Palio

4.6

1498 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Good for business meals
Good for groups
Good for special occasions

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
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”. Palio offers 3 totally private party rooms and semi-private areas that can easily accommodate for groups of 20 to 300 for 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: (415) 395-9800

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 Only one block from the California St. cable car stop at California and Kearny 5 level blocks (no hills) from Montgomery St. Bart and Muni Station
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Aperol Sprtiz$16.00
Served on draft. Aperol, prosecco, seltzer
Liscio$13.00
Seagram's vodka, rosemary syrup, lemon, seltzer
Stargazer$16.00
Basil infused olive oil washed gin, raspberry and basil tea, chartreuse, vegan egg white, powdered raspberry
White Devil (in spanish)$16.00
Tequila, cocchi americano, luxardo bitter rosso, grapefruit
Tamayo Old Fashioned$16.00
Verde momento mezcal, nixta corn liquor, mole bitters, tajin dipped orange
Improved Brookyln$17.00
Old overholt rye, Palio's house amaro blend, pernod absinthe, luxardo maraschino
Underground City$23.00
White truffle infused scotch, amaro averna, nardini almond grappa, white truffle oil

Beer

On draught and by the bottle

Peroni$9.00
Lager Beer, Italy
Menabrea Amber$12.00
Amber, Italy
Almanac Hazy IPA$13.00
Alameda, USA
Amstel Lite$8.00
Lager, Netherlands
Menabrea Blonde$10.00
Lager, Italy
Moretti$9.00
Lager, Italy
Weihenstephaner$9.00
Hefe Weissbier, Germany
Hitachino$16.00
Red Rice Ale, Japan
Baladin L'Ippa$13.00
IPA, Italy
Lagunitas$12.00
IPA, USA

Wines by the Glass

Sparkling Wines

Prosecco DOC$16.00
Scarpetta, Veneto, 2019
Lambrusco$18.00
Scarpetta, Emilia-Romagna, NV
Moscato d'Asti$16.00
Scrapona, Piemonte, 2020

Wines by the Glass

Rose

Rose of Pinot Noir$16.00
La Crema, Monterey, 2020
La Fraghe$14.00
Bardolino, Chiaretto, Veneto, 2022

Wines by the Glass

White Wines

Pinot Grigio$14.00
Arduino, Venezio, 2020
Vermentino$15.00
La Cala, Sardenia, 2020
Etna Bianco$15.00
Cottenara, Sicilia, 2022
Fiano di Avellino$17.00
Rocca di Principe, Campangia, 2021
Sauvignon Blanc$16.00
Matanzas Creek, Sonoma, 2021
Chardonnay$15.00
Cambria, Santa Maria, Katherine's Vineyard, 2020

Wines by the Glass

Red Wines

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo$16.00
Roccia Forte, 2019
Etna Rosso$18.00
Tornatore, Sicilia, 2020
Palazzo della Torre$17.00
Allegrini, Veneto, 2020
Barolo$24.00
Cesare, La Morra, Piemonte, 2019
Super Tuscan$15.00
Remole, Frescobaldi, Toscana, 2019
Pinot Noir$16.00
Lapis Luna, Northern Coast, 2021
Cabernet Sauvignon$20.00
Priest Ranch, Napa Valley, 2019

Wines by the Bottle

Sparkling

Bortolomiol$52.00
Prosecco DOC, Brut, Veneto, NV
Felsina$72.00
Rose, Spumanti, Brut, Toscana, NV
Champagne$156.00
Vueve Cliquot, Brut, Yellow Label, Reims, NV

