Da Flora Reviews

I ate here on a recommendation from a friend. I had the sweet potato gnocchi. You can get it with bacon or vegetarian with sage. I had it with the sage. It was the best tasting meal I have ever had. Service was excellent and the place is cozy, quaint, charming, and intimate. I loved it so much that I went back there the next night. The complimentary bread served is very tasty also. They have a wonderful wine selection and menu selections.

Absolutely wonderful place, and the food is to die for! It took all of me to not lick the bowl clean when I finished my meal. The menus are hand written and different almost every day! The owners are so nice and personal, it's a great environment. I have been there twice, the first time was many years ago when I was a very picky child. As a picky child, nothing on the menu sounded good to me so they personally whipped something up for me! I definitely plan on making a stop in every time I make it to San Fransisco!

We ate here after asking a local couple on the street which was their favourite Italian in North Beach. Afterwards we read the mixed reviews this restaurant receives and can honestly say that it is perfectly understandable that it swings both ways. Our experience: Location: very nice, corner site on Washington Square. Pleasant ambience, intimate cosy atmosphere in the restaurant. Service: No problem. We hadn't booked, but were fitted in on a busy Friday (Good Friday). We like to think we are a personable couple who are easy to get on with and we had some friendly banter with Flora. You do get the feeling that she has low levels of toleration which Americans might resent (rightly expecting a high level of grovelling from their restauranteurs). We are English and accustomed to poor attitude, but couldn't complain about her attitude on the night that we were there.....EXCEPT I asked her advice on wine. She recommended a 68 dollar bottle which we stated was a bit beyond our budget, so she made another recommendation at 52 dollars. We agreed to this, but when the bill came, we were charged 68 dollars! When we pointed out the mistake, we were told that we had actually been given the 68 dollar bottle. An apology was made, but no offer to reduce the bill, even to split the difference. Like I said, we are easy to get on with, so agreed to pay - but you can see how tensions might develop in this place! Food: Overpriced for what it is. A small handwritten menu I thought was a good sign. The Risotto had run out, so we had a Crostini with fish starter (good) and penne pasta with lamb and spinach and ricotta crepes. (Very ordinary in both instances). Would we return? Not in a hurry.

Flora's team, both front of house and kitchen, do a wonderful job in this quirky restaurant. Handwritten menu changes daily to follow market fare

My most recent dinner at Da Flora was my birthday celebration; In went with my wife and a small group of friends. It was a perfect evening in every way. Every table was filled with happy locals, and Flora and Mary Beth were in full flourish. I'm not much of a food critic but I know a great meal when I have one - everyone in my party ordered a different entree (scallops, cannelloni, squid risotto) and each was perfectly prepared and absolutely delightful. Flora selected a Hungarian wine for us and regaled our table with a 16th century fable from the village the wine was made in. Da Flora is a local treasure -- a bit quirky and always authentic, I can't wait to return.

The food is over the top good. The signature sweet potato gnocchi was amazing. My husband had the Hungarian pork dish. He enjoyed the wonderful flavors. The ambiance is reminiscent of Venice cafes. Make sure you have reservations or you won't get in. With all those good things being said, the service left little to be said about it. The staff was grumpy we felt like we were putting them out by being there. Our water was never eve refilled. Because of the bad service, my husband says we wil not return.

Seeing the Tripadvisor certificate in the window and the menu, we decided to have our dinner at Da Flora's. The interior is great, the menus are well composed, the location is great and the wine list is excellent - no complaints there. However, the food was merely OK; not bad but nothing to write home about. The whole setup and the prices on the menu do raise your expectations and they did not deliver on those. The fish was uninteresting and the liver was overcooked. Again - everything was perfectly edible, but in no way spectacular. After dinner we both agreed that our dinner yesterday - an unpretentious Thai meal costing about a third - was actually better. Our impression was that they are very proud of what they are - nothing wrong with that - but being proud is not enough - you still have to work hard to serve spectacular meals - every time.

After all the reviews on this restaurant, I expected to be "wowed".... The food was good... but... I expected more.... Yes, the menu was handwritten... with specials for the day... but the selections were nothing spectacular... and of the "secondi"s" available, most of them were pasta dishes... little meat and only one fish... The asparagus apetizer that I had was nice but not spectacular... The rissoto was tasty but unremarkable... My sister had the sweet potato gnocchi in the cream sauce which was very good... The wine list is extensive with a great selection of regional Italian wines. So... I just wanted a little more.

It's like dining in Flora and Mary Beth's home. Warm, friendly, delicious.

It's been a couple of years since we ate here and things have changed. Understand that it sold and there is new ownership. That may answer the question, what happened? The food was very average, the halibut was not good, very dry, over cooked. My pasta was quite average, very mushy, and there were few mushrooms for a mushroom pasta dish. Finally, the service was not as attentive as in the past. On whole, not a good evening.

North Beach is filled with restaurant choices, but if you want a non-touristy, quaint, delicious meal, Da Flora is it. Make reservations early and whatever you decide to order, add the gnocchi no matter what. You will not be disappointed.

This is a small restaurant in North Beach, beloved by locals, so make a reservation. The focaccia is so good you will eat too much. You need to save room for their signature sweet potato gnocchi. We had that, as well as a pasta dish and black cod, and later wished we had passed on either the pasta or so much focaccia, as we were quite full by evening's end. We shared a bottle of excellent Marche 2008 Sangiovese, which was reasonably priced at $56. The friends who were with us loved the restaurant. It was warm, due to the current heat wave San Francisco is experiencing.

Was hear a couple nights ago with our sales group of 11 people. We had what was supposed to be a semi-private room that was really just a cutout of the restuarant separated by a curtain. Very tight quaters and really out with the public. We are a loud group (salespeople) so we wanted the privacy for everyone else's sake not ours. It was a Tuesday night and not busy and yet the service was very slow especially after the initial drink order. I was sitting next to our CEO when I heard him ask the waiter if they could call some cabs for us and he said after you pay the bill? Pretty rude. The pasta dish was very good with the gnocchi the highlight. Everthing else was pretty average when I asked the rest fo the group the next day. I had the veal marsla which was OK.

