Steps of Rome Trattoria

A Personal Return to Steps of Rome Trattoria in North Beach Steps of Rome Trattoria holds a special place in my heart and in San Francisco’s North Beach food scene. When I moved to the area in the 1990s, I didn’t know many people. I started going to Steps of Rome because they showed soccer matches. The Italian staff loved the games just like I did, especially during the World Cup, and that made the restaurant feel like home. Over time, I became a regular and learned the names of many staff members. I began bringing friends with me, and soon, Steps of Rome became our favorite spot—not just for the great food and coffee but also for the lively atmosphere and the warm, welcoming spirit of the staff. The restaurant was friendly and full of life, and even as friends moved away, we always made time to meet there. The Original Steps of Rome (Before 2011) The original Steps of Rome was more than just a place to eat—it was an experience. I don’t know when it first opened, but it was an important part of North Beach for at least fifteen years before it closed in 2011. It was known for classic Italian comfort food like bruschetta, gnocchi, and fettuccine with salmon. The lively Italian staff created unforgettable moments, whether through playful conversations or impressive dessert presentations. At its height, Steps of Rome had two locations on the same block, showing how much people loved it. Its closing in 2011 left a gap in the neighborhood—a sign of the gradual decline of North Beach’s Italian-American culture. The Rebirth of Steps of Rome (April 2025) That’s why it was so meaningful to walk into the newly reopened Steps of Rome at 401 Columbus Avenue. The Florese Family, known for their Italian hospitality in San Francisco, has revived it with great care. Their history includes well-known spots like Mona Lisa Restaurant and the Old Clam House, and their work on the Steps of Rome honors the past while looking forward. I visited the new location a couple of weeks ago, and I’m happy to say it felt like the original. The food was delicious, the service friendly, and the welcoming spirit was there—the same energy that made the first restaurant so special. It felt like coming home. We started with Burrata Fresca and I had a glass of Pinot Grigio with it. Then we shared a Steps of Rome pizza and lasagna, both satisfying and tasty. The Florese family aims to bring back the original chef and the beloved flavors of the past. This isn’t just for show—it’s a true effort to keep something special alive. This new beginning feels like a gift in a neighborhood that has worked hard to maintain its Italian food traditions.

Visited here for lunch with family. They have seating inside and outside. We were able to get table without waiting. We ordered salad, bruschetta and rigatoni with spicy vodka sauce. Food was very tasty. Service was pretty good even though place was busy. Great place for Italian dining.

We wanted to try out this new spot in little Italy, located right across the famous Stinking Rose. We sat by the window and shared a pizza & pasta paired with some Chardonnay. We ordered the Profumo Di Costiera & Spicy Rigatoni. The rigatoni was delicious! And the pizza was unique but delicious nonetheless. Quality of ingredients were fresh & our food came out fast. I do think the prices were much for the quantity of the food but maybe that’s just SF prices. Ambiance is red & culturally decorative & our server Fredericka was great with recommendations. This restaurant just opened 2 weeks ago so I’m sure they’ll be doing happy hour specials or deals. We enjoyed our meal. Cheers!

It was our first visit to North Beach in San Francisco and as we were exploring the area and reading the many menus, Maurizio stepped outside to welcome us promising a great Italian pizza. We decided to step in for a snack. Our server, Chistiana, and the staff were very friendly and attentive. We ordered the Pizza Fritta and were extremely surprised with a fried turned over pizza that tasted incredible. More than one of the staff told us it was their favorite as well. The crust was light and airy with just the right amount of chew. The flavors were fantastic! We feel this place is a must when in the neighborhood.

If you're into Napolitano-style pizza, there's no better spot. Honestly, it's as close to Italy as you'll find in the US. Creative cocktail menu as well. The pizza La Norma is a treat unto itself.

I really liked their caesar salad (very tasty), caprese sandwich (really liked the bread used), spicy rigatoni (very yummy and not too spicy), and margherita pizza. Inside was nice and the staff was very friendly.

Best Italian restaurant I’ve found after more than 3 years in SF! Amazing food and incredible service. As a proud Spaniard who’s been living in San Francisco for over three years, this place instantly brought me back to a traditional Italian trattoria. If you’re looking for authentic nonna-style food, this is the place to go—you won’t regret it. Both the homemade pasta and the pizza were an absolute 10/10. A true gem!

