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Name: Ristorante Parma
Address: 3314 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA, 94123
Telephone: (415) 567-0500
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.07

Ristorante Parma

3314 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA, 94123

(415) 567-0500
Store is closed

Ristorante Parma Menu

Antipasti

Bruschetta Pomodoro

Grilled Portobello

Prosciutto Con Melone

Trio Misto

Polpettine Della Nonna

Carpaccio Di Manzo

Gamberetti Del Porto

Brodetto Di Pesce

Affettati Di Salumi

Prawns Di Parma

Antipasto Misto

Antipasto Di Melanzane
Salads

Insalata Di Caesar

Insalata Di Bietole

Insalata Mista

Spinach Salad

Hearts Of Romaine
Pasta

Ravioli Di Parma

Penne Romanoff

Fettuccine Alla Papalina

Spaghetti Alle Vongole

Penne Salmone & Asparagi

Melanzane Di Parma

Fusilli Con Pollo

Gnocchi Pomodoro

Spaghetti Carbonara

Tortellini Della Nonna

Lasagna Bolognese

Fettuccine Bolognese

Fettuccine Al Pesto

Capellini Alla Gigi

Risotto Del Giorno
Secondi Piatti

Prawns Pescatore

Saltimbocca Al Romana

Costoletta Parmigiana

Veal Piccata

Pollo Alla Marsala

Pesce Del Giorno
Off The Grill

Grilled Pork Chop
Desserts

Tiramisu

Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Torta Della Nonna

Cheese Cake

French Vanilla Bean Or Chocolate Gelato

Raspberry Sorbetto

Healthy Meal suggestions for Ristorante Parma

Antipasti

Bruschetta Pomodoro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Portobello [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Prosciutto Con Melone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Trio Misto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Polpettine Della Nonna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carpaccio Di Manzo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gamberetti Del Porto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brodetto Di Pesce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Affettati Di Salumi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Prawns Di Parma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Antipasto Misto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Antipasto Di Melanzane [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Insalata Di Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Di Bietole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Mista [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hearts Of Romaine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pasta

Ravioli Di Parma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Penne Romanoff [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fettuccine Alla Papalina [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spaghetti Alle Vongole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Penne Salmone & Asparagi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Melanzane Di Parma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fusilli Con Pollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gnocchi Pomodoro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spaghetti Carbonara [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tortellini Della Nonna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lasagna Bolognese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fettuccine Bolognese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fettuccine Al Pesto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Capellini Alla Gigi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Risotto Del Giorno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Secondi Piatti

Prawns Pescatore [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Saltimbocca Al Romana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Costoletta Parmigiana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veal Piccata [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Alla Marsala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pesce Del Giorno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Off The Grill

Grilled Pork Chop [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Tiramisu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chocolate Lava Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chocolate Raspberry Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Torta Della Nonna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Vanilla Bean Or Chocolate Gelato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Raspberry Sorbetto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Simon Y.

For the marina, I'd have to say this place is hard to beat for italian food. The prices are average and the food is extremely tasty. Pasta is cooked to the perfect tenderness and the sauces are balanced. The pasta dishes ranged from $13-$16 and main entrees ranged from $16-$21. They have a few specials daily which I did not try. Everybody seemed to stick to the pasta dishes and I did the same. The spaghetti carbonara and bolognese were very good. I also sampled the basic appetizer platter which although sized for one, is more suited for two. Service is prompt and the staff seemed knowledgable about hte dishes. They do take credit unlike another local italian place. This bumps the rating of this place as you aren't scrambling to make sure you have tons of cash on you. If this place has a drawback, it's the size. The dining area is cramped and narrow. Lighting is good and decor is better than most of the other local places. Just like some other restaurants in the area, dining area is at a premium so you literally share conversation with your neighbor. UPDATE... Should be a 4, but there are sooooo many other new places in the hood that are just as good.
(3)
france d.

Amazing experience here!! Arguably the best Italian spot I've tried in the city (so far). First of all, the owner/organizer is really a character, he definitely looks like one of these Italian guys from the 1960s you could have found in Southern Italy at the time. He is the right mix of being warn and direct you do really expect to find in Italians! My friend and I were so happy with the food there. OK, we had to wait 40 mins to get a spot, but guys, it was Saturday night and we had no reservation. No worries anyway, we just had to move two doors down Steiner St. and get a decent glass of wine at Nectar, which is a really classy wine bar, especially on Saturdays. Once we got our table, we immediately ordered a Carpaccio and a bottle of their Chianti Classico by Antinori: I really loved the berries flavor in the wine, as well as its profoundness and corposity (is this the right word in English??). No surprise, given that was a DOCG wine, i.e. the highest rank you can have for wines in Italy - just consider we had two terrible wines for the same price (around $40) in other restaurants. The Carpaccio was also really good, exactly the way you get it from your grandma in Tuscany, although maybe people abroad prepare it differently: capers, aurugula and lemon, great job! While eating our Antipasto, we couldn't avoid staring at the two ladies sitting next to us, who ordered some pasta which really looked amazing! They were also complainig claiming we were speaking too loud... maybe nex time they just want to stay home to avoid other customers chatting while having their food! Anyway, our expectations for Lasagne were really high! We fortunately had some bread and our olive oil/vinaigrette dip, which was quite tasty - my friend was eating the whole onion/garlic part of it and loved it, although he afterwards kept complaining he had too much of a garlic smell in his breath... Fortunately, Our Lasagna was much better than the most positive expectation we could have. The pasta was clearly handmade, the perfect balance between thick and fresh which really makes a Lasagna great. The meat sauce was also very good indeed (although maybe it should have been cooked a bit longer, just to avoid the crisp flavor you taste when it's too fresh). The upper surface was crispy and well done as you never find it around. Finally, the parmesan cheese they offer you is really fresh and tasty. We also got an espresso, and the owner was kind enough to offer us some Cantuccini to finish our bottle of wine. Service was impeccable. Our waiter was very helpful indeed, he had helpful insights on the menu and we were really happy to be served in such a considerate way. Needless to say, he is an Italian guy. I have to admit, it's probably one of the first times I feel like they deserve the tip you give them when paying your bill! I do really look forward to being back at Ristorante Parma and trying some of their other Pastas next time, and possibly their Tiramisu too!
(5)
shannon l.

This place never disappoints. The pasta is always good. Service is kind of spotty. They also have take out service that is fairly quick.
(3)
sushiatown s.

the seafood pasta was outstanding it was fresh and lot of good seafood in side the pasta they even got a healthy pasta choice whole wheat pasta good eats
(5)
Kari P.

Parma is one of those places that I can always fall back on. The food is good. Not the best Italian I have had, but very good. The prices are reasonable (especially for the Marina) not too much more than some nearby counter service establishments-depending on what you order of course, and the wine selection is descent. The service is prompt. The atmosphere is cozy. I return because-aside from it being walking distance from my apartment- it is consistent; they have yet to disappoint me in any aspect of my dining experience.
(4)
Jessica B.

Ristorante Parma is a cute little Italian place that we tried on a whim because it was pouring and we didn't want to walk far from the Cow Hollow Motor Inn (it's next door). The bottle of Montepulciano wine the waitress suggested was a bit pricey, but damn good. We ordered bruschetta, portabella mushroom, and prosciutto e melone appetizers which were all good (even the mushroom!). But my entree was what pushed Parma to be better than average. The Tortellini della Nonna is veal and cheese stuffed tortellini in a light cream sauce with pancetta. Totally rich and a bit of indulgence for me, but it was worth it. Ristorante Parma is a little more expensive than your usual Italian place and it doesn't quite live up to the pricing (I suspect it's a product of being in the Marina) but I'll definitely be going back for that tortellini.
(4)
S A.