Lovely cosy restaurant - very friendly staff - not rushed at all. Food a little expensive but worth every dollar Would definitely visit again

What a lovely dinner evening! It's rare to find a quiet, small intimate restaurant in the heart of North Beach -- or anywhere in San Francisco. If you value having a conversation without having to raise your voice, then this is the place for you. If you appreciate fresh food, ingredients from the market cooked to perfection, then you will consider this a "find." While the menu is limited, the dishes are tasteful and elegantly presented. Everything is truly made to order and served with perfection. A friend introduced us to this lovely restaurant and we're grateful to know about it. The meal was excellent, the ambiance perfect, and the evening memorable. We will surely return.

Da Flora is a small, intimate Italian restaurant in the heart of North Beach area of San Francisco. The hand-written menu changes seasonally, but the food is always exceptional. My favorite aspect of Da Flora is the wine list, which is predominantly Northern Italian...and I always leave the wine choice to Flora, for she knows every wine/vineyard and is a wealth of knowledge. Over the years we have discovered many wonderful wines/vintages from her "cellar". As far as service goes, I have always had wonderful, thoughtful, courteous service from everyone at Da Flora. My wife and I have travelled extensively in Italy for decades...we love Italy and Italian food/wine, and we consider Da Flora to be the best "taste of Italy" here in the Bay Area. And to anyone who isn't happy with Da Flora...I feel sorry for you...you didn't get it and you probably never will...all these overwhelmingly positive ratings are no mistake...Da Flora is warm and wonderful...in both food and hospitality!

Arrived on a Thursday night at 7pm place totally empty..owner sitting in back of room did not get up asked if ok to sit anywhere..Owner finally got up to take drink order and advised specials and gave us menu...Wine came..asked if we had decided...asked questions about menu..curtly advised....husband decided on anchovy dish...when arrived there were no anchovies and when' asked waiter he said said the chef used paste...not mentioned on menu...owner returns to our table and tells us that there are anchovies but they melt in pan...husband asked if he could have some anchovies put in and the answer was no...Strange... I had the gnocchi which were good but not a wow factor We have been to Venice and this was not a Venice menu.....before we departed there was only one other couple in the place..but people were standing outside looking at the menu in window

Da Flora is aNorth Beach institution which we hadn’t visited in a few years. While Flora has moved on, it has retained its charm. The focaccia is a must, as is the sweet potato gnocchi. We had the beef carpaccio, which had a light horseradish sauce that complemented the appetizer. The seared scallops as a main were perfect. The chocolate torte with whipped cream and raspberry sauce had a bit too much chocolate sauce for my taste, though it disappeared quickly. Service was excellent.

This place is run by the nephew of a local friend of mine, and it turned out to be the best meal I had in a week in the Bay area. The menu has around five starters and mains, and keeping it simple really pays dividends; we ordered a smattering of everything and it was all first-class. I had the fish of the day, which was delicious, and also remember being especially impressed by the bread we started with. An excellent wine selection rounds things off beautifully. This place deserves to have visitors from far and wide.

Ok, I own a restaurant in Amarillo, TX and when my wife and I go out of town you can only imagine what is at the top of our list..... Eating Out! We stayed at the Westin St. Francis and asked the Concierge for a suggestion for dinner. Without hesitation they suggested Da Flora. So we went... The food, atmosphere, and personal service were so great that we lingered for about 3 1/2 hours... We were completely finished with dinner and I ordered a shot of esspresso three times just to keep savouring the experience. (I was pretty wired) You have got to try the sweet potato gnocci and the ravioli with sage butter sauce. Flora is a stern woman who runs her restaurant more like you are a neighboorhood kid visiting her home. She will take your cell phone out of your hand if you dare use it indoors. Don't you dare wear that hat indoors either. You better not be late for your reservation either or my review will be as close as you get to eating dinner there. While "Mama Flora" ( that is the name my wife and I kindly gave her) is quite stern, once you are in her good graces you feel like you are a part of the "inside" crowd. You suddenly become her "golden" table and you can do no wrong. They prefer cash (and I can understand why, at our restaurant the monthly fees to the plastic demons is over $2500) and they like tables of 4 or less... there seems to be an unwritten rule that discourages children under 16 or so...so don't bring them! If you eat there tell Flora that Jeff & Sandra from the restaurant in Texas said hello. P.S. don't forget to order one of about 100 great Italians wines on their menu. (Flora can help)

We'd been wanting to dine at Da Flora for a long time and finally remembered in enough time to make a reservation...a wise choice, given the diminutive size of the restaurant! The decor is cozy and intimate...perfect for a cold, winter night! For a sneak peek, go to their website...the most intriguing, beckoning, creative site we've ever seen...www.daflora.com We loved the hand written menu and the very intimate, personal service we felt we were given. We started with the foccacia, which, believe me, will RUIN you for any other you have for the rest of your life!!! Absolutely, hands down the best you will ever taste and the highlight of the dinner. We then shared the sweet potato gnocchi, which was delicious and a specialty of theirs. We then shared our entrees...one of which was wonderful...the other, not so much. We ordered the crab diavola with spaghetti and tomato sauce. Firstly, this was a $24 entree and I swear, a crab leg was waved over it and that's about it! Secondly, there was certainly NO "diavola" going on there...it was about as mild as you can imagine...and not a pepper grinder in sight, to remedy this! On the whole, that dish was very disappointing and, had it not been for the other food, would have definitely made this a three star review...if that. Fortunately, we also shared a petrale sole entree that was excellent. It was served in a lovely citrusy sauce, over which we nearly came to blows!! No, actually, we managed to remain rather civilized...although the hubs got more than I! The wine was a nice Italian, but certainly not inexpensive. I would say the entire meal was a bit on the pricey side, but when you've eaten foccacia that would make the angels sing, it's pretty easy to forgive a thing or two. In short, we would return, but would, perhaps, reduce our expectations a bit.

Da Flora is one of our favorite Italian restaurants and we were so happy to introduce it to friends. It’s small and intimate with an enticing seasonal menu and delicious food. So delicious that in addition to our individual entrees we wound up ordering three appetizers and three desserts to share! Appetizers included a beautiful presentation of smoked prosciutto; crostini with eggplant caponata, chevre and caperberries; and sweet potato gnocchi set off with sherry cream sauce. My ling cod was perfectly cooked, the pork chop looked and was delicious, as were the manicotti and the seasonal ricotta. Two slices of lemon cake and an order of butterscotch pot de creme rounded out the meal. It was all delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed every bite. Da Flora is owned by a charming husband and wife team; Jen is the chef and Darren runs the front of the house. Kay, San Francisco

I have been going to da Flora for several years now and it is by far my top pick of restaurants in San Francisco because it has the best combination of elements. The food is outstanding, the wine is superb, desserts amazing and the ambience is delightful. One of the other great things about da Flora is that you can hear the conversations you are having with your guests because the space is intimate and does not get noisy. The owners, Flora and Mary Beth, are fantastic people who pride themselves in what they have to offer.

