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Ristorante Umbria

3.5 star rating
based on 161 reviews

Category: Italian  [Edit]

Neighborhood: SOMA
198 2nd St
(between Howard St & Natoma St)
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 546-6985
  • Hours:
    Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
    Mon-Thu 5:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
    Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
    Fri-Sun 5:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
    Sat 5:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
  • Price Range: $$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Street
  • Attire: Casual
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: No
  • Takes Reservations: Yes
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: Yes
  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes
  • Good for: Dinner
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
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161 Reviews for Ristorante Umbria

Review Snapshot   

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"the thin crust pizza was amazing." (in 3 reviews)
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"The Lamb Burger, it made up for all the mistakes of the world that day." (in 3 reviews)
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"I've tried it numerous times and every time feel that the food is extremely…" (in 3 reviews)
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6

CJ G.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
10/06/2008

This place is very accommodating with good service to boot!  Our party of three showed up with no reservations.  Even though the dining room was crowded, we only had to wait 5 minutes to be seated.  The service was prompt and attentive, considering the packed house, although we had to remind the waiter for the bottle of wine we ordered.  No biggie.

The breaded artichoke hearts were great!  I had pennette putanesca which was good, but a little on the saucy side.  Though with an intimate setting and good friends, it was a very enjoyable experience!

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0

10

Eve O.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
10/03/2008

Really good place to go for lunch if you work in SOMA. Points for great service (though i sat at the bar...so its kind of hard not to pay attention to your guests.) More points for having Peroni on tap. Point off for a really terrible mural on the wall that looked like it was painted by a pre-schooler. But other than the mural, the ambiance is nice. A lot of outdoor seating.
Plus when I was there I happened to see this little old man that I guess comes in every week...and the management was so sweet and attentive to him. I really like seeing that.

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9

10

shane l.

Castro Valley, CA

3 star rating
09/21/2008

Went to lunch at 1:00 pm here and didn't have to wait for a table - so that's good .  The person i went with was a total lump on a log and all I could do to keep the conversation going was ask question after question...but this isn't a review on my lunch buddy so about the food.  

Had a half of a panini and soup with a little salad.  The sandwich was vegetarian and was filled with grilled vegi's and cheese.  Tasted pretty good - too bad it was just a half sandwich!  Soup was tomato with vegi's and clams - pretty good.  Salad was real small and was more like a garnish for the plate.  The bread was good - dipped in vinegar and olive oil with a splash of pepper.  Friend had a vegi calzone and he liked it.  With tip - lunch came to $40.00.  Not cheep eats, but the food and service was good.  

I'd go back - but not often because $20 is too much to spend on lunch for me.

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52

Rikki D.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
09/16/2008

Lamburger. Pizza. Panini. All really tasty. If you work in SOMA and get the craving for some good Italian, this is the placet to go.

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1

4

Andrew D.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
09/19/2008

I've been to Umbria five times now - four times for lunch, and once for dinner.  I've never thought less than "I am so happy I came here", and now the friends I've brought here share the same feeling.

Ambience/environment: cool but not oversophisticated.  Nice enough to bring a date, great for a business lunch.  It's not the type of place you go to get drunk, but you can enjoy their good wine selection. (I've never tried bringing my own bottle, but I'm sure if you call ahead, you're set to go.)  They will play football (soccer) games on the television above the bar.  And the people who eat here are usually good looking individuals.

Reservations: for dinner, and for lunch, which is nice.  The prices change for dinner, which is expected and typical.  But you do get more bang for your buck at lunch, especially when you sit outside on the street in the warm sun.  They have pretty effective space heaters outside for night time as well.
 
Meals:
The Mezze Maniche con Mozzarella Affumicata (sp?) is delicious.  The sausage has the right amount of spice, as does the tomato cream sauce, and the mushrooms are not overcooked and are little "al dente".  I've had it three times now and have never been disappointed.  And it goes excellent with red wine.

Honestly, their lamb shank is THE BEST LAMB SHANK I'VE EVER HAD.  It melts in your mouth, and the sauce puckers with flavor without overwhelming the palate.  Even the spinach and onions were flavorful and well cooked.

