Palio

4.4 (1452)

$31 to $50

Italian

640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

Make a booking

Palio

4.4

$31 to $50

Italian

Financial District / Embarcadero

Make a booking

2 people

24 Oct 2026

21:30

Booked 6 times today

About this restaurant

Good for business meals
Neighbourhood gem
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.

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
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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 transport
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

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

CASO ALL'ARGENTIERAUS$15.00
melted caciocavallo cheese with herb breadcrumbs and agrodolce sauce, focaccia
FIORI DI ZUCCAUS$18.00
stuffed fried squash blossoms with anchovy, ricotta and spicy honey
*POLPUUS$23.00
grilled octopus, eggplant caponata, crispy ceci beans, squid ink aioli, salsa verde
FRITTU MISTUUS$18.00
mixed fry of calamari, prawns, shrimp, fish, olives, lemon, fennel, broccolini, cauliflower, pesto aioli
ARANCINI CON RAGUUS$16.00
risotto balls, fried, filled with peas, tomato meat ragu, whipped ricotta
ARANCI a 'NZALADAUS$16.00
orange segments, shaved fennel, black nocellara olives, citrus vinaigrette
*INSALATA ROMANAUS$17.00
romaine, medjool dates, shallots, parsley, walnuts, cypress grove goat cheese, balsamic vinaigrette
MINESTRA
soup of the day

PIZZA A LEGNA

*MARGHERITAUS$16.00
san marzano tomato sauce, oregano, mozzarella, basil
- fresh mozzarella di bufalaUS$3.00
- Gluten Free Pizza US$6.00
FUNGHIUS$18.00
wood oven braised wild mushrooms, lemony ricotta, garlic confit, arugula
- Gluten Free Pizza US$6.00
TRAPANESEUS$22.00
trapanese tomato, almond pesto, ricotta, tuna tartare
- Gluten Free Pizza US$6.00
PISCATURIUS$17.00
san marzano tomato sauce, oregano, anchovy, chili flakes, basil, parmigiano reggiano
- Gluten Free Pizza US$6.00
*SICILIANAUS$22.00
san marzano tomato sauce, oregano, pork fennel sausage, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, red onions
- Gluten Free Pizza US$6.00

INSALATONE

di MAREUS$23.00
marinated poached seafood, fennel, arugula, olives, red onion, celery, avocado cream
di SALMONEUS$23.00
flaked baked salmon, mixed greens, couscous, cauliflower, black olives, pickled vegetables, vinaigrette
*di POLLOUS$23.00
mixed greens, lemon roasted chicken, crispy pancetta, celery, red onion, gorgonzola dolce, red wine vinaigrette
CAESARUS$18.00
chopped romaine lettuce, garlic focaccia croutons, parmigiano reggiano, classic caesar dressing
- roast chickenUS$4.00
- baked salmonUS$5.00
- grilled prawnsUS$4.00
- grilled steakUS$8.00

PASTA

*FUSILLI ALLA NORMAUS$22.00
corkscrew pasta, eggplant, tomato sauce, basil, ricotta salata cheese
- GF PastaUS$5.00
RAVIOLI CON MENTA E RICOTTAUS$26.00
ricotta cheese and mint filled pasta, lemon, olive oil, pecorino
BUCCATINI CON LE SARDEUS$32.00
long pasta, fresh local sardines, golden raisins, pine nuts, garlic, wild fennel
- GF PastaUS$5.00
*TAGIOLINI CON GRANCIOUS$38.00
spaghettini, dungeness crab, chili, breadcrumbs, san marzano tomato sauce
- GF PastaUS$5.00
ROTOLO CON RAGUUS$42.00
pinwheel spinach pasta, beef, veal and pork ragu, bechamel, parmigiano
CUSCUSU CU ZUPPA DI PISCIUS$52.00
tomato broth simmered pasta, braised fish, clams, mussels, prawns calamari
- GF PastaUS$5.00

