Best Historic Restaurants in Financial District / Embarcadero

They prepared a very special and memorable dinner for my family. The staff’s attention is excellent, and it would be impossible not to highlight the outstanding service. On top of that, the food was exquisite. At first, we were hoping to find more options on the menu, but after taking Chef Tobias’s recommendations, I can trust that any of the dishes will be absolutely delicious. A truly great restaurant in every aspect.

We had a great time. Food was amazing and reasonably priced for quality and quantity. Service left a bit to be desired, such as asking for things twice and got some sass for asking for a coat check when at the table and not the front desk (I would assume a restaurant of this caliber would offer a coat check when we walk in). Otherwise everything was great!

Incredibly attentive service and a delightful evening all around. Cocktail was perfect, great suggestions on the menu, and we felt very well cared for. Adjust the Caesar salad to your liking (ask for less lemon for a 2 person serving), pick your steak knife (NY and ribeye were both outstanding) and add the Mac and cheese!

Lunch after a matinee is one of our Holiday traditions- this year it was just perfect. The restaurant was packed with diners waiting for tables lined up at the bar, so thank goodness we had a reservation (on a Monday at 3:00PM- who knew?). Once past that minor inconvenience, everything was absolutely wonderful. We shared the Tortelloni appetizer and even though I am an accomplished Italian home cook, it was the best we have ever had. Then we shared the Jack LaLane salad - partly because we grew up with him on TV and the nostalgia was undeniable- and it was perfect. It had a respectable amount of seafood and avocado and was very large. My husband said his Manhatten was excellent. We left vowing to come back soon and often.

I’ve been going to Palio for nearly 20 years and the food is consistently excellent. I have never, NEVER had a bad meal here. The service is attentive, warm, personable…you feel as if you are a valued guest every time you dine there. This is a place where you can actually have a dinner conversation without screaming at the top of your lungs. Wait staff have been there for years which makes Palio fee like a close knit family. Favorite dishes: Fritto misto (can’t go wrong!), branzino, spaghetti with Dungeness crab, any of the pizzas!