Can't go more than 30 days without going back. Family owned and run - - this cozy spot offers great food, wine, service, and is in a fun location - it has it all. Go with a date, family, friends - or all. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Teresa C.

Great find in the city. I like the feel of this little place. My younger sister lived close and it was a place to go and hang when I drove up to The City for a visit. The pasta is very good. It's a comfort place to go in just about any outfit in your closet. A real feel good place for a good meal, cozy date, or just to hang with a sister who is a joy to spend some time with.
(4)
Barbara N.

We LOVE Parma!! We live in the neighborhood, have tried MANY restaurants - if I said ALL you'd know I was kidding cuz there are sooooooooooooo many!! But, after hearing friends talk about how much THEY love Parma, we gave it a try and now we are HOOKED! You can find us there, many Friday nights now!! We LOVE thier oil, vinegar garlic and bread, specials of the day, the soup of the day, and the Caesar salad for two!! yummy!! After dining there on three Friday nights, the owner and staff now know us by name - already! And are sooooooooo sweet and nice! They have good wines, but we like to bring our own so asked about corkage fee - $15!! So we are happy!! Don't go to any other, ESPECIALLY Italian in the Marina, go here! It is awesome and you will LOVE IT!!
(5)
Connie C.

I've never been to Italy, but this cozy little restaurant was so charming and homey that I'd imagine many places in Italy are like this. I ordered the Penne Romanoff with sausage and mushroom in vodka sauce and loved it. I also tried the evening's special, a shrimp risotto, which was just as delicious.
(4)
Beth W.

Yum! I love this place. Even on a Friday night, we didn't have to wait for a table! Parking is a little bit difficult, but of course it's the Marina. I can't get enough of the carpaccio, which has shavings of parmesan...mmmm. The garlic, vinegar and olive oil served with bread is what I really come here for. I had the smoked salmon with light cream sauce the last time I came here. It's always delicious.
(4)
Amanda H.

I could not get enough of the bread and the sauce, damn it was tasty. Penne with sausage & mushrooms was a treat with a nice glass of Pinot Noir. Restaurant is kinda small & intimate without any attitude.
(5)
jean z.

My absolute favorite restaurant - I love the cool intimate atmosphere and the wonderful food! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Beth J.

I feel really bad writing this review. I hate writing bad reviews. I'm not a bad review kind of person. However, this was a really bad experience. My friend was visiting the bay area on business and wanted to meet me for dinner. I found this place on Yelp and told her to meet me here. By the time I had gotten to the restaurant she had already been there for 15 minutes and the service was off to a bad start. She told me the staff was rude and unwelcoming and she had to stop someone to order a drink since no one had acknowledged her yet. I hoped things would improve and thought maybe they just wanted to wait for the rest of the dinner party. Not so much. We sat there without drinks for about 10 minutes. No one apologized or said they would be with us as quickly as they could. It was really strange...the place was not that busy, so that was not the problem. Everyone just seemed to have a general apathetic attitude regarding service. When bread was finally brought to our table, the man who gave it to us did not smile, make eye contact, or even seem to notice we were sitting there. We flagged down a server and finally ordered drinks and food. When the food arrived, luckily, my friend was really pleased with the veal dish she ordered. I would have felt terrible recommending this place had her meal been on par with the service. I was underwhelmed with the gnocchi I ordered. It tasted a lot like spaghetti-o's to me. I actually like spaghetti-o's, but would rather not pay $9.00 for them. Oh, the bread with olive oil, balsamic, and garlic was good once we finally received it from the crabby man...2 stars for that alone. I just don't have the heart to give a 1 star review. I'm not sure that I would give this place another chance...it was too much work.
(2)
Elzabeth G.

One of my favorite restaurants in the Marina. Tiny tiny place, but great service and very good food. I have taken at least a dozen people here and they all love it. They don't take reservations so get there early because it's very popular.
(4)
Hammer Time H.

menu is kinda small. i had veal piccata. they used a bit too much lemon. the ratio of capers was perfect though.
(3)
Gayle M.

We had a great dinner last Friday night at Parma. The Osso Bucco special was fabulous - a rich sauce with complex flavors. The wine list was reasonably priced. As stated by many of the other reviewers - the host was charming and did everything he could to make our evening special.
(4)
Kevin W.

Parma once was a decant place to casually pop in and have a good plate of pasta . No the last three experiences demonstrate that they have let minor success go to thier heads and are forgetting the people that were the core group that made the place. The dishes have elevated to hotel level prices and the sauces are haphazardly put together and either soupy or dry . occasionally right. I have had my orders mixed up and prepared as if they were just to busy to do it right and were more concerned with speed. I am DONE trying to go eat there as they have ZERO loyalty to customers and the foods mediocre and expensive and the new set of yuppies pays it and Is to smashed to care what it tastes like . I called to give them one more chance on Saturday 7/31 and a girl answered and i politley said - well I guess you guys are pretty slammed- she giggles like a valley girl and says - yes laughing , I said well I guess that tells me what I need to know -- she continues to giggle and laugh and say hehe yeah --hehe -- well -I said I guess thats it ? she giggles some more not even offering to have us come in or ask how many we were --NOTHING - she was the epitomy of a vacuos airhead and I just couldnt take the stimulating conversation and the feeling that they wanted us to dine there so I said well I guess we wont be comming in ---she says hehe, gigle giggle ok ---- goodbye Parma ---to bad so sad -- You have people that want to pay but you burned your bridges , hope you dont need us again ---others - theres much better Italian food in this city - at better prices too- dont wait in line for this place !!! you will regret it unless you are drunk.
(2)
Nicole F.

It was delicious w/o a doubt. I had the veal. The ambiance is great kind of dark, smoldering and romantic. The man who owns or runs the place came and sat w/ us just on the fly. I would go back any time.
(3)
Swarup B.

a nice place that has a good rustic feel to it. the atmosphere is very warming unlike the service. it might've been the rowdy big group that we went with but the service was just not nice and didn't really make us feel at home. it didn't matter i suppose as we were all just enjoying each other's company but still, some class would be welcome. the starting balsamic olive oil dip should be marketed as a super garlic bomb sauce cuz if you take more than a small bit your gonna be stinking like garlic for hours to come. i got the special of the day that night (sole in a garlic butter sauce) and it was decent. the sauce was really good but the fish didn't taste that fresh and was pretty disappointing. i had bites of food off of other people's plates and what i tasted wasn't that bad at all.
(4)
Cal H.

Always great food. Always great service. I will always recommend this place. Parma- Thank you for giving me a "staple" that I can rely on for a quality meal.
(4)
Elisa L.

Family owned restaurant in the marina, great prices, and excellent service. The fusilli con pollo and the penne with smoked salmon and asparagus is what we get every time. Food is always great, never varys. The portions are just right and the bread (with it's great balsamic vinegar / oil / diced garlic) is terrific. When we lived in the city we were here a few times a month, now that we moved, we try to get there once every other month. Best Italian food we have ever had! The wait at the door is worth this food, DO NOT go down the street to E Angelo, that place is gross and the waiters are slow and rude!
(5)
Kevin B.

Its one of those places that you have seen a bunch of times but never took the time to truly investigate it......so one time I did and I enjoyed. I went there on a Friday round 7PM and had a 5 minute wait...it felt like a family joint and that's always nice. I would go again for sure.
(3)
Stacy T.

