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    Palio

    3.9 (654 reviews)
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    PALIO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Palio

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    Salad
    herald h.

    Classic Italian Spot! First time here and tried a bit of everything. Solid Italian spot. I'm giving it 4/5 because I enjoyed everything but nothing really stood out for me. If I remember one thing is that the tiramisu was really good here and tasted homemade. However like all Italian dishes, it's very carb heavy and you can get full fast. Whether that's good or bad is up for interpretation. But overall, nice spot.

    Andrew R.

    Came here for a friends birthday and overall had a great experience! I ordered a cocktail that had sorbet in it, and it was one of the best Italian cocktails I've had! We split some apps which were alright. And for my main I got a pizza with arrabbiata sauce, which was soooo good. The flavors were unique and it was cooked perfectly. I finished the meal with a hazelnut gelato affogato, which was PERFECT! Can't recommend the hazelnut gelato enough. Service was good, prices are reasonable, and this place has a classic Italian vibe. Would recommend!

    Austin W.

    I recently dined at Palio for a team dinner and overall, had a really great meal. The menu has a ton of variety that can accommodate a wide variety of food restrictions if you're stopping by with such a group. The drink menu is pretty extensive as well, with beers, wines and cocktails. To start, I ordered their Tamayo Old Fashioned -- "Verdes momentos mezcal, nixta corn liquor, mole bitters, tajin tipped orange". Flavor was good, but I wish the drink was more spirit forward. Although there is no free table bread, foccacia is available at $8 an order. It's sliced a bit too thin for my liking, but I enjoyed the herbed oil that was served with the bread. For my entree, I ordered "Pappardelle con Cinghiale" -- wide cut pasta, 18 hour braised wild boar, roasting jus, pecorino toscano. For $33, it's not exactly cheap, but it is a really great tasting bowl of pasta. The meat is incredibly tender, and the pasta is cooked to perfectly al dente. If you're in charge of scheduling a team dinner, Palio is a good option.

    Carpaccio with Tuna
    Shannon P.

    Good spot for client lunch or dinner. This was my first time here for lunch and it was great. Service was attentive, food was yummy, and ambiance was sophisticated. The focaccia bread was amazing. The soup special looked yummy. My steak salad was good and others got the two different tuna salads, pasta, and eggplant parmigiana and everyone was happy. We will be coming back for sure!

    Bread with really good olive oil.
    Donnelly N.

    Really pretty/well appointed restaurant with great service and good lunch specials. The bread with the olive oil was really good! My octopus was cooked very well but the sauce was on the sweeter side which I didn't love. I would go back and try something else.

    Osso bucco
    Bob K.

    Really excellent Christmas dinner at Palio. Super great service and really excellent branzino and osso bucco entrees. Highlight was a thinly-cut octopus appetizer. Really excellent fruit tart dessert as well.

    Insalata Romana
    Emily F.

    Came here for a large group dinner. There was only a couple tables eating in the rest of the restaurant the whole time. It was a decent space for our group and service was good. We started with the insalata Romana. It was fresh and liked the dates in the salad. It was something different from most salads and added good texture and flavor. The crispy skin salmon wasn't crispy at all but the salmon, mashed potatoes, and green beans were pretty good. The tiramisu everyone got for dessert was a good portion and nice and light. Good flavor and a nice way to end dinner.

    Fritto Misto
    Wolf H.