Yet another Italian restaurant in Little Italy, tailor-made for tourists who prefer undistinguished food in large quantities. It’s great value, but the décor is all red and gold—exactly the kind of faux sophistication tourists love. This isn’t a local spot; it’s been shipped in, like one of those prefab houses, and dropped into a convenient corner. As long as your date likes it and everyone gets a happy ending, that’s all that matters. The rest is conversation.

This is fun, authentic restaurant in the heart of little Italy in north beach. Food: 5/5 The food was delicious. We got the Ceasar salad, a pizza and a the gnocchi. All of it is made with fresh ingredients and the pasta is made in house. Customer service: 5/5 The customer service is was excellent. Our server was quick but not an overbearing. He was also very friendly! Price: 5/5 The price was reasonable and comparable/competitive to other Italian restaurants in the area. Parking: 2/5 It's SF parking...so you can't expect much. But, I'd recommend getting parking beforehand on spot hero at one of the garages nearby. You can shop around for the pricing option and location you want before coming out. You could try for street parking, but it's tough to find on a Saturday night. I'd recommend this for a fun date not spot and a night on the town in a vibrant neighborhood.

I'll admit, I was a little skeptical walking into Steps of Rome after reading some of the reviews -- I even scoped out the nearest salt and pepper just in case But plot twist: I got lucky and it was fire. I had the carbonara and the noodles were cooked perfectly, seasoned just right, and the sauce was super fresh with the perfect hit of cracked pepper. Service was really attentive, which I appreciate especially when a place is slow -- it shows they still care. I can totally see this being a fun late-night spot when you want pasta and a little vibe. Would definitely come back!!

A Personal Return to a North Beach Treasure: Steps of Rome Trattoria Steps of Rome Trattoria holds a special and nostalgic place in San Francisco's North Beach culinary scene--and in my heart. I didn't know many people when I first moved to the neighborhood in the 1990s. I initially gravitated toward Steps of Rome because they regularly showed soccer matches. The Italian waiters and waitresses were just as passionate about the games as I was--especially during the World Cup--and that shared enthusiasm quickly made the restaurant a home away from home. Over time, I became a regular, getting to know many of the staff by name. I started bringing friends along, and soon Steps of Rome became our go-to spot--not just for the food and coffee, which were always excellent--but for the energy, the sense of community, and the infectious spirit of Roman hospitality that radiated from the staff. The place was unpretentious and warm, full of life and character, and even as friends moved away, we continued to make time for reunions there. The Original Steps of Rome (Pre-2011) The original Steps of Rome was more than just a restaurant--it was an experience. Though I don't know the exact date it was founded, it was a staple in North Beach for at least fifteen years before closing in 2011. Known for classic Italian comfort dishes like bruschetta, gnocchi, and fettuccine with salmon, the lively, often lively, and animated Italian staff set it apart. They created moments you never forgot, whether playful banter or dramatic dessert presentations. At its peak, Steps of Rome operated two locations on the same block, a testament to how beloved it was. Its closure in 2011 left a noticeable void in the neighborhood--a symbol of the gradual erosion of North Beach's vibrant Italian-American identity. The Rebirth of Steps of Rome (April 2025) That's why it meant so much to recently walk through the doors of the newly reopened Steps of Rome at 401 Columbus Avenue. The Florese Family, respected stewards of Italian hospitality in San Francisco, has lovingly revitalized it. With a legacy that includes Mona Lisa Restaurant, Mona Lisa Mare e Monti, and the Old Clam House, their revival of Steps of Rome is both a tribute and a promise. We visited the new location just a couple of weeks ago, and I'm thrilled to say it captured so much of what I remembered. The food was delicious, the service attentive and friendly, and most importantly, the spirit was there--the welcoming energy that made the original so magnetic. It felt like coming home. We started with Burrata Fresca, and I paired my portion with a glass of Pinot Grigio. We then shared a Steps of Rome pizza and lasagna, both filling and delicious. The Florese family's goal to bring back the original chef and recapture the beloved flavors and vibe of the past isn't just marketing--it's a genuine effort to preserve something special. This rebirth feels like a gift in a neighborhood that has struggled to maintain its Italian culinary roots.

