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    Steps of Rome

    4.2 (94 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Order Steps of Rome Takeout or Delivery

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    STEPS OF ROME ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Touristy
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - Steps of Rome

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    Reviews With Photos

    LA NORMA
    Amaru V.

    This is more of a pizza review since I ordered delivery from Steps of Rome. I ordered their La Norma pizza. And their pizza speaks for themselves. Authentic Italian pizza First off, this pizza isn't greasy. That's just a great thing to see. The body of the pizza is thin, which I enjoyed, just makes it feel like what you're eating won't leave you feeling too full or bloated. The quality of ingredients are fresh and full of flavor. The crust is honestly such a game changer. I think this is how pizza is supposed to be. I've been to plenty of chain pizza places and I understand why people don't like the crust sometimes, but the crust of the pizza at Steps of Rome is so crunchy, light, and fluffy that it really feels like its own dish. If they were to sell this as a separate thing like its own breadsticks, I would order it. The pizza just tasted so clean, so minimal ingredients, full of flavor which can make it so easy to eat a whole box to yourself. It's nice to know San Francisco has its own way to teleport to Italy thanks to Steps of Rome.

    Diavola Pizza
    Michael T.

    Excellent meal. I had the Diavola pizza and my friend had the Steps of Rome. Delicious. The croquettes were good but very overpriced for 4.

    RAVIOLO TARTUFO
    George S.

    All roads from Rome seem to lead to Steps of Rome in San Francisco. Once again, the food is simply fabulous, but what truly elevates the experience is the warmth and hospitality; something that feels almost from another planet, from another place entirely. The atmosphere carries a beautiful fusion: the vibrant spirit of North Beach blending seamlessly with authentic Italian energy and charm. It is a place where conversation flows, laughter fills the room, and every detail invites you to stay a little longer. Every bite feels like a small journey across the Atlantic; a taste of Italy on the palate, right in the heart of San Francisco.

    David C.

    Ciro was our waiter he was super helpful friendly and had great recommendations. The Bigoli was extraordinary with the yolk Try the Polpette has 3 meat balls and some polenta. Great place in. North beach in little Italy. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating. Good for families or a date.

    Jackie T.

    Tomasso, Dillon and Auosilio at Steps of Rome made our day. We came in right before opening and they kindly invited us to sit anywhere as they were setting up and asked if we minded waiting a few while they finished. They chatted with us, told us about their families and what was supposed to be a drink and a snack, turned into a place we will return to. We were just stopping by for a quick bite before picking up family at the airport and we regretted having a tight schedule. The meatballs were so freaking juicy and tender. The bed of polenta they were served on was perfectly creamy and cooked, not chewy... we requested more of the delicious sauce they were topped with, but the flavors pulled through every bite of the meat ball. The sauce was thick and was not tangy or sweet, just a great Italian red sauce that complimented the meat and polenta. Best Arancini I have had in a while. Let them sit for a minute... the cheese inside will melt more, check out my photo. How are these so freaking crispy on the outside??? And the saffron aioli... so thick and creamy. Ridiculous. The food was so delicious... this location is incredible and the setting is clean and fresh, but the care and service was top notch and that is why people will return like us. Dillion checked on us constantly and recommended the meatballs, they did not disappoint! We promised Tomasso we would be back to try the pizza. We live in Reno and will be making the drive back soon. Can't wait!

    Eric V.

    "L" shaped dining room. Well lit: too well well lit. Alas, we are steeped in the age of Light-Emitting Diode hell. An amiable waitress with sharp cheekbones, burrata-white complexion and squid-ink black hair. Lei non e laziale, ma questo non e importante. Treat her well. Bigoli alla carbonara? Traditional Roman I suppose, but you can do better at home. Sauce a bit too stodgy, could have used a couple spoons of pasta water. I had to sneak by my Italian waitress to ask the Mexican cooks for a lemon wedge as carbonara (pecorino, guanciale, eggs and black pepper) demands, despite what Italians will tell you, some acidic lift. Capers would also provide a suitable addendum. I was ultimately caught red-handed. Whereupon she revealed her own origins to be Piemontese and not Roman, thus the lemon in the carbonara: not her battle. The bigoli noodles are freshly extruded. A freshly extruded pasta is heartier than a fresh rolled pasta but less hearty than a dried pasta. I must say, that carbonara really misses the mark without a dried noodle. A glass of falanghina: a vino bianco with citrus and white flower notes.

    Martini Espresso & Another good drink
    Mona G.

    I decided to try this place, after seeing it a hundred times. Sat at the bar and was greeted by Christian. SINGLE LADIES, when I tell you that Christian is super cute, beautiful, mesmerizing light blue eyes, and a smile that will make you buy everything on that menu, no hyperbole. The bruchetta!!!!!!! SWEET BABY JESUS!!!!! That was some of the best I've had. Then Christian made me the best Espresso Martini & I forget the 2nd drink's name, but it was delicious. If you are in the heart of the city, please stop by & say hi to Christian & Mauricio!

    Spicy Rigatoni
    Ciara B.

    This was - in a single word - disappointing. A really unfortunate experience for Valentine's. The spicy rigatoni was severely undercooked, the cacio e pepe was plain nasty, and the arancini... rice balls with a cheese center, and yet it was still not good, along with a very strange mustard sauce. The Nerone's Revenge was good, just likely overpriced. Very underwhelming, we were in and out of there within 30 minutes (including time spent waiting for food).

    Gnocchi and margarita pizza
    Spencer L.