Visited this restaurant while staying on Lombard Street. Although not booking we were able to get a table for two early evening (6.30pm) The restaurant is very individual and I would also say cosy reflecting its location on Columbus. Menu is handwritten, and I would say, a little dificult to read. But regardless, choice is good. We opted for 2 mains as we had eaten earlier. Both were good although the pork we ordered came with very few veggies aside from a sprinkling of black eyed peas. Although the extensive wine list prices by the bottle we ordred a glass of house red which was excellent. My only gripe with the venue are its prices. Two mains with wine came to around $75 which even for SF is expensive. You csn get better value. As a result, and despite quality, we wouldn't go back.

Close friends recommended Da Flora for dinner our first night in San Francisco. We were thrilled with the recommendation and the meal. Their take on Venetian cuisine was very well executed and we felt as if we were eating in someone's home. The sweet potato gnocchis were better than advertised and the wine list was very interesting and reasonably priced. Take the time to track it down on the corner of Filbert and Colombus. It's a great authentic alternative to all the other "authentic" Italian in North Beach.

A co-worker and I dined at Da Flora last evening. The word "amazing" doesn't start to describe the experience. I travel, and dine out, a lot. Da Flora is unquestionably one of the very best dining experiences of life. The setting, quiet ambiance, decor, artwork, hand-written menu, extensive wine list, knowledgeable and attentive servers, and especially the food - everything - could not be better. I felt like I had been transported to a small side-street cafe somewhere in Florence or Rome. If you are in San Francisco, do not miss Da Flora - it is a treasure

The owner/Chef has a real attitude problem. "Her way or the highway." Food was mediocre. Service spotty. Surroundings creepy. Why waste your time in the strange place when there a so many better restaurants in the area.

We were visiting our friend who just moved to Russian Hill area. We went here last night based on a recommendation of a neighbor. From start to finish the food, service and ambiance was excellent. Small dining room so I am guessing reservations are a must. Would definitely return.

Wonderful! The gnocchi was great! I had the manicotti crepes that melted in my mouth! My friends pork chop was so tender and my other two friends loved pappardelle pasta and it was cooked to perfection. The owners are friendly and welcoming! I highly recommend this little north beach gem!

Da Flora is one of those places that feels timeless. The dining area looks like a converted parlor, so unique to North Beach. Each dish is carefully crafted, you will feel throughly indulged. The service is great and very personal since chances are you will be waited on by the chef's husband. My favorite dish is the sweet potato gnocchi, rich and divine, We order it every time.One of the few places that has survived the gentrification of the city.

I've been dining at Da Flora for years now. When I heard the restaurant was changing hands, I was surprised and worried, but was then informed that the new management would be their chef of 20+years and her husband who worked there too. My anxiety eased. However, there have been some changes that have had an impact on the overall dining experience. 1) Music - Flora and Marybeth used to vary the music from day to day, but it was always conducive to a peaceful, romantic, seductive meal. Now, the music has been jazz every time I've been in there since the ownership change. I usually leave ready to jump out of my skin. The music is more suitable to a club than a restaurant of this type. 2) A small change but a big sensory difference - the lighting. There used to be tea light candles on every table, and each table had a different, elegant little candleholder. There were large candles on a couple of tall candle stands in the middle of the restaurant. This made the place cozy and romantic. Now, gone are the real candles. There are fake candles on every table. Over time it saves money and is less trouble, but oh the small touches are what make a real difference. Gone. 3) Marybeth's focaccia was true perfection. Now, oftentimes the focaccia is dry or tough, and they just can't seem to get the salt level just right. 4) The entrees are not too exciting, not bad but a let down after the appetizers. 5) The desserts are not nearly as delicious as they used to be. Now, they are quick, easy things to throw together, but fall flat. Flora & Marybeth: you ARE missed! Not only is it "not the same", it is becoming another mediocre North Beach restaurant with horrible ambience.

We were a party of 5 where everyone ordered different starters and entrees. Every single dish was amazing, creative and made with the fresh ingredients of the area. The Italian style fish dishes and pork chops reminded us of the freshly prepared foods of Italy. The service was wonderful and staff attentive to our needs. Will return there on our next trip to SF. It is small so reservations are recommended.

It's a tiny (about 20 patrons at most) poorly decorated single room. The food is overpriced, portions very small, deserts standard and boring. I had "risotto with duck," and the duck could be found as invisible fibers mixed with rice. "Osa buca" consists of a big "osa." Wine list is also overpriced and not displayed online, since consists mostly of cheap Chianties at $45 per bottle and up. I don't understand the high rating of this place, maybe it can be explained by too talkative owner who has many friends. .

After a walk from the bridge through Chrissy fields we were cold and in need of a drink and food. The place was warm and so was our greeting. Wine list only small but something for everyone. The menu itself was delicious. It is rare for me to want nearly everything on the list but I did. My partner and I compromised so that we each had something different and could share. A wagyu beef carpaccio styled salad and a dandelion salad to start with home made bread delicious. The squid ink tagliatelle was superb. The sole being the fish of the day wonderful. Service was delightful. See I keep raving great meal.

Nice, small and quiet restaurant, mediteranian cousine. Very welldone plates. Tray water or wine, you would not fine soda,

This is a smallish place where the staff are welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable about the food and wines. Our pasta dish was cooked to a perfect al dente, well seasoned and generously portioned. Osso Buco was another highlight. We'll be back soon.

the best canneloni bean soup and fabulous scallops. only 12 tables and you would have thought you were in italy. My husband had a ghoulash, with an italian flair. The service was wonderful. Definitely a neighborhood restaurant -- amazing wonderful food--no alcohol but a great wine list

After an exhausting day of walking fell into this little venue in north beach, Russian Hill neighborhood of SF. had been recommended to us by a local. Didn't open till 6 so we had to walk around a little and come back. Small table for two facing Columbus Ave. hostess/server offered me an excellent Chianti (had two glasses, best regular Chianti I've had in some time) and found some beer for my husband (2 anchor steam) in the fridge (they only serve wine here, no other alcohol, so keep that in mind). House made everything. Bread fantastic though I did have to ask for some olive oil and pepper for dipping. Beautifully presented baby lettuces salad; hubby had the Caesar. Tasty tangy fresh sardine linguini (don't see that on menus too often!) and an excellent duck sauce over papperadelle. Total a tad over $100, for two of us, a little expensive, but attentive service, liked the small dark ambiance and food quite tasty and different from other typical italian menus. Would recommend.