ENTRI

*MULIGNANA PARMIGIANAUS$18.00
wood oven baked eggplant, jersey cow's milk ricotta, san marzano tomato, basil
PISCI DA JURNATA
fresh fish of the day
CALAMARAIE RAPINIUS$25.00
monterey calamari filled with shrimp, breadcrumbs, pecorino, mint, marinated ceci, cauliflower
*PULICEDDU ALLA MARSALAUS$28.00
chicken breast, marsala wine sauce, mushrooms, spinach, pine nuts, raisins
CUNIGGHIOUS$28.00
braised rabbit, potatoes, zucchini, carrots, celery, onion, red wine, herbs, tomatoes, olives
*BISTECAUS$68.00
sliced NY stip steak, herb dressing, grilled broccolini, anchovy, breadcrumbs
- Rare
- Medium Rare
- Medium
- Medium Well
- Well Done

CONTORNI

CICIRIUS$12.00
marinated chickpeas olive oil herbs
*CAPONATAUS$14.00
sweet and sour eggplant caper relish
*SPINACCIUS$12.00
sauteed spinach, raisins, pine nuts
CAVALOIFOREUS$12.00
roasted cauliflower, capers, mint
BROCCOLINIUS$15.00
grilled, anchovy, breadcrumbs
PASTA POMODOROUS$12.00
tagliolini, san marzano tomato sauce

Cocktails

Aperol SpritzUS$16.00
aperol, chloe prosecco, seltzer sisters seltzer, orange, on draught
Espresso MartiniUS$18.00
tito’s vodka, fresh mr espresso shot, fra maria coffee liquor, three coffee beans, up
OfficeladyUS$16.00
tito’s vodka, campari, soho lychee, tonic, grapefruit juice, tall, grapefruit twist
StargazerUS$16.00
basil infused olive oil washed gordons gin, raspberry and basil tea, green chartreuse, vegan egg white, powdered raspberry, nick n nora
Love on the RocksUS$17.00
lalo tequila, hibiscus juice, lime, agave, luxardo maraschino, tajin rim, lime
Improved BrooklynUS$17.00
old overholt rye, palio’s amaro blend, pernod absinthe, luxardo maraschino, orange twist, amarena cherry, nick and nora
Paper PlaneUS$16.00
bulleit bourbon, amaro nonino, aperol, lemon juice, nick n nora
Butterfly IslandUS$17.00
coconut rum, butterfly pea tea, lime, pineapple juice, frangelico, tall
Tamayo Old FashionedUS$16.00
verde momento mezcal, aztec mole bitters, house roasted corn syrup, tajin rim, orange
Underground CityUS$22.00
white truffle infused scotch, palio amaro blend, almond grappa, big rock, white truffle salt

Bicchiere by the Glass

Prosecco DOCUS$16.64
Scarpetta, Grave, Friulano, 2024
LambruscoUS$18.00
Scarpetta, Emilia-Romagna, NV (250ml can)
Moscato d’AstiUS$15.60
Ricossa, Piemonte, 2023

Rosato Rose

Rose of Pinot NoirUS$15.60
La Crema, Monterey, 2024

Bianchi White

Pinot GrigioUS$15.60
San Angelo, Banfi, Toscana, 2023
SoaveUS$15.60
La Fiera, Veneto, 2022
CometaUS$17.68
Planeta, Sicilia, 2021
Sauvignon BlancUS$16.64
Pedroncelli, Dry Creek Valley, 2024
ChardonnayUS$18.72
Post and Beam, Far Niente, Carneros, 2023

Rossi Red

Barbera d’AstiUS$17.68
La Spinetta, Piemonte, 2023
Montepulciano d’AbruzzoUS$14.56
Roccia Forte, Abruzzo, 2023
Super TuscanUS$18.72
Argiano, Non Confunditur, Toscana, 2023
Pinot NoirUS$18.72
Sea Slopes, Fort Ross, Sonoma Coast, 2023
Cabernet SauvignonUS$20.80
Martis, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, 2022

Birra Beer

PeroniUS$9.00
Lager, Italy
MenabreaUS$12.00
Amber Lager, Italy
AlmanacUS$13.00
Hazy IPA, USA

Bottiglie Bottle

MorettiUS$9.00
Lager, Italy
BaladinUS$13.00
l’IPPA, IPA, Italy
Amstel LiteUS$8.00
Lager, Neatherlands
WeihenstephanerUS$9.00
Hefe Weissbier, Germany
HitachinoUS$16.00
Red Rice Ale, Japan
LagunitasUS$12.00
IPA, USA

