & great service. My lunch companion had not been there before & was impressed. He is even considering using one of the private dining spaces for a business meeting. I highly recommend Palio!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Snuck in for a late anniversary dinner —- service, food, atmosphere were exceptional. Pizza and Pasta are solid choice for classic Italian. Our waiter and support staff were spot on and entertaining.
AE
AEFord
Manitoba
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Palio was everything and more. The service was outstanding as well as the recommendations. The food was so good I nearly licked my plate, but obviously it is a nice establishment so I refrained. If I come back to San Fran again, I will most definitely come back.
m
marcoxxx25
San Francisco
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent lunch
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience4
Best carbonara this side of the Atlantic.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a beautiful time at Palio for Valentine's day. Thank you, Martino, and our waiters for the warm welcome, great food, and accommodation.

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 4.7 stars by 1354 OpenTable diners.

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