    I had the pleasure of dining at Palio for lunch a few days ago. How lucky! Palio is an all around elevated dining experience that I highly recommend. As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by the owner, Martino "Son of Vince" DiGrande. I thought he was simply the host, but it was slow and we ended up chatting quite a bit. We talked about the restaurant, travel, his fondness for Mexico City and just all kinds of things. A very down-to-Earth and charming guy. Martino comes from a restaurant family and has been at the helm of Palio for twenty years. It shows. The decor is warm and comforting. The fire from the pizza oven adds to the ambience and the bar is a gorgeous, sparkling temptation. The interior design is elegant without being stuffy. Welcome. The bathroom situation is likewise refined and clean with nice design touches. I started off with the Fritto Misto (see photo). Calamari, prawns, fish, and vegetables fried in a light batter and garnished with red bell pepper sauce and lemon. This was a generous serving and would make a fine appetizer for four people. Or you could just eat it yourself and call it a lunch. It was absolutely delicious! If it were not for the apocalyptic sadness of Dry January (why did I do this?) it would have paired nicely with an ice cold beer. For my main course I had the daily special; a risotto with spinach and mushroom. Perfect comfort food. Creamy, savory, and just everything you want. This would go nicely with a buttery chardonnay or a chenin blanc. I've only had risotto a few times, but this was the best I have had so far. The service at Palio is welcoming and refined. Attentive without being obtrusive. The staff is nothing short of charming and take their craft seriously. They made me feel right at home and taken care of. After the meal, my dining companion enjoyed an Irish cofee while I had straight black. Sadly, the coffee was the one thing that did not measure up. It tasted like yesterday's coffee warmed up. Not enough to cost a star when you consider all else, but a bit of a disappointment. Now I know how my parents feel. Pricewise, this is not a place to go on a budget. Rents in this area are no joke and you are paying for food that does measure up to the price tag. However, you could certainly enjoy the Fritto Misto mentioned earlier for under $20, which I consider a great deal. I will definitely return to Palio to pre-game the cigar nights at the Amador Club and try more of their menu. I highly recommend that you stop in and say hello to Martino and the crew. Bon Appétit!

    Steak
    Adam H.

    Amazing Italian food and steak! Came here with a few colleagues. The steak was really well done (med rare). And nicely plated. One of the best restaurants during our work trip! Will be back Pro tip: you must try their tiramisu .... Even better than the steak :)

    Tif B.

    We were looking for a restaurant to hold our SF City Hall reception and decided to try Palio since we both love Italian food. We reserved the main dining room and the bar/lounge area and it was the perfect space to hold our guest count. Leading up to the wedding day Valeria (Event Coordinator) was amazing. She was kind and answered all the questions we had. The team also allowed us to drop off the cake the night before. The Valeria, staff, bartender, and the team at Palio were amazing day of too. They were attentive and made our guests feel welcome. Not only that but we received compliments from everyone about how delicious the food was. We appreciated that they were able to accommodate our guest dietary restrictions as well. Palio made our day truly extra wonderful. We love dining here, so whether you are looking for a place to eat or host an event we highly recommend it.

    Sunny S.

    The restaurant has nice ambiance is located close to the center of SF and the service is great. I was here for a team event and they were able to seat a party of around 50. The pasta with pork sausage was surprisingly yummy and I really enjoyed the steak. Come give it a try!

    Risotto ai Funghi
    Roozbeh Z.

    We've been there as a party of ten for a friend's birthday. The place is pretty quiet despite being on a very busy street in San Francisco. Being busy in s sign if good food, but ai do appreciate of a nice cozy place to eat dinner, which this place indeed is. We ordered pizza, pasta, fish and chicken. I ordered Funghi Pizza which was amazingly delish (好吃). My wife's risotto was not that good unfortunately. The rice was undercooked. The birthday's lady was also disappointed about the fish, since it was pretty small. As far as the food go, I think their pizza is their specialty. We have also asked them to serve a birthday cake for us, which they kindly did. They did charge $35 for that service, which I think other places do not. Not a big deal, but just an abnormality. The staff are SO very nice. I mean they are at a different level. Whatever you ask would be there yesterday. I will go there again, but will make sure to order from pizza menu only ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

    Pasta of the day

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    Valeria D.

    Thank you! We hope to see you again soon

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    Page 1 of 17

    Palio Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Palio

    How's the parking situation here?

    Park at the Portsmouth Square Garage nearby at Clay and Kearney. Easy peasy.

    Can you make reservations for a group for happy hour?

    We made a reservation at 5:30 for a group of 14. No problem. However, I am not aware of any happy hour specials here.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    The Showdown - Boston 3 Way

    The Showdown

    4.2(126 reviews)
    0.4 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill
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    Visiting from TX and found this place by accident. It reminded us of our hometown hang out spot…read more Everyone made us feel welcome as soon as we came in. Not just the bartender but the manager and the locals hanging out. The drinks were great and the company even better. They gave us some amazing recommendations for some local restaurants and they were all perfect! We will visit again if we ever make it back to San Fran.