Bevande / NA Beverages

Galavani Organic Italian SodaUS$9.00
Lemon / Pommagrante / Blood Orange
Baladin Italian SodaUS$9.00
Cedrata / Spuma Nera / Tonica al Fieno
Noperol SpritzUS$15.00
lyre’s Italian aperitivo, n/a spumante seltzer sisters, orange
Spumante AperitivoUS$14.00
lyre’s classico, NV, Australia (250ml can)
Peroni N/AUS$12.00
Italia
Red Wine, Giesen, NV, New ZealandUS$14.56
Mexican CokeUS$7.00
Seltzer Sisters Seltzer WaterUS$5.00
Bundaberg Ginger BeerUS$8.00

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Palio.

4.4

(1452)

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.3Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Palio delights with its "excellent food and service," offering fresh pasta and authentic Italian flavors. Guests praise its "welcoming attitude" and "wonderful dining experience." The ambience is perfect for business discussions, and the staff, including the delightful owner, make diners feel "like family." A highly recommended choice for Italian cuisine.

1,452 Reviews

B
Barbara Gold
San Francisco Bay Area7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 13 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always wonderful to dine at Palio! Food and service are excellent.
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D
David Gold
Unspecified2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service! Amazing food! Beautiful interior! Had not been there in a while and wondered why? It was a very good lunch! I’ll be going back more often!
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e
edward Gold
Portland / Oregon21 reviews
5.0
Dined on 30 August 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The pasta was fresh, the sauce authentic, and the caring and attentive service by the staff, including Martino, the owner, makes the dinning experience a rock solid choice
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K
Kay Sprinkel Gold
San Francisco Bay Area31 reviews
5.0
Dined on 28 August 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Palio's service, good, ambience and welcoming attitude is consistently at the top of my list. They make us feel like family, they are respectful of pace and do not hover needlessly, and they serve us with kindness and humor. It is our "go to" place.
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C
Charlotte Gold
Dallas - Fort Worth165 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 August 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had dinner at Palio last night. We’ve been going there for years whenever we’re in San Francisco. The food was great, as was the service. We’ll be back!
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L
Linye
Unspecified1 review
1.0
Dined on 22 August 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
1. The pasta was overly salty, and the prawns in a $29 pasta dish were the cheapest kind of frozen prawn you can find. 2. My friend asked to substitute the prawns with chicken. The waiter did not mention the price would change from $29 to $42. A $13 upcharge for replacing prawns with chicken is just never heard of. 3. The restaurant does not accept Apple Pay or any form of tap-to-pay, only physical cards or cash. My colleague only had Apple Pay, and due to AMEX's setting, we were not able to see the card number from the AMEX app. Instead of helping, the manager became impatient and made passive-aggressive comments like, “Well, someone has to pay,” and "you should find your card number, it's gotta be somewhere, everyone else can find it" as though we were trying to avoid paying. I eventually sought help from the other kind diners and venmo'ed them in exchange for cash to settle the bill. He later apologized and offered to comp the meal, but at that point we simply wanted to pay and leave. 4. The manager was also excessively talkative throughout dinner and spent a long time telling us stories despite us clearly trying to have our own conversation. Poor food for the price, questionable pricing transparency, and an unnecessarily uncomfortable service experience.
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S
Scott Gold
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities57 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 August 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We loved the food and service. It was so unexpected as we have east coast Italian tastes that are ingrained in our heads and this place went toe to toe with that. Spaghetti and meatballs and the pizza was delicious!
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J
Joseph
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
4.0
Dined on 9 August 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Friendly service. Very good food. Pizza was delicious. Quiet ambience.
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J
Jeff Gold
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley27 reviews
5.0
Dined on 26 July 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our group of 6 was treated with smiles and conversation as we entered the restaurant. We were seated immediately and provided water promptly. The food and wine was amazing. We were well attended and all of our needs were met.
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M
Maryanne Gold
San Francisco Bay Area31 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 July 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The wait staff was amazing. The owner is delightful. The food was excellent. I could not have asked for a better evening.
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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
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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 transport
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

FAQs

The Tagliolini con Grancio (tagliolini with Dungeness crab) is a recurring favorite on Palio’s menu and in guest praise.

