Il Pollaio

Italian restaurant · North Beach

Il Pollaio

Italian restaurant · North Beach

555 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Highlights

Cozy, cheerful cafe known for grilled chicken by the whole/half bird, also offering salads & sides.

555 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133 Get directions

ilpollaiosf.com

@ilpollaiosf

@eater

"Get a half or whole roast chicken that's very simply seasoned (salt, pepper, olive oil) and is served alongside lemons, plus the choice of French fries or salad. You can eat here, but it's equally geared toward takeout." - Eater Staff

Where to Find the Best Roast Chicken in San Francisco - Eater SF

View Postcard for Il Pollaio

@infatuation

"Il Pollaio is a great restaurant for a simple weeknight dinner. They have dishes like rabbit and lamb chops, but you’re really here for the chargrilled chicken. It’s simple, delicious, and half a chicken for $11 is a pretty cheap meal by any SF standard. Even if it’s not the most exciting place to eat, it beats heating up couscous while you watch Extreme Makeovers: Boiler Room Edition in the dark." - Will Kamensky

Il Pollaio Review - North Beach - San Francisco - The Infatuation

View Postcard for Il Pollaio

@eater

"Michael Bauer visited Il Pollaio for an update review. The family-run business, serving grilled birds and rabbits for nearly 35 years, still offers good food, warm and familial service, and generous portions." - Andrew Dalton

The Critics Are Split On Bar Crenn’s Swanky Food and Matching Prices - Eater SF

View Postcard for Il Pollaio

Noam Siegel

Google

Got the whole grilled chicken, combination salad, and side of fries. Grilled chicken was moist and would get again! The fries and salad I could pass on, unless you’re a fan of steak fries.

Cooper Sinclair

Google

Simple wins in most cases - and the sts the case with this gem. I ordered a half chicken and fries, and it didn’t disappoint. Also, for SF a good value at $20. 5 Stars.

Gnome Chomsky

Google

The best of the best. The chicken, the spilt pea soup, the pan fried zucchini…. Il Pollaio never disappoints. Been coming here for 10+ years and looking forward to 10 more. Shout out to Paula who’s beyond awesome.

Claudia K M

Google

Il Pollaio in North Beach is a culinary gem! Their grilled chicken steals the show—juicy and flavorful. The bean salad and marinated eggplant elevate the experience with a burst of freshness and delightful textures. The simplicity of the menu lets the quality of ingredients shine, offering a wholesome and indulgent dining adventure. Whether you're a local or visitor, Il Pollaio is a must-visit for those craving delicious, healthy fare in the heart of North Beach.

Sô Cô La

Google

We was at China town and crave for some steak. Normally we would eat at Tad's but we wanted to try somewhere new, and we were not disappointed. The restaurant was not big, but cozy. The waitress was super friendly and professional. We ordered more than we could eat but the food was really good. 2 soups, 1 salad, 1 fried, 1 medium rare steak, half of grilled chicken. They were served along with some bread and salted butter. I'm glad we found out about this place. They have rabbit and lamb, maybe we would try them the next time we go there. Overal, cozy, good services, good food, price is quite fair for everything. Definitely would come back for more. Also I learned Italian during covid, so sitting in a Italian restaurant in Italian town hearing Italian was a very nice experience for me.

Mark Zine

Google

Several lunch items interested me, but since their specialty was char-broiled chicken I went with the chicken sandwich. Huge sandwich, on a big roll, plus plenty of pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. The 3-Bean salad and steamed potatoes yummy as well

Krishin Asnani

Google

Il Polliao, an eatery on Columbus Avenue with no airs, specializing in chicken at affordable price; it cultivates a neighborhood even as its interior reminds me of Edward Hopper’s somber Nighthawks. Their art hangings and festoons lend it life, making it a place of regulars like me and you. As a vegetarian , love their combination salad ; simple and hearty but fresh and flavorful; the service is convivial. It may look like a diner but it’s food quality is of a fine restaraunt.

Jun Li

Google

Owning a second store in SF Mission, you know they haven’t expand too much yet so family style expected. Kind worker expected. Come here before they went global. They have a special $13 meal now. Yum. Sausage with pesto with fries 🍟 or salad 🥗

@eater

Where to Find the Best Roast Chicken in San Francisco - Eater SF

View Postcard for Il Pollaio

@infatuation

Il Pollaio Review - North Beach - San Francisco - The Infatuation

View Postcard for Il Pollaio

@eater

The Critics Are Split On Bar Crenn’s Swanky Food and Matching Prices - Eater SF

View Postcard for Il Pollaio

Noam Siegel

Google

Got the whole grilled chicken, combination salad, and side of fries. Grilled chicken was moist and would get again! The fries and salad I could pass on, unless you’re a fan of steak fries.

Cooper Sinclair

Google

Simple wins in most cases - and the sts the case with this gem. I ordered a half chicken and fries, and it didn’t disappoint. Also, for SF a good value at $20. 5 Stars.

Gnome Chomsky

Google

Claudia K M

Google

Sô Cô La

Google

Mark Zine

Google

Krishin Asnani

Google

Jun Li

Google

Il Pollaio

Photos

Highlights

Postcards

You might also like