Luisa's Restaurant Wine Bar Since 1959

This restaurant may have been considered one of the best in the area, but that’s absolutely past! The dining room has a sharp, unpleasant odor, and the silverware and glasses are visibly dirty. The service is careless; our drinks were served 30 minutes after we requested them, and we were charged anyway. Moreover, be prepared to pay 20-25% more than advertised on their online menus, as their prices are significantly higher than what they claim. For someone who is only visiting for a few nights and has only one Italian night planned, this experience is a major disappointment.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

Absolutely delicious food! Clam linguini was so delicious. There is a reason why this place has been open since 1959.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Luisa’s feels like stepping into a real old-school Italian restaurant in the best possible way. Everything about the experience felt warm, comforting, and authentic.

The gnocchi was incredible. Soft, pillowy, rich, and perfectly coated in sauce. You can immediately tell the gnocchi is made with care and tradition behind it. The chicken parmigiana was another standout… perfectly crispy with amazing marinara and melted cheese, plus classic spaghetti on the side. We also ordered the meatballs, and the meatballs were huge, tender, and packed with flavor.

One of the most special parts of the night was getting to meet Luisa herself. She’s 95 years old, and honestly, she is absolutely remarkable. Sharp, elegant, welcoming, and still personally connecting with guests at her restaurant. It made the whole evening feel incredibly meaningful. You can feel the history, love, and generations of family behind the restaurant when you talk with her. It’s rare to experience something like that anymore. Her bottled house wine was also fantastic and paired perfectly with the gnocchi, chicken parmigiana, and meatballs.

A huge thank you as well to Claudio and Luca for making the experience feel so personal and welcoming. You can tell this restaurant is built on genuine hospitality and heart.

The atmosphere was cozy, the service was wonderful, and the entire evening felt memorable from start to finish.

Final recap: absolutely order the gnocchi, chicken parmigiana, and meatballs. The gnocchi was unforgettable, the chicken parmigiana was classic comfort food done perfectly, and the meatballs were some of the best meatballs we’ve had in San Francisco.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

good carbonara

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Close late at eleven so you can catch for late dinner.
Good services and yummy pizzas.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is wonderful,everyone is chatong and have a good time. I personally recommend Luisa's.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’ve been here when no one was in the restaurant and when this place was packed with people. It’s always clean, has great service, and the food is good! Luisa was there also! What a treat!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Very delicious gnocchi!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Went here based on the reviews. Our Server did not have his day, did not even bother to smile or say even 3 words during our dinner. The food on the other hand was amazing. When the check came a 15% gratuity was already added tot the total with the expectation a tip would also be paid. We forfeited on the latter due to the bad service.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1

Luisa’s Restaurant & Wine Bar has that classic, old-school charm that feels like it’s been part of the neighborhood forever. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a relaxed wine bar vibe that makes it easy to settle in for a long evening.

The menu leans traditional, with comforting dishes that are well-prepared and consistent rather than flashy. Portions are solid, and the wine list is nicely curated with plenty of approachable options.

Service is friendly and unhurried in a good way - staff seem genuinely invested in making sure guests enjoy themselves. It’s the kind of place you go when you want a dependable, cozy dining experience rather than anything overly trendy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Everything we ate was AMAZING. Louisa herself was there and was so sweet. The staff was attentive and service was quick. Gnocchi was perfect. Lobster ravioli was to die for.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I came to San Francisco visiting from Toronto and was touring the city. It was late and wanted dinner so I walked in to Luisa’s. They were about to close but kindly still let my family and I in. All I can say was that the food was delicious and they were very gracious. We even got to meet Luisa – she was incredibly kind and conversational.

When I go back to SF, I’m definitely making my way back to Luisa’s. Worth being there since 1959.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and service. Authentic Italian cuisine.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Teleport to Italy in minutes, amazing quality, delicious food and Luisa herself is at the restaurant! What a treat to meet a female business owner, who runs this place for 60+ years! Wow!

Food was delicious, very affordable and fresh. Wow! This will be my recommendation for every friend coming to SF!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Luisa recommends the gnocchi, trust that girl!