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Where do I begin? We were welcomed with such enthusiasm when we arrived at Poesia last night. We were seated and served by a gentleman named Giovanni. He was so helpful and made the best possible menu recommendations. We ended up eating a three course meal, wine, and dessert. I have never eaten anything remotely close to the calmarí alla griglia. The calamari was grilled and tender. So tasty! Not at all what I have come to expect from many other places I have visited. His recommendations made our visit absolutely wonderful. I know it may seem somewhat ridiculous to praise a restaurant as much as this but I can't remember the last time I enjoyed each and every item I ordered. The service Giovanni provided was first class all the way. He was attentive, warm, welcoming, and extremely knowledgable when it came to the wine list. I was quite impressed with his expertise. It was my first time eating in San Francisco and I can't think of anything better than my visit at Poesía. I highly recommend it to everyone who wants an ambience that is authentic to Italy. They apparently play old films on a wall in the background via a projector. Loved that. The staff was amazing. The chef came out to greet us and tell us about her Sunday lasagna. I can't wait to return. Ask for Giovanni.. He'll make you feel right at home. Oh, and everyone speaks Italian. Everyone seems to be originally from Italy. Seriously. That made the entire experience quite enjoyable. Cheers!
Our experience on Friday was so great that we returned on Sunday. The first night, I had the Fettuccine al ragu’ di agnello at the recommendation of the server. It was amazing. When I came back on Sunday, I had the Fileji di renato, which was so good that it brought a tear to my eye. The English language doesn't have a word to describe that flavor. My husband had the lasagna (a Sunday special) that was also incredible. The chef, Rossella, regularly checks in on the diners to ensure their experience is perfect. I will return here any time we visit San Francisco.
Wonderful chef greeted us at our table and described the menu with a gorgeous Italian accent! She recommended a fabulous Italian red wine. Every detail was perfect. Cozy, fun and elegant small dining room. Very very charming. Perfect for a date night, special occasion or relaxed meal - 100% recommend!
This is a very homey place with a top notch bar and great service. Needless to say the food is great too. We mostly had pasta last night plus appetizers all of which were very good however the way they serve the beef carpaccio is very unique while also being the best appetizer as well. Among the entrees the black squid ink pasta was the hands down favorite dish of the night among our group of five. We'll definitely be going back!
An excellent fine dining experience. True Italian, not Americanized! The chef and staff provide amazing recommendations for pairing food with wine.
A must experience when in San Francisco!
Poesia has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco. The food is excellent and the staff greets us like we are relatives. They are always friendly and courteous and attentive. I highly recommend Poesia.
Sarah Shear O'Sullivan
+5
My friends and I ate there last night for Christmas Eve, and it was like dining at the home of a favorite relative. Everyone on staff was friendly and welcoming in the most genuine way. The service was impeccable. Our server (so sorry to not recall his name-from MN) was knowledgeable about the menu and helped us with suggestions. The food was some of the best I have ever had. Delicious grilled calamari (and I don't even like calamari!), homemade fettuccine, lobster for the special occasion, and the mango Prosecco drink. Absolutely divine. No time (or room) for dessert on this visit. I will definitely be back. Thank you for your caring Italian hospitality. It was the perfect holiday treat.
Having dinner here is like being transported to Italy. The entire vibe of the place, from the staff to the food, is welcoming, warm and delicious.
A real San Francisco gem ---- the best food and kindest people unite for a very special dining experience
Great food, wine and staff. Francesco, the owner, was his always charming self! Been fortunate to dine here for close to 10 years.
Great ambience. The calamari with arugula salad is to die for. The black ink pasta with calamari and sausage is mouth watering.
Love the food, the service was great! Authentic Italian food. You got to get a piece of Poesia.
Debbie Radwich Kowalczyk
+5
We had a very attentive staff for a large group and the food was outstanding.
We love Francesco and we love Poesia. One of our absolute favorite restaurants in San Francisco. Every single thing on the menu is delicious, and they have an extensive selection of Italian wines.
Fantastic meal!