Very common practice in North Beach someone stands in front and attempts to draw u into restaurant and waitress made a good impression with us. Walked a block and came back and decided to eat here. I recall a Steps of Rome restaurant in North Beach our waitress mentioned they took the name from previous owners. This place pops with bright red colors and murals on the wall. Has been open a few months and everything looks new. Our waitress recommended the Bigolo Carbonara so we ordered that, my wife loves carbonara. Bigoli Carbonara With bigoli pasta the noodles were extremely undercooked, our waitress said it is al dente, I asked for it to be remade. It could be challenging as the noodle is really thick. The second time around the sauce had no flavor, wife took two bites and did not eat it. I have been to Rome, Venice and Florence and this does not come close. Even Olive Garden and Buca de Beppo is better than this. This is the worst carbonara I have ever had. Does the chef not taste his food? I am sure if the recipe was followed it would be good. Mona Lisa has the same owners and their food is good. Maybe since it was Monday at lunch they had their 3rd string cooks there. Rate minus 10 Lasagna Very good flavor but very small portion. Cooked perfectly. Rate 4

A Truly Authentic Italian Experience I had never tasted real Italian pizza until I discovered Steve Of The Rome. The quality of the ingredients is outstanding, and you can taste it in every bite. The customer service, attention to detail, and overall care make all the difference. This is definitely a place I'll keep coming back to. Highly recommended for true Italian cuisine lovers!. The Atmosphere Was unique. Mauro Florece is the soul in the place

Wow. Great new spot in North Beach - do yourself a favor and come to Steps of Rome. The pizza is remarkable. It's that good, Neapolitan style pizza that's thin and packed with flavor. Quality toppings, great options. We went for the full experience with cocktails, appetizers, salad, and pizza and not a single dish disappointed. We literally CLEANED our plates, and had an awesome time interacting with the staff and community while we enjoyed our meal outside. Great ambiance, given the spot is brand new and thoughtfully made. Highly recommend this spot. We'll be back!

We stopped in for some pizza. Had the margarita pizza and it was fantastic. Who is as good as any margarita that I've had anywhere in the world

A friend pointed out the opening of this restaurant after I'd read about this neighborhood favorite taking this space. I dined here several months ago at the previous business that was short lived here after moving from the Richmond District. The restaurant name is a staple in another block on Columbus. Walking in, I was impressed by the design, especially the wallpaper on the Vallejo Street side (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=72&select=_ADI8qZkxnntNmf3QYVdtQ), capturing that "feel" of Rome. Wanting to try more than just one menu item, I started with the Insalata Alla Cesare, aka Caesar salad (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=VGeNsS0dSugKBbi6kjufyw); described as Romaine lettuce, anchovies, parmesan, croutons, homemade caesar dressing. The portion is generous and best to be shared as a starter for two. The lettuce was crisp and refreshing with plenty of dressing and sprinkled Parmesan. The anchovy slices were a fine quality and not overly salty, balancing well with the other ingredients. For my main meal, I had the lasagna (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=kzl2hsAbluUjvXF4lJDBCQ); described as lasagna, fresh mozzarella, ground beef, bechamel, tomato meat sauce. At 1st glance, the serving looked modest but, as I took bites, the richness of the sauce and pasta made this a perfect amount. I was offered more Parmesan but passed on it, wanting to enjoy the original flavors of the sauce. It did not disappoint as I tore bits of the large basil leaf to pair with bites of the pasta and sauce. My waitress and another both mentioned how they liked this dish. The restaurant is off shaped with two separate dining areas and a long counter bar in the middle. I entered. From the Vallejo Street entrance though there is another door at the corner of Columbus. I watched the end of the Giants' road day game on one of the three TV's above the bar. Wait and bus staff are friendly, smiling whenever we spoke. Due note that the prices are slightly above your average casual dining places but the quality of the food, ambiance, and service show why. Big thanks to Agustina who waited on my needs while manning the bar. I learned that this restaurant is the latest from the Mona Lisa that has several other eateries on this block. I will try the spicy rigatoni my next visit and perhaps share a pizza if other join me.

