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San Francisco

Serafina SF is a cozy Italian restaurant in San Francisco's Nob Hill neighborhood, known for its authentic cuisine, warm ambiance, and attentive service. Guests frequently praise the homemade pastas, fresh seafood, and traditional dishes. The intimate setting and friendly staff contribute to a memorable dining experience.

Serafina: Authentic Italian Dining on Nob Hill in San Francisco's Russian Hill Neighborhood 

Nestled atop the picturesque Nob Hill in San Francisco's Russian Hill, Serafina offers a cozy and intimate escape into the heart of Italy. This charming restaurant captivates visitors with its inviting ambiance, where traditional Italian flavors are served with a warm, local-friendly touch. From the moment you step inside, the lively yet comfortable atmosphere pairs perfectly with an authentic menu that transports you straight to Italy's culinary roots.

Serafina's menu is a celebration of hearty, homestyle Italian cuisine crafted with genuine care. Diners rave about the homemade pastas, including standout dishes like squid ink pasta with tender octopus that capture the essence of Italy rather than the Italian-American style often found stateside. Fresh seafood, robust antipasti, and luscious desserts round out an exquisite selection designed to satisfy without overwhelming. The complimentary fresh bread is a much-loved gesture that adds to the inviting dining experience.

Serafina’s commitment to authenticity and quality is evident in every bite, making it a coveted spot for foodies and Italian cuisine enthusiasts alike.

Beyond the food, Serafina boasts a lively yet intimate setting that's perfect for a romantic date night or a special gathering. The staff are often described as friendly and attentive, with servers like Zabit adding a dash of humor and warmth that enhances the overall experience. With both indoor and alfresco seating available, guests can enjoy the fresh air and views of the charming Nob Hill neighborhood while savoring their meal.

Serafina also offers a robust wine list, including a highly recommended rose wine, complementing the flavors of the cuisine perfectly. They serve beer, coffee, and desserts, ensuring a complete dining experience. The welcoming vibe and the feeling of being part of a family make Serafina stand out as a memorable gem in San Francisco’s bustling dining scene.

 Accepted and recommended due to limited seating to ensure you get a spot in this popular eatery.

 Free street parking is available but can be challenging; public transportation or rideshare services are recommended.

 Gluten-free dishes are available, catering to diverse dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

 Select outdoor seating welcomes dogs, so you can bring your furry friends along.

 Open Monday, Wednesday to Sunday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM; closed on Tuesdays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Serafina SF

 Yes, Serafina SF has a few outdoor seats where dogs are welcome.

Does Serafina SF offer gluten-free options?

 Yes, the restaurant provides gluten-free options on their menu.

 Parking can be challenging in the area; it's recommended to use public transportation or rideshares.

 Yes, reservations are accepted and recommended due to limited seating.

What are the operating hours of Serafina SF?

 Serafina SF operates from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Sunday, and is closed on Tuesdays.

The local community and visitors alike hold Serafina in high regard, praising its authentic dishes, heartfelt service, and intimate ambiance. Many guests describe the experience as feeling like a warm, Italian family gathering, elevated by attentive staff and a menu that stays true to traditional recipes. Whether you are a local seeking a special night out or a traveler craving real Italian flavors in San Francisco, Serafina promises a satisfying and memorable dining journey.

North America

United States

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Russian Hill, Serafina is a delightful Italian restaurant located at 1701 Jones Street, San Francisco, CA 94109. Known for its cozy ambiance and homestyle Italian cuisine, Serafina offers a dining experience that transports guests straight to Italy. With a robust wine list and a menu featuring authentic dishes, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Serafina specializes in hearty Italian cuisine, offering a variety of dishes that highlight the flavors of Italy. The menu includes:

Antipasti: Start your meal with a selection of delicious antipasti.

Primi: Enjoy traditional pasta dishes, including squid ink pasta with octopus.

Secondi: Savor the main courses that reflect authentic Italian flavors.

Desserts: Don't miss out on the delightful desserts to end your meal.

Located in the picturesque Russian Hill neighborhood, Serafina is surrounded by stunning views and iconic San Francisco landmarks. After enjoying a meal, guests can explore nearby attractions such as:

Lombard Street: Famous for its steep, winding road.

Coit Tower: Offering panoramic views of the city.

Nob Hill: A historic neighborhood with beautiful architecture.

Serafina offers a range of amenities to enhance your dining experience, including:

Outdoor seating for a pleasant dining experience.

Reservations recommended for busy nights.

Cozy, homestyle restaurant with hearty Italian cuisine & a robust wine list, plus alfresco seating.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQcEplR2R3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJj0K63TGBhYARax87_obJF00/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQcEplR2R3EAE

A cute Italian restaurant with excellent food and service. We came on a Wednesday night and the restaurant was packed. Everything from the antipasti to primi, secondi, and desserts were so authentic it felt like we were back in Italy.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNibV9UeFhREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJj0K63TGBhYARax87_obJF00/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNibV9UeFhREAE

I got got, but I'm glad I did. The waiter kept on trying to up sell a salad and I eventually relented. It was maybe the best salad I've had in my life. It cheated a little by using honey, but still it was amazing. My main (the squid ink pasta with octopus) was light. It tasted Italian instead of Italian American. It left you feeling satisfied instead of stuffed.

