Poesia

We enjoyed the special prefix Thanksgiving menu, Each of the dishes was unique and included seasonal items. It was the take on Thanksgiving in some cases, for example though ravioli with turkey in it. The salad, secondi and dolce were all really good too. Staff were really great and it had good suggestions for the drinks. The interior was nice and cozy not too crowded for a big holiday.

Poesia is such a hidden gem! You’ll never know how charming this restaurant is until you walk in. The ambiance is amazing! Dim, Cozy, Charming, Romantic vibes with a beautiful RED wine bar and old classic Italian movies playing on the wall. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious, especially the duck! My favorite! The duck was cooked perfectly. The Agnolotti al plin was so addictive! Little pieces of deliciousness, while the tiramisu was so light and creamy. Yum!! Don’t forget their delicious drinks, we ordered the Red Desert and the Campesino! So refreshing and good. If I didn’t have to drive, I would have ordered another Campesino- I really love it! Awesome Service, delicious food and amazing decor and ambiance! Definitely worth the experience. Perfect for date night, girl’s night out or simply a relaxing meal.

I can’t share enough great things about Poesia Cafe. They kept much of the same layout and features from when it was Reveille. The pastry and food selection was limited, but they said it’s just because their new and it would be improved. While I was there they even bought out more items they were baking. They have a good selection of coffee and espresso drinks. And they had cold brew!! The cookie I had was amazing! Pistachio and candied orange. I also had a ham and cheese croissant. The service was great! Lots of eye candy! Very attentive and genuine. It makes me love Poesia all over again. I can’t wait to go back!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Poesia in San Francisco, CA, and I must say it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. Let's start with the food – it was absolutely excellent! Every dish we ordered was a masterpiece of flavors and presentation. Poesia takes great pride in their culinary creations, and it truly shows in every bite. The quality of the ingredients was top-notch, and it's evident that the chefs here are passionate about their craft. From the appetizers to the main course and dessert, each dish was a delightful journey for the taste buds. The service was equally outstanding. Our lady waitress was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also incredibly personable. She made excellent recommendations, catered to our dietary preferences, and ensured that our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. Her attention to detail and friendly demeanor added a special touch to the evening. What truly stood out was the brief visit from the owner, who took the time to check on us and our food. It's evident that the team at Poesia is dedicated to ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and appreciated. The owner's presence was a testament to their commitment to providing top-notch service and making sure every aspect of our dining experience was perfect. Now, I must admit that the prices at Poesia are on the higher side, but I can wholeheartedly say that the quality of the food and the level of service more than justified the cost. It's not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that is worth every penny. In conclusion, Poesia in San Francisco, CA, is a hidden gem that deserves all the accolades it receives. From the outstanding food to the impeccable service and the personal touch of the owner, dining here is an unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a truly special and memorable dining experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Poesia. It's a place where every detail is thoughtfully crafted to ensure your satisfaction, and it's a true testament to the culinary artistry of San Francisco.

Michelle

Had an absolutely amazing night here at Poesia, starting off with finding easy street parking downstairs. The immediate vibe we got walking in was artsy and cozy, and a bit of mysterious. Super good spot for meeting friends or a nice date <3 We came here with a toddler and service provided to us was amazing, not only did they have this nice toddler chair pulled out right away, they also provided option of kid pasta (pasta with butter and tomato sauce) which my toddler loved! We really liked the Sardine Alla Griglia appetizer: Monterey Bay fresh sardines, stuffed with breadcrumbs and Romano cheese over spicy broccolini - it was quite interesting and super flavorful. I have not had this dish anywhere else before so was a nice surprise! I also personally really liked the Agnolotti Al Plin: homage pinched pasta, veal-rabbit-pork filling, veal reduction - super rich in cheese flavors, and the pasta has this great chewy texture. The Paccheri Allo Spada in Puttanesca was also really good if you like spicy and tomato based sauce. Overall I was super impressed with the pasta texture, and the great flavors they provide here. Wasn’t able to try the wines but I think they have really good selections cause I saw neighboring tables order by the bottles! Cocktail wise we had this old fashioned drink which was super tasty. My biggest satisfaction was the service provided despite us having a toddler join us for the meal. The staff were accommodating and did not give us weird looks when we asked for plastic utensils etc. I will be looking to come back and dine again!