I've had the Ravioli Crostinati twice, and I must say that it is a unique, special dish that will surprise you.  I'm not a ravioli fan, and I fell in love with it.  It is both visually appealling and appetizing, and its texture renders it unlike any other ravioli dish I've had. The four cheese ravioli is made of regular and spinach pasta nicely paralleled for each pocket, and it is lightly fried to perfection with bread crumbs.  It is a small dish, with four ravioli's, the argula with dressing and some coarsely graded parmesan, and some GREAT yellow zucchini (I could have sworn it was squash.  But what it lacks in size it makes up in wow factor.

The only edible that is not fantastic is the bread, and even IT is better than your average italian bread.

I've never tried dessert because I've never been a fan of all italian dessert menus...not much selection.  But I hear the tiramisu is excellent.

The service: it has always been above par.

Booyah.

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39

Dave S.

Benicia, CA

3 star rating
09/11/2008

3.5 (I really wish they had half stars for things..)

Went with staff from work for a nice luncheon. Definitely delicious lamb. A decent wine list that isn't marked up over your head. The service is just ok, but sincere and thoughtful, nonetheless. Not a mind blowing event, but definitely a good place to eat.

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30

Meredith O.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
08/06/2008

I went to Italy once. With whom I'd now call the ex-BF (he was the BF then). And the trip was what I'd call a fairly and unfortunately traumatic incident. Virgin Atlantic kept us in the air too long so we missed our connecting flight. We landed in Rome at 2 AM, not the planned-for 2PM. And to top it off Alitalia lost our luggage... and our bikes, which we had brought in preparation for our week-long excursion in Tuscany. Yeah, that kind of traumatic.

We struggled to stay cheery and revel in the fact that we were on VACATION in ITALY, but it eventually got the best of us and we had little moments of breakdowns. You would too if you were forced to quickly learn that a clothing size medium in American translated to XXL in Italy.

But what I do remember was the food. Oh, that Italian food.

And Umbria is kind of the same way. Just like Italy. Service a bit on the slow side... always friendly, but the food... it perseveres. One weekend while shopping in Union Square (in SF, duh), we walked all the way back across Market to indulge in the food at Umbria.

From the ceasar salad and pizzas to the penne with fava beans, it's like a little piece of Italy, right here in SOMA. Languidly slow -- but friendly -- service and all. A true Italian experience. Just don't go famished, or be prepared to have little moments of breakdowns.

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175

e w.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
09/15/2008

enjoyed a very tasty lunch here today, fresh halibut with nice side fixins and i was able to walk out without unbuttoning my pants -- i wonder if the same would occur with a pasta choice.

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Elite '08

72

337

Sean J.

Burlingame, CA

4 star rating
07/17/2008

I know for a fact that someone I know is going to read this and I will be exposed. But I like living life on the edge, which makes me sound cool and might even help me get chicks.

After much debate (a heated one might I add), we decided on Umbria for dinner. My original plan was to head home and kick field goals. Kick field goals? yes, I kick field goals in my spare time. I also shoot baskets, go to the driving range and toss cards towards my fireplace. .......so anyway, you are missing the point. We went to Umbria, the restaurant and not the region in Italy. I actually was there a couple of years back, but again another story.

Our dinner was fantastic and lingered for quite some time. We were never felt rushed and the service could not have been any better.

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2

Paul L.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
09/04/2008

Maybe they should rename this place "DUMBRIA".  I used to be a regular customer who would visit the restaurant with my wife a few times a month.  However after my last experience, I'll never go back.  

Let me start off by saying that the food here is pretty decent.  However, if service matters to you AT ALL, you should avoid this place.  There are a lot better Italian places in the city, either in North Beach or Pazzia which is close by on 3rd St.  Service has always been spotty at Dumbria, however I was able to get past this for awhile.  Friends would complain to me after I recommended the place to them about a rude waiter and couples with children mentioned to me that they felt like they were shoveled to a corner seat and "out of the way".  

However on our last visit, the host basically let us know that he didn't care if we were regulars.  It was a Friday night and the place was pretty busy.  We had not made a reservation, however we had put our names on the list and were waiting patiently for 15-20 minutes for a table to open up.  Finally, one did!  We were next in line so we were getting ready to be called when a random group of four came in.  I heard them say "No reservation".  They looked like tourists.  The host just took them straight to the table that had just opened up!  Hello, that was our table!?!