Freakin good Italian food that is NOT reminiscent of the North Beach tourist slop that they try to pass off as an "authentic taste of Italy." Tender al dente pasta with sumptuous sauces that coats every strand or ridge of pasta with its warm steamy embrace. My personal favorites are the penne a la vodka and the lasagna. Molto Bene! The complementary bread is accompanied by a balsamic, fresh minced garlic, and olive oil dip. Divine. Granted you'll smell like a giant clove of stinky garlic when you leave, but if you go with a date he'll smell like it too! No excuse why you can't get your kissy face on.
(4)
Lisa A.

Very charming and friendly place. The food is great and so are the prices. The lasagna is huge, you could easily share it. Make sure to come hungry, because you will leave feeling very full!
(4)
Brian L.

My gf and I shared the grilled prawns over spinach which was out of this world good. Then we had the romaine salad with a mustard dressing which was nice. For the main entree, we shared a risotto with lamb, asparagu and mushrooms. Wow! All that with great service. And only $47 total.
(5)
m l.

i just love this place. it's an old chestnut street establishment with great service, and simply good Italian fare. the ambiance is great-- you can actually have a conversation with people practically no matter were you sit (it's a small place). and the pasta is homey and tasty and consistently good every time.
(4)
a p.

By far, the best Italian joint around! The food is amazing and the bread & olive oil is a MUST for any garlic fan. I could live on the stuff! Definitely go hungry... as the portions are generous. The ravioli with peas and prosciutto in cream sauce is outstanding! The restaurant is family owned and is one of the friendliest around. It's not the quietest place on busy nights, but it's always a good time and worth the wait. Go in once and you're bound to become a regular!
(5)
Shane M.

went on a monday night. was good. seems a little spendy though for what you get. not my first choice but was a nice atmosphere.
(2)
Sarah R.

It's not revolutionary, it's just a fantastic neighborhood Italian. An evening here with a nice glass of Chianti, yummy Caesar and the Melanzane Di Parma Eggplant baked with tomato sauce, parmigiano and fontina cheese - it just can't be beat. I dream about that eggplant, seriously. I've never had better, anywhere. Just trust me on this one!
(4)
Katherine D.

I love Parma! The fettuccine is clearly homemade and I can't resist ordering it every time I'm there. The minestrone soup is also delicious along with everything else that I've tried. Parma is a small restaurant with a cozy San Francisco feel. They don't take reservations or names at the door, but the owner has impeccable timing and has always seated us within the time we were quoted. I frequently bring out of town guests to Parma, but it's definitely better suited for small parties.
(5)
Julia S.

Relaxing environment, spectacular food, genuine service. What else do you need? Well, maybe reservations, but since Parma doesn't take them, you'll just to have to swing by and see what's available. Everything from the bread with a great balsamic/garlic mix to the pastas to the meat dishes to the wines are worth any wait. Authentic Italian food that can't be beat.
(5)
Yvonne Y.

Once again...one of those little dark and rainy nights where me and my friend were putzing around and needed a place to eat. We drove around and around and everything was busy. It was incredible and a great value! Bright fresh tomato sauce and white chicken breast meat in my pasta dish. It's made the way Italians make food- simple- no frills. Great flavor and basic ingredients with no more than two or three ingredients.
(5)
Lauren H.

The food was not impressive and not cheap, and the service did not save it. We waited way too long for our first glass of wine and the sauce (which makes or breaks an italian restaurant) was just ordinary. Not terrible, but would not go back and not recommend it either.
(2)
Angela T.

Beware the garlic! Great classic italian plates. They seem to want to rush you through the dinner though...
(4)
elena s.

Such a warm, friendly place. Food, wine, people are great!!! if you want a cosy evening with your family or friends - this is the place to go. Great value too!
(5)
Emily C.

Absoulutely Faboulous
(4)
Kristen C.

everything i tried was really good (mussels, spaghetti, veal, chicken marinara). staff is welcoming and i am planning to go back!
(5)
Tom P.

Simply put - I called my mom when I got home to tell here about this place ... It was that good! ... Oh yeah, and for such a small place it's not too bad if your w/ a group - we had 7 including me. It's required you order the Antipasto Misto each and every time.
(5)
Allan B.

Great neighborhood Italian Restaurant. Chicken Marsala is superb!
(4)
Jennie J.

Great (but strong) garlic oil for dipping, great service, good selection of wine, nice casual atmosphere. Food is good and very satisfying, although a little on the plain side.
(4)
Joe I.

A great menu and the food lives up to it. Follow the advice of others here by going light on the garlic-parsley dipping sauce. It is incredible, but can be very overpowering and linger on into your dinner...and then breakfast.
(4)
Karin C.

Delicious Italian food...watch out for the garlic!
(4)
Alli G.

The restaurant is small so you will likely need to wait, but never for very long. All of the dishes I have had there have been great, plus there are always choices that are not on the menu - just ask for what you want.
(5)
Teresa H.

food is fresh and delicious, risotto is top notch. not on menu? talk to owner, and they can customize the menu for you. if there's a wait, have always been offered a complimentary glass of wine. affordable, authentic, and cozy.
(4)
M D.

cozy, neighborhood atmosphere. owner is a complete doll, very old school and welcoming. pastas are simple and delicious. if you're on a date, steer clear of the garlic (or make sure you both have some)-- it will definitely keep the vampires (and perhaps good night kisses) away
(4)
Brandon C.

In short, this place has GREAT food, fitting decor, and friendly staff. Also moderately priced. Everything from the bread with the garlicky olive oil, to the salami/prosciutto/cheese plate, to the main courses were very tasty. Loving authentic Italian, I assumed this place served "americanized" pasta dishes. But I was pleasantly surprised. I asked if they could make their spaghetti alla carbonara with egg instead of cream sauce, and they said "that's how we do it." It did have a little cream or butter added but tasted fantastic. The three others I was with ordered pasta dishes as well and those were all really good too. Would definitely recommend this place for anyone craving Italian who happens to be in the neighborhood.
(5)
Maggie S.

A friend recommended this place to us for a date night. Even though this place was bustling with diners, we got right in on a Saturday night with no reservation. Big plus! They treated us like VIPs. The atmosphere is great for a date night or a dinner with friends. The place is small inside, but feels intimate and transporting vs. cramped. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable and the owner checked on us a couple of times throughout the meal. The food was delicious. I had the Fusilli Con Pollo, which was really top notch. The sauce was to die for! We will definitely be back here!
(4)
Lizzy U.

I'm really torn between giving this three or four stars. I came here for dinner with a group of five girls, in typical girl fashion we all showed up at different times. When four our of the five of us were there we decided to order some wine, the waiter had checked in and we asked for just a minute to decide on a bottle, ten minutes later he still hadn't come back to the table. He was sitting in the front of the restaurant on his phone -- there was only one other table in the restaurant. We finally said 'excuse me may we order wine' and he audibly sighed, walked over and said 'are you ready?!' It was really aggressive and it was clear he was annoyed with us, although, I'm not quite sure why as everyone at our table was very polite. His service did not get better through out the night, he was annoyed when we told him we could pour our own wine, annoyed when we said we didn't want salads to start, just over all very rude and irritable. Luckily there were two other servers who ended up taking over and it was a much more enjoyable experience. The food itself was awesome, totally lived up to our expectations! It definitely did take a little while to get the food out even though it wasn't very busy but it was worth the wait. I got the lasagne and it was sooo good, HUGE portion, and just made perfectly. We all shared bites of each other dishes, the chick parmesan was also super good. I would definitely be willing to come back as the food was so good and reasonably priced, I just would avoid the mean waiter.
(4)
Daniel L.

