Palio

4.7

1511 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 23, 2025

April 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

About this restaurant

Good for business meals
Good for special occasions
Good for groups

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
Neighborhood
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 transit
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
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

Popular dishes

Aperol Sprtiz$16.00
Served on draft. Aperol, prosecco, seltzer
Liscio$13.00
Seagram's vodka, rosemary syrup, lemon, seltzer
Stargazer$16.00
Basil infused olive oil washed gin, raspberry and basil tea, chartreuse, vegan egg white, powdered raspberry
White Devil (in spanish)$16.00
Tequila, cocchi americano, luxardo bitter rosso, grapefruit
Tamayo Old Fashioned$16.00
Verde momento mezcal, nixta corn liquor, mole bitters, tajin dipped orange
Improved Brookyln$17.00
Old overholt rye, Palio's house amaro blend, pernod absinthe, luxardo maraschino
Underground City$23.00
White truffle infused scotch, amaro averna, nardini almond grappa, white truffle oil

Beer

On draught and by the bottle

Peroni$9.00
Lager Beer, Italy
Menabrea Amber$12.00
Amber, Italy
Almanac Hazy IPA$13.00
Alameda, USA
Amstel Lite$8.00
Lager, Netherlands
Menabrea Blonde$10.00
Lager, Italy
Moretti$9.00
Lager, Italy
Weihenstephaner$9.00
Hefe Weissbier, Germany
Hitachino$16.00
Red Rice Ale, Japan
Baladin L'Ippa$13.00
IPA, Italy
Lagunitas$12.00
IPA, USA

Wines by the Glass

Sparkling Wines

Prosecco DOC$16.00
Scarpetta, Veneto, 2019
Lambrusco$18.00
Scarpetta, Emilia-Romagna, NV
Moscato d'Asti$16.00
Scrapona, Piemonte, 2020

Wines by the Glass

Rose

Rose of Pinot Noir$16.00
La Crema, Monterey, 2020
La Fraghe$14.00
Bardolino, Chiaretto, Veneto, 2022

Wines by the Glass

White Wines

Pinot Grigio$14.00
Arduino, Venezio, 2020
Vermentino$15.00
La Cala, Sardenia, 2020
Etna Bianco$15.00
Cottenara, Sicilia, 2022
Fiano di Avellino$17.00
Rocca di Principe, Campangia, 2021
Sauvignon Blanc$16.00
Matanzas Creek, Sonoma, 2021
Chardonnay$15.00
Cambria, Santa Maria, Katherine's Vineyard, 2020

Wines by the Glass

Red Wines

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo$16.00
Roccia Forte, 2019
Etna Rosso$18.00
Tornatore, Sicilia, 2020
Palazzo della Torre$17.00
Allegrini, Veneto, 2020
Barolo$24.00
Cesare, La Morra, Piemonte, 2019
Super Tuscan$15.00
Remole, Frescobaldi, Toscana, 2019
Pinot Noir$16.00
Lapis Luna, Northern Coast, 2021
Cabernet Sauvignon$20.00
Priest Ranch, Napa Valley, 2019

Wines by the Bottle

Sparkling

Bortolomiol$52.00
Prosecco DOC, Brut, Veneto, NV
Felsina$72.00
Rose, Spumanti, Brut, Toscana, NV
Champagne$156.00
Vueve Cliquot, Brut, Yellow Label, Reims, NV

Wines by the Bottle

White Wines

Pinot Grigio$51.00
Terlano, Alto Adige, 2023
Chardonnay$65.00
La Melle, Il Borro, Toscana, 2021
Manna$99.00
Franz Haas, Alto Adige, 2021
Friulano$61.00
Livia Felluga, Friulki-Venezio Giulia, Collio, 2021
Soave Superiore$85.00
Pieropan, La Rocca, Veneto, 2021
Roero Arneis$56.00
Giovanni Rosso, Piemonte, 2020
Verdicchio Superiore$58.00
Castello dei Jesi, Bucci, Marche, 2020
Falanghina$52.00
Feudi San Gregorio, Campania, 2021
Etna Bianco$96.00
Nerina, Girolamo Russo, Sicilia, 2021
Vitovska$103.00
Skerk, carso, Friuli
Borrorosa$56.00
Il Boro, Rosato, Toscana, 2022
Sauvignon Blanc$99.00
Inglenook, Napa, 2022

Wines by the Bottle

Red Wines

Barbera d'Asti$48.00
Bava Libera, Piemonte, 2019
Nebbiolo$64.00
Langhe, Bava, Piemonte, 2019
Barbaresco$130.00
Produttori di Barbaresco, Piemonte, 2018
Barolo$145.00
Giovanni Rosso, Serralunga d'Alba, Piemonte, 2017
Pinot Nero$162.00
Girlan, Trattmann Riserva, Sudtirol, Alto adige, 2021
Valpolicella Ripassa$72.00
Bertani, Veneto, 2019
Amarone$168.00
Allegrini, Veneto, 2018
Chianti Classico Riserva$76.00
Felsina, Toscana, 2018
Rosso di Montalcino$88.00
Capanna, Toscana, 2019
Brunello di Montalcino$145.00
Col d'Orcia, Toscana, 2017
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano$52.00
Torcalvano, Toscana, 2019
Guidalbero$162.00
Tenuta San Guido, Toscana, 2021
Sassicaia$500.00
Tenuta San Guido, Toscana, 2020
Taurasi Riserva$180.00
Mastrobernardino, Radici, Campania, 2014
Barraua$135.00
Agricola Punica, Isola Dei Nurghi, Sardegna, 2018
Pinot Noir$75.00
La Crema, Sealift, Sonoma Coast, 2017
Pinot Noir$348.00
Sea Smoke, Southing, Central Coast, 2021
Cabernet Franc$75.00
Comptoir, Santa Rita Hills, St. Ynez, 2020
Cabernet Sauvignon$98.00
Cosenza, Sonoma, 2014
Cabernet Sauvignon$210.00
Inglenook, Napa, 2018
Cabernet Sauvignon$300.00
Shafer, One Point Five, Napa Valley, 2021

What 1,511 people are saying

Palio reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco
Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Palio in San Francisco's Financial District offers "phenomenal food" and "outstanding service" in a cozy, elegant setting. Highlights include "perfect" pizzas during Happy Hour, "fantastic" pappardelle, and a "warm and engaging" host. The ambiance is ideal for both business lunches and special occasions, ensuring a "seamless dining experience."

