Restaurants

Piccolo Forno

4.8 ★ average from 10 reviews

Casual neighborhood trattoria with Italian classics & espresso in colorful, contemporary quarters.

Location

725 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
San Francisco, CA, 94133

Contact

Hours

fri
11:45 AM – 10:00 PM
mon
11:45 AM – 10:00 PM
sat
11:45 AM – 10:00 PM
sun
11:45 AM – 10:00 PM
thu
11:45 AM – 10:00 PM
wed
11:45 AM – 10:00 PM

Recent reviews

  • ★★★★★

    Staff was very knowledgeable around gluten allergy needs and the food was amazing!

  • ★★★★★

    I don't normally do reviews, but this place is amazing! Our food today was outstanding, and it was reasonably priced to boot. All the staff were friendly and helpful and genuinely seemed to want to be there.

  • ★★★★★

    Amazing food once we finally got in. We had no reservation so we just waited in line, took about 25 min. Super happy we waited as the food and service was most excellent!!

  • ★★★★★

    The food was AMAZING! Trust the waiters on suggestions and don’t skip on a cup of espresso on your way out! Get there early since there are only a few tables to actually sit at. Otherwise you’re waiting 30-45 minutes.

  • ★★★★★

    An absolutely perfect dining experience!!!!!!!!!! The food is delicious and the customer service is AWESOME! I completely forgot to take pictures, because I was too busy enjoying this fabulous restaurant!

  • ★★★★Miss Glassess

    It was another ordinary day for me and my husband when we were craving for Italian food. We like the chicken parmigiano. Unfortunately they didn't have the lasagna that day so I had the lobster ravioli, it's a bit salty and little filling inside. The service is good.

  • ★★★★★Gary Diehl

    Unexpected gem! We were looking for a non-chain place to dine on a very brief visit to San Francisco, so glad we found Piccolo Forno on our Google map. The owner graciously held a table for the 4 of us while we walked there from Fisherman’s Warf after we called to find out about space. The seafood over black pasta special was absolutely delicious, as were the spaghetti and chicken parm dishes. We arrived as strangers but were treated like family. A small but special spot for great food and even better service!!!

  • ★★★★★K S

    From the moment I walked into Piccolo Forno, I was greeted so warmly by the Italian servers that I immediately felt like family, even dining solo. The hospitality alone set the tone for what became one of the nicest dining experiences I’ve had. I started with a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio and the complimentary bread basket served with absolutely incredible olive oil and balsamic, simple, authentic, and impossible to stop eating. The ambiance was vibrant and lively, like sitting in a charming Italian countryside trattoria filled with energy, conversation, and warmth. The Caesar salad with anchovies was perfectly balanced and fresh, and the special fussili with seafood was outstanding—rich, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Every bite tasted authentic, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Their chili oil was an absolute delight with the pasta. I almost didn’t ask for it because I didn’t want to offend anyone, but the waiter jokingly said, “Maybe you like it spicy,” and I’m so glad he did. That chili oil elevated the dish to another level. I know I will be dreaming about it. To finish, the tiramisu was heavenly: light, creamy, and the perfect ending to an exceptional meal. Piccolo Forno didn’t just serve amazing food — it gave me a genuine piece of Italy. From the atmosphere to the service to every course, this place is truly special.

  • ★★★★★Prutha Khandeparkar

    This place is everything I like about a small neighborhood Italian spot - simple, casual, and completely unpretentious. Food - We ordered the lobster ravioli and a pasta with truffle sauce, and both were absolutely delicious. I’m honestly drooling just thinking about them again. The flavors were rich and comforting without feeling overly heavy. Service - The staff were also very friendly, which added to the relaxed vibe of the place. The restaurant itself is very small, so it’s a good idea to make reservations beforehand. Nothing fancy here, just really good food and a laid-back atmosphere. If you’re in the area and craving good Italian food, this spot is definitely worth a visit.

  • ★★★★bartika dutta

    A cosy restaurant serving genuinely delicious Italian fare. The meal began with complimentary bread and olive oil. The burrata arrived like a cloud - creamy, soft, and beautifully balanced with briny olives and sweet cherry tomatoes. The lobster stuffing of ravioli di aragosta was perfectly minced, and luxurious. The spaghetti alla carbonara was silky, and lifted by generous chunks of guanciale. We ended with an affogato that delivered the perfect finale - bold, sweet and beautifully comforting. The pastas did take a while to reach our table, but knowing everything was freshly prepared made the wait feel entirely worth it. The staff were warm, cheerful, and genuinely welcoming throughout our meal. This is one spot I’ll happily return to, no hesitation.