Terrible service from the jump. Read several good reviews and we are new to the area so decided to give it a try, what a mistake that was. The manager or I least I think she may be the manager but was also doing some serving. She would not smile if you would've paid her. It's like lady, if you are that unhappy to be there then find something that better suits you. The food itself as as mediocre at best. Double wammy, bad service and food not good. We will definitely not be returning and I hope those of you take time to read this do the same, do yourself a favor and don't waste your time, not to mention the wait time on the food seemed extremely too long for a restaurant that was maybe half capacity. Also over priced for the portion size.
(1)
jason l.

(To read about their lasagna, skip to paragraph 4) I love food. I love it! So I'll start by saying that I don't mind waiting a reasonable amount of time for some quality fine dining, I even expect to have to wait. Waiting for over an hour for our appetizers however, seems excessive. Having to wait an ADDITIONAL hour for my entree is ridiculous. As I've stated, I can accept waiting for fine food. I however was not prepared to wait for milk to curdle into the ricotta for my lasagna. Now, this alone would make me upset, but I used to wait tables and I understand that some nights things just don't go right. I understand that it's not necessarily my server's fault. I can be forgiving when it's deserving. But when our waiter is unapologetic and downright rude, this dining " experience" has just become unacceptable. The hallmark of good service is this: do my beverage glasses ever go empty? If so, for how long? Last night, every glass on the table went empty, even the water glasses, until we repeated asked for refills. At Parma it would seem that refilling drinks is not in the wait staff's job description, and they are too good for that kind of demeaning work. Now this was especially upsetting to me since my water and ice tea were my only means of sustenance for what seemed an eternity. Now, mind you, I wasn't being an ass. Parma is one of my in-laws' favorite Bay Area establishments. My mother in-law worked closely with one of the owner's daughters and they are considered friends of the family at Parma. I wouldn't embarrass my family by making a scene or by being rude, I just think that he standard of service from the Parma staff is going down the toilet. This suspicion is only confirmed by the other bad reviews of Parma starring the owner's other daughter. All this aside, how was the food you ask? Good, but not worth the wait or the rude "service". I ordered the lasagna which is one of their signature dishes, and while it tasted authentic and fresh, it was just good, not mind blowing. It had a little too much acidity, and the ingredients were not well balanced in my opinion. The lasagna noodles were al dente which was different, not necessarily bad... just different. My wife had the lamb chops, they looked delicious, but I was fuming at that point and had no desire to taste them. My in-laws were seated behind me so I didn't see what they ordered, nor did I really care at that point. My recommendation: Don't waste your time with Parma. Go to Il Fornio. Go to the Italian restaurant around the corner. Go anywhere else. If you have no choice but to dine at Parma, don't go there hungry. Don't go there expecting to be wowed by great service. In fact, don't go to Parma expecting much of anything and maybe, just maybe, you won't be let down.
(1)
Lindsey S.

This came to us as a recommendation from "Eagle " at Izzys, and he was so right. We loved everything! This was the best Italian food we have had in awhile anywhere.
(5)
Elden L.

We have been going to Parma's for over 20 years even though we live 95 mills away. It is time to share why that is and why we take our friends there. I have yet to get a bad meal or had a bad experience on our visits. The pricing is fair, the food is fresh & hot, the service is great and not pestering. I have asked for food not on the menu like Veal Scaloppine Marcella, no problem,was to die for!! Like any great neighborhood restaurant, the conversation is full of life's experience's and sometimes load but it's a small price to pay for a charming dinner in a locals hang out.
(5)
Rachel L.

Looking for your typical friendly neighborhood Italian spot where waiters woo you with charming Italian accents and the manager is straight out of the Godfather? Parma's got you covered. Small, cozy, and adorned with murals of Roman ruins (I mean, what else would you expect?), Parma is the place you bring your parents to and/or have a standing Saturday night dinner at when you're 65. But don't get me wrong, it's gooooood. Manager is very friendly and charming in the brusque Italian sorta way- but perhaps not always the most honest when it comes to wait times.. So take it with a grain of salt ;) Once you do get seated though, service plays to your mood. Attentive and quick if that's what you're looking for, or more slow and dragged out if you're trying to have a vino-pasta-tiramisu sorta night. Meatballs and caprese are great to start with and definitely make sure you leave room for their spectacularly garlic oil and vinegar dipping sauce. Although you may leave smelling like garlic for days, it's 100% worth it. All their pastas are delicious and homemade but the real winner of their mains is their veal piccata. Mamma mia! I'm not even a big fan of veal, but the tender meat paired with a deliciously lemony sauce and topped with capers makes for a winning meal. Highly highly recommend. All in all, a great neighborhood spot, good food, and fun for a quick date or a more celebratory meal. Or your standing Saturday night dinner when you get to that age..
(4)
Janelle G.

Favorite Italian restaurant in San Francisco!!! Caesar salad to start was fantastic. Had Chicken Parmesan here and another time the homemade fusilli con pollo. Everything is delicious. I've taken friends and out of towners here, who ordered a variety of dishes, and everyone was satisfied. No reservations but I haven't had to wait too long for a table. Cute neighborhood to walk around in after dinner too :)
(5)
Jocelyn S.

Usually as long as the food is good I don't care what the service is like. However, the owners daughter was SO RUDE it was unbelievable. Astonishing really. Here's some gems: Me: "Do you recommend anything?" Her: "It's all the same." Well that gets me excited to eat here... Me: "It's my friends birthday, do you do anything special?" Her:"Yeah, YOU buy a dessert then WE put a candle on it." I'm fine if that's your policy lady but lose the attitude. Me: "Excuse me, where's your restroom?" Her: *glares and points to the back of the restaurant* Got it, too busy for words. Understandable with an empty restaurant and all. Her: "Ladies I only accept two credit cards so I'll thank you for taking that one back!" Yep, math is hard when three people want to split a check evenly. Noted. Her: *stares us down, even when we make awkward eye contact, the moment the bill is paid as a way to motivate us to leave* Lady, there's 12 open tables right now and it's a Tuesday night. Chill.
(1)
Kerry M.

Simply my favorite Italian restaurant! Anywhere! The family run atmosphere adds to the great service and always excellent food! Every time that I go to San Francisco, I make it a point to come here. I feel like I'm walking into my brother's house and sitting down to a home cooked meal... Except in Italy! I can't say enough good things about the staff, the food, the ambiance and the overall experience of Parma! Thank you for being so good to me!
(5)
Jacquie N.

We came in late, starving, looking for a bite to eat. This was the last restaurant open. Nervously but happily we accepted the invite to come in. The decor is a little over the top, could have been faulted for expecting a "cheesy" experience. But then first the wine (alas, I no longer remember what it was but I remember of course, it California) and then the plates. I remember feeling so happy that it was pasta and this tasted like it was lovingly hand made. I remember feeling so very happy and finally relaxed. We were here. The food is great. All is well. I should give it 5 stars, I should. But will default to a little bit of conservatism for that I was in a delirious state. Truly, I should come back and try again. I should give it a 5.
(4)
Brian H.

The service here was great. They included a free desert for moving our table. The bread was hard and mediocre. I got the lasagna and I did not enjoy it. I, along with two other people felt like it was too salty. I will probably try another dish at some point
(3)
Seth M.

As mentioned, the garlic oil dipping sauce is amazing. My wife has been talking about this place for years, so it was the first place we went when we visited San Francisco. Everything was delicious, and the service was excellent!
(5)
Elizabeth K.