Also, maybe the biggest plus was free bread in SF.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIb2Q3RWVnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJj0K63TGBhYARax87_obJF00/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIb2Q3RWVnEAE

The food was excellent and the atmosphere was lively and cute. Our server Zabit was very helpful and hilarious. He definitely added to the experience. Highly recommend for a date night

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIdF9PMXdRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJj0K63TGBhYARax87_obJF00/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIdF9PMXdRRRAB

Such a lovely place on top of Nob Hill. It’s quite intimate and the staff is super sweet, and made us feel part of the family. The food is absolutely delicious, probably the best italian food ive ever had in the US. And you should try the rose wine! It was a pleasure to dine here.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3M3Z1U3V3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJj0K63TGBhYARax87_obJF00/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3M3Z1U3V3RRAB

This standalone place with its name tag, Serafina,  reminds me of 19th century English novel in which houses had names ; example is Howards’s End. What an unusual location to be at top of hill and patrons climb hills to eat here as if on pilgrimage to receive epicurean salvation and good service  ! And I think they do.

Serafina: Cozy Italian Dining in Russian Hill, SF

Serafina SF is a family-owned Italian restaurant located in San Francisco's Nob Hill neighborhood. The name 'Serafina' honors the owner's grandmother, who ran a restaurant in Rome's Trastevere district. The executive chef, Umberto Cannarsa, left his own restaurant in Rome to collaborate with the owner, Maurizio Bruschi, bringing authentic Italian flavors to San Francisco.

Serafina SF: A Culinary Jewel Steeped in Family Tradition and Italian Heritage in Nob Hill San Francisco 

Nestled atop the iconic Nob Hill neighborhood in San Francisco, Serafina SF invites guests to experience a richly authentic slice of Italian heritage. This family-owned Italian restaurant carries a warm legacy, named after the owner's grandmother, Serafina, who once delighted patrons in Rome's historic Trastevere district with her own beloved eatery. Today, Serafina SF continues this tradition by blending heartfelt hospitality and culinary excellence that transports diners straight to Italy.

Serafina SF's culinary vision is brought to life by Executive Chef Umberto Cannarsa, who left his own acclaimed restaurant in Rome to join forces with owner Maurizio Bruschi. Together, they craft an exquisite menu rooted in traditional Italian recipes, yet thoughtfully adapted for the diverse palates of San Francisco food lovers. The dishes—from handcrafted antipasti to delicate primi and hearty secondi—showcase authentic ingredients and regional flavors, making each meal a memorable journey to Italy without leaving the city.

Since opening, Serafina SF has garnered acclaim for its dedication to quality and authenticity. In 2022, it earned the prestigious Gambero Rosso award, marking it as one of the best Italian restaurants in the United States—an honor reflecting its culinary excellence and commitment to tradition. Responding to evolving guest preferences, the restaurant expanded its menu in 2023 to include an even broader selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can indulge in the robust flavors of Italy.

 that makes each guest feel like part of the family.

 that captures the essence of Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood.

 highlighting its status among top Italian restaurants in the US.

 catering thoughtfully to vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

Dine In

Takeout

Delivery

Restroom

Outdoor Seating

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Coffee

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Serafina is a cozy, homestyle restaurant located in the charming Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, offering hearty Italian cuisine and a robust wine list, along with alfresco seating.

Serafina

Authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood, homemade pastas, and traditional dishes.

Burrata con Prosciutto e Arugula

Insalata Arugula e Pecorino

Calamari alla Griglia

Carpaccio di Salmone

Scamorza ai Ferri con Spek, Funghi Trifolati e Olio Tartufato

Insalata Cesare

Caprese

Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia con Polpo

Reginette al Pesto di Spinaci con Pinoli Tostati

Gnocchi di Patate con Spuntature di Maiale

Lasagna Nonna Serafina

Spaghetti alle Vongole e Pomodorini

Fettuccine Gamberi, Rughetta, e Pomodori Freschi

Tortelloni di Carne con Salsa Tartufo e Parmigiano

Spaghetti con Melanzane e Provola Affumicata

Risotto Cremolato con Fontina, Radicchio e Spek

Pinsa Margherita

Pinsa Brocoletti e Salsiccia

Pinsa Piccante

Pinsa Prosciutto e Funghi

Rombo ai Funghi

Melanzane alla Parmigiana

Petto di Pollo al Limone

Scaloppine di Vitella ai Funghi Porcini

Pesce del Giorno

Lombata di Vitello ai Ferri

Agnello Scottadito

Serafina SF Menu

Located atop the scenic Russian Hill in San Francisco, Serafina offers an irresistible journey into authentic Italian cuisine with a special emphasis on fresh seafood, homemade pastas, and traditional flavors. This cozy, homestyle restaurant invites you to indulge in hearty dishes crafted with organic and locally sourced ingredients, paired beautifully with their robust wine selection and delightful alfresco seating.