J T

The food was great, we had soup, ragu pasta and grill fish for the night. The ragu pasta was my favorite overall! There was only one staff serving all the tables the night we went, but they constantly checking in with us, and was very friendly and helpful. I would recommend coming here for family and friends gathering, or simply just a date.

Caleb Ng

Poesia was accommodating when we added one more to our reservation last minute. The service was polite and professional. The food was very good as well. I specifically enjoyed the seafood in the squid ink pasta.

Shün Kanazawa

Real authentic and fancy and amazing Italian restaurant!!! Resy the dining access reservation app which AMEX card recommends had Poesia in a list and I was excited because I love the cafe and always wanted to try this place. I made a reservation through Resy and it was easy and even I could send invitations to confirm attendance to my friends too. I called to change the number of people and asked which seat is the best and the owner? really friendly and kindly assisted me. When we arrived, it was 30min earlier but since the seat was available, they allowed us to sit and start happy hours. Drink and Food all of them were outstanding. I couldn’t stop ordering more and more like I’d love to pay for an amazing quality food and services. Server came to the table checking in really respectfully and nicely and also gave me recommendations. I forgot to take many of our main dish pictures but dessert pictures are here! They all were chefs kiss. And the environment of the restaurant is real pretty too. Amazing amazing restaurant. I’m hoping I’ll dine in again soon!! Thank you for an amazing experience!

Bryce Budd

Poesia is a delightful italian restaurant with a nice patio in the back. We started with stuffed sardines. For our main course we went for their handmade pastas and Poesia did not disappoint. My partner has the pasta stuffed with veal rabbit and pork (pictured) and I had spinach parpadell with beef and pork ragu. Both were amazing, with a perfect blend of acidity and tang in their sauces accompanied by fresh, light and toothsome pasta. We finished with the chocolate mousse! Yum!! We definitely recommend Poesia for authentic modern Italian fare.

Jessica

I was introduced to this lovely spot when I met some friends here for dinner. The entire experience was terrific: the pastas are made by hand, the sauce is like your nonna made when you were little, and the desserts strike the right balance of flavors and notes, with none being too sweet. The staff are all very friendly and very welcoming, and our camariere was so nice when speaking to me in Italian (I'm still learning, so I speak slowly). Grazie, Poesia per un pasto memorabile e molto delizioso- non vedo l'ora di tornarci!

Isabel To

Lovely little spot in a Victorian in the Castro. Great atmosphere, wonderful service, yummy food when you’re in the mood for a tiny splurge. Not crowded on an early Tuesday evening. Highly recommend taking advantage of happy hour (5-6:30pm) to sample discounted appetizers and entrees. Costs around $50/person after tips for 4 dishes and 1 house wine. Check out the beautiful heated back patio (includes a fun journey through the kitchen). My friend and I are definitely coming back!

Dušan

I've been there many times. Stuff is very friendly and welcoming especially Juliette ❤️ she is above and beyond!!! Food is traditional Italian with some American influence, good selection of wines and there always someone to help with the selection. Good for celebrations and family gathering, hidden outside area is everything. Sometimes they have live music which brings the atmosphere to another level they are also having a coffee shop and they are getting ready to open their pastry department that I am excited for. Will come back here at any time.

JP G

We enjoyed the special prefix Thanksgiving menu, Each of the dishes was unique and included seasonal items. It was the take on Thanksgiving in some cases, for example though ravioli with turkey in it. The salad, secondi and dolce were all really good too. Staff were really great and it had good suggestions for the drinks. The interior was nice and cozy not too crowded for a big holiday.

Sindy S.