We are from the East Coast and have good Italian food in our area but this is the best we have had since we went to Italy in 2013. If you are in San Francisco I urge you to have dinner here. We had the Linguine Bolognese and the Gnocchi Pomodoro. Both were fantastic and we actually did carry out with the Gnocchi on our last night in town. As mentioned by others the bread dipping mixture is also amazing. We will miss Parma and definitely dine here again on our next trip.
(5)
Chantal T.

3.5 stars. This is my cousin's favorite restaurant. She raved about the lasagna. They know her and her fiancee. I guess I was a little less impressed. FOOD - Lasagna (which came highly recommended) was good, but not mind-blowing - Portions were awesome though - You know it's authentic food since a lot of the staff here can speak Italian SERVICE - Great service with attentive servers AMBIENCE - Cozy. It's basically a long hallway with seats on both sides Overall I think it's a solid place but I would likely dine at other places over this one.
(3)
Armen S.

Best Italian restaurant in California! Every time I'm in town, I make an extra effort to come here before catching my flight back home. Things to try: lasagna, and try getting the gnocchi with the papalina sauce. Their Caesar salad is also the best I've had. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Ashley R.

I've been contemplating writing this review for a while now, but tonight set me over the top. My husband and I live less than a block away from here so we have been to Parma a good 15 or so times in the last year and a half. A few people have referenced the older gentleman who seats people (the owner) - he always treated us pretty well. Well, there's a new chick at the door who happens to be the owner's daughter. I just had twins about 6 months ago, and one evening we went in to get a table and when I asked the wait time she looked at me and my babies and then said, "it's an hour. Sorry." And then walked away. Lady...maybe I don't mind waiting an hour. I thought maybe I was just being sensitive about the whole kid thing and it was all in my head. A few weeks later, we went back with my in-laws and the babies and there were tons of tables open so they couldn't make up any excuses this time. The entire time we were there, we were shuffled through and given rude looks. I'm talking straight eye rolling. Not only were my babies NOT crying or being bad, but other customers were coming up to see them and talk with us, so it didn't seem like we were bothering any of the their guests. I thought this was a FAMILY run establishment?? Tonight, I went back with some friends (no babies) and we were treated so rudely by this same woman. It's beyond me how she is in charge of this restaurant when her dad's not there. When we gave her multiple credit cards to split the check with, she looked at us and said, "I can only charge 2 cards, thank you." And then she chucked the cards and check back at us. I mean, that's not a problem but why do you have to be so rude about it? She then proceeded to stand at the back of the restaurant with her arms crossed and staring at us. The place was basically empty, so it's not like we were taking up prime real estate. The food's fine, but definitely not worth being treated like dirt for. I won't step foot back in that restaurant simply because of this woman.
(1)
Crystal B.

This place is one of my favorite restaurants in the city! The lasagna is truly an experience and not to be missed. The ambiance is lovely and the wait staff is attentive.Not only is the food good but I've had some lovely wine as well. I took a friend visiting from New York recently and he absolutely loved it as well! The prices are reasonable for San Francisco. What else can I say but ... Go Tonight!
(5)
Katelyn D.

I ordered the Lasagna, Romanoff, and Eggplant entree. AMAZING!!! I ate this 3 times in 2 weeks and every time it was consistent and yummy. This place is really cute! The portions are generous so I can get 2 meals out of it if I'm not being a pig. I can't wait to try their other dishes.
(5)
Gina V.

Nice ambiance. Small and intimate. Ate there with kids and still felt welcome. Had flat noodles with bolaganse it was delicious. Not to heavy and kids loved it. Lasagna was great. Chicken marsala was ok. Would have given 5 stars if it was a little more flavorful. Good service. Would go back again.
(4)
Jimmy A.

Amazing Food!! Being from SF but now living in LA, I could have made a meal out of the French Bread alone. If you're looking for that "Neighborhood" feel in a small "Ancient" decor...this place is it!!!
(5)
Karen B.

We've been going to Parma and enjoying their food for over 10 years. It was the Saturday before Christmas and this time it was such a disappointment. Our server never even once mentioned the specials (we heard about them from the table next to us after we had already ordered). The fettuccine with peas and proshuitto was not up to par this time around. Proshuitto was dry and hard and tasteless. Lasagne wasn't fresh and was drowned in tomato sauce. The owner was sitting at a table near us actually holding his head in his hands. Hey, it's the holidays ... if you're having a bad day don't come in. Next time we're in San Francisco we won't be returning. Goodbye Parma.
(2)
Molly K.

Favorite Italian spot. So cute inside. The owner is so nice!! the wait is never very long. Everything I have tried there is amazing. The bread and garlic/oil at the begging is so addicting. Great salads. I have never been disappointed in what I have ordered. Lasagna is probably the best go to.
(5)
Alli V.

Great neighborhood spot for a very tasty, traditional Italian meal in a warm, family environment!The Fettuccine Bolognese, Penne with Asparagus and Salmon, and Capellini alla Gigi are all favorites (a.k.a. consumed on a regular basis!) And the dipping sauce that comes with the bread is also fantastic - reminiscent of Trattoria La Siciliana on College Ave in Berkeley which has a similar traditional, family feel paired with delicious food. I'm hoping some new wines get added soon, but the food is perfect as is!
(5)
M D.

Enjoy the garlic olive oil with fresh bread ! A favorite - it's small but this is SF people. Always a good time if you can get a table. Great eggplant parm.
(5)
Cath M.

My sis suggested this place and I am so thankful she introduced this place to me! We came here on a Monday night with our grandma... it was packed (thankfully) and so we got seated right away. Service was very friendly and prompt. Here's what we got: - Prosciutto con Melone = perfect amount to be shared... my grandma loved the combo and it was nice to see her smile and enjoy good food. - Prawns di Parma = prawns were grilled properly and it was seasoned quite nicely as well. - Fusilli con Pollo = I think I was so hungry I ended up finishing this plate! It was really tasty and the chicken was cooked right... not dry at all. - Tiramisu = we shared this and it was just right... traditional... not too sweet but creamy nonetheless. Overall... definitely worth checking out! Go early since they get pack quickly!
(5)
Richard And Tammy S.

...disappointed. Tables to close to each other, loud, and the food taste like "chef boyardee"
(2)
Sheila H.

My favorite Italian restaurant!!!!! I love their Prawns Di Parma and Antipasto appetizer. Another favorite is Spaghetti Alle Vongole! Yum yum!!!
(5)
Jason S.

Super - fabulous "hole in the wall", unpretentious, family style Italian restaurant! Superb quality along with appropriate serving without insulting your wallet. Meatballs better than yo mama made/makes!
(5)
David L.

The food here is actually pretty good. The decor inside is elegant. My complain is the service. When my friends and I first walked into the restaurant we were greeted by this lady who I assumed was the owner who did not smile but look irritated as if someone interrupted her. She then asked how many people in our party. What about "hello" or "how is everyone doing this evening? All the staffs seemed like they don't want to be there. You have to ask for water to start and repeatively asked for someone to refill your water and bread. When they do the bread is cold. No one smiles. They're all just stood around and pretended to be busy. The owner sat down most of the time with her ipad and didn't seem to care about what's going on. We all felt very unwelcome. There are just too many good places to eat. There is another restaurant next door call Isa. It is a million times better than this establishment. Save your time and money and try out Isa.
(1)
Ryan H.

