Palio

4.7

1492 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 4, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Good for business meals
Good for groups
Charming

Voted "2018 Best Overall Restaurant" by SF Bay Guardian readers, Palio is a favorite of downtown denizens looking for the perfect spot to make a deal, travelers who appreciate Michelin rated comfortable dining, and anyone seeking an exceptional group dining or private party venue. A place where historic techniques blend with a contemporary approach, and Michelin rated "comfortable" service personally overseen daily by owner Martino Di Grande.

Palio’s menu (including gluten free and heart healthy options) is a veritable culinary tour of Italy; emphasizing the cooking of different regions as the seasons change. Palio's menu utilizes organic produce from small, local farms as well as sustainable agriculture and aquaculture. The Wine Spectator award winning list has always been exceptional, including a wide range of Italian varietals and California offerings. Full bar.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

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Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Pizzeria, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Fri 2:30 pm–8:00 pm Sat 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(415) 395-9800
Website
https://www.paliosf.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Mauricio Martinez
Catering
Considered by many to be one of San Francisco’s best private dining venues, Palio is elegant and timeless, yet approachable and “green”. Palio offers 3 totally private party rooms and semi-private areas that can easily accommodate for groups of 20 to 300 for lunch, all day meetings, cocktail receptions, and dinner.
Private party facilities
Since 1990, Palio has thrived as San Francisco’s favorite downtown Italian Restaurant by offering a seasonally changing menu, professional European service, a Wine Spectator recognized wine list and a premium full bar. Private Dining Options for groups of 8-250.
Private party contact
Valeria DiGrande: (415) 395-9800

Location
640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Neighborhood
Financial District / Embarcadero
Cross street
Montgomery/Sacramento
Parking details
Free street parking after 6PM on the South side of Sacramento St. and after 7PM on the north side of Sacramento St. Free street parking on Saturday evenings.
Public transit
By bus on the #1 California Line <br />Only one block from the California St. cable car stop at California and Kearny <br />5 level blocks (no hills) from Montgomery St. Bart and Muni Station <br /><br />
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

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

Beer

On draught and by the bottle

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

Wines by the Glass

Sparkling Wines

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

Wines by the Glass

Rose

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

Wines by the Glass

White Wines

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

Wines by the Glass

Red Wines

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

Wines by the Bottle

Sparkling

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

Wines by the Bottle

White Wines

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

Wines by the Bottle

Red Wines

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

What 1,492 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Romantic
San Francisco
Romantic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

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

1,492 Reviews

G
Gayle
San Francisco
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great experience at Palio. Great staff, food, service and ambiance. Wish I could walk to it from home so I could eat there every week.
Is this helpful?
N
Narek
Los Angeles
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The food was mediocre and bland. Nothing really inspiring and the staff wasn't helpful with answering questions about the dishes. Service was okay, and it was quiet. Overall, it's a 2-3 star experience. Shame because I was looking forward to it too.
Is this helpful?
J
James
San Francisco
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Palio has been around a long time and remains a decent lunch venue for business related meals. Portions are sized right and the quality of the is decent but not extraordinary.
Is this helpful?
J
Jessica
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We had a group of 8 and enjoyed the food and experience. It was easy to talk which was nice.
Is this helpful?
n
nancy
New York City
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very attentive waiters, manager, bussing staff. Good pizza. Tender cinghiale bolognese
Is this helpful?
J
Jamie
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 25, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I made a reservation here for an after work social with some colleagues. The Palio staff went above and beyond to make it the most memorable experience!
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We visited for a team lunch and everything was delicious. I have been to Palio several times and I am never disappointed. Looking forward to the next time!
Is this helpful?
J
Jane A.
San Francisco
170 reviews
5.0
170 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious, service was wonderful, and the setting was great!
Is this helpful?
G
Gus
Edmonton
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
great restaurant, good food and wine. Next time in SF, we will be back
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M
Maria
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food is amazing! Everyone who works here is so great, friendly and fun.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Palio offers delivery in partnership with Postmates. Palio also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 395-9800.

Palio is rated 4.7 stars by 1492 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 4, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

Additional information

Cross street
Montgomery/Sacramento
Neighborhood
Financial District / Embarcadero
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Fri 2:30 pm–8:00 pm Sat 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Pizzeria, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Free street parking after 6PM on the South side of Sacramento St. and after 7PM on the north side of Sacramento St. Free street parking on Saturday evenings.
Public transit
By bus on the #1 California Line Only one block from the California St. cable car stop at California and Kearny 5 level blocks (no hills) from Montgomery St. Bart and Muni Station
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Mauricio Martinez
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.paliosf.com/
Phone number
(415) 395-9800
Catering
Considered by many to be one of San Francisco’s best private dining venues, Palio is elegant and timeless, yet approachable and “green”. Palio offers 3 totally private party rooms and semi-private areas that can easily accommodate for groups of 20 to 300 for lunch, all day meetings, cocktail receptions, and dinner.
Private party facilities
Since 1990, Palio has thrived as San Francisco’s favorite downtown Italian Restaurant by offering a seasonally changing menu, professional European service, a Wine Spectator recognized wine list and a premium full bar. Private Dining Options for groups of 8-250.
Private party contact
Valeria DiGrande: (415) 395-9800

Palio

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Margherita

Salsiccia e Pepperoni

Siciliana

Cocktails

Aperol Sprtiz$16.00

Liscio$13.00

Stargazer$16.00

White Devil (in spanish)$16.00

Tamayo Old Fashioned$16.00

Improved Brookyln$17.00

Underground City$23.00

Beer

Peroni$9.00

Menabrea Amber$12.00

Almanac Hazy IPA$13.00

Amstel Lite$8.00

Menabrea Blonde$10.00

Moretti$9.00

Weihenstephaner$9.00

Hitachino$16.00

Baladin L'Ippa$13.00

Lagunitas$12.00

Wines by the Glass

Prosecco DOC$16.00

Lambrusco$18.00

Moscato d'Asti$16.00

Wines by the Glass

Rose of Pinot Noir$16.00

La Fraghe$14.00

Wines by the Glass

Pinot Grigio$14.00

Vermentino$15.00

Etna Bianco$15.00

Fiano di Avellino$17.00

Sauvignon Blanc$16.00

Chardonnay$15.00

Wines by the Glass

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo$16.00

Etna Rosso$18.00

Palazzo della Torre$17.00

Barolo$24.00

Super Tuscan$15.00

Pinot Noir$16.00

Cabernet Sauvignon$20.00

Wines by the Bottle

Bortolomiol$52.00

Felsina$72.00

Champagne$156.00

Wines by the Bottle

Pinot Grigio$51.00

Chardonnay$65.00

Manna$99.00

Friulano$61.00

Soave Superiore$85.00

Roero Arneis$56.00

Verdicchio Superiore$58.00

Falanghina$52.00

Etna Bianco$96.00

Vitovska$103.00

Borrorosa$56.00

Sauvignon Blanc$99.00

Wines by the Bottle

Barbera d'Asti$48.00

Nebbiolo$64.00

Barbaresco$130.00

Barolo$145.00

Pinot Nero$162.00

Valpolicella Ripassa$72.00

Amarone$168.00

Chianti Classico Riserva$76.00

Rosso di Montalcino$88.00

Brunello di Montalcino$145.00

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano$52.00

Guidalbero$162.00

Sassicaia$500.00