Palio

4.6

1497 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

29 Dec 2024

19:00

Good for business meals
Good for groups
Good for special occasions

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
Area
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 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
Additional
Gluten-free Options

Popular dishes

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

Beer

On draught and by the bottle

PeroniUS$9.00
Lager Beer, Italy
Menabrea AmberUS$12.00
Amber, Italy
Almanac Hazy IPAUS$13.00
Alameda, USA
Amstel LiteUS$8.00
Lager, Netherlands
Menabrea BlondeUS$10.00
Lager, Italy
MorettiUS$9.00
Lager, Italy
WeihenstephanerUS$9.00
Hefe Weissbier, Germany
HitachinoUS$16.00
Red Rice Ale, Japan
Baladin L'IppaUS$13.00
IPA, Italy
LagunitasUS$12.00
IPA, USA

Wines by the Glass

Sparkling Wines

Prosecco DOCUS$16.00
Scarpetta, Veneto, 2019
LambruscoUS$18.00
Scarpetta, Emilia-Romagna, NV
Moscato d'AstiUS$16.00
Scrapona, Piemonte, 2020

Wines by the Glass

Rose

Rose of Pinot NoirUS$16.00
La Crema, Monterey, 2020
La FragheUS$14.00
Bardolino, Chiaretto, Veneto, 2022

Wines by the Glass

White Wines

Pinot GrigioUS$14.00
Arduino, Venezio, 2020
VermentinoUS$15.00
La Cala, Sardenia, 2020
Etna BiancoUS$15.00
Cottenara, Sicilia, 2022
Fiano di AvellinoUS$17.00
Rocca di Principe, Campangia, 2021
Sauvignon BlancUS$16.00
Matanzas Creek, Sonoma, 2021
ChardonnayUS$15.00
Cambria, Santa Maria, Katherine's Vineyard, 2020

Wines by the Glass

Red Wines

Montepulciano d'AbruzzoUS$16.00
Roccia Forte, 2019
Etna RossoUS$18.00
Tornatore, Sicilia, 2020
Palazzo della TorreUS$17.00
Allegrini, Veneto, 2020
BaroloUS$24.00
Cesare, La Morra, Piemonte, 2019
Super TuscanUS$15.00
Remole, Frescobaldi, Toscana, 2019
Pinot NoirUS$16.00
Lapis Luna, Northern Coast, 2021
Cabernet SauvignonUS$20.00
Priest Ranch, Napa Valley, 2019

Wines by the Bottle

Sparkling

BortolomiolUS$52.00
Prosecco DOC, Brut, Veneto, NV
FelsinaUS$72.00
Rose, Spumanti, Brut, Toscana, NV
ChampagneUS$156.00
Vueve Cliquot, Brut, Yellow Label, Reims, NV

Wines by the Bottle

White Wines

Pinot GrigioUS$51.00
Terlano, Alto Adige, 2023
ChardonnayUS$65.00
La Melle, Il Borro, Toscana, 2021
MannaUS$99.00
Franz Haas, Alto Adige, 2021
FriulanoUS$61.00
Livia Felluga, Friulki-Venezio Giulia, Collio, 2021
Soave SuperioreUS$85.00
Pieropan, La Rocca, Veneto, 2021
Roero ArneisUS$56.00
Giovanni Rosso, Piemonte, 2020
Verdicchio SuperioreUS$58.00
Castello dei Jesi, Bucci, Marche, 2020
FalanghinaUS$52.00
Feudi San Gregorio, Campania, 2021
Etna BiancoUS$96.00
Nerina, Girolamo Russo, Sicilia, 2021
VitovskaUS$103.00
Skerk, carso, Friuli
BorrorosaUS$56.00
Il Boro, Rosato, Toscana, 2022
Sauvignon BlancUS$99.00
Inglenook, Napa, 2022

Wines by the Bottle

Red Wines

Barbera d'AstiUS$48.00
Bava Libera, Piemonte, 2019
NebbioloUS$64.00
Langhe, Bava, Piemonte, 2019
BarbarescoUS$130.00
Produttori di Barbaresco, Piemonte, 2018
BaroloUS$145.00
Giovanni Rosso, Serralunga d'Alba, Piemonte, 2017
Pinot NeroUS$162.00
Girlan, Trattmann Riserva, Sudtirol, Alto adige, 2021
Valpolicella RipassaUS$72.00
Bertani, Veneto, 2019
AmaroneUS$168.00
Allegrini, Veneto, 2018
Chianti Classico RiservaUS$76.00
Felsina, Toscana, 2018
Rosso di MontalcinoUS$88.00
Capanna, Toscana, 2019
Brunello di MontalcinoUS$145.00
Col d'Orcia, Toscana, 2017
Vino Nobile di MontepulcianoUS$52.00
Torcalvano, Toscana, 2019
GuidalberoUS$162.00
Tenuta San Guido, Toscana, 2021
SassicaiaUS$500.00
Tenuta San Guido, Toscana, 2020
Taurasi RiservaUS$180.00
Mastrobernardino, Radici, Campania, 2014
BarrauaUS$135.00
Agricola Punica, Isola Dei Nurghi, Sardegna, 2018
Pinot NoirUS$75.00
La Crema, Sealift, Sonoma Coast, 2017
Pinot NoirUS$348.00
Sea Smoke, Southing, Central Coast, 2021
Cabernet FrancUS$75.00
Comptoir, Santa Rita Hills, St. Ynez, 2020
Cabernet SauvignonUS$98.00
Cosenza, Sonoma, 2014
Cabernet SauvignonUS$210.00
Inglenook, Napa, 2018
Cabernet SauvignonUS$300.00
Shafer, One Point Five, Napa Valley, 2021

What 1,497 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

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!