Poesia is such a hidden gem! You’ll never know how charming this restaurant is until you walk in. The ambiance is amazing! Dim, Cozy, Charming, Romantic vibes with a beautiful RED wine bar and old classic Italian movies playing on the wall. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious, especially the duck! My favorite! The duck was cooked perfectly. The Agnolotti al plin was so addictive! Little pieces of deliciousness, while the tiramisu was so light and creamy. Yum!! Don’t forget their delicious drinks, we ordered the Red Desert and the Campesino! So refreshing and good. If I didn’t have to drive, I would have ordered another Campesino- I really love it! Awesome Service, delicious food and amazing decor and ambiance! Definitely worth the experience. Perfect for date night, girl’s night out or simply a relaxing meal.

Alan H

I can’t share enough great things about Poesia Cafe. They kept much of the same layout and features from when it was Reveille. The pastry and food selection was limited, but they said it’s just because their new and it would be improved. While I was there they even bought out more items they were baking. They have a good selection of coffee and espresso drinks. And they had cold brew!! The cookie I had was amazing! Pistachio and candied orange. I also had a ham and cheese croissant. The service was great! Lots of eye candy! Very attentive and genuine. It makes me love Poesia all over again. I can’t wait to go back!

Jose Arturo Ibarra

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Poesia in San Francisco, CA, and I must say it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. Let's start with the food – it was absolutely excellent! Every dish we ordered was a masterpiece of flavors and presentation. Poesia takes great pride in their culinary creations, and it truly shows in every bite. The quality of the ingredients was top-notch, and it's evident that the chefs here are passionate about their craft. From the appetizers to the main course and dessert, each dish was a delightful journey for the taste buds. The service was equally outstanding. Our lady waitress was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also incredibly personable. She made excellent recommendations, catered to our dietary preferences, and ensured that our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. Her attention to detail and friendly demeanor added a special touch to the evening. What truly stood out was the brief visit from the owner, who took the time to check on us and our food. It's evident that the team at Poesia is dedicated to ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and appreciated. The owner's presence was a testament to their commitment to providing top-notch service and making sure every aspect of our dining experience was perfect. Now, I must admit that the prices at Poesia are on the higher side, but I can wholeheartedly say that the quality of the food and the level of service more than justified the cost. It's not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that is worth every penny. In conclusion, Poesia in San Francisco, CA, is a hidden gem that deserves all the accolades it receives. From the outstanding food to the impeccable service and the personal touch of the owner, dining here is an unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a truly special and memorable dining experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Poesia. It's a place where every detail is thoughtfully crafted to ensure your satisfaction, and it's a true testament to the culinary artistry of San Francisco.

Sally Garrison

Beautiful space that is matched by the food and staff. An absolutely great place to have a bite to eat with friends. There is a garden space out back and a cute patio out front. The owner is beyond gracious and wants everything to be right and make sure his patrons happy. The food is fresh and flavorful. Honestly, I wanted to try everything there it looked so good.

N “Knickerbocker” Márquez

i have never been to a restaurant more perfectly named. Poesia…this place is poetry in motion. The food taste romantic. The ambiance is a dream. The service touches your soul. I fell in love with my husband all over again. Highly recommended.

I'm thrilled to find Poesia, a true Italian Caffe in all regards. We enter with a welcome and view the delectable foccacia sandwiches. So far, we've eaten the eggplant, caprese with burratta, salmone, and a couple of distinct soups of the day. We've taken home a supply of foccacia. If you like the type of foccacia they specialize in, which is very light and great toasted, you'll want to take some home, too. The croissants are authentically Italiano, works of art and not just "pretty faces". I know, as that's part of my own Italian heritage and pallet. The great surprise is that this is truly an Italian Caffe in the real sense: The authentic feel and spirit of Italy. It's tables welcomingly shared, coffee that's ultra flavorable, sipping, talking, laughing, greeting others. We're lucky in San Francisco that North Beach extolls this still. Now, here's a brilliant gem on this effervescent Castro side of town; and so worth the easy trip!

From the moment we walked into Poesía, we felt it — that true Italian warmth that you just can’t fake. The staff is absolutely exceptional. You can see the teamwork happening seamlessly behind the scenes, everyone supporting each other, moving with purpose, but never too busy to make you feel genuinely welcomed. There’s something special about a place where the energy feels joyful and authentic. It’s not just service — it’s hospitality. The kind where you leave feeling like family. You know a restaurant is fantastic when customers are greeting the staff with hugs. That says everything. We can’t wait to come back. ❤️🍝

paul g

Drinks were spot on. The scallops with squid ink - oh god. This is real Italian cooking without American red sauce and too melted muck. Poesia takes pride in their food and wi ne and I could close my eyes and be in Italia. God bless.