Livid, I approached the host and asked him what was going on.  He basically shrugged and then said that they had four and we only had two.  Obviously he knew that we were regulars but he didn't care about that or that we had been waiting.  He decided to just have two more checks sit down and eat 5 or 10 minutes earlier.  Well buddy, you lost 2 regular customers FOR LIFE!  And I'll never tell people to go to Dumbria again.  If you care at all about service and being treated with respect, avoid this place.

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7

Marlowe C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
08/21/2008

The two main reasons that I can give this restaurant a 4 star review is due to the outside seating and the excellent margarita pizza.  I love the super thin crust with an ample amount of mozzarella and tomato :-)  I can also add that there is pretty good service!

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Elite '08

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194

Rada I.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
07/14/2008

Julliiioooo! Oh Julio! Umbria is like a little step into a fine Italian restaurant right under your SOMA foot step.  Delicious Italian food, fantastically friendly staff, and the occasional NBA player, the ambiance is ever so enjoyable.  

Too bad Baron Davis is breaking all of our local hearts and will now be patronizing some cheesy LA Italian venues.

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Elite '08

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121

Theresa M.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
07/14/2008

I realize studying abroad in Italy makes me a bit pickier than the normal person, but nonetheless I have to share my thoughts on Umbria. The number one standout for me was the bread, being a true carb lover I enjoyed the homemade, soft french rolls that were served. The menu is great; lots of pasta combos, pizzas, salads and the traditional entrees like eggplant parmigiana and lasagna. Unfortunately, I found the menu to be better than the actually food. There was nothing wrong with the food expect that when you read about it, it sounded phenomenal and then the big show was anticlimactic. The beverage service was slow, but the waiters were friendly. I was a little disappointed in my insalata spinaci because it was too small, yet the bowls of pasta were portioned generously. I was hoping for a bit more innovative flavor from this restaurant.

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52

Veronica H.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
07/29/2008

Wow, I was totally shocked that I liked this restaurant so much. Why? Because when you work in FiDi, it's one of those places that you're constantly passing by on MUNI on the way to work or on your way to some popular lunch spot nearby. Plus, the decor looks cheesy from the outside and it's in the perfect spot to be a tourist trap. So you just start assuming it sucks.

But as I'm happily admitting here, I was totally wrong. Yeah, they get a lot of tourists because of the location and it does have a cheesy awning, but the decor inside is pretty nice and it's actually very good Italian. Pizzas and pastas were well above average and service was very nice during dinner on a Friday evening.

I'm glad I discovered it because it's now been deemed our favorite local Italian spot, as opposed to the one we go to for special occasions or authenticity (Allegro Romano in Russian Hill) or the one we want to go for more traditional Americanized Italian (Trattoria Contadina in North Beach).

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3

coccy x.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
08/05/2008

Umbria is perfect for those  long, drawn out dinners you anticipate with friends and loved ones you haven't seen in a while.  Everything on the menu is a great accompaniment the conversation as you catch up on each others' lives.  It is all delicious!

They serve the best eggplant Parmesan and swiss chard.  I also enjoy the risotto.  The food is flavorful and pleasing to the palate.  Don't forget the wine.    

I hope you savor the moments spent with your friends and loved ones as much as you will savor the flavors of whatever it is you decide to order!

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19

kari s.

Daly City, CA

3 star rating
07/25/2008

Went here on a busy friday night after shopping.  Luckily it was a beautiful day and the only table available was outside, although the view is not a good one (ALL PARKING LOT).   To our dismay, the service was not so good,  long wait for water, long wait for food, even longer wait for the check.  But on to the food.....had the umbria salad - good - but nothing special, but the saltimbocca di pollo which is chicken topped with proscuitto, sage, and mozarella was extremely good.  

I might give it a second chance one day.