We wanted to try out this new spot in little Italy, located right across the famous Stinking Rose. We sat by the window and shared a pizza & pasta paired with some Chardonnay. We ordered the Profumo Di Costiera & Spicy Rigatoni. The rigatoni was delicious! And the pizza was unique but delicious nonetheless. Quality of ingredients were fresh & our food came out fast. I do think the prices were much for the quantity of the food but maybe that's just SF prices. Ambiance is red & culturally decorative & our server Fredericka was great with recommendations. This restaurant just opened 2 weeks ago so I'm sure they'll be doing happy hour specials or deals. We enjoyed our meal. Cheers!

This is a great new spot in North Beach! The newly remodeled restaurant is beautiful inside, with a casual atmosphere and open kitchen where you can watch the chefs making your pizza. The staff are experienced and super friendly, and the food is made with quality ingredients and tastes great. We had the carbonara (chef's kiss), polpete, prosciutto, and the margarita pizza. And then for dessert we got the Nutella pizza, which was definite carb and sweets overload lol. Everything was great! R istorante e fantastico O rder the carbonara M ake room for Nutella pizza E very staff member was welcoming

The pizzas were really good, the pasta was meh. Gnocchi was ok but the carbonara was terrible. Service was great. Very nice people.

A fun place to stop for lunch or dinner in North Beach. We were happy to discover the food was delicious and the service was good. But surprised to hear that the business is not related to the Steps of Rome that used to be down the street. We ordered fried zucchini which was potato chip thin and delicious, with a yummy marinara sauce for dipping. The meatballs were good. The Caprese salad was tasty, although the tomatoes still didn't have that summertime zing. The service was reliable and friendly.

Ah...Steps of Rome, this reminds me of a late night restaurant, hole in the wall in the middle of Rome. The food is simple yet delicious. Pizzas are made to order by people who have a talent making them. They are so proud at making their pizzas they offered to remake ours since the chef wasn't happy how it came out. We never noticed and he offered to remake it. Honestly there was no issue with it, but that right there lets you know they take pride in what they do, and they'll do it right.

Friday night....North Beach....vibrant dining scene. Had a great meal with friends. The bruschetta was beautiful and delicious. The meatballs were fantastic. The handsome waiter, Eladio, recommended two special pizzas...the Pizza Fritta with ham and ricotta enclosed then fried. It was soft and puffy. So interesting and so delicious. The second was "The Steps of Rome". So good! Then we had the classic Margherita. Really great. We must return soon.

Disappointed and Disheartened: A Letdown at the New Steps of Rome As longtime fans of the original Steps of Rome, we were genuinely excited to see its name return to North Beach. Unfortunately, the revival under the new ownership is a far cry from the beloved institution it once was. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that something was off. The concept of the restaurant seems confused, part pizza parlor, part sports bar, and part traditional trattoria, but never committing fully to any identity. Even the exterior design, while polished, gave us pause. If not for the Italian flag and signage, one might mistake it for a Chinese restaurant. We arrived on a weekend evening to an empty dining room, an ominous sign. No one greeted us at the door, and we had to ask if the restaurant was even open. When we were finally acknowledged, the staff seemed inexperienced and unprepared. Our group of six was squeezed into a small table, adorned with mismatched, oddly ornate gold cutlery that clashed with the restaurant's supposed Italian theme. Drink service was painfully slow, and the bartender appeared unsure of what she was doing. Watching her measure out wine like a chemistry experiment, painstakingly precise to the last drop was disheartening. It felt mechanical, not hospitable. Certainly not the warm, generous spirit Italians are known for. The food, sadly, did not redeem the experience. We ordered a selection of pasta, pizza, salads, and sandwiches to share. The pasta was inconsistently cooked, some overdone, some under, and the pizza was especially disappointing: chewy dough and a watery, underwhelming finish. The only highlights were the Insalata Tricolore and the Caesar salad, which were fresh and well-executed. The prosciutto sandwich, on the other hand, was dry, uninspired, and shockingly small. Curious to know who was leading this effort, we inquired about the owner or manager. We were told the owner was the young man standing outside in a hoodie and baseball cap, chatting casually on the sidewalk. He never came to greet our table, or anyone else for that matter. He looked more like a gym-goer than a restaurateur and showed no presence or professionalism one would expect from someone hoping to revive a legacy brand. In the end, what was meant to be a nostalgic return turned into a disappointing evening. The food was lackluster, the service was amateurish, and the management was non-existent. This iteration of Steps of Rome feels like a missed opportunity to honor a once-loved establishment. We won't be returning, and we'll be advising our fellow Italians to skip it as well. North Beach has far better options, Tony's, for one, where you can still find great pizza, attentive service, and authentic Italian hospitality. Much better choice....

