Poesia

Name: Poesia
Address: 4072 18th Street, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94114
Telephone: (415) 252-9325
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

2158 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

Owned and operated by Francesco d'Ippolito, and staffed by an experienced, multi-cultured family of hosts whom are all passionate about the experience and concept, Poesia is the latest addition of authentic Italian cuisine to call San Francisco its home.

Nestled in the middle of the vibrant and colorful neighborhood of the Castro, Poesia features the finest in hand-made, traditional ingredients and pastas, combined with meticulous preparation and presentation that is second to none.

It is with every intention to give our patrons a warm, intimate experience with superior attention not just to our menu, but to the relationship we have with every guest.

Our hearty and delightful dishes will embody the passion and zest of Italian cuisine coming from the owner's home of Calabria, teasing your palette with rustic herbs and fruitful aromas.

Poesia. Italian for poetry, yet the embodiment of an experience that is so much more.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 19, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(415) 252-9325

Delivery

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(415) 252-9325
Website
http://www.poesiasf.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Marcello Franceschini
Private party contact
Francesco: (877) 824-0339

Location
4072 18th Street San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighborhood
The Castro
Cross street
Castro
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Nearest Muni station: Castro (at Market). Upon exiting Muni station, proceed one black South on Castro Street, then head East (left) on 18th.
Entertainment
Our restaurant may accommodate up to 40 guests comfortably, with a full bar to provide traditional and unique drinks of choice. Featured on one of our walls are projected Italian films from the era of Dolce Vita, bringing us to a time of romance, passion and lively humor.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in the Bay Area

Popular dishes

Olive Marinate$8.00
Marinated cerignola, castelvetrano, and gaeta olives
Bruschetta$12.00
Garlic spread homemade bread, cherry tomatoes, oregano, basil, Sicilian EVOO
Tonno Piastrato$20.00
Seared Ahi tuna, avocado, lime zest, cucumber, red radish, sesame seeds
Burrata$20.00
Fresh burrata from Andria, cherry tomatoes, Taggiasca olives, toasted pine nuts, Sicilian EVOO
Giardino di Verdure$20.00
Variety of different flavored vegetable garden, smoked eggplant, grilled lime fennel, orange carrots, mint zucchini, roasted tomatillo, braised onion (it may vary on chef creativity)
Vitello Tonnato$19.00
Pink sliced veal, fried Sicilian capers, albacore tuna aioli, crunchy celery
Tagliere di Salumi e Formaggi$26.00
Selection of imported Italian cured meat and cheeses, served with homemade marmelade
Insalata di Fichi$15.00
baby mix lettuce-frisee salad, figs, goat cheese, roasted walnuts, honey-lime citronette
Cavolo Capuccio$15.00
shredded green & purple cabbage, pink lady apples, toasted hazelnut, italian gorgonzola cheese, raspberry vinaigrette

Pastas

Fusilli Integrali al Pomodoro$19.00
Wholewheat corkscrew-shaped pasta, Italian San Marzano & Corbarino tomatoes sauce, fresh cherry tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano
Fusilli Arrabbiata$19.00
Senatore Cappelli pasta with spicy tomato sauce
Ravioli di Zucca$23.00
butternut & kabocha squash filled home-made ravioli, butter-sage sauce, parmigiano-reggiano, aceto balsamico modena IGP
Tagliatelle al Ragu "Della Nonna"$25.00
Home-made tagliatelle, bolognese beef-pork ragu, Parmigiano Reggiano
Agnolotti al Plin$25.00
Home-made pinched pasta. Veal, pork, rabbit, spinach and Parmigiano-Reggiano filling. veal reduction sauce
Paccheri ai Frutti di Mare$25.00
Mancini linguine, seafood ragu (mussels-clams-prawns-squid), organic tomato-seafood sauce
Tagliolini Neri con Gamberi$25.00
home-made squid ink pasta, wild Gulf prawns, spicy broccoli rabe, yellow cherry tomatoes, braised shallot, crustacean sauce