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212

Gabyyyy y.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
06/13/2008

I think what bothered me the most about Umbria wasn't the food (which was pretty mediocre but not terrible) but the loud owner constantly fluttering around and cheering loudly the entire time.  When you see Umbria from the outside, it looks like a quiet, romantic Italian restaurant.  My husband and I went on a weekday hoping to have a quiet and intimate dining experience but we were seated close to the bar where the owner was entertaining his personal friends.  For some reason he felt it was a good idea to chant "forza ragazzi" and clap repeatedly every 5 minutes.  It completely ruined the ambiance. I think that's totally fine at a bar while you are watching the soccer game and drinking beer, but not for a grown up restaurant like Umbria appears to be.

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13

31

Evan G.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
05/28/2008

We were looking for a quick, good place to eat as a final dinner for my friend who was heading for SFO two hours later. We wanted something in SOMA, so it came down to Umbria, Buca di Beppo (yes Jason, I promise it IS a chain -- crazy, I know!) and Momo's (that's a lie. I just remember the third).

Luckily, we picked Umbria. It was surprisingly empty, but it was only 6 pm. We sat down, and the place quickly started picking up. Tourists starting walking in, which I usually find a bad sign. However, these were Italian tourists, so I knew I was in the right spot. Not only that, the Umbria staff spoke to them in Italian (air kiss and all, the whole schabang) .

The food matched the authenticity. Good bread was followed with Lasagna (the best dish I tried) and Tortellecci  ($15.75). Both were superb.

My biggest regret was totally forgetting about dessert ($6-8) and indulging in the remainder of my co-diner's Lasagna ($14.50).

Poor form, Evan, poor form. Well, this place makes it pretty tough to concentrate on anything besides the dish in front of you.

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Adrienne L.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
06/25/2008

I'm a lucky girl, living in SOMA - when I'm craving Italian, I have two great choices: Umbria and Pazzia. Since I'm a piggy, I ate at both places within a few days of each other...so naturally, I tended to compare the two.

Umbria (in the evenings, not sure how it is at lunch) is the place to go if you are in the mood for a more lively atmosphere and great pizzas. My BF and I shared a margharita pizza w/mushrooms which was super yummy - they definitely know how to do pizza here. We also shared a spaghetti with meatballs - meatballs were slightly salty but still good.

The owner, in my opinion, was very charming. It's clear he cares about his customers and they return the feelings - there were definitely a lot of regulars, and the owner made it a point to speak with every table. If you don't feel like socializing, go to Pazzia where it's a little more low-key. I think the biggest difference is that Umbria has a  bar - hence, the more lively atmosphere.

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Art H.

CA

3 star rating
06/17/2008

Had a quick lunch meeting here, around 2:30. Quiet, no loud owner referenced below. The panini sandwich, which should have been non eventful, turned out to be quite good. Light crisp crust, tasty filling, cold bite of mozzarella and crisp tomato. The pork piece was light, flavorful and just the right size. She had a salad that ended up being bigger than my sandwich. Pretty average, I think.

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0

22

Hieu D.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
07/06/2008

Wow, what a range of experiences for everyone. I'm glad I didn't have to deal with the loud and intimidating host. My wife and I ate here last week and found it pleasant and worth coming back. We were out walking and got hungry so decided to drop in. The wait staff did a decent job and the food was tasteful. We found the prices consistant with other restaurants thoughout our neighborhood so it didn't seem outrageous. We'll be back.

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Elite '08

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130

Sabine S.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
05/25/2008

If I didn't have business lunches at this place every other day, then there's no way I'd return. The food is just very average Italian food. Seating at lunch time is nearly impossible without reservations (unless you want to sit outside--those heat lamps arent very warm), and to be honest, I don't understand the hype. Why are there so many people dying to get a table at lunch time? It can't be because of the food.

Could be because when you take someone out for a business lunch, you typically choose a place that everyone will like. And since this is one of few "nice" "normal" restaurants within my working vicinity (Salt House being the other), this is the place we go to...a lot.

The good thing is that if its on company bill, then the lure of free food trumps the lackluster menu. Portions are large and everything is edible. Service has varied from exceptional to nonexistent. And I have received quite a few bowls of pasta served cold.

But like I said, if someone else is paying, who am I to complain? If I had to use my hard-earned money, I'd choose someplace else.

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Elite '08

402

431

Grace K.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
04/02/2008

Walking into this place was like walking into a local Tuscany restaurant.
But that's about where the similarities end.