Best Italian I've had outside of Italy. The Sweet Potato Gnocchi is food heaven. Small restaurant and you'll need reservations, but we called in the morning and they were able to get us in.

I saw Da Flora reviewed on "Check Please" (KQED TV) and decided we had to try it. You should make a reservation, it's hard to get a walk in seat. Everyone who was seated after us were local patrons and families. Place is small and full, but doesn't feel too crowded. The decor will remind you of being in Paris or Rome; simple and elegant with a bohemian feeling. The food is delicious, and the wine list is eclectic with many Italian wines, very reasonably priced! The food menu changes daily with what's fresh and available, and the servers know what they are talking about. Your dinner will be leisurely and not rushed. The portions are appropriate and priced well. I thought the final bill was a good value.

I've lived in San Francisco for 30 years and this is my favorite restaurant. Here's the deal - if you like great food that's a little out of the ordinary, and if you're willing to treat the people who serve you as equals instead of servants, you will have the dinner of a lifetime. The food here is delicious and changes according to what's good in the market. The staff take their time and respond to friendliness. They aren't in a hurry and will stop and chat with friends and regulars, even if it means the other customers have to wait a couple of minutes. This is why they run a restaurant - to serve good food to people they like. Be nice to them and you will be amply rewarded. I know it's hard, but save room for dessert. The restaurant is a tad intimidating for the novice - there's an illegible hand-written unlit menu in the window. Don't be scared - eat here.

We were told to come for the gnocci and it was AMAZING! Also the black squid pasta. Very small and intimate with good wine and beer and very good bread to start. Highky recommend. Great staff!

From the moment we walked in, we were family. Da Flora is owned by the sweetest couple, Jen and Darren. They are so attentive and talented. The wine list is wonderful. The food is incredible. The butterscotch pot du creme is to die for. Make reservations, there are only 40 seats in the dining room. Enjoy!

Tiny, quiet, warm and romantic with Italian opera playing in the background, very European feel, friendly, knowledgeable service, excellent food. Limited menu, but always something for everyone, even vegetarians. Not cheap but reasonable prices for what you're getting.

Meal was OK but overall atmosphere lacked appeal. Limited wine selection and beer was served in a hard plastic glass (normally used for water). Service was prompt, friendly and efficient but there was no other patrons at the venue at time of our visit. Price was expensive but not outrageous by San Francisco standards.

There is no shortage of great food in San Francisco or chain restaurants. We wanted something tasty, unique and romantic. Viola! Da Flora fit all these requirements. If you want unique cuisine and a truely memorable experience - eat here. As other reviews say, its small and unpretentious from the outside. It's on a corner opposite Sts. Peter and Paul Church and Washington Square in North Beach. Spend a little time in the neighborhood on this end. There's a fun hat shop on the other side of the Square from Da Flora if you arrive early and need something to do. The staff at the restaurant is friendly and will spend time explaining the menu, hand written in cursive. It's Venetian which is sort of Italian, but uses more sauces and paprika to die for. We shared a scallops and bacon appetizer that almost caused me to like the bowl. The foccacia must be tried before leaving the city. The wine we wanted was out of stock and the owner recommended an alternate that was wonderful. She selects the wines herself and most are not familiar or smaller Italian vineyards. She makes her own paprika from European sources. You can buy some if you like.

My wife went here for a birthday celebration. The food was fantastic. It reminded us of being in Italy. Most everything is made from scratch and locally sourced. The menu is handwritten and changes nightly. The menu is not extensive but that is probably part of the reason it is so good. On the other hand we went for a special occasion. The service at times was down right rude. There was absolutely no reason for this. It put a damper on the night. If you go remember that you are doing them a favor by dining there.

I used to love da flora. We went last night and the environment is still fabulous, the wait staff fabulous and the wine yummy.. If was very quiet with the door closed (traffic noise loud with door open) But the food was average. Looked great but the pork chops were dry, the oso bucco was not tasty and the pasta good but not great. The salads were good but the rest was ho hum. I was really disappointed.

Lovely small restaurant (seats about 30) with a warm, quiet atmosphere. There is a very interesting though fairly limited menu. A specialty is the gnocchi which was excellent. As entrees we had a pasta with duck dish and seared scallops dish. The scallops were perfected cooked, but the sauces in these two entrees were rather bland. Service was very friendly and efficient, and in fact too fast - they did not leave time between courses to relax, even though we said we wanted a slow dinner. Given all of this, we found the prices were rather high. The wine list includes interesting though pricey Italian wines; some wines are offered by the glass, of which we had two different reds - one was OK, but the other really excellent (though $14 a glass).

We come here for special occasions and forget that it is a bit cool inside. But the food is good and the service is wonderful. The wine is great!

We had read reviews prior to making our reservations. We were treated wonderfully. We sincerely showed an interest in having a great meal and asked for recommendations and they were so accomodating. The sweet potato gnocci is the lightest you will ever find. Our meals were wonderful and the service was perfect and homey. The restaurant is kitchy but romantic. The menu is not long, but everyone could find something. This is a restaurant where they know what they do well and they go with it. Loved it!

Went to this restaurant as a recommendation from a hotel concierge when we asked for a quiet but unforgettable experience. He was right. Nestled in the Little Italy area this is a quiet well designed getaway for fresh unforgettable cuisine that will want you going back for more. The bread alone warrants a revisit! My favorite was the incredible handmade gnocchi stuffed with sweet potato and bacon. Little pockets of heaven! All the pasta dishes were served al Denys and had amazing sauces. A+ for sure!

We loved the quaint, romantic feel of this restaurant. You could tell the food was all made from scratch, and it was delicious! Our favorite was the sweet potato gnocchi appetizer. It's a small place, so make sure to get a reservation.

We went to this little restaurant based on the recommendation of the wine seward at Gigante--also a great meal-- and the food and service were wonderful. We were welcomed (luckily we had a reservation) and every single bite of food and sip of wine was incredible. This is a place for foodies. We will return someday.