Pizza was good but what made this 5 stars was the service. Very friendly and tried their best to make it feel like you're really in Rome eating a pizza and enjoying the views

Steps of Rome lives up to the hype. Dinner there Saturday night (5/3/25) was amazing. Friendly, attentive service. Tempting menu choices. Delicious food and drinks. Located in the heart of North Beach. Twas a great night out for us. We'll definitely be going back!

Comparing this place to the old Steps of Rome Trattoria is like comparing apples and oranges. This Steps has a modern, bright, airy vibe, while the old Steps felt small, homey and neighborhoody. But what the two Steps do have in common: a bussin' pasta amatriciana and friendly service. As long as that keeps up, we'll be back!

Service and food is amazing! We were seated right away on a Wednesday night. The food came out fast. We loved everything we ordered. The pasta is cooked to perfection and very rich! The pizza is extra cheesy. Great option for Italian food.

Tutto fantastico per il cibo e Maurizio (il proprietario) persona squisita,come i suoi collaboratori in sala ....in particolar modo Alessandro, veramente bravo nel suo lavoro. Super consigliato.

Mediocre Italian restaurant. We had a large group dinner (all Italians, so biased...) and had the chance to try few fried appetizers and pizzas. The appetizers had that oil taste you don't want in deep fried food (we had the frittelle di zucchine and the panzerotti), just not good. The pizza was barely ok. The concept wants to be Neapolitan, but the dough was chewy and unevenly cooked. One particularly negative note for the "Salsiccia e Friarielli" pizza: the sausage was tasting like rubber and the friarielli were almost in the form of a very salty pesto, which is not what we expected.

I had a Caesar salad and a Pepsi. The salad was just some leaves of romaine with cheese a a tiny bit of 'home maid' tasteless dressing (they better by it by the bottle) and the Pepsi did taste like Pepsi. San Francisco unworthy. Tourist trap

Was excited to try this spot and had heard good things. Unfortunately the pasta was quite bad. The spicy rigatoni tasted exactly like kraft mac and cheese, and the carbonara did too. The arancini appetizer lacked flavor. The pizza was ok. The interior was very tourist trap vibes. Overall, would not go back and would not recommend this to a friend.

Everything was outstanding as I had a team lunch in late April. We tried several of the pizzas, burrata fresca, bruschetta, and had the Insalata Alla Cesare (Caesar Salad). Service was top notch as well. Allario was fantastic and met our every need. The atmosphere was also tremendous too, right in the heart of North Beach.

Fun place in a good location. The staff was very attentive and super kind. Food was good and they have a bar area with tvs for a more casual vibe if that's what you want

This place is making an authentic Pizza Napoletana! The ownership is very kind and service is excellent. I highly recommend this spot

Incredible + authentic food - The best new restaurant in North Beach. You can feel that Steps of Rome is family run, with amazing service + a great atmosphere and overall vibe.

Food, drinks, vibes, & service were all outstanding! Bonus for the best tiramisu I've had in the city hands down! Will definitely be back & highly recommend!

Steps of Rome is a fantastic addition to North Beach. The Italian food is fantastic. You've got to try the fried pizza. Ilario is fantastic as well as all of the bartenders. It has a great, lively pulse to the entire restaurant. You've can also sit outside if you'd like, but inside is a lot of fun.

Small portions for price, polenta in meatballs is flavorless. Service was nice and ambience is nice but food not so great.

From the moment you step through the door at Steps of Rome, you'll feel like family. This new gem is a love letter to Italian cuisine, where every bite feels like a celebration of tradition, passion, and incredible flavor. The menu is a masterful blend of classic Roman dishes and modern twists that somehow manage to feel both elevated and comforting. Each dish is plated beautifully but remains refreshingly unpretentious -- it's clear the kitchen honors flavor over fuss.