Really good! Highly recommended! Only complaint is they only have beer and wine. Food was amazing!We had bruschetta and the meat balls for apps. And lasagna, chic parm and pancetta for entrÃ©es. All these dishes were very tasty and the bread with garlic, olive oil and balsamic topped it off. It's a must try if you're in the mood for Italian.
(5)
Abdulaziz A.

The staff was amazing. Even though, we came late they still welcomed us. Food was perfect and tasty. I had the penne al pesto it was one of their best I would visit again and eat their.
(5)
Audrey A.

My husband and I were underwhelmed by our meal. We ordered the Affettati di Salumi (an assortment of salami, cured meats, and olives) to start and were disappointed in the meat selection -- the quality wasn't very good. My husband ordered the penne with salmon and asparagus in a cream sauce, and the flavor was lacking -- he said that it just didn't taste homemade. I had the carbonara and it was alright, but again, not very flavorful. The man next to us ordered the lasagna and it looked awesome, so maybe we just ordered wrong. If we lived in a small town we'd probably give this place another try, but since we live in a city with such a vibrant food scene, we most likely won't be back.
(3)
Jeffrey R.

GREAT food. HORRIBLE service. The owner's daughter is always there and is always pissed about something. The male waiters are all duds as well. We live in the neighborhood and have been a dozen times or so. We've braved the service for so long because we love the food but it's just getting old. The owner is a great guy which makes it so sad to see his kids running this place into the ground...
(2)
Janie N.

Excellent food, great service, unbelievably loud ambience, we could hardly hear each other.
(4)
Dustin W.

Best. Italian. Food. Ever. Seriously, the Lasagna is the best I have EVER had, and the servers are great. The owner walked around and talked to the tables to see how they were doing, and they made sure we had everything we need all night long. If you haven't eaten here yet, you need to as soon as you can, you will NOT be disappointed!
(5)
Autumn Y.

Sorry, but have to say was not all that impressed with Parma. It is located in a cute little neighborhood in the Marina, which is always a draw as most little places tucked away in neighborhoods are amazing. Sadly Parma is not one of them. The service was horrible. I think our waitress spoke to us a total of 3 times. She was not friendly nor helpful in any way. The pasta was just okay, nothing different then pasta you can make at home. The true winner on the menu is the lasagna. My bf ordered that and I have to say it was amazing, but everything else was just a let down. We also ordered the porkchop and it was very dry and I am pretty sure the green beans were canned green beans. If you are craving lasagna then this is the place to be otherwise, I would get your Italian fix on elsewhere.
(2)
Sangita A.

Brought Stephanie and Shivani on separate trips when they came to visit me in SF and they loved it! Food: +Spinach Salad- fresh and light +Gnocchi Pomodoro- good for vegetarians +Chicken Cannolini- my friend loved this; very tasty almost looks like an enchilada +Pollo Alla Marsala - my favorite here and a good option if you're avoiding carby pastas Ambience: It's a very narrow, long hallway of a restaurant. Very intimate and quiet and with dim lighting. Service: Prompt, friendly and patient. -Hungry Hungry Pongy
(4)
Dave H.

I rarely write reviews on Yelp, but I'm an avid user and feel obligated to let everyone know how delicious the food is at Ristorante Parma. I just enjoyed the best lasagna that I've ever tasted. It's light on the ricotta cheese but the mozzarella and meat sauce used were second to none. I'll be visiting again soon!
(5)
Cynthia B.

Great little restaurant in the Marina. Excellent food and service. We started with a selection of Italian cold cuts which were very good quality. On to the fresh salads, pasta, and meat main course. Enjoyable meal and a great evening. Can't wait to go back. I really love the feel of this cozy, comfortable Ristorante!
(4)
Victoria C.

Cozy little Italian dinner place, family owned, and greeted by the owner (?) when we walked in.
(4)
Pam R.

Well, the last three times were disappointing (we really wanted to be sure before dropping this place from our fav list). The atmosphere is charming, wine and service excellent - but the food has become way too salty - it's the sauce and doesn't seem to matter what dish we order. We have enjoyed this place very much, but alas, will need to find another Italian place to love.
(2)
Bwayne 0.

The food is the best in the Marina and the service like no other. I have been going there for years now is it's by far the best italian place in san francisco. Angela is very beautiful and HOT and always gives us great service. I wish she would marry me. I love her..
(5)
Kenneth E.

Went with a party of 4 on a Friday night. It's a really small place so the estimated 30-45 min wait did not sound horrible. My GF had eaten here before and highly recommended it. We ended up waiting about 30 mins, which was acceptable by us. We ordered a couple of appetizers (brushetta and beef carpaccio) both were excellent. The sauce for the house bread was also delicious! Great start so far. However, everything goes downhill from here. Our entree took over 50 minutes to arrive. During that time, our server did not check on us even once. No update, apologies, nothing. I had the creamy pesto pasta, which was very good. I think we were all very satisfied with our meals and eat everything in less than 10 minutes because we were so hungry. As it turns out, most of the restaurant was experiencing similar issues. Only a few tables had their food. The older man (possibly the owner) was definitely nice but spent too much time trying to hit on younger women. So much so that there were a couple of tables that had sat for a long time and did not even get menus. Might be a good place during off hours but would definitely not returning because the service was so poor.
(3)
Barbara A.

Absolutely authentic Italian food :) the ambiance is very relaxing and cozy, the staff is friendly and welcoming. Most of them speak perfect Italian and are or have Italian origins :) It was my husband's b'day and they offered him a delicious tiramisu that, as good as this one to get, you have to fly to Italy :)
(5)
Alissa B.

Delicious! My boyfriend and I shared a couple of dishes and they brought them all out split already on separate plates! The melanzane di parma (eggplant) was especially yummy. It's surprisingly hard to find a really good classic Italian restaurant amidst the touristy and the scene-y places in SF, so we will definitely be back. The restaurant also has a nice intimate feel to it, and our waitress was great.
(5)
ivy t.

Best Italian I've had in the city. The ambiance makes me feels like I'm eating dinner in Florence (one of my favorite travel destinations). The wait staff is extremely warm and friendly and it's always nice when they remember you. My boyfriend and I go almost weekly and order the same dish every time. The food is consistent and delicious as always. The Penne Romanoff is my go to dish and my boyfriend is the Tortellini Della Nona. The lasagna is also divine. Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Cindy G.

This place is so charming. The food is delicious, wine options are great, and the service is amazing. They have fresh bread that comes to your table as soon as you are seated. What I love about this place is the privacy and intimacy that you get from it being a small restaurant. Not to mention the food is very appetizing.
(4)
Jonathan M.

Nice place close by to a friends place in SF. Small but cozy. Based on the reviews had to try to the Lasagna and it did not disappoint. Great flavor, could easily split to share with another person. Service was very good, waitress was very attentive and engaged in conversation. Wait for a table was about 3 minutes and the entrees did not take long to come out once we ordered. Will go back for sure if in the area again.
(4)
Julio C.

Sets the bar high for Italian food. Very intimate environment, even with the noise level. Glad we came across this place because I wanted to take my girlfriend out for a romantic dinner. Nailed it! First time having carpaccio, loved the rich flavor. Veal was equally amazing. Topped off with a killer cappuccino and creme brÃ»lÃ©e. The service was A+ An all around team effort from the staff, made sure we were happy without hovering over us. Another must when in Frisco.
(5)
Richard N.