Entrees and Sides

Trancio di Pesce alla Griglia$38.00
Grilled wild-caught fish filet (depends on available market), chickpea pure, Taggiasca olives panure, sauteed asparagus & snow peas
Carre' di Agnello$42.00
seared australian rack of lamb, roasted yukon golden potatoes, grilled vegetables, sauteed organic grapes, demi-glace
Filetto di Manzo$38.00
grilled filet mignon, roasted Yukon gold potatoes, roasted organic cauliflower, sauteed organic hen of the woods mushrooms, rosemary olive oil
Cavolfiore Fiorentino$9.00
roasted Florentino cauliflower
Cime di Rapa Aglio Olio e Peperoncino$9.00
garlic-spicy sauteed broccoli rabe
Caponatina di Verdure$9.00
soft garlic sauteed zucchini-eggplant-bell peppers-red onions

Desserts

Tiramisu$10.00
Classic Italian creamy eggs-mascarpone cheese, coffee soaked savoiardi, cocoa powder
Cannolo Siciliano$10.00
Classic Sicilian style cannolo, Bellweather farm ricotta cheese, orange-chocolate filling, pistachios
Mousse al Cioccolato$10.00
Callebaut dark chocolate mousse, hazelnut cialda, crumbled amaretti
Sorbetto$10.00
Fruit Vegan Sorbet

Cocktails

Moscow Mule$15.00
Vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, mint
Classic Negroni$15.00
Occitane Gin, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Campari
Black Negroni$15.00
Bombay Sapphire Gin, Cynar, Campari
Aperol Spritz$15.00
Aperol, sparkling wine
Spaghetti Western$15.00
Espelon tequila, triple sec, spicy chili syrup, lime juice
Dante$15.00
Haku vodka, fresh basil, lemon juice
Pomegranate Spritz$15.00
fresh pomegranate juice, select, sparkling wine, olives
Poesia Negroni$15.00
Italian Gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, fresh pomegranate juice
Campesino$15.00
Fresh black berry Mojito
Ellis Island$15.00
Makers mark, sweet vermouth, strega
Last Word$15.00
gin, chartreuse, lime juice
Smoked Paloma$15.00
Mezcal, pineapple juice, fresh mint
Espresso Martini$15.00
Vanilla vodka, Kahlua, Espresso