    This is fun, authentic restaurant in the heart of little Italy in north beach. Food: 5/5 The food was delicious. We got the Ceasar salad, a pizza and a the gnocchi. All of it is made with fresh ingredients and the pasta is made in house. Customer service: 5/5 The customer service is was excellent. Our server was quick but not an overbearing. He was also very friendly! Price: 5/5 The price was reasonable and comparable/competitive to other Italian restaurants in the area. Parking: 2/5 It's SF parking...so you can't expect much. But, I'd recommend getting parking beforehand on spot hero at one of the garages nearby. You can shop around for the pricing option and location you want before coming out. You could try for street parking, but it's tough to find on a Saturday night. I'd recommend this for a fun date not spot and a night on the town in a vibrant neighborhood.

    Parmesan Espresso Martini
    Aimee M.

    My partner and I stumbled up Steps of Rome while out and about NYE and thought we'd pop in and snag a table! It was busy, but lots of good energy, nothing overwhelming, and little to no wait time. Food was AMAZING. And the staff was incredibly friendly and they educated me on their Parmesan Espresso Martini. I thought it sounded terrifying (haha) but I saw it being prepared and it definitely looks interesting! For the right person, it sounds like a unique cocktail! Overall, wonderful places to go. Would come again!

    Afshin A.

    A Personal Return to a North Beach Treasure: Steps of Rome Trattoria Steps of Rome Trattoria holds a special and nostalgic place in San Francisco's North Beach culinary scene--and in my heart. I didn't know many people when I first moved to the neighborhood in the 1990s. I initially gravitated toward Steps of Rome because they regularly showed soccer matches. The Italian waiters and waitresses were just as passionate about the games as I was--especially during the World Cup--and that shared enthusiasm quickly made the restaurant a home away from home. Over time, I became a regular, getting to know many of the staff by name. I started bringing friends along, and soon Steps of Rome became our go-to spot--not just for the food and coffee, which were always excellent--but for the energy, the sense of community, and the infectious spirit of Roman hospitality that radiated from the staff. The place was unpretentious and warm, full of life and character, and even as friends moved away, we continued to make time for reunions there. The Original Steps of Rome (Pre-2011) The original Steps of Rome was more than just a restaurant--it was an experience. Though I don't know the exact date it was founded, it was a staple in North Beach for at least fifteen years before closing in 2011. Known for classic Italian comfort dishes like bruschetta, gnocchi, and fettuccine with salmon, the lively, often lively, and animated Italian staff set it apart. They created moments you never forgot, whether playful banter or dramatic dessert presentations. At its peak, Steps of Rome operated two locations on the same block, a testament to how beloved it was. Its closure in 2011 left a noticeable void in the neighborhood--a symbol of the gradual erosion of North Beach's vibrant Italian-American identity. The Rebirth of Steps of Rome (April 2025) That's why it meant so much to recently walk through the doors of the newly reopened Steps of Rome at 401 Columbus Avenue. The Florese Family, respected stewards of Italian hospitality in San Francisco, has lovingly revitalized it. With a legacy that includes Mona Lisa Restaurant, Mona Lisa Mare e Monti, and the Old Clam House, their revival of Steps of Rome is both a tribute and a promise. We visited the new location just a couple of weeks ago, and I'm thrilled to say it captured so much of what I remembered. The food was delicious, the service attentive and friendly, and most importantly, the spirit was there--the welcoming energy that made the original so magnetic. It felt like coming home. We started with Burrata Fresca, and I paired my portion with a glass of Pinot Grigio. We then shared a Steps of Rome pizza and lasagna, both filling and delicious. The Florese family's goal to bring back the original chef and recapture the beloved flavors and vibe of the past isn't just marketing--it's a genuine effort to preserve something special. This rebirth feels like a gift in a neighborhood that has struggled to maintain its Italian culinary roots.

    Tiramisu
    Tracy B.

    Well my experience is had last night was awful. We came here to have a bite to eat before the CNY parade. First off we ordered our drinks and food from our server Dylan. He was NOT a very good server. We were eating outside as it was a beautiful day. So we got our food which was a yummy ceaser salad and fried zucchini which was ok just a little oily. Dylan was practically standing over us while we ate. When my husband was finished with his plate he cleared everything except for mine as I was eating still. I felt him watching me finished. As I was still eating he brought our bill, didnt ask if we wanted some coffee or dessert. So he asked if we wanted to pay i said fine all pay but I wanna pay with cash. He said I couldn't as he didnt have money for change. Ok fine. I hated the fact that during our experience here was rushing us the whole time. After this experience I dont think I'll ever come back.

    Italian wallpaper
    Chef Will G.

    Very common practice in North Beach someone stands in front and attempts to draw u into restaurant and waitress made a good impression with us. Walked a block and came back and decided to eat here. I recall a Steps of Rome restaurant in North Beach our waitress mentioned they took the name from previous owners. This place pops with bright red colors and murals on the wall. Has been open a few months and everything looks new. Our waitress recommended the Bigolo Carbonara so we ordered that, my wife loves carbonara. Bigoli Carbonara With bigoli pasta the noodles were extremely undercooked, our waitress said it is al dente, I asked for it to be remade. It could be challenging as the noodle is really thick. The second time around the sauce had no flavor, wife took two bites and did not eat it. I have been to Rome, Venice and Florence and this does not come close. Even Olive Garden and Buca de Beppo is better than this. This is the worst carbonara I have ever had. Does the chef not taste his food? I am sure if the recipe was followed it would be good. Mona Lisa has the same owners and their food is good. Maybe since it was Monday at lunch they had their 3rd string cooks there. Rate minus 10 Lasagna Very good flavor but very small portion. Cooked perfectly. Rate 4

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    The best pizza in USA. I'm Italian and I can assure that you can experience an amazing taste of Italy even staying here in San Francisco!!

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