This place was a huge surprise. Both their pastas and pizzas wouldn't be out of place in Italy. In fact they'd probably be welcomed in Italy.

Finally an authentic Neapolitan pizza to die for in North Beach! The place is colorful and warm and creates great ambiance and atmosphere! Not to fancy not to casual but with everyone around speaking italian you really feel like you are traveling to Rome. Everything from the service to each flavor of the pizzas we ordered was amazing! I look forward to be a long time customer of this great new restaurant!

Steps of Rome is absolutely amazing. The food was phenomenal! Delicious, quick to come out, and so amazing. Service was perfect, everyone was so kind and friendly. The ambiance was so comfortable and relaxing, exactly what we wanted for a nice lunch.

If you're looking for a slice of Italy without leaving town, Steps of Rome delivers on all fronts. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is warm, bustling, and unmistakably European -- think cozy tables, lively conversation, and the aroma of garlic and fresh herbs wafting from the kitchen. We started with the bruschetta, which was perfectly toasted and loaded with ripe tomatoes and just the right touch of basil. For mains, I had the Carbonara, and it was hands down one of the best I've had outside of Rome -- creamy, smoky, and authentic without being too heavy The staff were friendly, attentive, and happy to explain dishes or make recommendations. You can tell they genuinely care about both the food and the experience. Don't skip dessert -- the Tiramisu was a dream, light and rich in all the right ways. Whether you're on a date night or just craving good Italian, Steps of Rome is a must. We'll definitely be back -- and next time, I'm trying the gnocchi!

Good food and great company, was like eating in Italia, I loved the carbonara and the steps of Rome pizza! Wow

If I could give these guys ten stars I would. What stood out above the phenomenal food and vibe, was the warmth of the staff. We were a rather large party with children, and while some restaurants especially in San Francisco would scoff at our crazy, they welcomed it. Joked with our kids, made them feel welcome, kept our drinks full, and made amazing recommendations all while keeping everything so playful and professional. Make sure to get the "steps of Rome" pizza it will not disappoint! Can't wait to come here again!

Steps of Rome is a North Beach gem! The pasta is next level perfectly cooked, super flavorful, and clearly made with love. I had the cacio e pepe and honestly haven't stopped thinking about it since. The vibe is cozy, lively, and just the right amount of old-school Italian charm. Service was fast, friendly, and fun. Can't wait to go back!

Chefs kiss! This place is beautiful and so inviting! Family dinner and everyone loved their food. The flavors are amazing and it all tastes different - their dishes are one of a kind. Servers were attentive and friendly! I can't wait to go back!

At first we were hesitant because it's a new restaurant, but we were blown away! Their specialty item is the pizza, but even the pasta was spectacular with reasonable portion sizes. The staff (the host Ilario especially) were extremely welcoming, passionate, and generous. We also loved the ambiance-a modern and posh feel that contrasted with the classic Italian vibes of the surrounding restaurants.

Run don't walk to try this new addition to the San Francisco restaurant scene. Authentic Italian food with a fun, energetic atmosphere.

I love Steps of Rome!!! The food is sooooo good here! I have a weakness for good authentic Pizza and Pasta. They also have good customer service as well.

I've never given a negative review before and didn't particularly want to give this place one, especially since it seems like everyone is excited that it has recently reopened, but this was one of the worst meals I've had recently (and not cheap either). The ambiance was nice, and the waiters were relatively friendly, but that's about as far as the positives go. Drink service was slow even though the place was fairly empty, and when they did come the wine pour was pretty weak. The food was mediocre at best, and inedible at worst. The sauce on the spicy rigatoni was tasty, but the pasta itself was somehow inconsistently cooked -- some of it nicely al dente, and much of it literally crunchy. The prosciutto panini was dry, completely flavorless, and small. The lasagna was the best item we ordered -- the sauce was bland, but the meat made up for it. The carbonara was crunchy and tasted rancid, literally tasted like I had thrown up in my mouth (and I do like pecorino typically, but this was different). Portions were very small for the price and we all left hungry -- it was salt in the wound to spend as much as we did for this meal. Wish we had chosen any of the other fantastic North Beach restaurants for our meal tonight.

this place is so good! went here with my family and the service was exceptional. i will be making sure to come back, they treat you like family here!