Begin your meal with a selection of exquisite antipasti featuring fresh burrata from Puglia paired with prosciutto toscana and organic arugula in the Burrata con Prosciutto e Arugula. The Insalata Arugula e Pecorino offers a crisp blend of organic arugula, sharp pecorino cheese, and a delicate white wine vinaigrette. For seafood lovers, the Calamari alla Griglia presents grilled Monterey calamari with cherry tomatoes and fresh lemon, dressed with parsley. The Carpaccio di Salmone showcases thinly sliced homemade cured-salmon carpaccio with pink peppercorn and green onions drizzled in olive oil.

 - Smoked Italian mozzarella stuffed with speck, sautéed mushrooms, and fragrant truffle oil.

 - Classic Caesar salad with anchovies, fresh Parmigiano from Parma, and capers.

 - Fresh mozzarella paired with organic tomatoes and fragrant basil for a timeless Italian favorite.

Serafina’s mains boast a variety of homemade pastas, seafood, and hearty regional specialties that showcase the depth of Italian culinary tradition. Delight in the dramatic Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia con Polpo, featuring homemade squid-ink spaghetti with tender Spanish octopus and sun-dried tomatoes. The Reginette al Pesto di Spinaci con Pinoli Tostati combines spinach pesto sauce with toasted pine nuts and pecorino cheese over house-made reginette pasta.

 - Homemade potato gnocchi served with a rich spare rib sauce and Italian dried ricotta, perfect comfort food.

 - Traditional homemade lasagna layered with beef ragù, fresh mozzarella, and creamy béchamel sauce.

 - Homemade spaghetti tossed with fresh clams and sweet cherry tomatoes for a classic coastal flavor.

 - Homemade fettuccine with succulent shrimp, fresh organic tomatoes, peppery arugula, and garlic.

 - Handmade tortelloni filled with a savory blend of beef, veal, sausage, and mortadella in truffle butter and Parmesan.

 - Organic eggplant and shaved Italian smoked provola cheese mingle with homemade spaghetti, tomatoes, and basil.

 - Creamy Italian risotto with smoked prosciutto, fontina cheese, and radicchio for a rich savory experience.

 - A selection of pinsa comes topped with classic Margherita ingredients, broccoli rabe and sausage, spicy pepperoni, or mushrooms with prosciutto, mozzarella, and pecorino cheeses.

 - Wild halibut sautéed with mushrooms and black truffle, organic chicken sautéed with capers and lemon, veal scaloppine with porcini mushrooms, grilled veal rack marinated in Italian herbs, and grilled Australian rack of lamb served with roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Complete your dining experience with a thoughtfully curated dessert selection and an extensive drink menu featuring Italian wines, craft beers, and freshly brewed coffee. Whether enjoying a lively dinner indoors or alfresco with views of Nob Hill, Serafina promises a memorable and authentic Italian meal in the heart of San Francisco.

Discover Serafina in Russian Hill, SF—where authentic Italian flavors meet vibrant atmosphere. Indulge in unforgettable dining! Book your table now!

Serafina: Authentic Italian Dining in San Francisco

San Francisco County

Enjoy a cozy and intimate dining experience with authentic Italian cuisine.

Dine-in

Order your favorite dishes to enjoy at home.

Have Serafina's meals delivered to your doorstep.

Experience authentic Italian charm at Serafina in San Francisco's Russian Hill district.

Nestled atop the picturesque Nob Hill at 1701 Jones Street, Serafina is a cozy, homestyle Italian restaurant that promises a truly memorable dining experience. Known for its intimate atmosphere and heartfelt service, this spot captures the essence of Italy with every dish served. Whether you're a local foodie or a traveler seeking genuine Italian flavors in San Francisco, Serafina offers an inviting escape from the everyday.

Authentic italian dining and lively ambiance

Serafina stands out with its heartfelt Italian cuisine that transports you straight to the heart of Italy. From traditional antipasti and primi to secondi and decadent desserts, the menu boasts authentic flavors crafted with care. Customers rave about the light yet satisfying squid ink pasta with octopus and the honey-kissed salads that elevate simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes. The free bread served is a cherished bonus in San Francisco's dining scene.

The atmosphere at Serafina is lively and cute, perfect for date nights or intimate gatherings. Friendly and attentive staff add to the charm, making every visit feel like a warm family reunion. With outdoor seating options, you can enjoy your meal amidst the fresh San Francisco air while soaking in scenic views.

Convenient offerings for every preference

Whether you prefer dining in or enjoying Italian classics in the comfort of your home, Serafina has you covered with a variety of options.

 Enjoy a cozy and intimate dining experience with authentic Italian cuisine.

 Order your favorite dishes to enjoy at home.

 Have Serafina's meals delivered to your doorstep.

Serafina accommodates a variety of payment methods including credit and debit cards as well as NFC payments for a smooth checkout. Guests can enjoy free street parking nearby, adding to the convenience of visiting this lovely spot. While not designed for children, the restaurant shines as a romantic or adult evening destination where you can savor a robust wine list, beer selections, and even coffee to round out your meal.

California

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Serafina in Russian Hill, San Francisco. Enjoy homemade pastas, seafood, outdoor seating, and acclaimed ambiance.

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