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Poesia, San Francisco, CA

Poesia

4.5
4.5
2178 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Poesia will no longer take reservations on Opentable starting June 20th. Please use poesiasf.com for future reservations.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Italian

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (415) 252-9325

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Marcello Franceschini

  • Private party contact

    Francesco: (877) 824-0339

  • Neighborhood

    The Castro

  • Cross street

    Castro

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    Nearest Muni station: Castro (at Market). Upon exiting Muni station, proceed one black South on Castro Street, then head East (left) on 18th.

  • Entertainment

    Our restaurant may accommodate up to 40 guests comfortably, with a full bar to provide traditional and unique drinks of choice. Featured on one of our walls are projected Italian films from the era of Dolce Vita, bringing us to a time of romance, passion and lively humor.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

Popular dishes

What 2,178 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5
4.5 based on all time ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. BarbaraP

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Pasta noodles not done enough
  2. Angie

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the Castro's gems. Consistently excellent. Wonderful staff and ambience. Authentic Italian.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a joy here!
  4. LawrenceC

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    great ambiance in the outdoor back patio with ability to make a reservation on open table. authentic Italian pasta with good menu.
  5. MtheorySF

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 10, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    One of the best Italian restaurants I’ve been to. Great food, fantastic cocktails!
  6. JarodM

    Central Coast

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great cocktails, huge wine list, wonderful service, and amazing pastas
  7. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and excellent service. Glad we finally decided to try Poesia. Will definitely be back and soon!
  8. TomM

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    We love Poesia and have always had great experiences…. Sadly we had Giovanni as our server and he was super inexperienced and the service was really bad. For a party of 6, he forgot to order two entrees. 4 diners were finished by the time the other two got their food. We’ll go back, but we’ll make sure to have a different server.
  9. MoMoT

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything is outstanding. We will definitely be back!!!
  10. Brad

    San Francisco

    50 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on June 26, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    Our two pasta dishes and duck breast were not cooked long enough. We would have much preferred to wait an additional 5-10 minutes to have each dished cooked longer. The duck was raw and tough to cut and chew. Lovely patio outside. Great atmosphere. Cocktails were amazing.
  11. GGH94116

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best place in the Castro!
  12. HenryO

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always perfect and consistent. Service is impeccable. A very well planned out menu! Francesco knows his business
  13. OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome… loved the food, service and outdoor seating
  14. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Food is over-priced and under-portioned. For example, ordered a glass of port that came out in a shot-sized wine glass, not a port glass.
  15. CynthiaN

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Each time it has been a lovely experience and service on the back patio
  16. MarkC

    Palm Springs

    105 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    105 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite places to visit while in the San Francisco area…!
  17. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Reunion of old friend
  18. PatriciaA

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved our meal and was very special at the patio! Thank you for the great service and friendly staff. We enjoyed Antoine and his personalized attention to our dinner. The cocktails were fantastic too! We look forward to dining again! cheers!
  19. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous from start to finish! Beautiful environment, fabulous food and service. Hidden gem, could not imagine ever disappointing anyone who loves authentic Italian cuisine.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, service and ambiance.
  21. xxiii

    San Francisco

    31 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Agnolotti was delicious Orecchiette was nothing special Manager was delicious too
  22. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Dinner was delicious, however, we were sat next to a fairly large party (10+) with children which made it nearly impossible to talk to each other at our table. Seemed like a lot of the staff was looking to keep that party attended to, as it took a while to get drinks/order food and we felt a bit rushed by bussing staff taking plates even while our appetizer was still on the table and again as our party was still actively eating our entrees. Would come back on a less-busy night or would have chosen to sit inside.
  23. Prithwijit

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome food and drinks. Definitely try the tiramisu, it is amazing.
  24. JannR

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I did not know Poesia had a back patio until last night. It is wonderful! Protected from the wind, lush foliage and photographic murals to make it feel as though you are in Italy…and as always, the most delicious food!
  25. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Excellent meal. Drinks were fabulous. Delicious apps and entrees. Fun atmosphere, although the different music from competing speakers in the patio (one must have been coming from next door) was undesirable. Would definitely return
  26. MariH

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Poesia is one of my favorite places in San Fran. Their pasta is always outstanding.
  27. CandaceanL

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Orrchieta was a bit thick, but otherwise, a go back to spot! Consistently delicious.
  28. TomB

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always on my list when I'm in San Francisco. Great food, cool venue and great service keeps me coming back.
  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Went here to celebrate for my bestie’s bday, next to bars for drinks after! Duck entree and crostini with chicken liver were the highlights!
  30. Daniel

    San Francisco

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a wonderful experience. The patio is lovely and the wait staff is the best of the best. Food was great. Can't wait to go back. Thanks everyone!!
  31. RM17

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Lovely evening spent with friends in the rear courtyard.
  32. GGH94116

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best place in the Castro
  33. MarinerS

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Loved this place! Both food and atmosphere. We went for our anniversary but also it could be casual and great for groups! Everything we got was delicious! We got the sea bass and the shrimp eggplant ravioli! Also the cocktails were super good. Will definitely be back.
  34. JoeT

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great experience at Poesia. Service and quality is wonderful.
  35. frenchsf

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    It's always a joy to return to vibrant, fun, lively Poesia -- brava!
  36. bethb

    San Francisco

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    GREAT atmosphere, lovely staff and solid, tasty food. Love the vibe there, very neighborhood, local.
  37. MyrickT

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Italian food in a charming, intimate setting perched on the second floor. I usually get the pasta which is always very yummy but this time tried their filet. The steak was so tender and perfectly cooked! Save room for their delicious take on tiramisu (in a glass cup) and cannoli - or better yet, order dessert to go so you can enjoy at home!
  38. ArthurC

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Birthday. Great service and attention to the birthday boy!
  39. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Poesia is high quality, authentic Italian restaurant located in the heart of the Castro in San Francisco. Francesco is the owner and is a doll. Definitely a neighborhood favorite.
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Puerto Vallarta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A hidden gem in SF. Highly recommend this place.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Poesia does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Poesia also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 252-9325.

Poesia is rated 4.5 stars by 2178 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for Poesia

4072 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Castro

  • Neighborhood

    The Castro

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    Nearest Muni station: Castro (at Market). Upon exiting Muni station, proceed one black South on Castro Street, then head East (left) on 18th.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Marcello Franceschini

  • Entertainment

    Our restaurant may accommodate up to 40 guests comfortably, with a full bar to provide traditional and unique drinks of choice. Featured on one of our walls are projected Italian films from the era of Dolce Vita, bringing us to a time of romance, passion and lively humor.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

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