Ambience is quaint and homey - very endearing, it feels like a local "neighborhood restaurant".

Service was ... odd.
We were having a girls' night kind of dinner, and after a great dinner and chat at Osha Thai down the street, three girls walked around looking for some place to have a cup of coffee in that area - - -not an easy feat, but Umbria emerged.  I had seen Umbria many, many times driving by, and while I had always intended to try the food here, I had yet to do that.  But Umbria's dark green awning always serves as a landmark to me while driving home from the Bay Bridge.

I should preface this review by adding that all I had was Cafe Americano and the Tiramisu.
But that was one FINE Tiramisu!!!!

Cafe Americano was good, but not excellent.  I think it was more a problem of the coffee quality than the brewing process.  But it was okay.

Service was.... well, it was NICE but rather odd.  I can't quite explain it - - nice, but not welcoming.  Polite, but not necessarily friendly.  

We had two Cafe Americanos, one decaf tea for my pregnant girlfriend, and the Tiramisu, which we all shared.  We also ordered two additional Americanos, and they took our cups and brought us new coffee in new cups, which was as expected  for Cafe Americanos - - - but I noticed on the bill that they didn't charge us for the second cups of coffee.  Rather hospitable!

I will go back one day to try the food and will edit then to include the food.  But for the time being - 3 stars.  Good coffee, relatively good service, very cozy, charming "family-run-business" type of atmosphere.... it's a place worth trying soon!

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2

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Chili B.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
06/05/2008

Alright place.

Pretty average. The margherita pizza was good, nothing to rave about.
The service was very good.

The place is really cute and is always packed at lunchtime. We went about 6ish and it was pretty empty.

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Ronjini M.

Emeryville, CA

4 star rating
03/10/2008

The lamb burger was a legend....I had only heard of its glory prior to visiting for the sole purpose of trying it.  The first time I visited this lovely place close to my office I had the margherita pizza...the margherita calls to me wherever I go, so there's always competition for my attention.  However this particular visit I was ready....Armed with a hungry stomach and a strong will.  I ordered the Lamb Burger, unfortunately there were no french fries to go with that, so I had the rosemary potatoes (not so good, bitter and dry)...

Alas...........The Lamb Burger, it made up for all the mistakes of the world that day.  Its pretty damn good and had me full for the rest of the day.  They put some marvellous spread on this delectable sandwhich. I was full after eating half of it, but the American that I am, decided that this burger only had one thing to do that day and it was to be in my belly.  Oh yummy Lamb Burger, I can't wait for another excuse or  'business meeting' for a double take.

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Patrick K.

Walnut Creek, CA

4 star rating
04/24/2008

When I lived in SF, this was one of my favorite local spots. The food is classic Italian and a decant selection of Italian wines. The service is above average. Also, because of it's location, It is easy to get a table on a Friday night. I always order a side of meatballs for the table. They are outstanding! Check this place, unless you are a snob. Then go back to the Marina!

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Ashly S.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
03/05/2008

My boss always takes us here for employee's birthday lunches.

Services is always fast and professional.

I can't pronounced ANYTHING on the menu, so I find it a bit intimidating.

The price is out of my budget...average of $15-20 a plate. But the portions are large. I haven't been able to finish a serving of pasta they give.

The food has been alright. Nothing I found spectacular.

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149

Shay F.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
04/23/2008

I went to Umbria before going out with some people, so I wanted something light.  

I split one of the meals with a friend (the Tortelloni alla Panna) and it was a more than adequate amount between the two of us.  It wasn't bad, the sauce had a nice flavor, but my meal plus sharing one bottle of wine among seven people still came out to be kind of pricey.  I could have settled for a chain restaurant easily enough.

I agree that it's a pretty decent date place because of the nice environment (quaint, dimly lit, on the cusp of casual and slightly dressier), but I wouldn't take a person there as a first date.  

Maybe a "you're not so bad, let's find a quiet place and oh, this place is kind of convenient" sort of date.  Only, I don't know if I'd go back again.  Nothing against the place - there's just too many other good places to try out.

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Ting A.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
02/18/2008

i always walk out of a dining establishment w/leftovers.