Wines by the Bottle

White Wines

Pinot Grigio$51.00
Terlano, Alto Adige, 2023
Chardonnay$65.00
La Melle, Il Borro, Toscana, 2021
Manna$99.00
Franz Haas, Alto Adige, 2021
Friulano$61.00
Livia Felluga, Friulki-Venezio Giulia, Collio, 2021
Soave Superiore$85.00
Pieropan, La Rocca, Veneto, 2021
Roero Arneis$56.00
Giovanni Rosso, Piemonte, 2020
Verdicchio Superiore$58.00
Castello dei Jesi, Bucci, Marche, 2020
Falanghina$52.00
Feudi San Gregorio, Campania, 2021
Etna Bianco$96.00
Nerina, Girolamo Russo, Sicilia, 2021
Vitovska$103.00
Skerk, carso, Friuli
Borrorosa$56.00
Il Boro, Rosato, Toscana, 2022
Sauvignon Blanc$99.00
Inglenook, Napa, 2022

Wines by the Bottle

Red Wines

Barbera d'Asti$48.00
Bava Libera, Piemonte, 2019
Nebbiolo$64.00
Langhe, Bava, Piemonte, 2019
Barbaresco$130.00
Produttori di Barbaresco, Piemonte, 2018
Barolo$145.00
Giovanni Rosso, Serralunga d'Alba, Piemonte, 2017
Pinot Nero$162.00
Girlan, Trattmann Riserva, Sudtirol, Alto adige, 2021
Valpolicella Ripassa$72.00
Bertani, Veneto, 2019
Amarone$168.00
Allegrini, Veneto, 2018
Chianti Classico Riserva$76.00
Felsina, Toscana, 2018
Rosso di Montalcino$88.00
Capanna, Toscana, 2019
Brunello di Montalcino$145.00
Col d'Orcia, Toscana, 2017
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano$52.00
Torcalvano, Toscana, 2019
Guidalbero$162.00
Tenuta San Guido, Toscana, 2021
Sassicaia$500.00
Tenuta San Guido, Toscana, 2020
Taurasi Riserva$180.00
Mastrobernardino, Radici, Campania, 2014
Barraua$135.00
Agricola Punica, Isola Dei Nurghi, Sardegna, 2018
Pinot Noir$75.00
La Crema, Sealift, Sonoma Coast, 2017
Pinot Noir$348.00
Sea Smoke, Southing, Central Coast, 2021
Cabernet Franc$75.00
Comptoir, Santa Rita Hills, St. Ynez, 2020
Cabernet Sauvignon$98.00
Cosenza, Sonoma, 2014
Cabernet Sauvignon$210.00
Inglenook, Napa, 2018
Cabernet Sauvignon$300.00
Shafer, One Point Five, Napa Valley, 2021

What 1,498 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Palio is a beloved San Francisco gem known for its "best pizza in town" and "incredibly delicious food." The ambiance is both elegant and welcoming, making it perfect for business meetings or romantic dinners. Guests rave about the "exceptional service" and "homemade pastas." A must-visit for Italian cuisine enthusiasts!

1,498 Reviews

M
Marianne
VIP
San Francisco
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We dined at Palio on Christmas Day. We had a lovely meal and the restaurant offered a very nice menu, mainly from their regular dinner menu. We had pasta with bolognese sauce (perfect for the cold evening, the pasta was fresh and the sauce was simmered to perfection), the NY Steak, slightly more cooked than my medium rare preference but the meat was top quality so didn't affect the taste. We also had the seafood stew, served with risotto, (very flavorful). We enjoyed our evening very much and appreciated that the owner, Martino, stopped by to check on us during the meal. It's hard to find a quality restaurant on such a holiday but Palio was just right for our party. I highly recommend this restaurant on any night. Their bar is great and the pizzas are perfect for sharing with friends and colleagues.
Is this helpful?
S
Stacey
New York City
21 reviews
3.0
21 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
The ambiance is very nice and the waitstaff is friendly. Biggest issue with waitstaff was that they forgot to bring our appetizer, also they couldn’t make any pizzas even though much of their menu is pizza. Disappointing. The food was tasty but $36 for a simple pasta dish was very costly. Not worth the price at all.
Is this helpful?
L
Leila
Sydney
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely restaurant with delicious Italian food. Daily specials keep the menu fresh and new. Service is impeccable. We were made to feel special and very well cared for. Highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
D
Debbie
Central Coast
38 reviews
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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!
Is this helpful?
L
Leslie
San Francisco
37 reviews
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Consistently great food, staff, service and specials.
Is this helpful?
B
Brian
VIP
Phoenix
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Palio is one of favorite go-to’s in San Francisco. The wild boar ragu is absolutely delicious as is the Tuscan salad. The owner/host is warm and engaged in making sure the culinary experience is amazing.
Is this helpful?
G
Gayle
VIP
San Francisco
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great experience at Palio. Great staff, food, service and ambiance. Wish I could walk to it from home so I could eat there every week.
Is this helpful?
N
Narek
VIP
Los Angeles
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The food was mediocre and bland. Nothing really inspiring and the staff wasn't helpful with answering questions about the dishes. Service was okay, and it was quiet. Overall, it's a 2-3 star experience. Shame because I was looking forward to it too.
Is this helpful?
J
James
San Francisco
30 reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Palio has been around a long time and remains a decent lunch venue for business related meals. Portions are sized right and the quality of the is decent but not extraordinary.
Is this helpful?
J
Jessica
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We had a group of 8 and enjoyed the food and experience. It was easy to talk which was nice.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Palio 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 4.6 stars by 1498 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