Not Bad - But There Are So Many Choices Nearby..... Pros: Nice atmosphere. Service was friendly, though confusing. Cheese in entrees. Cons: Caesar salad for 2 was actually for 1. Sad bread. Cheese in entrees. Suggestion: If the kids get unruly, slap them with bread. For cheesy dishes, wear scuba gear. Star Ratings: - Overall: 3 - Food Quality: 3 - Food Quantity: 3 - Bread: 1 - Menu: 3 - Wine List: 2 - Service: 4 - Price: 3 - Value: 3 - Parking: 1 - Ambiance: 3 We don't make it to SF very often...maybe twice a year...and even then we usually drive back home to San Jose for dinner. However, this time my wife and I had our 7 year old granddaughter in tow for a tour of the Exploratorium by the Palace of Fine Arts. So we decided to find a place in the neighborhood. Yelp indicated there were many fine restaurants with a variety of cuisines around the Marina district. Since we're partial to parmesan and needed to find a kid-friendly location, we chose Ristorante Parma. - Menu: Not as extensive as you find in our typical suburban Italian restaurant, but maybe there's something to be said for a more limited selection and doing it right. Even with the number of choices cut down to size, I'm sure most people will find several good-sounding dishes. - Wine List: Similar to the food menu. Smaller than usual, but with a sufficient number of reasonable alternatives in most categories. However, my wife wanted a glass of chardonnay, but had to settle for the house wine. Nothing off the wine list appeared available in a 6-8 ounce version. - Food: My wife and I started by sharing a Caesar Salad advertised for 2. The ingredients were fresh and tasty, but the size was more Weight Watchers than Hungry Man. For $14.50, it was puny..even in SF. For an entrÃ©e, I ordered my old standby...Eggplant Parmigiana. It was certainly big for $13.95, but the cheese overwhelmed everything else. You could drown in it. I like cheese, but if candy can give fits to a diabetic person, this dish would deliver a major dose of gas to the lactose-intolerant. I almost had to cover my mouth and stand up just thinking about it. My wife had one of her favorites, Chicken Marsala, and thought it was a reasonable rendition of that dish. Our granddaughter, bless her simple tastes ( as of now ), was content to eat a bowl of pasta with butter. They even made 2 glasses of chocolate milk for her which was not on the menu. - Bread: I really like bread. Maybe too much. But at least for an Italian restaurant, it's sort of a cultural thing so it deserves its own paragraph. At Ristorante Parma, it was plain and ordinary. Perhaps they feel the olive oil and small chunks of garlic would redeem the bread. For me, it would make a great doorstop. I ate it because I was hungry. - Price and Value: Aside from the Caesar Salad, the rest of the meal was fairly priced. Total before the tip ( including a Peroni beer for me ) was $77. - Service: We were the first patrons to arrive when the place opened at 5 PM and service was promptly paced. Most of the meal was handled by a friendly young woman, but she disappeared before the entrees were delivered and a guy took her place. I saw her again at the end. He was a nice guy, but still? She said her cousin arrived and she wanted to catch up with him. Maybe that's SF? Maybe just the price for a neighborhood feeling? Maybe we should eat where my relatives work? - Dining Area: The room is narrow and deep with a series of tables for 2, 3 and 4 which are easily combined for larger groups. It's low key, tasteful and clean ( where I looked ). Even the bathroom ( space for 1 ) was okay. You won't need gloves, at least early in the evening. - Parking: Good luck. The immediate streets are a mess, but there were spaces a few blocks north toward the Marina. Would I go again? Possibly if I lived nearby and developed into a regular. But as an infrequent visitor to town, I'd check out the hundreds of other choices in search of a meal which begs me to ask for more.
(3)
Heather H.

Incredible! Just got takeout - the Fettuccine Bolognese, and it was so very good! The pasta is definitely homemade, and the meat sauce is amazing. I'm picky with my Italian food, and this place is really great. Very authentically Italian! I've walked by here for three years and never been in - can't believe I've been missing such great food. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Mike V.

Have eaten here a couple of times when in the city, never been disappointed. Quality is excellent and the portion size is very good, especially for the price compared to other Italian restaurants that are located in the North Beach Area. In fact we are giving up our previous favorite in North Beach because quality has gone down and the cost there is easily double. It's a family operated restaurant, not a large place. Not a full bar, just wine and beer.
(4)
Paulina L.

I came here on a Saturday night with my boyfriend and there was a 20 minute wait -- not bad for such a small restaurant on a Saturday night. The bread wasn't warmed and it was a little hard. However, it didn't matter because the dipping sauce was so delicious! Probably my favorite thing here. I decided to fill up on bread and took half of my pasta home to eat as leftovers the next day. I had the lasagna, which was good but a little too salty for my taste. My boyfriend had the tube pasta with salmon, which was good but probably something I could make at home (and I don't really know how to cook). Overall, a good experience. Prices are reasonable. Pastas are about $15 each.
(4)
Chris H.

I honestly can say we had a great relaxing dinner. The food was great. The pasta we ordered had so much flavor and restraint. we are not local people, but we will be back when we come to town. If I was going to make one suggestion it would be to have the bread warm instead of room temp. Great experience. I will be back
(5)
Paul J.

Parma is a favorite. It is not fancy nor pretentious. It is just good food severed by a very friendly and attentive owner and staff. I eat at Parma frequently and recommend the restaurant to people looking for a good meal.
(5)
Michael A.

Not a bad place whatsoever. Authentic waiters/waitresses. Budget priced food, pastas are about $13, apps are $10 or less. The only thing that bugs me is that you can only get house selected wine by the glass. fortunately the cab of the night was decent. $8-10 for a glass, bottles were around $35. 3 stars for everything food and service related, +1 for a well priced menu.
(4)
Sarah C.

Came here for dinner on a Saturday evening around 6.30 or so. The restaurant is a bit small. 20 minutes after we sat down all the tables were taken and there was a small line. We were given a table where one is a seat and another was a couch. The maitre'd was very sweet and pulled out the table for me to get inside. The tables were close to one another. Felt like we were eating with the people sitting on either side of us. The pasta here is very tasty and light. They give you the right amount of food. Not too little. Not too much. They were very generous with the ingredients. Two things we loved about our experience here - They were very speedy and on top of the game. We didn't feel rushed either so it was nice. We got our food very quickly. - The olive oil, balsamic vinegar with garlic sauce. It was very good but didn't feel heavy. One bathroom. Clean and spacious. Feels like a bathroom in a little cottage somewhere. Wouldn't mind coming back if I was ever in the area.
(4)
Lorelyn S.

When we came in the place is very quiet and small clean place. We've been looking for italian place close to our hotel that we're staying, this place is the bomb in their food. We wan't light meal and we successfully get what we want. The service is excellent and fast. The food is astonishing delicious. It was excellent. We had pasta mine is carbonarra in creamy sauce and they had angel hair pasta with tomato sauce and diced of chicken and italian sausage. It was al dente in creamy tomato sauce. We want to eat more but it's already night and we don't want to have problem digesting everything we ate. Next time we visit San Francisco, we will visit these place again to eat at lunch time. We are very satisfied with food and service!
(5)
Mike K.

Went here on Saturday night just walking by. Excellent Lasagna, some of the best ever. My mom had the Gnochi which was really good too. Service was slow but def worth it.
(5)
Laura M.

I grew up on Parma pasta and am still in love 17 years later. As a loyal and weekly Friday night customer, I have had almost every item on the menu and have never had a bad meal. My favorites are the meatballs, antipasta platter, and lasagna! The service is exceptional, and the staff will make you feel like a regular and right at home. I can not recommend Parma enough!
(5)
The Green Box G.

Very good....
(4)
J C.