    I recently came to this bar with a few friends. One friend was a bit intoxicated and wasn't allowed…read morein, which was fine and not an issue AT ALL. While we were outside, we made friendly conversation with a bartender. I overheard another bartender come out for a cigarette and call him by name, so I jokingly used his name while asking if we could come in. At that point, the bartender became extremely aggressive, got in my face, and said, "Say his name one more f*cking time," repeatedly. I was genuinely confused and asked what she meant. Shortly after, a friend who was already inside came out simply to check on us and see why we were still outside. The bartender then told her to "get the f*ck out of my face" and instructed staff not to let her or us in, even though my friend hadn't done anything wrong. It was so confusing and extremely inappropriate. The behavior was unnecessarily hostile and disrespectful. This bar does not treat its customers with basic courtesy, and that bartender showed zero professionalism or customer service skills.

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    The Lucky Spot

    The Lucky Spot

    4.6(16 reviews)
    0.5 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill

    Just popped into The Lucky Spot in North Beach with some buddies for drinks to watch Sunday night…read morefootball, and it quickly became our new favorite hangout spot! This place has that perfect North Beach neighborhood bar chill and welcoming vibe, like a classy dive where you can watch the game or just chat for hours. The cocktails are next level: tried a few that tasted like grown-up root beer floats and Orange Julius vibes, super creative and balanced without being too sweet. They've got solid classics too if you're not feeling adventurous. Walls are covered in cool local SF photos and art that make it feel proudly San Franciscan. Only street parking available but there's plenty of bus lines that drop you off in ths neighborhood & there's no food served onsite, but they brought in complimentary Golden Boy pizza for the game watch party which quickly went into my stomach after downing a few cocktails. Staff was friendly and on point, and it's great for locals or anyone wanting elevated drinks without the pretension. Perfect pre-dinner spot in North Beach or for a full night out.

    LOVE THIS SPOT! From the cleanliness, location, ambience,…read moreand overall customer experience - this is now my go-to spot for watching sports, date night, night out with friends, and even a solo hang. I feel right at home when I step into this bar. Plenty of space and a huge bonus: dogs are allowed! Do yourself a favor and go visit one of the best bartenders in town, Ali. If it's your first time, it won't be your last.

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    Petit Lil’s - Look for this sign.

    Petit Lil’s

    4.7(53 reviews)
    0.6 miRussian Hill, North Beach/Telegraph Hill
    $$

    This place is on the martini trail for a reason! Try the junipero martini! I get it without the…read moreolive juice as I don't like my martinis dirty but if you do, I've heard they are great! My absolute favorite thing is that you are welcomed with a glass of mumm bubbly. I hope they never get rid of this. It really makes this place stand apart from all the other options in north beach and makes you (me) feel special. Everyone who works there is also so nice. Everytime we've gone we've been so warmly welcomed and had great conversations.

    My friends and I totally stumbled upon Petit Lil's after a dinner nearby, and the holiday vibes…read morewere immaculate! With giant ornaments, Christmas tree foliage, pretty lights, and a movie projected onto the wall, the atmosphere was lively, fun, and cozy. As we briefly waited to be seated, I was pleasantly surprised when someone brought out glasses and poured us some complimentary champagne (and later refilled too!). We ordered cocktails at the bar and indulged in the oyster jubilee (buy 6, get 6 free from 10 pm to 1 am). The oysters were pretty fresh. The Pomegranate Nice with non-alcoholic gin instead of non-alcoholic tequila, Negroni Sbagliato, and Blood Orange Gimlet were solid. I didn't love the Aviation though because it was a bit heavy handed on the violet liqueur. But overall, I really loved my experience here!