We enjoyed our meal at Da Flora. It is a tiny quiet European restaurant which is great if you want to talk to your partner. We had tickets to the Cobb's Comedy Club (one block away) so location was perfect. We shared a starter, 2 mains and shared a dessert plus a beautiful bottle of wine. The meal plus tip was $220. The meal portions by American standards are small but the flavors and sauces rich - we would not have wanted more on our plate.

Visited Da Flora with friends and had an amazing time. Great service, lovely atmosphere and unique menu. Great choice of wines! It is an expensive restaurant so recommend for special occasions.

Da Flora was recommended by the concierge at the Hilton. He called it a hidden gem and it was. The staff was wonderful and the atmosphere was also. There is a limited menu yet a very good variety and their wine selection was superb. My wife had the fish and loved it the pork chop was fine but not great. The price for two with one drink each, one appetizer shared, two entries and two deserts was $168.00 with gratuity.

A friend who lives in North Beach took us here saying it was one of her favorite restaurants. We can see why. It's small, giving some intimacy, and casual. The decor has the kind of elegant old ambiance that you see in movies that portray stylish Venetian apartments rooted in the past. The food was incredible! Best gnocchi ever! My wife, who lived in Italy, and complains about Italian restaurants in the U.S., was also floored by the taste of the food.

Nice cozy restaurant. We were walking by and saw Da Flora. It is small and charming. The candles give it an antique feel. Like being in Paris 100 years ago, maybe. Service was very friendly and the food good. Their wine list is good for their size and features even a Hungarian red wine. We had a most pleasant evening.

We went here based on the Trip Advisor ratings. I have to say I was not impressed, although, to be fair, my wife thought it was better than I did. My entree was well below average, with my wife reporting her entree above average. For these prices, average does not cut it. I was particularly disappointed in the beef carppacio appetizer. It was 3/4 arugula, and not enough beef. You won't hate the place, but we were disappointed.

We moved to North Beach recently and had walked by here a number of times. The manicotti with creamed spinach, mushroom and pesto is truly amazing. Ask for extra bread so no particle of the sauce escapes you. Risotto was good but not spectacular. I would say you're better off with a bottle of wine than ordering by the glass. The people could not be nicer. Decor is quirky with many Venetian scenes featured.

The hand made pasta was very nice, cooked al dente with squid rings. I would have preferred more squid and more sauce, my husband thought it was excellent. The flavors marry well. wine pairing was excellent!

We had tickets to see "Beach Blanket Babylon" on Green Street in North Beach and decided that we would have an early and hopefully "great" Italian dinner before the show. We were not disappointed with "Da Flora." I checked the neighborhood restaurants via Tripadvisor and about 10 in my price range ($$) popped up. We walked by some of the other places on the list closer to Columbus and Stockton and then strolled further down Columbus a few blocks where we came to Da Flora. The outside has definite charm; corner shaped, plenty of large windows with only the numbers 701 above the entrance. On entering you are transported out of the hustle and bustle of the street and into a romantic and intimate Venetian salon (without all the fussiness you get at some restaurants). The walls are the color of a rich red wine and the tables and chairs are aged and warm woods. We each started with a glass of Sangiovese, the buttered lettuce salad with garganzola, onions, tiny grapes and an essence of champagne vinegarette (a really great start). That's when they brought out the fresh made foccacia....and we thought we had died and gone to heaven! It was warm, very light and just dusted with oil and kosher salt. It's made fresh each night by one of the owners, Mary Beth. For our entre we each had the manicotti with crimini mushrooms, and a creamed, spinach pesto sauce. It was outstanding. The crepes were delicate, filled with chopped mushrooms and the sauce had a delicious and subtle richness. It's one of those meals where the food is so good you just don't want it to end. We each had dessert, one of us had the chocolate cake and the other had the fresh churned strawberry ice cream, both excellent choices. So I think you get the impression that we loved this restaurnat and you are right. I would highly recommend it and I thought for the quality of the food, the ambience and the service it was a value. We each had a glass of wine, salad, entre, and dessert and the bill excluding tip was $113. It was a million dollar meal so for us it was a great value and more importantly a wonderful experience. And by the way "Beach Blanket Babylon" was lots of fun and I highly recommend seeing it with dinner at Da Flora first!

The bottle of wine that we ordered was off. When we informed our server, she took the bottle and then returned and told us that it was fine and that we didn't know what chianti should taste like. We told her that we had drank chianti many times and that the wine was off. We asked for another bottle and she told us that she would be gun-shy to open another bottle because we wouldn't like that either and we should order a different wine from the menu. We did and then she patronisingly described the wine as if we wouldn't like that either. The second wine was lovely. I travel for work and have eaten and drank most of my meals in restaurants for the last 15 years. I know when wine is off, although it has only happened twice before. It is not a big problem, it happens, but I don't expect to be told that I don't know what wine should taste like! The food was top class but the portions were tiny, you don't want to go here if you are hungry. We went for pizza afterwards.

"Terrible" rating as we were asked to leave. Otherwise, our rating would have been five-star. We had a wonderful meal with an amazing Italian wine. The food was delicious and enjoyed by all. The service was friendly and excellent until we were asked to leave to make way for another party who arrived with 6 rather than the 2 people expected. After such a fine meal, this "polite" request was shocking. We had enjoyed the meal to that point and tipped generously for about a $300 bill, during less than a two hour stay. If I'd known we would be asked to leave, the tip would have been $0.02! This is NOT the way any restauraunt, specially, a fine food restauraunt treats their diners. We had talked about making this one of our go-to places. It may be acceptable to the owners to treat tourists like this, but we live in San Francisco and have many friends in the city who dine out frequently. (We will talk to them about our experience.)

The food will blow your mind, but if you're expecting to have your rear-end kissed service wise keep moving.