Additional information

Cross street
Montgomery/Sacramento
Neighborhood
Financial District / Embarcadero
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
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Pizzeria, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
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 Only one block from the California St. cable car stop at California and Kearny 5 level blocks (no hills) from Montgomery St. Bart and Muni Station
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Mauricio Martinez
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.paliosf.com/
Phone number
(415) 395-9800
Catering
Considered by many to be one of San Francisco’s best private dining venues, Palio is elegant and timeless, yet approachable and “green”. Palio offers 3 totally private party rooms and semi-private areas that can easily accommodate for groups of 20 to 300 for 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: (415) 395-9800

Palio

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Margherita

Siciliana

Salsiccia e Pepperoni

Cocktails

Aperol Sprtiz$16.00

Liscio$13.00

Stargazer$16.00

White Devil (in spanish)$16.00

Tamayo Old Fashioned$16.00

Improved Brookyln$17.00

Underground City$23.00

Beer

Peroni$9.00

Menabrea Amber$12.00

Almanac Hazy IPA$13.00

Amstel Lite$8.00

Menabrea Blonde$10.00

Moretti$9.00

Weihenstephaner$9.00

Hitachino$16.00

Baladin L'Ippa$13.00

Lagunitas$12.00

Wines by the Glass

Prosecco DOC$16.00

Lambrusco$18.00

Moscato d'Asti$16.00

Wines by the Glass

Rose of Pinot Noir$16.00

La Fraghe$14.00

Wines by the Glass

Pinot Grigio$14.00

Vermentino$15.00

Etna Bianco$15.00

Fiano di Avellino$17.00

Sauvignon Blanc$16.00

Chardonnay$15.00

Wines by the Glass

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo$16.00

Etna Rosso$18.00

Palazzo della Torre$17.00

Barolo$24.00

Super Tuscan$15.00

Pinot Noir$16.00

Cabernet Sauvignon$20.00

Wines by the Bottle

Bortolomiol$52.00

Felsina$72.00

Champagne$156.00

Wines by the Bottle

Pinot Grigio$51.00

Chardonnay$65.00

Manna$99.00

Friulano$61.00

Soave Superiore$85.00

Roero Arneis$56.00

Verdicchio Superiore$58.00

Falanghina$52.00

Etna Bianco$96.00

Vitovska$103.00

Borrorosa$56.00

Sauvignon Blanc$99.00

Wines by the Bottle

Barbera d'Asti$48.00

Nebbiolo$64.00

Barbaresco$130.00

Barolo$145.00

Pinot Nero$162.00

Valpolicella Ripassa$72.00

Amarone$168.00

Chianti Classico Riserva$76.00

Rosso di Montalcino$88.00

Brunello di Montalcino$145.00

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano$52.00

Guidalbero$162.00

Sassicaia$500.00