What 2,158 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco
Italian

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JT
JosephT
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great experience at Poesia. Service and quality is wonderful.
f
frenchsf
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
It's always a joy to return to vibrant, fun, lively Poesia -- brava!
b
bethb
San Francisco
47 reviews
vip
5.0
47 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food4service4ambience4
GREAT atmosphere, lovely staff and solid, tasty food. Love the vibe there, very neighborhood, local.
MT
MyrickT
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great Italian food in a charming, intimate setting perched on the second floor. I usually get the pasta which is always very yummy but this time tried their filet. The steak was so tender and perfectly cooked! Save room for their delicious take on tiramisu (in a glass cup) and cannoli - or better yet, order dessert to go so you can enjoy at home!
AC
ArthurC
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Birthday. Great service and attention to the birthday boy!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Poesia is high quality, authentic Italian restaurant located in the heart of the Castro in San Francisco. Francesco is the owner and is a doll. Definitely a neighborhood favorite.
RL
RobL
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful outdoor Patio. The Quartet was even more Special. Thank you !
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall2food3service2ambience3
Disappointing. Food was overcooked as well as overpriced.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful place. Made my early Mothers Day dinner with my son feel like a special occasion
a
angelas
San Francisco
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful experience! DELICIOUS meal! Love the Dante cocktail, pasta, steaks, duck, appetizers were all excellent! Lovely ambiance and atmosphere! Staff are wonderful, fabulous service! Francesco never disappoints!!
KE
KayE
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
thank you poesia cooking and wait staff--a perfect evening!
g
guyabouttown
San Francisco
19 reviews
vip
3.0
19 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall3food5service2ambience4
Food is always great. Francesco was delightful. Espresso martinis are wonder. Excellent wine selection.
RS
RobS
London
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this place. Food is always gorgeous. Service attentive but not rushed and they created a great space on the patio.
DH
DougH
San Francisco
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food was delicious. The atmosphere was terrific. Service was a little slow but it worked for us. We were in no hurry. A truly wonderful meal.
LT
LoriT
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you are looking for a really great vibe and authentic Italian dishes, head to Poesia. The restaurant was recently remodeled with a beautiful outside deck and cool inside colors and ambiance. The dishes are delicious!! You won't be disappointed!!
C
Clbmission
San Francisco
9 reviews
vip
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
I am a fan of Poesia but my last night's entree of rabbit/veal/spinach tortellini was only so-so and not worth ordering. The liver pate on crostini appetizer was quite good though.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is cooked perfectly every. single. time. It’s mind blowing and I keep coming back for more. The chicken liver mousse and duck are my favorite go-to’s. Cocktails and wine varieties are amazing as well. The service is always welcome and great. Bella is fantastic and always takes care of us. The decoration and ambiance gives it a intimate vibe. Candles and a movie projector that shows black and white movies, I believe, sets the mood. The dining experience reminds me of dining in Europe; there’s no rush when it comes to appreciating good food and great conversations. Already looking forward to the next dining experience!
FB
FoodieBear
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Uber yummy and delightful dinner…yet again. This place is so consistent…great food, top notch service and a really nice outdoor space. I’ll be back…and soon! And OMG…eat and drink their happy hour specials! Especially the liver pâté!!
D
Daniel
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
There are few restaurants in SF that manage to combine the comfortable, collegial atmosphere of what we locals call "old San Francisco" with the food and service of a contemporary establishment. Poesia has the feeling of an Italian family restaurant where everyone is welcome, where Papa wanders from table to table ensuring that you're being taken care of. It is inclusive without being intrusive. It is perfect for an intimate romantic celebration or a first date. I have shared memorable birthdays, anniversaries, and retirements at Poesia. You might see friends or neighbors or clients or colleagues. But you will always feel welcome. And then, there is the food. It is, again, traditional and contemporary. Simple and sophisticated. Made with the finest of ingredients and prepared by Italian hands, each dish, and I've had them all, is designed to satisfy and satiate. The wine list is complete and informative. Go once and you'll be welcomed. Go twice and you'll be family.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A very nice hidden gem
LS
LuvSF
San Francisco
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was absolutely wonderful! The sea bass was so delicious! And amazing friendly service!
LC
LolaC
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Poesia is a true gem! Very authentic Italian. The Dante cocktail is nothing short of beautiful. Supurb service and lively ambiance make it the perfect place to dine for any occasion or no occasion at all. Perfetto!
a
amyt
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely new interior. Yummy homemade pasta. Great vibe. Attentive server.
C
Chilangocal
San Francisco
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Splendid as usual
F
Foodie
San Francisco
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The atmosphere is one of the most charming of any restaurant I’ve been to in years. And the food was outstanding. The pasta is all made in house and you can tell. Absolutely delicious. I had the butter and sage dish and it was incredible. Everyone at the table was thrilled with their meals. Exceptional service as well!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such an amazing experience with great service!
AS
AsmaS
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a great patio and food was excellent! Loved the ambiance and would definitely come back again
P
Philmoreliz
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is my favorite Italian restaurant outside of Italy. I especially love sitting outside. Great food and excellent espresso too.
PR
PRMAVEN
San Francisco
69 reviews
vip
5.0
69 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Poesia is one of my favorite restaurants in The Castro and so glad they have beautifully reconfigured the dining rooms to accommodate for Covid safety. The food and service are authentic and impeccable. Highly recommended.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall2food4service1ambience2
Food great Prices recently raised beyond the quality / value Service was poor - not enough staff
KB
KBKB
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious meal coupled with relaxed ambiance. Would love to bring more friends here in the future.
S
Steve
San Francisco
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
We waited quite a while for our drinks at the start but the rest of the evening was lovely
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just yum!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely delicious!
JJ
JeremyJ
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on April 4, 2022
overall2food2service1ambience2
We were told because they ran out of one of the items in restaurant week menu they wouldn’t serve us.
BC
BarryC
San Francisco
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The outdoor patio area was very comfortable. The service was great and the food was quite gourmet!
J
Joshua
New York Area
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience4
Great decor & ambiance. However, came for restaurant week & was underwhelmed. Great cocktails, but entree was surprisingly off base. Was disappointed by the flavors & lack of attention of the servers. Feels like there’s potential here, but overall a miss.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Little Rock
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food and service by Sybelle
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall4food3service3ambience5
Food arrived late. Meal was too salty and overcooked. Told server about food quality and she said I should’ve told her earlier so they could remake my meal. Remake my meal? Wait another 45 minutes or so? That’s almost 2 hours for a meal?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience from beginning to end.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Poesia does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Poesia also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 252-9325.

Poesia is rated 4.8 stars by 2158 OpenTable diners.

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