ALWAYS, people.  

not so w/ristorante umbria.

i had some sort of stuffed ravioli dish atop arugula, w/endives radiating from the center.  it was ok.  nothing spectacular.  for the price (my dish was about $16.75), i expected to have a more dynamic dish.... w/leftovers.  

great service, however, and a nice atmosphere.

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Elite '08

26

218

Yosie G.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
04/09/2008

Not a bad place, but not great. Evening can be pretty packed, and be prepared for seemingly impatient and unfriendly waiters/servers. Because we were still deciding when he came to take our order, he kind of gave an attitude as if we were wasting his time. No offense but I didn't see any pressing requests from other tables.

I enjoyed the ravioli, which was deep fried and interesting, also served up kind of like a salad. It's definitely not your normal ravioli, I'll say that. The other dishes, pizza and spaghetti, were ok, but nothing extraordinary and mind-blowing.

The restaurant didn't seem very authentic or reminiscent of Italy, but I guess I can't compare too much. Moderate food and bleh waiter/server, 2.5 stars.

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Amina J.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
02/23/2008

I really enjoy the intimate setting of this restaurant, it is an ideal romantic date location and the owner Julio makes the experience even better with his warm and welcoming presence. My favorite dish is the Chicken Parmagiana and the cheesecake served with a sprig of fresh mint is a refreshing touch to the dining experience.

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Elaine Z.

Albany, CA

4 star rating
01/25/2008

My waiter was actually ITALIAN!  AND SPOKE ITALIAN!  And they played futbol on their bar television.  I loved that!

Good caprese salad.  I ordered the fried spinach ravioli--the real name escapes me right now.  It was really good when it was warm, but then became hard and inedible when cold.  Didn't care for the endives too much.

The tiramisu dessert was incredibly light and fluffy.  What a great way to end the evening.

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Abendigo R.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
12/18/2007

You know, a couple posts have described Giulio the owner as yelling at a customer or being slightly intoxicated a time or two.  Sure, he's a passionate man, he's Italian through and through, Umbrian, in fact.  What do you expect from someone who said in a Michael Bauer piece?:

"I only do the things I can do very well.  If you stay with what you know, then you can do it well consistently.''

He doesn't mince his words, and guess what, it's his restaurant.  I mean, do you go to a restaurant to critique the owner or the food?  Let's separate the restaurant from the man, people.  I have to say, I fall more on the side of the Italian way where you don't enter a restaurant and think you can customize everything, as if the chef was your mule and his walk-in was your fridge.  

I don't think it's all about the customer, all the time.  Also, I don't think some customers or Yelpers, for that matter, know what it's like to have a business.

How would you like it if you got Yelped at your worst moment in your own house, at your own table? :)

Michael Bauer said in his ancient article on Umbria (and the reason I quote it, is because I agree with it: http://www.sfgate.com/...):

"Umbria proves that when you do the classics with care, and stick with what's familiar, there's little need for innovation.

And the pizzas, rarely with more than half a dozen additions, have just the right amount of sauce so the crust is firm enough to support the toppings.

The same oven that turns out the delicious crust also produces the roasted potatoes. The blast of 650-degree heat produces a crisp exterior and allows the inside to become fluffy and delicious."

I'm not saying that I like Mr. Bauer.  In fact, I think there's a lot not to like about him, but he does know food, much of the time, that is.

Anyway, I think the pizza and the lasagna are fantastic.  My favorite pizza is the one with anchovies on the apps menu.  The crust is thin and delicate, and the sauce has just the right balance of salt.  The lasagna is oven-baked and homemade, with meat and bechamel sauce.

I love the authentic, charming, and warm atmosphere, slightly European yet blithely SOMA, with a bit of underground SF edge.

And Giulio, who's almost always there chatting amiably with his many friends and guests, is all right with me.  It's all right with me if he enjoys wine and entertains his guests.

The food is killer, the location is killer, and everybody's got a little Soprano in them.  

Me, I like a place that's got a little something REAL in it, not all pretension and diaphanous arrogance, not all CIA Iron Chef wannabes who spent a couple weeks in Italy and think they know what a lasagna is.

That's why I'm Yelping Umbria five stars, because it's REAL, it's here to stay, and the only fluff is inside the potatoes.