Our family dined this evening as we celebrated our Mothers birthday. We were not disappointed.
Comfortable setting. Friendly efficient staff. Delicious food.
I visit up to three Michelin rated restaurants per year. Poesia may not be in that category but it makes my Top 3 favorite restaurants in San Francisco.
Try it out!
I try to eat here at least once a month. It's delicious, seasonal, fresh, good food. the atmosphere is always fun.
We enjoyed the special prefix Thanksgiving menu, Each of the dishes was unique and included seasonal items. It was the take on Thanksgiving in some cases, for example though ravioli with turkey in it. The salad, secondi and dolce were all really good too. Staff were really great and it had good suggestions for the drinks. The interior was nice and cozy not too crowded for a big holiday.
Poesia is such a hidden gem! You’ll never know how charming this restaurant is until you walk in. The ambiance is amazing! Dim, Cozy, Charming, Romantic vibes with a beautiful RED wine bar and old classic Italian movies playing on the wall.
Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious, especially the duck! My favorite! The duck was cooked perfectly. The Agnolotti al plin was so addictive! Little pieces of deliciousness, while the tiramisu was so light and creamy. Yum!!
Don’t forget their delicious drinks, we ordered the Red Desert and the Campesino! So refreshing and good. If I didn’t have to drive, I would have ordered another Campesino- I really love it!
Awesome Service, delicious food and amazing decor and ambiance! Definitely worth the experience. Perfect for date night, girl’s night out or simply a relaxing meal.
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I recently had the pleasure of dining at Poesia in San Francisco, CA, and I must say it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that set the tone for the evening.
Let's start with the food – it was absolutely excellent! Every dish we ordered was a masterpiece of flavors and presentation. Poesia takes great pride in their culinary creations, and it truly shows in every bite. The quality of the ingredients was top-notch, and it's evident that the chefs here are passionate about their craft. From the appetizers to the main course and dessert, each dish was a delightful journey for the taste buds.
The service was equally outstanding. Our lady waitress was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also incredibly personable. She made excellent recommendations, catered to our dietary preferences, and ensured that our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. Her attention to detail and friendly demeanor added a special touch to the evening.
What truly stood out was the brief visit from the owner, who took the time to check on us and our food. It's evident that the team at Poesia is dedicated to ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and appreciated. The owner's presence was a testament to their commitment to providing top-notch service and making sure every aspect of our dining experience was perfect.
Now, I must admit that the prices at Poesia are on the higher side, but I can wholeheartedly say that the quality of the food and the level of service more than justified the cost. It's not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that is worth every penny.
In conclusion, Poesia in San Francisco, CA, is a hidden gem that deserves all the accolades it receives. From the outstanding food to the impeccable service and the personal touch of the owner, dining here is an unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a truly special and memorable dining experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Poesia. It's a place where every detail is thoughtfully crafted to ensure your satisfaction, and it's a true testament to the culinary artistry of San Francisco.
Lovely little spot in a Victorian in the Castro. Great atmosphere, wonderful service, yummy food when you’re in the mood for a tiny splurge. Not crowded on an early Tuesday evening. Highly recommend taking advantage of happy hour (5-6:30pm) to sample discounted appetizers and entrees. Costs around $50/person after tips for 4 dishes and 1 house wine. Check out the beautiful heated back patio (includes a fun journey through the kitchen). My friend and I are definitely coming back!
N “Knickerbocker” Márquez
+5
i have never been to a restaurant more perfectly named. Poesia…this place is poetry in motion. The food taste romantic. The ambiance is a dream. The service touches your soul. I fell in love with my husband all over again.
Highly recommended.
Pastas are definitely on the al dente side.
Veal cheeks were very soft and tender.
nice place with a cozy small terrace in the sun.
pretty pricy for what it is tho, the burrata was a winner but the pasta isn't a 30 dollar.
service friendly but kinda slow. I'd enjoy another meal but I wouldn't spend a hundred bucks for it.
