Barbara Pinseria & Cocktail Bar

The best Pinsa in San Francisco. Why would you eat pizza when you can have lighter, tastier Pinsa.

We've been showing up for the Italian Heritage Day parade here for five years now, and Barbara nails it every time. They do a fixed-price menu with meatballs, pasta, pizza — and this year the cannoli for dessert was off the charts! They put tables right out on the street so you can eat while watching the parade swirl by. It's organized chaos, but the hosts, servers, waiters and managers handle everything—crowds, buzz, even the occasional drunk parade-goer—with big smiles and total professionalism. Do yourself a favour: book at least two weeks ahead, because this space fills fast on parade day.

We went here after a Broadway show on Friday night, great atmosphere, good energy, gritty and authentic contemporary Italian hipster aesthetics, refreshing compared to those other tired and cliché Italian American tourist spots in the neighborhood. That being said, there is better pizza to be had in town and I wasn’t impressed with my cocktail. But worth it for the atmosphere and would go back again if in the neighborhood.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

~late review
We came by during the holidays after we visited Italy. To our surprise the food tasted just the same as if you did go to Italy. The service was so delightful too. We actually just wanted to use the restroom because we were exploring the city but I’m so glad we decided to eat here. We will definitely want to come back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Came here to reunite with some friends and their grown kids whom we hadn't seen in awhile. Food was delicious (pastas, pizzas, those Brussels sprouts!). Gluten-free options were on point for the few of us that desired/needed them. Service was pleasant, though not overly friendly. Noise level was high; didn't bother me, but something to consider in one's planning. We will return!

Took quite a long time to be seated at first, the servers seemed confused with what was going on. Nevertheless the food was amazing, I would definitely recommend the cacio e pepe and the bolognaise.

Food and service outstanding!!! Told some people about this place and they are going tonight

This place is great for single guests, couples, or groups; the staff were very accommodating and attentive. I ordered Spaghetti Vongole and a glass of Prosecco, which was perfect before going to a show at the Lost Church, just a few blocks away!

This really is a lovely restaurant with terrific service. Perfect menu. So so worth it dining here every time for date night.

Food was decent but horrible rude service ! Eat all the time in north beach and was embarrassed in front of colleagues who I took there by the service - rude and snotty

Nice place. Friendly with warm welcome. Pasta with seafood was good, pizza just too doughy for me. Nice Merlot. Best part! Very quiet compared to some nearby.

Food was good. Felt a bit rushed to order which i didn't like. My friends were mid way through their last bite, and they took his plate immediately (rushed). Overall, felt rushed and didn't feel personal

Barbara is THE spot. A must go for groups, it's a vibe. Get some food, get some drinks. Enjoy it.

We had a large group for a friends birthday and the staff was on top of it with drinks and food coming out!

We were seated at 7:40 p.m. despite having a 7 p.m. reservation. The pasta was overcooked, and the pasta sauce was cold and dry. To make matters worse, the music was so loud that I couldn't even hear the person sitting next to me.