Da Flora is possibly my favorite restaurant on the planet. Excellent food, great service and a very cool atmosphere. I've read all the reviews on this page and can can echo all the positive reviews. Da Flora was recommended by a local who was pouring wine at Wattle Creek tasting room (another great place). He told us it was the best food in town, so we tried it. He was 100% correct! On our first trip the owner waited on us. She was great!! Her recommendations of appetizers and wine were perfect and her personality won us over immediately. We talked with her and other staff members during our evening and had a great time. We were sold. A year later my wife and I were in SF and went to Da Flora again. When we walked in you would have thought we had eaten there every week. Everyone there remembered us a year later! How many places can you make two visits to, ayear apart, and have the staff remember you? That's how Da Flora is. Some reviews call it quirky and maybe it is. But it's comfortable, friendly and a great place to eat. We have plenty of world class restaurants here in Vegas. Restaurants with names like Flay, Legasse and Batoli attached to them. Da Flora is easily in the same class with any of them and in my opinion, Da Flora beats them all!

We went to eat at Flora's with some friends. We were received and hosted by the owner herself and she did that with every table in the restaurant. She made us feel like we were eating at her house. I am Italian, my dad has restaurants and I'll tell you guys something : her food is amazing!! Authentic Italian Cuisine! Her homemade gnocchi's are the best gnocchi's I ve ever ate (sorry Nonna & Mamma) and it's true.... Ti s even worth going at the restaurant just for that.. We tasted all the other plates and they were all amazing. She even suggested a reasonable wine that accompanied the meal superbly .. We will make this restaurant 'our spot' for all future visits to San Francisco! Salute ! :)

One of the most inconspicuous locations, actually if you didn't know it was here you just might miss it. Da Flora, Ostaria Venexiana on Columbus Ave across from Washington Square is delightful. Its more than delightful; its delightful and delicious. Be sure you have reservations, its very tiny, reminds me of some of the secret spots in NYC. Shared an incredible meal and a very special night with 6.5 people; it is a place made for memories and special occasions. It is on my top five in the area. Everything is exactly as I remember enjoying in Venice but closer to home. I could make a meal of just the bread. Make sure you know your wines, I was overwhelmed and thankfully had a pro selecting. Its on our special places list every time we are in the city.

Indescribable - trust me, just GO and try it.

While everything here smelled and sounded wonderful, it ended up lacking something. Well, flavor, really. It all seemed under seasoned and lacking in finesse. Even the sweet potato gnocchi, which should have been bursting with flavor, was lackluster. We also had a sweet corn risotto that had almost raw onions, instead of the caramelized onions promised on the menu. The desserts were good, definitely the best thing we had. But for the price, I'd say the execution was not up to par.

If you are looking for a place absent the nerve-wracking, conversation-preventing, bistro vibe, this is it. You will find a quiet ambiance with lovely food in a gracious and relaxing setting, along with good service. North Beach has no shortage of restaurants, but this one is a gem. The melon salad was incredibly sweet and fresh. The wine list was decent.

I can't comment on the food since my party got up and left after 30 minutes. Following seating we were left w/o service of 1/2 hour and the restraunt wasn't very busy. The simple fact is that the staff just doesn't care. S.F. is filled with great restraunts so I dont need to waste my time with a staff that is indifferent at best and more like hostile at times. If service counts for you this place isnt for you.

We stumbled upon Da Flora in the North Beach neighborhood of SF just by chance. It was GLORIOUS! Eclectic in design - individual attention that only a small restaurant can offer - the freshest, seasonal, regional food - we were so impressed. The brined pork chop with artichokes - divine! Risotto was light and delicious. Desserts were sinful. So good - we went back another night on this 4 day trip from NYC. YOU MUST GO!

Da Flora restaurant at the corner of Filbert and Columbus in the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood turned out to be the perfect place for our 20th anniversary dinner! This little gem of a restaurant is both casual and elegant, as well as extremely, extremely homey and welcoming. My lady and I had remembered Da Flora from five years ago as a romantic & delicious cafe. Well, now it was even better! We wanted to make it back and check out our favorite neighborhood in all of San Francisco! It was exciting to walk around and see all the changes and also fun to see many of the things that have stayed the same in North Beach. What a fun & lively part of SF! The husband and wife team at Da Flora, he the host & waiter (and pastry chef I found out later) and she, the chef of amazing talent, made us feel so special and cared for the entire course of our meal! And the food: Focaccia bread! Eggplant Crustini! Gnocchi in a cream sauce made for the gods! That’s before we had our main courses of fillet of sole and a jumbo dish which resulted in my plate looking brand new afterwards! I would say save room for dessert, because they are excellent and even though we already had our fill, we managed to split one… The butterscotch Brulé! My lady & I both agreed this was one our best date nights ever! Check this place out and you will not be disappointed!

3 out of the 4 dishes at our table were very good. One of the diners found it mediocre, but the rest of us were quite happy. The cookie dessert was delicious and the service was very good

Jenn and Darren own and run the restaurant. Jenn has been the Chef since Da Flora opened. The first thing is the food is lovingly prepared and this is NOT an Italian-American restaurant. This is a Venezian Restaurant in the European style and patrons looking for a big bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs and a coupla' brewskis and spumoni should and have been shown the door. Nothing wrong with a bowl of pasta and plastic checkered table cloths but this is Not that place. This is a place you propose marriage, celebrate an anniversary, take your future in-laws out to a beautiful intimate room like a Victorian parlor, convince them You have some class, that you appreciate a well prepared and served meal, that you care. Whoever complained about the room and the lack of a chilled beer mug must be used to Tiki Room at the Holiday Inn downtown Waikiki. Not here. That's up the street. Good Meatballs Up at that Other Place. I here they have Bud. And at Da Flora there is NO Plastic on the table. Clearly a message to an unappreciative customer. Enjoy the meatballs.

In a city filled with expected culinary perfection, Da Flora serves up the delightfully unexpected. This is a fantastic Hungarian-influenced meal you will remember, rough edges and all. The joint is not very large, nor is it especially fancy. The hand-scratched menu is limited and changes, it appears, every single night. The wine list is not vast, and it doesn't carry the expected high-end names you recognize. Thank GOD. No. Instead, the food and the wine have been paired to create the ultimate experience. Flora (the jovially cantankerous Proprietor) will chastise you if you make the wrong pairing choice, and to be fair, you deserve it. You do not know more about her food than her chef. Or her. I believe I ate at least two bites of every single thing on the menu one night. I could not get enough of the experience, or the food. Not a single morsel was anything less than exquisite. Not FANCY exquisite, like a Michel Rostang or Daniel Boulud, but exquisite in an interesting, flavorful and HAPPY food way. As I remember, I couldn't get an espresso after the meal, because they don't have a machine. This disappointed me at first, but Flora said something like "We'll make a strong cup of coffee instead. You'll be fine." I was, in fact, quite fine.

