Poesia

Name: Poesia
Address: 4072 18th Street, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94114
Telephone: (415) 252-9325
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

2178 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

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.

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Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(415) 252-9325

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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
Website
http://www.poesiasf.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Marcello Franceschini
Private party contact
Francesco: (877) 824-0339

Location
4072 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
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

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in the Bay Area

Popular dishes

Olive Marinate$8.00
Marinated cerignola, castelvetrano, and gaeta olives
Bruschetta$12.00
Garlic spread homemade bread, cherry tomatoes, oregano, basil, Sicilian EVOO
Tonno Piastrato$20.00
Seared Ahi tuna, avocado, lime zest, cucumber, red radish, sesame seeds
Burrata$20.00
Fresh burrata from Andria, cherry tomatoes, Taggiasca olives, toasted pine nuts, Sicilian EVOO
Giardino di Verdure$20.00
Variety of different flavored vegetable garden, smoked eggplant, grilled lime fennel, orange carrots, mint zucchini, roasted tomatillo, braised onion (it may vary on chef creativity)
Vitello Tonnato$19.00
Pink sliced veal, fried Sicilian capers, albacore tuna aioli, crunchy celery
Tagliere di Salumi e Formaggi$26.00
Selection of imported Italian cured meat and cheeses, served with homemade marmelade
Insalata di Fichi$15.00
baby mix lettuce-frisee salad, figs, goat cheese, roasted walnuts, honey-lime citronette
Cavolo Capuccio$15.00
shredded green & purple cabbage, pink lady apples, toasted hazelnut, italian gorgonzola cheese, raspberry vinaigrette

Pastas

Fusilli Integrali al Pomodoro$19.00
Wholewheat corkscrew-shaped pasta, Italian San Marzano & Corbarino tomatoes sauce, fresh cherry tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano
Fusilli Arrabbiata$19.00
Senatore Cappelli pasta with spicy tomato sauce
Ravioli di Zucca$23.00
butternut & kabocha squash filled home-made ravioli, butter-sage sauce, parmigiano-reggiano, aceto balsamico modena IGP
Tagliatelle al Ragu "Della Nonna"$25.00
Home-made tagliatelle, bolognese beef-pork ragu, Parmigiano Reggiano
Agnolotti al Plin$25.00
Home-made pinched pasta. Veal, pork, rabbit, spinach and Parmigiano-Reggiano filling. veal reduction sauce
Paccheri ai Frutti di Mare$25.00
Mancini linguine, seafood ragu (mussels-clams-prawns-squid), organic tomato-seafood sauce
Tagliolini Neri con Gamberi$25.00
home-made squid ink pasta, wild Gulf prawns, spicy broccoli rabe, yellow cherry tomatoes, braised shallot, crustacean sauce

Entrees and Sides

Trancio di Pesce alla Griglia$38.00
Grilled wild-caught fish filet (depends on available market), chickpea pure, Taggiasca olives panure, sauteed asparagus & snow peas
Carre' di Agnello$42.00
seared australian rack of lamb, roasted yukon golden potatoes, grilled vegetables, sauteed organic grapes, demi-glace
Filetto di Manzo$38.00
grilled filet mignon, roasted Yukon gold potatoes, roasted organic cauliflower, sauteed organic hen of the woods mushrooms, rosemary olive oil
Cavolfiore Fiorentino$9.00
roasted Florentino cauliflower
Cime di Rapa Aglio Olio e Peperoncino$9.00
garlic-spicy sauteed broccoli rabe
Caponatina di Verdure$9.00
soft garlic sauteed zucchini-eggplant-bell peppers-red onions

Desserts

Tiramisu$10.00
Classic Italian creamy eggs-mascarpone cheese, coffee soaked savoiardi, cocoa powder
Cannolo Siciliano$10.00
Classic Sicilian style cannolo, Bellweather farm ricotta cheese, orange-chocolate filling, pistachios
Mousse al Cioccolato$10.00
Callebaut dark chocolate mousse, hazelnut cialda, crumbled amaretti
Sorbetto$10.00
Fruit Vegan Sorbet