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Mary M.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
12/28/2007

Dress to impress. You don't have to but you'll get much better service if you do.

I've been going here a few times a year since 2001 when I lived across from Moscone. Boy do I wish I could afford that converted condo these days...anyway....

Umbria is always the same in the afternoon or the evening, in the summer or the winter. It has a close knit staff, a good bartender, a passionate owner\host, and excellent food.

I've taken bosses, friends, family, students of the classes I used to teach, and even dined with a few strangers at Umbria. Everyone had a good time. Even my sourpuss friend from MN who was pissed at me for not taking him to the Cannery ended up loving Umbria.

Order a bottle of the house chianti and anything on the food menu. It's all good. I always order the soup. I don't even ask what kind they are serving that night anymore. It's always delicious. I like the Spaghetti Umbria too but I've had almost everything on that menu either by ordering it myself or by sneaking bites off my codiners plates.

About the dressing up thing mentioned in other reviews? Yeah you will get treated better if you either make an effort to not look like a tourist in a San Francisco sweatshirt, shorts and flipflops OR if you are a really hot chick. Personally I go for the nice clothes. It's a safe bet, especially if the owner isn't working that night and a woman is working the hostess stand.

I personally wouldn't bring kids there. They can handle about one large party at a time, and by large party I mean a smallish group.  The rest of the tables are 2 and 4 tops.

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Krystle S.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
03/29/2008

The BF and I were extremely disappointed by this place.  The service was alright, as was the salad, but our pasta dishes left much to be desired (taste and quantity wise).  We had the deep fried ravioli and lobster ravioli and were so unimpressed by both that we decided to go elsewhere for dessert.  On the upside, Willie Brown was there which is cool...I guess.

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Herman C.

Belmont, CA

3 star rating
04/04/2008

Came here for lunch to meet some ex-co-workers (hmm...that's a lot of hyphens).

Ordered the Lasagna al forno and was told there would be a wait for it.  Fine, I expected something special and....it was average.  It wasn't bad, I ate it all, but it wasn't terribly memorable either.  Unfortunately, I can get average at the local Cucina Cucina for less $.

Service was fine.  I didn't have some of the problems the other folks did.  

All in all, just so-so.

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Elite '08

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Laurence W.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
02/21/2008

I was suitably impressed with Umbria.  During a busy lunch hour, they squeezed us in at the bar and we got great, fast service.  Good thing too since I mistakenly tipped the waiter about 40% or so.

I don't have too much to judge on: we split a salad and the mushroom/sausage pizza.  Both were perfectly tasty, though not necessarily memorable.  But importantly, I'd be inclined to go back and try more...

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3

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Lauren H.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
07/15/2008

Forgettable.

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Christina F.

Oakland, CA

2 star rating
05/10/2008

Between the food and the service, I left feeling very uncomfortable.  My husband and I had tried to eat here once before, but without a reservation, they couldn't take us.  However, we happened to be walking by last week and they were able to take us.

The host is a very in-your-face type of guy and got us seated right away at a table next to the open front door.  Beggars can't be choosers and there wasn't another open table in the place so we sat down.  We ordered pretty quickly, I got the gnocchi and my hubby, pizza with sausage.  They brought bread promptly, but forgot about my husband's ice tea.

The food came pretty quickly, almost too quickly.   Since we were right next to the door and thus right next to the tightly wound host, I felt rushed and anxious.  The meal was forgettable, mediocre gnocchi hidden under enough cheese to mask anything amiss and the pizza was too sweet, but mostly forgettable.

As we were finishing up, the host attempted to seat a group of 4, also without a reservation at a table near us and the door.  They asked that the door be closed.  To that the host 'lost it' told them to get up, pulled their napkins off their laps, picked up there bags and basically shoved them out the door.  As he was shoeing them out, I heard him say "Get the F*** out."  I was so uncomfortable by the whole scene that we hurried out.

We won't be going back.

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Andrew D.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
07/16/2008

I am Italian and since my mother and grandmother are world class cooks so I am picky when it comes to Italian food.  Having grown up in NY and with such great cooks I am always cautious when ordering.

My wife and I have been to Umbria a few times and I will say I have not had better Italian anywhere in SF.

Check it out, it is a good meal.

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