Ate here as a backup cause our favorite restaurant was full, and it was the best choice we made that night. We almost left because we didn't recognize the menu (I guess we aren't that fancy!) But the waiter came and up sold us on dining there, mentioning they had a cancellation with only 1 table available. The restaurant was packed on a Saturday night, and we walked through the kitchen (staff all smiling and friendly) to the "backyard" dining. Nice atmosphere with heaters. Food was absolutely amazing! Smaller, but perfect portions. Well made with plenty of flavor. Had an elevated cocktail that I have never tried, and wine pairing was perfect. Definitely going back in the future! Only disappointment was we didn't save room for dessert...next time!
Beautiful space that is matched by the food and staff. An absolutely great place to have a bite to eat with friends. There is a garden space out back and a cute patio out front. The owner is beyond gracious and wants everything to be right and make sure his patrons happy. The food is fresh and flavorful. Honestly, I wanted to try everything there it looked so good.
Delicious every time I've been here, whether for dinner with friends or just to pop in for cocktails and a snack. In the heart of an energetic area near Castro street, it's easy to get to and plenty of entertainment along the way. Chad is an outstanding mixologist
I can’t share enough great things about Poesia Cafe. They kept much of the same layout and features from when it was Reveille. The pastry and food selection was limited, but they said it’s just because their new and it would be improved. While I was there they even bought out more items they were baking.
They have a good selection of coffee and espresso drinks. And they had cold brew!! The cookie I had was amazing! Pistachio and candied orange. I also had a ham and cheese croissant.
The service was great! Lots of eye candy! Very attentive and genuine.
It makes me love Poesia all over again. I can’t wait to go back!
I believe they make the best latte in the Castro and I enjoy sitting outside, people watching and enjoying my cup. The food is rather amazing as well. Pro tip: gruyere and prosciutto croissant with your latte and do not get it to go.
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We had the tagliatte al ragu "della nona", the taglionlini vongole (clam pasta), and cavolfiore (cauliflower) over dinner and finished off with a tiramisu dessert. One consistent theme of the pastas was how perfectly al dente they were. You could catch a glimpse of how hard the staff were working from the kitchen. This effort translated into the quality of the pasta and its presentation. The space is intimate and perfect for a nice catchup or a date night. The wait staff was super helpful, but not overbearing. They knew exactly when to pick up your plate or when to pop in to help answer a question. The ragu was delicious and highlight being the generous portion of sauce with the pasta. However, the take home winner was the vongole. The clam pasta was a surprise in how bright and green the sauce appeared on the plate. The richness of the clam paired nicely with the brightness and freshness of the pasta. I'd skip the cauliflower and perhaps venture into an appetizer. Finally, I appreciated how upfront the prices were. No surprise charges on the check. Very thoughtful in that sense.
Great service!
The pasta is homemade and the sauce is amazing. I had the pasta dish with branzino fish. The sauce must haven been made with shellfish or shrimp which explodes with umami. The branzini fish, however, tastes too fishy or maybe it has past its prime time.
The veal appetizer is to die for. Their chef really mastered this dish. The veal is thin and light, the tuna sauce is savory and has the perfect consistency.
Came here from out of town on a strong recommendation and it definitely lived up to the hype. Service was amazing, although the wait time was not. The food explained the wait - incredible! I had the most amazing lasagna ever. My boyfriend had a dish with mussels or something. He loved it too. I was especially appreciative of the amazing wine selection. I'll be back.
I've been there many times. Stuff is very friendly and welcoming. Food is traditional Italian with some American influence, good selection of wines and there always someone to help with the selection. Good for celebrations and family gathering, hidden outside area is everything. Sometimes they have live music which brings the atmosphere to another level they are also having a coffee shop and they are getting ready to open their pastry department that I am excited for. Will come back here at any time.
Really good food in here. Cacio e pepe was good but not amazing. Tried the espresso martini and Dante.
Delicious food + cocktails,fun ambience and lovely service—attentive but not intrusive.
❤️seabass and agnolotti
Beautiful croissant ! That’s all i can say. I moved in usa 7 months ago and that was the best I’ve ever had. Also drinking a coffee has that Italian quality makes everything better. Thank you !
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