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    Tony Nik's Cafe - Cocktails, bartender's recommendations

    Tony Nik's Cafe

    4.3(343 reviews)
    0.5 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill
    $$

    Such a fun place to grab a few drinks and truly unwind after a long day. This was my first time…read morevisiting, and I can confidently say it will not be my last. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere immediately stood out. The vibe is relaxed yet lively, making it a great spot whether you're stopping by casually or planning to spend a few hours enjoying yourself. The overall energy of the place made it easy to settle in and enjoy the evening. Everything felt welcoming and well put together, from the ambiance to the music and crowd. It's the kind of spot where you can have great conversation, laugh, and completely decompress without feeling rushed. The service was excellent from start to finish. The staff was attentive, friendly, and consistently checked in without being overbearing. Drinks were made well and delivered promptly, which really added to the experience. Overall, this is a great place to relax, enjoy well made drinks, and soak in a fun atmosphere. I would absolutely return and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid spot to unwind and enjoy a great evening out.

    Tony Nik's isn't just a bar, it's basically a North Beach time machine. I first walked through its…read moredoors in the late 1990s after moving to San Francisco, but the bar itself dates back to 1933, opening right as Prohibition was ending. It was founded by Anton "Tony" Nikitovich and quickly became a gathering place for the neighborhood's Italian and Croatian communities, where people came to swap stories, argue politics, and enjoy a stiff drink after a long day. And honestly, that tradition carried on well into the years when many of us became regulars. I hadn't been back for a few years until recently, when I decided to stop in again. The bar wasn't overly busy, but a handful of neighborhood folks were sitting at the counter, trading stories over their drinks. It felt instantly familiar. Not much has changed since the early 2000s when I used to come here regularly, and that's exactly what makes Tony Nik's special. Step inside, and it still feels like a mid-century film set: tufted leather seating, a long wooden bar that's seen nearly a century of San Francisco history, and that iconic neon sign glowing outside. While much of the city has reinvented itself again and again, Tony Nik's somehow held onto its soul. It's a grown-up bar without being stuffy, no loud club music, no trendy gimmicks, just well-made cocktails, a classic jukebox, and an atmosphere that feels earned rather than manufactured. The bar stayed in the Nikitovich family for decades, and the current owners were wise enough to preserve both the name and the vintage character Tony originally created. It's one of those rare places that reminds you what North Beach used to be, and, thankfully, still is.

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    Legacy North Beach Bar - Fortaleza Blanco w/ club soda ($18) + Ginger Beer ($6)

    Legacy North Beach Bar

    3.8(22 reviews)
    0.4 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill

    Apparently North Beach is the best 'hood in the city for nightlife...right now…read more IF I was still in my 20s, I would start the night off at Monroe for Battle of the Decades where drinks start at $1 at 5 pm and increase by $1 every hour until 10 pm. Nosh on zucchini fries at Original Joe's before bar hopping on Grant Ave. IF you like a diverse crowd with DJs spinning hip hop, a visit to Legacy is mandatory. We did a little weekend day drinking at Legacy and when we saw customers sporting their Frisco gear, we knew we were in the right place! Sorry but it's Frisco, The Sco, or The City, it's NEVER San Fran. For those who disagree, tell that to Mac Dre, Too $hort, and the Hells Angels. Plus, Herb Caen eventually took back his "Frisco" stance. Anyhow, after Legacy, I would move on to watch the midnight ballerinas on Broadway and end the night smashing faces with a Golden Boy! A slice of clam & garlic OFC. O T H E R N O T E S * Friendly staff. * Low-key, locals bar with lounge seating, vinyl lined walls, TVs, and projectors for game day. * No HH specials. * Crisp sound system with DJs spinning hip hop on Fridays and Saturdays. * Dog-friendly but obvs wouldn't bring my dogs here when it's crowded at night. * Clean restrooms. * Cc's accepted but there's a discount if you pay cash.

    BFF wanted to stop her after dinner for her 50th birthday…read more I mean I grew up in NB my entire childhood. Love it love it love it but after COVID-19. Nothing has been the same. People are a bit rude and raunchy and don't respect the area for what North Beach stands for. Being in your 40's, it ain't the place really to be. To let loose, gotta have some drinks and blend in. It was bedtime for me. Still had to get home to our kids on the other side of the town way South. Music was cool but wasn't all that. Just came to celebrate and have fun, we did just that.

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    Palio - italian - Updated May 2026

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