Overall a lovely experience coming here, filling food, and amazing ambience. We ordered Sardine Alla Griglia for appetiser, it was good (tastes like a nice sardine). Then we had the Pici Con Pomodoro and the Ravioli Di Ricotta. Between these two, the Ravioli was better, really delicious and amazing butter sauce. The Pici Con is satisfying but pretty similar to a tomato pasta I can make at home so not that special. For dessert we tried the Affogato and the Tiramisu. Affogato was amazing! Tiramisu was nice but not my favourite. Overall this was a wonderful experience. The biggest highlight is the ambience and atmosphere, especially during winter time - the interior is sooooooo cozy and beautifully decorated. I would recommend visiting here at least once.

Loved walking through the kitchen to the back patio. The food was good, a couple of the seafood dishes were definitely on the fishy side. My favorite was the Vitello Tonnato, thinly sliced veal over tuna salad, sounds strange but it’s a great combo with some fresh bread. I was slightly underwhelmed by their “signature” pasta dish, the Agnolotti, I found the sauce to be too rich and very greasy. The decor of plastic hanging on the wall printed with an old house in Italy I’m guessing 🤣 is quite a site, especially with the window holes ripped into them… Overall I think I’d come back to give some other things on the menu a shot, maybe skip the seafood.

Sara Karbensi

Overall a lovely experience coming here, filling food, and amazing ambience. We ordered Sardine Alla Griglia for appetiser, it was good (tastes like a nice sardine). Then we had the Pici Con Pomodoro and the Ravioli Di Ricotta. Between these two, the Ravioli was better, really delicious and amazing butter sauce. The Pici Con is satisfying but pretty similar to a tomato pasta I can make at home so not that special. For dessert we tried the Affogato and the Tiramisu. Affogato was amazing! Tiramisu was nice but not my favourite. Overall this was a wonderful experience. The biggest highlight is the ambience and atmosphere, especially during winter time - the interior is sooooooo cozy and beautifully decorated. I would recommend visiting here at least once.

Camila Raimond

Loved walking through the kitchen to the back patio. The food was good, a couple of the seafood dishes were definitely on the fishy side. My favorite was the Vitello Tonnato, thinly sliced veal over tuna salad, sounds strange but it’s a great combo with some fresh bread. I was slightly underwhelmed by their “signature” pasta dish, the Agnolotti, I found the sauce to be too rich and very greasy. The decor of plastic hanging on the wall printed with an old house in Italy I’m guessing 🤣 is quite a site, especially with the window holes ripped into them… Overall I think I’d come back to give some other things on the menu a shot, maybe skip the seafood.

Chicano Latino

Nice place to enjoy a meal with excellent service. We were greeted immediately and they had our table ready for us upon arrival. Servers were very courteous and prompt. The overall space is nice and gives you the feeling of visiting a friend’s home as a dinner guest. The food overall was good, but nothing to rave about. I probably would not go back unless a friend insists.

Friendly service, but really bad food on happy hour. Happy hour mini pizzas were bite sized and not served hot. Happy hour meatballs were tough, overcooked, and tasted like they sat in a pan for hours. The entree pastas were really good.

J

Friendly service, but really bad food on happy hour. Happy hour mini pizzas were bite sized and not served hot. Happy hour meatballs were tough, overcooked, and tasted like they sat in a pan for hours. The entree pastas were really good.

Atmosphere's nice, service was fine, food was extremely mediocre. Ingredients did not taste fresh, extremely over salted, way too expensive for the price. Maybe fun for some drinks at the bar, but not for a night out. 2/5

Space Train

Atmosphere's nice, service was fine, food was extremely mediocre. Ingredients did not taste fresh, extremely over salted, way too expensive for the price. Maybe fun for some drinks at the bar, but not for a night out. 2/5