Cocktails

Moscow Mule$15.00
Vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, mint
Classic Negroni$15.00
Occitane Gin, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Campari
Black Negroni$15.00
Bombay Sapphire Gin, Cynar, Campari
Aperol Spritz$15.00
Aperol, sparkling wine
Spaghetti Western$15.00
Espelon tequila, triple sec, spicy chili syrup, lime juice
Dante$15.00
Haku vodka, fresh basil, lemon juice
Pomegranate Spritz$15.00
fresh pomegranate juice, select, sparkling wine, olives
Poesia Negroni$15.00
Italian Gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, fresh pomegranate juice
Campesino$15.00
Fresh black berry Mojito
Ellis Island$15.00
Makers mark, sweet vermouth, strega
Last Word$15.00
gin, chartreuse, lime juice
Smoked Paloma$15.00
Mezcal, pineapple juice, fresh mint
Espresso Martini$15.00
Vanilla vodka, Kahlua, Espresso

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

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

BP
BarbaraP
San Francisco
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Pasta noodles not done enough
A
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.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a joy here!
LC
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.
MS
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!
JM
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
OT
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!
TM
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.
MM
MoMoT
San Francisco
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything is outstanding. We will definitely be back!!!
B
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.
GG
GGH94116
San Francisco
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The best place in the Castro!
HO
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
OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome… loved the food, service and outdoor seating
OT
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.
CN
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
MC
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…!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Reunion of old friend
PA
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!
OT
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.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, service and ambiance.
x
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
OT
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.
P
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.
JR
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!
OT
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
MH
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.
CL
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.
TB
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.
OT
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!
D
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!!
RM
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.
GG
GGH94116
San Francisco
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best place in the Castro
MS
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.
JT
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.
f
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!
b
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.
MT
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!
AC
ArthurC
San Francisco
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Birthday. Great service and attention to the birthday boy!
OT
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.
OT
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

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(415) 252-9325

Other options

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

Website
http://www.poesiasf.com/
Phone number
(415) 252-9325
Private party contact
Francesco: (877) 824-0339

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in the Bay Area

Poesia

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in the Bay Area

Tiramisu

Ravioli di Zucca

Linguine alle Vongole

Appetizers and Salads

Olive Marinate$8.00

Bruschetta$12.00

Tonno Piastrato$20.00

Burrata$20.00

Giardino di Verdure$20.00

Vitello Tonnato$19.00

Tagliere di Salumi e Formaggi$26.00

Insalata di Fichi$15.00

Cavolo Capuccio$15.00

Pastas

Fusilli Integrali al Pomodoro$19.00

Fusilli Arrabbiata$19.00

Ravioli di Zucca$23.00

Tagliatelle al Ragu "Della Nonna"$25.00

Agnolotti al Plin$25.00

Paccheri ai Frutti di Mare$25.00

Tagliolini Neri con Gamberi$25.00

Entrees and Sides

Trancio di Pesce alla Griglia$38.00

Carre' di Agnello$42.00

Filetto di Manzo$38.00

Cavolfiore Fiorentino$9.00

Cime di Rapa Aglio Olio e Peperoncino$9.00

Caponatina di Verdure$9.00

Desserts

Tiramisu$10.00

Cannolo Siciliano$10.00

Mousse al Cioccolato$10.00

Sorbetto$10.00

Cocktails

Moscow Mule$15.00

Classic Negroni$15.00

Black Negroni$15.00

Aperol Spritz$15.00

Spaghetti Western$15.00

Dante$15.00

Pomegranate Spritz$15.00

Poesia Negroni$15.00

Campesino$15.00

Ellis Island$15.00

Last Word$15.00

Smoked Paloma$15.00

Espresso Martini$15.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does Poesia offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Poesia restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in the Bay Area