I first stumbled in here alone, and they were kind enough to let me dine, although they were fully booked as long as I finished in 90 minutes, no worries! I returned, with a reservation and friends, and had an off the charts exceptional meal. I research extensively, and nothing beat this place. It is everything you want to "find", small, kooky, charming, and exceptional food and wine.

Nice little find in North Beach. Very quirky and warm place. We were the only non-locals eating there and there was a lovely athmosphere as the owners knew everyone. The homemade Foccacia bread is to die for but I have to admit, I didn't really rate the food - I thought it was just average, despite what their website says.

This is a great local restaurant utilizing locally grown food. A quaint setting so lots of attention from the staff. The owner is the chef and she hand writes the menu based on what she has that day. Food is amazing and the attention from the owner is unmatched. Highly recommend Da Flora for that special night out

One of our tour guides told us this was her favorite Italian restaurant. She actually dropped us off there rather than our hotel since it was early and we hoped to get a table. It was about 30 minutes before they even opened but we were able to talk to the restaurant manager. Apparently, his wife is the chef and they just bought the restaurant not that long ago. He could not have been nicer. They were booked for the night but asked if we could use a little table in the corner. In my mind, the table was absolutely fine for two people and we took him up on it. We started with a primo plata that included Wagyu beef, parmesan shavings and olive oil. It was amazing and I would love the recipe. My second plate was a stuffed chicken with prociutto, spinach, etc. Really, really good. My wife had a risotto of some kind and was also very pleased. We ended the meal by sharing a lemon crumble cake with cappucinos. Great night, great meal and great service. The place doesn't look like much but it would be one of my favorites if I lived there. Highly recommend.

My husband and I just got back from our San Francisco Trip. We stumbled on this restaurant by accident. We saw the trip advisor sign in the window and decided to stop in for dinner. We were lucky. We did not have reservations and they were able to seat us. They turned several parties away the night we were there. Very small dinning area, but wonderful charm and incredible food. I would highly recommend if you go the San Fran get reservations at this restaurant. Food was so fresh and made from scratch. Hubby and I had two salads, two entrees and dessert. It was the best italian meal I have had in many, many years. Total bill with out tip was about 85.00. Well worth it. We know several people that are traveling to San Fran and highly recommended that they have dinner here.

This must be our 10th time eating at Da Flora's and have never written a review but feel compelled to comment on the consistently amazing food, service and intimate, romantic atmosphere. This is like no other North Beach restaurant, everything in Da Flora appeals to our senses. It's comfortable, quiet and full of old world charm and elegance. The food and wines are just magnificent. We never feel rushed, hovered over or pushed to leave. And, I can't forget to mention the extraordinary foccacia and desserts. This restaurant is a one of a kind and we love it!

I stopped making reviews months ago, but I had to make an exception for this great little restaurant in San Francisco. It is seriously a hidden gem. Visit, enjoy, you won't be disappointed. :) The welcome is friendly. The atmosphere is elegant and quiet. The food is simply superb. From start to finish. It has been a long time since I was last so impressed. Genuinely nice owners as well. Treat yourself. Visit them when you are in San Francisco.

My wife and I stayed in the North Beach area along Columbus Ave, and sought out a different venue for dinner each night. As we were walking to another restaurant, we noticed Da Flora. It looked really interesting so we decided to try it the next night. It's a small place, maybe 8-10 tables, so reservations are definitely suggested. The interior was beautiful. The menu was varied - it was difficult to make a choice. Main course prices I think were reasonable considering the venue and the city.The service was very cordial. Our food was excellent, we will return if back in SF. My only negative, which I have an issue with many restaurants, was the wine markup, which always annoys me knowing retail costs. We would have ordered a bottle, but settled for 2 glasses. I will say it was a good pour.

For early dinner we had two main dishes and a shared desert, and wine by glass and chilled tap water to go with it. The bread basket was fine, especially if you like flavour full virgin olive oil. All was good but pricey - 100 USD for not that much. Anyway, both food and service was impeccable so the visit qualifies to 4 stars in my book.

I've had the pleasure of dining here several times when I lived in the Bay Area. The signature dish of gnocchi made with sweet potatoes is fabulous as is just about everything else on the menu which changes with the season. The foccaccia and desserts are also excellent. The restaurant is small so reservations should be made and don't be late or don't make the mistake of leaving your cellphone on.

A wonderful small restaurant in San Francisco's North Beach. A small but interesting menu, with an interesting wine list. Feels like a visit to a small place in Italy.

Picked this place last minute using Tripadvisor. Very pleased with overal dining experience. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Food was delicous and presented well. Great atmosphere. Definately worth visiting

We ended our four-day trip to SF by eating here on Saturday evening. We learned about it from a SF website recommending the ten best Italian restaurants in the city. It was our favorite meal while we were here, and while we obviously haven't eaten at all the Italian restaurants here, we can see why this one made the list. It is a tiny, charming restaurant, family-owned and run (our waiter is married to the chef.) The food was amazingly wonderful; the best focaccia I have ever eaten, and our entrees were fabulous as well. Staff was friendly and attentive. It was one of the best Italian meals we have ever had, and we highly recommend it. We will be back!

We are Bay Area natives and dine in San Francisco often. How we never made it to Dal Flora is a mystery but I suspect people want to keep it to themselves. The restaurant is small but not tiny. The tables are well spaced with antique solid wooden ornamented chairs. You feel as if You could be in Venice or Rome at a neighborhood restaurant. You need a reservation, you will be greeted by name and seated at the table they selected for you. The menu is handwritten to reflect the dynamic nature of the offerings. I had the scallops lightly but expertly seasoned perfectly prepared and a summer salad with watermelon and cucumber. They had a good selection of wines by the glass and great desserts(not an afterthought clearly a passion). This is a longstanding gem of a restaurant where you will feel at home. It is not a mega restaurant with a celebrity chef and a podcast. We will be back

This was honestly the best meal I've ever had in my entire life. The place is small, so definitely get reservations. We had a number of appetizers and shared entrees and 2 desserts, and everything was top notch. Don't miss this jewel of a restaraunt!

