Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar since 1959

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1. LK

   LaurenceK

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on June 24, 2022

   overall3food2service4ambience3

   We ordered the Calzones--two of them. They were largely tasteless. The Caesar salad we had before them was also largely tasteless.

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2. C

   Craig

   Las Vegas

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 22, 2022

   overall4food5service5ambience2

   Dined street side since there was no AC and the heat wave made indoor dining impossible. Great food as usual and highly recommend the clams.

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3. K

   Kate

   Toronto

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 20, 2022

   overall2food3service2ambience2

   The reviews we read didn't reflect our experience. Service was slow and the servers were curt. The food was good, but very much a home cooked meal experience rather than what we typically choose which would be more upscale dining. It was clean, quiet and easy to get a reservation, unlike other restaurants we tried.

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 16, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   My wife and kids celebrated our anniversary at Luisa’s. It was so authentic and memorable! The dishes were all fantastic, the private label wine was wonderful, and Luisa herself entertained with many stories. We heartily recommend and will definitely return!

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5. EA

   EmmaA

   Washington DC

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 9, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This is hands down the best Italian restaurant I've been to, in my life. We ordered the hand-made ravioli (lobster with wine and lemon sauce) and eggplant parmesan, along with a caesar salad and garlic bread. We also got a tiramisu for dessert. Every single dish item is made in house, and you can taste the difference. The flavors are complex and delicious, making you savor each bite. The eggplant in particular was amazing, and I don't even like eggplant. It melts in your mouth and the cheese, while at most places smothers the main ingredients, was subtle and perfectly accenting the eggplant and sauce. The ravioli was delicious; the soft noodle and filling well suited to the delicious lemon and wine sauce. We had two orders of the garlic bread (probably didn't need the second one but we couldn't help ourselves) to sop up the sauces between the dishes. The tiramisu (also made in house) was perfectly savory and not overly sweetened. We polished off every bite of what we ordered. My only complaint is that I didn't have enough stomach space. I had booked this restaurant for my mom's milestone birthday since she had lived in Italy for years. She said not only did it taste like it did when she lived in Italy, but in most cases better! I will definitely be back! Thank you Luisa and team!

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   London

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 7, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   So good!! Gnocchi was to die for

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7. S

   Silvi

   San Francisco

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on June 6, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The food is amazing!!!

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on June 2, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Celebration supper with grown-up kids. We felt the experience was an authentic Italian family dinner; Luisa reminded us all of our own Irish/Italian Grandmother, earthy and elegant. A great culinary experience: thoroughly recommend a visit.

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9. JL

   JLise

   Dallas

   9 reviews

   2.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on June 2, 2022

   overall2food2service2ambience1

   No extra effort on service or food. Food was fair, given the competition and location in North Beach I will visit another Italian restaurant next time.

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Switzerland

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    Gutes Essen.

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11. R

    Regulars

    New York Area

    61 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We wanted Italian and selected Luisa’s. What a gem! Everything we ordered was amazing (meatballs, lobster ravioli, shrimp and clam linguini, and eggplant parmigiana, tiramisu). There was indoor and outdoor seating (we selected indoor). It was pretty cool that Luisa herself (at 90+ years old) was hanging out at the restaurant. We would eat here again. The food was on point

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12. LK

    LeKettle

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall3food5service3ambience3

    So disappointed it could have been a wonderful evening. The food was great. The server was wonderful. However, the owner made us feel unwelcome. At the end of our meal about an hour and a half into our meal we were finishing with desert and a glass of wine. She told us that she had people waiting for our table and we needed to wrap it up. I was very surprised, when it was clear we were finishing up. I have seen restaurants have a max two hour but this was ridiculous. We left our desert unfinished and full glasses of wine. It absolutely would have been a restaurant I would have returned to if not for the owner. If you like to have a relaxed meal that is longer than an hour, probably not the place for you.

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13. TP

    TerriP

    San Francisco

    48 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Claudio did a great job. Caesar salad was the perfect size to have with the Pappardelle with meat sauce. The cannolis were worth sharing at the end of the meal. The Pinot Grigio from Italy was crisp and refreshing. Food is very fresh with wonderful flavors. And Claudio’s friendliness makes it all worth while. Would highly recommend!!

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14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    We were visiting the area on vacation and this restaurant was close with good reviews. Food was great, the restaurant is clean, decorated well, not too loud so you can still have a conversation. If you’re in the area I recommend!

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15. DR

    DeborahR

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The gnocchi is the best we've ever tasted! And the service was authentic, warm and inviting.

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16. MB

    MeghanB

    Indiana

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We were traveling to San Francisco, Luisa’s was our favorite restaurant. It was a magical experience!

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17. R

    Robin

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    We had a 7:30 reservation but showed up an hour early because we were hungry. Fortunately the waitstaff were accommodating and we were seated early. A very nice meal (we started with bruschetta, I had spaghetti carbonara and my husband had gnocchi with gorgonzola), prepared and served nicely, curbside in their parklet (which had overhead heaters). Service was attentive, meal suggestions were offered and spot on. Topped it off with tiramisu. Overall quite a nice meal.