1,497 Reviews

S
Stacey
New York City
21 reviews
3.0
21 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
The ambiance is very nice and the waitstaff is friendly. Biggest issue with waitstaff was that they forgot to bring our appetizer, also they couldn’t make any pizzas even though much of their menu is pizza. Disappointing. The food was tasty but $36 for a simple pasta dish was very costly. Not worth the price at all.
Is this helpful?
L
Leila
Sydney
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 20 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely restaurant with delicious Italian food. Daily specials keep the menu fresh and new. Service is impeccable. We were made to feel special and very well cared for. Highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
D
Debbie
Central Coast
38 reviews
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on 18 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I’ve been going to Palio for nearly 20 years and the food is consistently excellent. I have never, NEVER had a bad meal here. The service is attentive, warm, personable…you feel as if you are a valued guest every time you dine there. This is a place where you can actually have a dinner conversation without screaming at the top of your lungs. Wait staff have been there for years which makes Palio fee like a close knit family. Favorite dishes: Fritto misto (can’t go wrong!), branzino, spaghetti with Dungeness crab, any of the pizzas!
Is this helpful?
L
Leslie
San Francisco
37 reviews
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on 16 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Consistently great food, staff, service and specials.
Is this helpful?
B
Brian
VIP
Phoenix
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on 5 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Palio is one of favorite go-to’s in San Francisco. The wild boar ragu is absolutely delicious as is the Tuscan salad. The owner/host is warm and engaged in making sure the culinary experience is amazing.
Is this helpful?
G
Gayle
VIP
San Francisco
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on 13 November 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
VIP
Los Angeles
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on 31 October 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.
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J
James
San Francisco
30 reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on 23 October 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.
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J
Jessica
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 23 October 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.
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n
nancy
New York City
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 26 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very attentive waiters, manager, bussing staff. Good pizza. Tender cinghiale bolognese
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FAQs

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

Palio is rated 4.6 stars by 1497 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

29 Dec 2024

19:00

Order delivery or takeout

640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

Additional information

Cross Street
Montgomery/Sacramento
Area
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
Gluten-free Options

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 booking

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Margherita

Siciliana

Salsiccia e Pepperoni

Cocktails

Aperol SprtizUS$16.00

LiscioUS$13.00

StargazerUS$16.00

White Devil (in spanish)US$16.00

Tamayo Old FashionedUS$16.00

Improved BrookylnUS$17.00

Underground CityUS$23.00

Beer

PeroniUS$9.00

Menabrea AmberUS$12.00

Almanac Hazy IPAUS$13.00

Amstel LiteUS$8.00

Menabrea BlondeUS$10.00

MorettiUS$9.00

WeihenstephanerUS$9.00

HitachinoUS$16.00

Baladin L'IppaUS$13.00

LagunitasUS$12.00

Wines by the Glass

Prosecco DOCUS$16.00

LambruscoUS$18.00

Moscato d'AstiUS$16.00

Wines by the Glass

Rose of Pinot NoirUS$16.00

La FragheUS$14.00

Wines by the Glass

Pinot GrigioUS$14.00

VermentinoUS$15.00

Etna BiancoUS$15.00

Fiano di AvellinoUS$17.00

Sauvignon BlancUS$16.00

ChardonnayUS$15.00

Wines by the Glass

Montepulciano d'AbruzzoUS$16.00

Etna RossoUS$18.00

Palazzo della TorreUS$17.00

BaroloUS$24.00

Super TuscanUS$15.00

Pinot NoirUS$16.00

Cabernet SauvignonUS$20.00

Wines by the Bottle

BortolomiolUS$52.00

FelsinaUS$72.00

ChampagneUS$156.00

Wines by the Bottle

Pinot GrigioUS$51.00

ChardonnayUS$65.00

MannaUS$99.00

FriulanoUS$61.00

Soave SuperioreUS$85.00

Roero ArneisUS$56.00

Verdicchio SuperioreUS$58.00

FalanghinaUS$52.00

Etna BiancoUS$96.00

VitovskaUS$103.00

BorrorosaUS$56.00

Sauvignon BlancUS$99.00

Wines by the Bottle

Barbera d'AstiUS$48.00

NebbioloUS$64.00

BarbarescoUS$130.00

BaroloUS$145.00

Pinot NeroUS$162.00

Valpolicella RipassaUS$72.00

AmaroneUS$168.00

Chianti Classico RiservaUS$76.00

Rosso di MontalcinoUS$88.00

Brunello di MontalcinoUS$145.00

Vino Nobile di MontepulcianoUS$52.00

GuidalberoUS$162.00

SassicaiaUS$500.00