1,511 Reviews

B
Brian
New York City3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This restaurant is in the business district. We were staying at the Omni on Easter weekend and this was close by. We got lucky. Phenomenal food, super nice staff, and two minutes from the hotel. I would highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
T
Terry VIP
San Francisco6 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Martino and his staff are top notch. The food and service are terrific, there is a reason this restaurant has been around for 25 years.
Is this helpful?
N
Nancy
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined on April 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
An unassuming restaurant but a new favorite in the City. I visited as part of restaurant week and discovered another restaurant to add to my recommendations. The location is not favorable for business, but as a result, I got to enjoy a quiet evening with my companion over great food and good conversations. The restaurant closes surprisingly early, but the staff did not rush us even though we accidentally went passed their hours. The meal opened with Aperitivo. Complimentary bread with olive oil dip was good. We got everything on the restaurant week menu and got to sample a satisfying variety from vegetables, to seafood, mushroom, and beef. I have tried many Italian restaurants, but I really enjoyed the variety of new dishes I personally haven't tried. We were told they have seasonal menus and we happened to go on the last day of their current menu. I'm looking forward to trying their next seasonal dishes. TL;DR: quiet, relaxed and comfortable; nice and funny staff, great food that feels homey but looks fancy.
Is this helpful?
M
Maeve
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined on April 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The pizzas during Happy Hour are great. We had one of each and they were perfect to go with our cocktails.
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I
Ivy
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined on April 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I wanted to eat out for lunch so I went solo to Palio which I had been eager to try. The food and service are outstanding and I was happy that I wasn't made to feel odd about eating by myself or not being part of the power lunch patrons. Overall a pleasant experience, one that I hope to repeat soon with friends.
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J
Janet
San Francisco22 reviews
2.0
Dined on April 1, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
Disappointing. Mediocre Italian food at exorbitant prices for the quality. Interior is rather dark and dank looking.
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J
Jim
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined on March 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Never had anything bad off the menu. Portions are perfect size. Their pappardelle is fantastic!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent and very attentive service. The salad with goat cheese was refreshing and the fried calamari was lightly battered yet flavored well. I will order both again the next time we go. The two different Italian pastas we had were a perfect portion and tasted among the best I’ve had.
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J
Jill VIP
Los Angeles4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and service. Very comfortable and cozy environment.
Is this helpful?
J
John
Hawaii4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Spectacular food and service. We wish we lived here and could go frequently
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Palio offers delivery in partnership with Postmates. Palio also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 395-9800.

Palio is rated 4.7 stars by 1511 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 23, 2025

April 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

Additional information

Cross street
Montgomery/Sacramento
Neighborhood
Financial District / Embarcadero
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
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Pizzeria, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
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 transit
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
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Mauricio Martinez
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Website
https://www.paliosf.com/
Phone number
(415) 395-9800
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

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

Palio

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Bar/Lounge

San Pietro Room

Bakery Room

Campo del Palio

Custom inquiry

Margherita

Salsiccia e Pepperoni

Siciliana

Cocktails

Aperol Sprtiz$16.00

Liscio$13.00

Stargazer$16.00

White Devil (in spanish)$16.00

Tamayo Old Fashioned$16.00

Improved Brookyln$17.00

Underground City$23.00

Beer

Peroni$9.00

Menabrea Amber$12.00

Almanac Hazy IPA$13.00

Amstel Lite$8.00

Menabrea Blonde$10.00

Moretti$9.00

Weihenstephaner$9.00

Hitachino$16.00

Baladin L'Ippa$13.00

Lagunitas$12.00

Wines by the Glass

Prosecco DOC$16.00

Lambrusco$18.00

Moscato d'Asti$16.00

Wines by the Glass

Rose of Pinot Noir$16.00

La Fraghe$14.00

Wines by the Glass

Pinot Grigio$14.00

Vermentino$15.00

Etna Bianco$15.00

Fiano di Avellino$17.00

Sauvignon Blanc$16.00

Chardonnay$15.00

Wines by the Glass

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo$16.00

Etna Rosso$18.00

Palazzo della Torre$17.00

Barolo$24.00

Super Tuscan$15.00

Pinot Noir$16.00

Cabernet Sauvignon$20.00

Wines by the Bottle

Bortolomiol$52.00

Felsina$72.00

Champagne$156.00

Wines by the Bottle

Pinot Grigio$51.00

Chardonnay$65.00

Manna$99.00

Friulano$61.00

Soave Superiore$85.00

Roero Arneis$56.00

Verdicchio Superiore$58.00

Falanghina$52.00

Etna Bianco$96.00

Vitovska$103.00

Borrorosa$56.00

Sauvignon Blanc$99.00

Wines by the Bottle

Barbera d'Asti$48.00

Nebbiolo$64.00

Barbaresco$130.00

Barolo$145.00

Pinot Nero$162.00

Valpolicella Ripassa$72.00

Amarone$168.00

Chianti Classico Riserva$76.00

Rosso di Montalcino$88.00