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18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    I brought my friend and her daughter to dinner prior to a ballet show. Chatted with the grand dame Luisa, as beautiful and fierce as always. The waiter was very attentive. The food was great. We sat in the parklet. I just freaked out when the buses whizz by so close. Otherwise it was a fabulous dining experience 💕

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19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We ate lasagna, pasta bolognese, pizza, garlic bread and tiramisu. Everything, including the wine, food, and service were excellent. Will go back next time in San Francisco!

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20. p

    paulb

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience3

    Ms. Luisa has been a staple in the North Beach scene. The gnocchi were a bit heavy, other that no complaints.

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21. TG

    TonyG

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    As usual, a delightful dinner at Luisa's. Herself (Luisa) was there and chatting with her customers. We had the three specials; Lamb shank, Halibut and linguine and Risotto tutto mare. It was all divine. Bruschetta and caprese to start, and Luisa labeled Pinot. We finished off with the Chocolate cake and espresso. Really a great value and simply wonderful service, food and ambiance. A wonderful find.

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22. SP

    SusanP

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The papadelle with meat sauce was delicious. The noodles were delicate, yet the dish was hearty. The lasagne bolagnese was a perfect blend of cheese, pasta and mear sauce. Louisa herself was in the house, greeting diners and making everyone feel at home. It was more than a meal it was an experience.

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23. s

    suss

    San Francisco

    115 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    115 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Claudio was excellent…as usual. Lunch time is our BEST UNKOWN SECRET PLACE although dinner time is a different experience! Food is always outstanding! Linguine Clam Sauce is the best in San Francisco!

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    With the amount of selection in San Frans North Beach for Italian food, just picking a restaurant can be overwhelming. If you are trying to decide, look no further than Luisa’s. From the fantastic appetizer, the wonderful salad, the very nice wine, and finally the superb main course, my family and I could have not been happier with our meal. Our servers recommendations were on point. Lastly, getting to meet Luisa, and talk with her for a few minutes was truly special. This meal will be a lasting memory in my family for years to come!

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25. MG

    MelissG

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is an understated, fabulous restaurant. The food is so delicious and everything is handmade including the pastas, sauces, bread, and gnocchi. They stay open late for authentic European dining. The 90+ year old owner and chef, Luisa, makes her rounds and greets everyone at their table. She is a gem. You won't be disappointed.

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26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic spot

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27. JH

    JHMs

    Glasgow

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Luisa herself still presides over the place, and remains the life and soul of the party. We celebrated my daughter's birthday there with friends and family. Food was great, wine flowed, staff busy but cheerful. Highly recommended, the highlight of our time in California.

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28. SR

    StephanieR

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    terrific from scratch Italian cuisine. so good! service was also terrific! highly recommend and we will be back soon!

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29. MM

    MarcoM

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Delicious and authentic Italian food! Would definitely come back!

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We enjoyed our dinner at Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar. The food was simply amazing from the bruschetta, to the gnocchis and Pappardelle. Portions were just right. We ended our meal with cannoli and tiramisu which was the perfect ending and a great way to celebrate my daughters birthday ♥️

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31. JB

    JansynB

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    such a cute little spot with good food!

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32. CM

    CarolM

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Luisa's has the best authentic Italian food in North Beach by far. The chicken piamontese is superb, and the brushetta is the best! Luisa's own label meritage red blend completes a top notch dining experience.

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33. JW

    JosephW

    San Francisco

    86 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    86 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    We loved the pizza crust..light and not greasy. Had their 5 star yelp meatballs….most and not dry. They call their restaurant a “wine bar”, but it’s not. So don’t expect wine flights. While They have a limited wine menu, Luisa has her own private collection, which is very good.

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34. BB

    BBrown

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A very traditional Italian restaurant in the heart of North Beach. Not touristy at all, and a great value for the quality of the food and service. Matriarch Luisa made an appearance to share conversation with the dinners.

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35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Delicious food, great service, the owner came by to every table. can’t recommend enough

    Report
36. NB

    NancyB

    Salt Lake City

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Visiting San Francisco and found this gem. Great food and service. I would highly recommend this restaurant

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great cozy restaurant, with great lobster ravioli with vodka sauce, good meatballs, and enjoyable experience:)

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Insane meal! Top notch the whole way! Delicious,

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39. DB

    DabeB

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    It's rare to find an Italian restaurant that is able to execute every region well. However, Luisa seems to have mastered the craft of delicious and flavorful dishes from almost every region in Italy. Their private label wine was really good too and exceeded our expectations. It's a hidden gem and we'll definitely keep coming back here more.

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40. JM

    JimM

    Glasgow

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Luisa's is a gem - fairly small, with amazing homely food and a decent wine list. Prices are very reasonable, compared to other places in San Francisco, for the quality of the food. Highly recommended.

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