There's not a large sign on the building, no huge sign in the window, just a menu hanging in the window. It's a funky corner location, off the beaten path of Columbus Ave, near Washington Square. But....... a special local gem of Italian food and wine!! We've been coming here for years, ever since it was recommended to us by the Hotel Boheme, where we always stay when coning to North Beach for an easy mini-vacation. We only live a BART ride away!!!!! Yes, the menu is handwritten, sometimes needs my cellphone light to read it, and yes the menu can be a little unusual, and yes some people will not like something on the menu, or something about the service. Whatever! We have to have their signature small plate dish, the sweet potato gnocchi - how they make it melt in your mouth is amazing, it's to die for. Tradition for us. Other appetizers are wonderful too, especially the pork slices. Any entree will be beautifully cooked, and taste unique to that dish! This time we had mussels and pork pappardelle. Wonderful!!! Their homemade focaccia is the best ever, and we always let Flora choose the wines for us. We know California wines, but not Italian ones! And she is the hands-down expert on wines! We bring our outoftown guests here, always. Just remember to bring cash. Not plastic!!

Da Flora was recommended, and I can see why. It's a gem. Hand-written menu. Delicious starter bread. Then the sweet potato gnocchi - WOW - yummy! Little piece of Italy. This is delicious food, definitely worth trying. Best Italian I've eaten.

I had eaten here three times before this visit. Although the food was always excellent, the owner was an odd and sometimes surly woman who made the experience less pleasant. My friend refused to eat there after the second time he went with me! But I recently ate there again and was surprised at how charming the service was. For example, we were going to be 5 minutes late and I was afraid the angry owner would give our table away, so I called and was told, "No worries!" Our server was also kind and patient. At the end of the meal I called the chef out of the kitchen (it's an open kitchen) and asked, "Did you just buy this place??" and she said that she had cooked there for over 20 years, and she and her husband (our server) had just bought the place! So now I'll be a regular whenever I am in San Francisco. The gnocchi are to die for, and the location is just perfect. When you're done, stroll down Columbus Avenue.

We followed reviewers suggestions and chose to have dinner at Da Flora while visiting San Francisco. We typically like small restaurant experiences with nice ambiance and good food and service. Da Flora seemed to be one of those restaurants. It is right on Columbus Ave. in North Beach and a cute corner spot. The inside is really small, but nicely decorated creating an enjoyable atmosphere. The gnocchi is wonderful, and the service was attentive. Not the best we've experienced, but we had a good time.

We are fortunate to spend 2 months each year in Italy....not wanting to offend our American friends, but there is a big difference between 'real' Italian & American Italian. Da Flora is the 'real' deal....small menu ensuring you get the very best of what there is to offer Vs a huge menu covered in 'red sauce'.... From the moment we walked in the door the service was outstanding, along with the food. Primi:- Delicious:- Red endive, D’ anjou pear, toasted pecans, chèvre, Arugula, champagne shallot vinaigrette. Outstanding:- Sweet potato gnocchi, sherry cream and smoked bacon or sage. Secondi:- Fantastic Homemade Pasta - again Excellent - Spaghetti with fresh cracked Dungeness crab, Uni cream, caramelized fennel, chili flakes mand eyer lemon zest. House made tagliatelle with Roasted Duck with things I can't find online - but was delicious!!!! You cannot go wrong with this restaurant if you want to experience a 'real' Italian feel.....if you want mass produced, huge plates of food that has no love or sole, then I am sure you will find plenty of those closer to downtown!

Love the place. No more lemon pistachio cake though. Have the salad with the pears and pecans every time. Had the seafood stew this time . Everything was just excellent. Everyone I bring just loves this quaint little corner cafe.

da Flora is a venetian-style trattoria that serves the most authentic Italian food in North Beach. This includes delicious antipasti, primi and secondi.Try the sardines in saor when available. The gnocchi are excellent as is the pasta. The main courses (secndi) often include organ meats like duck livr which is amazing. Flora has a huge wine selection and she really knows Italian wine. The pastries are all hand made on site and cannot be beat anywhere. This is a place were the locals go and you won't find better.

A nice place to have a quiet dinner. Our favorite is the sweet potato gnocchi. We also enjoy after or before dinner stroll nearby. I'm mostly writing this review because TripAdvisor keeps sending me nagging emails about writing more reviews though. When I signed up with TripAdvisor, I didn't realize how many junk emails they send out to their users.

All 3 courses of our meal tonight were amazing. The whole menu looked incredible and our choices were 10/10, the restaurant is beautiful and the staff were brilliant. Ryan our waiter was excellent and helped us decide what to have with his knowledge of the menu and recommended a fantastic wine. We’ve been on vacation for nearly 3 weeks and this has been our favourite meal. Credit to the chef and team. Well done

We bumped in this place and got one of the last free tables. Da Flora shows great atmosphere by its lovely interiour design. The service was great quality. And then the food...: italian recipes with a very unique touch of the chef all presented on a handwritten menu. We enjoyed it from the starters to the mains. For desert we were simply to full. Go there. Eat there. And to make sure you get a seat, place a reservation.

Terrific ambience - hand written menus - so cool. Just take their recommendations - they won't steer you wrong. They will pair the perfect wine with what you are eating. We were a group of 4 (2couples)....would be a great romantic dinner as well. Truly enjoyed the experience.

Arrived in San Francisco and came strait off the BART to get to Da Flora in time for our 8pm reservations. I had read reviews for nice Italian dinner for my husband's birthday and this one stood out for the quaint environment and great reviews on their menu. We ordered split Caesar salad and gnocchi for starters along with a bottle wine. The food was very flavorful and stood out having a different twist on the standard Italian food preparation. We were served homemade warm focaccia bread that itself was delicious and had depth of favor as well. For entrees we ordered the pork chop and orrecchetti pasta. OMG, ammmmazing flavor and again with a surprise in my pasta that had a bit of crunch from the toasted bread crumbs. DELICIOUSNESS is all I can say. The prices were actually the most reasonably priced meal we had while in San Francisco and actually cheaper than what you'd find in any of the chain type Italian restaurants. It certainly was cheaper than what we find here in Seattle for the same type of restaurant and ambiance. Speaking of which the ambiance here is romantic, quaint and just downright comforting with their service. I'd return here monthly if I could. Their dining days and times are limited and reservations are a must to get a table in this small quaint setting. Don't miss this best Italian restaurant in SF.

How could you go wrong visiting a restaurant that hand writes the menu every evening.....small quaint place, with wonderful food, great service, and amazing wine list....take your spouse for q proper meal, leave your phone behind, and enjoy a taste of proper Italy......