Palio tends to fill up for special occasions, guests report it being very busy on Valentine’s Day and many Saturday nights when tables are celebrating, while early reservations and some weekday early-evening visits (for example, a 6:00 PM Friday) have been observed to be much quieter.

Yes, Palio regularly handles special requests for private parties and individual diners, with staff and an event coordinator who have accommodated dietary restrictions, celebration details and flexible group bookings.

Business casual is the guide, aim for neat, polished attire rather than formal wear, which fits the restaurant’s fine‑dining Italian setting.

Weekday lunch is ideal, Palio is frequently recommended as a calm, reliable business-lunch spot (Monday–Friday during its lunch service).

Palio feels intimate and polished, dimly lit with white‑tablecloth service, leather booths, and the warm scent of the wood‑fired oven creating a welcoming, business‑friendly dining room.

Yes, Palio runs a dedicated Happy Hour program with its own Happy Hour menu at the bar, giving guests a focused bar-menu selection to enjoy.

Guests frequently describe portions as generous, many parties left comfortably full, and some brought home leftovers.

Yes, Palio is family-friendly: guests report staff welcoming children and accommodating simple kid orders, with families enjoying pizzas, pastas and gelato together.

Weekdays are ideal for Palio’s happy hour, while Saturday evenings often have a celebratory buzz with many tables marking occasions.

Yes, Palio’s dim, intimate dining room, attentive service, and positive anniversary and date-night visits make it well suited to a special evening.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a booking

Palio

4.4

$31 to $50

Italian

Financial District / Embarcadero

Make a booking

2 people

24 Oct 2026

21:30

Booked 6 times today

Palio

Make a booking

Palio

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Additional information

Bakery Room

Bar/Lounge

San Pietro Room

Campo del Palio

Custom enquiry

ANTIPASTI

CASO ALL'ARGENTIERAUS$15.00

FIORI DI ZUCCAUS$18.00

*POLPUUS$23.00

FRITTU MISTUUS$18.00

ARANCINI CON RAGUUS$16.00

ARANCI a 'NZALADAUS$16.00

*INSALATA ROMANAUS$17.00

MINESTRA

PIZZA A LEGNA

*MARGHERITAUS$16.00

FUNGHIUS$18.00

TRAPANESEUS$22.00

PISCATURIUS$17.00

*SICILIANAUS$22.00

INSALATONE

di MAREUS$23.00

di SALMONEUS$23.00

*di POLLOUS$23.00

CAESARUS$18.00

PASTA

*FUSILLI ALLA NORMAUS$22.00

RAVIOLI CON MENTA E RICOTTAUS$26.00

BUCCATINI CON LE SARDEUS$32.00

*TAGIOLINI CON GRANCIOUS$38.00

ROTOLO CON RAGUUS$42.00

CUSCUSU CU ZUPPA DI PISCIUS$52.00

ENTRI

*MULIGNANA PARMIGIANAUS$18.00

PISCI DA JURNATA

CALAMARAIE RAPINIUS$25.00

*PULICEDDU ALLA MARSALAUS$28.00

CUNIGGHIOUS$28.00

*BISTECAUS$68.00

CONTORNI

CICIRIUS$12.00

*CAPONATAUS$14.00

*SPINACCIUS$12.00

CAVALOIFOREUS$12.00

BROCCOLINIUS$15.00

PASTA POMODOROUS$12.00

Cocktails

Aperol SpritzUS$16.00

Espresso MartiniUS$18.00

OfficeladyUS$16.00

StargazerUS$16.00

Love on the RocksUS$17.00

Improved BrooklynUS$17.00

Paper PlaneUS$16.00

Butterfly IslandUS$17.00

Tamayo Old FashionedUS$16.00

Underground CityUS$22.00

Bicchiere by the Glass

Prosecco DOCUS$16.64

LambruscoUS$18.00

Moscato d’AstiUS$15.60

Rosato Rose

Rose of Pinot NoirUS$15.60

Bianchi White

Pinot GrigioUS$15.60

SoaveUS$15.60

CometaUS$17.68

Sauvignon BlancUS$16.64

ChardonnayUS$18.72

Rossi Red

Barbera d’AstiUS$17.68

Montepulciano d’AbruzzoUS$14.56

Super TuscanUS$18.72

Pinot NoirUS$18.72