Tiny hole in the wall place with about 50-60 seats. But don't be fooled by the size they sure know how to make great food here!! We were a party of six and we all finished our plates completely clean. The pasta was piping hot and most places can't do that. Their sauces with all the pasta was delicious. You can't miss with any of their dishes. But careful not to eat too much bread cause their dipping sauce for the bread can be addictive. Great place and friendly staff
(4)
Patrick H.

I was staying a few feet away at the Cow Hollow Motor Inn, and was looking for something close that had take out I ordered the Fettuccine Bolognese, and I can definitely say I wasn't disappointed. The pasta was fresh and delicious. The meat sauce was one of the best I've had in a long time. I'll definitely be coming back in the future to try some of the other dishes.
(5)
Rohan P.

Ristorante Parma has a very family feel to it. The food is oh-so-good! Me and a bunch of friends have dined out there, have tried various dishes and never been disappointed. Tip: try their Lasagna Classico, it's my favorite. I have only good things to say about their service. The restaurant normally shuts at 10:30, but on one occasion we stayed well past closing time (we don't normally do that, it just happened this time). When we mentioned this to them, they were like, 'It's alright. It doesn't matter as long as you enjoy the food.' I'm definitely going there again, and I definitely recommend this place to folks who are fans of Italian cuisine.
(5)
India B.

Oh. My. Goodness. GET THE LASAGNA. The restaurant was packed when we arrived around 8pm on Friday night, but our party of three was seated promptly and comfortably. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting and our service was great! For starters, we had the trio misto and eggplant -- both were fresh and delicious. The bread and garlic oil/vinegar dipping sauce were so tasty that we unconsciously kept scarfing it down. In hindsight, this was a bad idea because when my lasagna arrived, it was so AMAZING that I wanted to devour the entire (huge!) portion, but I was already too stuffed from the yummy apps and bread beforehand. Still worth it! Now I know to pace myself in the future so that I have room to enjoy everything! We were too full for dessert, but the menu looked incredible and I've been told the tiramisu is possibly the best ever -- I'm hoping to try some of the dessert options next time around. All three of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals -- I would highly recommend Parma and I am already looking forward to going back again!
(5)
Jeff B.

Overall recommendation - this restaurant is great if you don't want to wait for delicious food when in the Marina on the weekend. Warning: expect it To be overly loud and more expensive than what it's worth. However the food is Good and they are friendly and fast. Positives- Glass of Pinot Despite the presentation- the Cesar salad was good. Enjoyed the chicken marsala. The spaghetti carbonara was very tasty. Angela the waitress- who was fast, efficient, and kind. A 25% off our next visit coupon. Negatives- Loud Insane amount of garlic in the oil mixture. 14 Dollars for two very small cesar salads? Too expensive for what you get
(3)
Nicole Z.

Came here with the hubbs and my mom one of my first nights in the city. I have never been that big on Italian, thinking its decent but not worth the carbs and calories. Ristorante Parma completely changed my mind, which is both fabulous and dangerous. This was delicious, hands down my favorite Italian meal thus far. The complimentary bread with garlic olive oil and balsamic was addicting, so simple, yet so ingenious. Mum ordered the lasagna because of all the rave reviews, I had the Spaghetti Carbonara, and hubbs had the Tortellini della Nonna. All dishes were incredible. We also had the chocolate lava cake for dessert, chocolate is always delicious. They don't take reservations and the place is a bit small, but definitely worth the wait.
(5)
Robert E.

Excellent food. The closest to the restaurants of Rome that we have enjoyed. The fusilli sun dried tomato and chicken and spaghetti carbonara were delicious. The Italian Meat appetizer presented excellent deli quality. The pasta dishes were served hot and stated warm for the whole meal. We 'll be back.
(5)
Shuting Z.

perhaps its because we were in Marina an area we dont feel comfortable in lol. my pasta with asparagus and salmon is too creamy but my bf's dish is good according to him. strictly speaking 3.5 stars.
(3)
Amy B.

We didn't have to wait too long on a Friday night (there's a whole huge room in the back). I started out with a glass of Malbec, which was really nice. When I ordered my wine, we also ordered the octopus starter. When our server came back to take our order, we got a salad, a linguini dish with black truffles in a yolk sauce, and a grilled lamb. We ended up getting our entrees first; it seems our server forget to put the octopus order in. We decided to still get it, though. Everything was delicious. The pasta dish was divine--not too rich and perfectly creamy. Hub's lamb had a great flavor, but was a bit tough. The potato gratin thing that came with it was amazing, though. When we finally got the octopus, we were really glad we decided to stick with it--it was really good! The roasted potatoes with it were also very tasty covered in a chimichurri sauce. Overall a great experience!
(4)
Mina D.

Delicious Food, on the heavy side. We got: Antipasto di Melanzane: 2 - it was cold, I was expecting warm grilled eggplants. Fettuccine alla Papalina: 4 - delicious! Spaghetti Carbonara - 4 also delicious! Starter bread was cold too, i wish they warmed it up. I would definitely go back here, the food was kind of heavy so can't go back too often :)
(4)
Curt S.

The best Chicken Parm in all of San Francisco. Great service (even when handling large groups) and reasonable prices.
(5)
Brittany B.

Delicious Italian food in a laid-back but pleasant setting. After a grueling day of walking, I cancelled the reservations I had at another Italian restaurant across town, opting instead for something within easy walking distance to our hotel. Ristorante Parma allowed me to satisfy my craving for some lasagna, even exceeding my expectations. Hubby got the pesto pasta and enjoyed it. Kiddies got the fettuccine bolognase. Servings were generous, food was tasty. For dessert, the Torta Della Nonna was amazing: lemony powder sugared goodness! This is a fabulous neighborhood Italian spot in the Marina.
(4)
Jade F.

My husband and I love this place. We have been coming for the last few years, regularly. They know us, so much that I get a hug from the owner upon arrival, which I LOVE... makes you feel right at home. Here's what we like on the menu: - lasagna - carbonara (REALLY good) - trio misto (caprese) - vongole - capellini My favorite is the vongole, but the seafood isn't always consistent. The mussels and clams can vary in quality, which is unfortunate. Regardless, this isn't enough to keep us away. Give it a try!
(4)
Keith R.

KEY: For two people, order one pasta and one meat entree to share. Two pasta dishes are one too many. HAVE AGAIN: The tomatoes and mozzarella were good, but not delicious. The lasagna was very good, but a bit salty and the spinach ravioli was also tasty.
(4)
Trisha C.

We stumbled upon this restaurant by accident but we're so thankful we did. We were looking for a nicer restaurant with great food and we weren't disappointed. I had pasta with smoked salmon and my boyfriend had the veal both were delicious that we ate every bite which was difficult considering the pros were very large. The staff were on there game the whole time even though the place was full. I have absolutely nothing bad to say it was a perfect ten.
(5)
G R.

Food was good.
(3)
Lauren B.

For my 100th Yelp review, I decided to go with a real Yelp-worthy high quality mom and pop restaurant and this place is perfect!! Ristorante Parma is a great neighborhood find and a great option for people who truly love finding quality mom and pop restaurants in a big city. I love that the owner was actually there talking to people when we arrived . . . it's a unique restaurant for the typically trendy Marina and the tortellini I ordered was some of the best pasta I have found in the city. I know I will be back here and I look forward to becoming a regular.
(4)
Jessica M.

From start to finish insanely good!!! The garlic spread for the bread was so good, the clams and mussels appetizer was one of the best I've ever had, and the veal piccata was out of this world!!! Family owned, super friendly and fast... Food was amazing!
(5)
Janice C.

If you want trendy Italian food, go to Ristobar or A16. Here at Ristorante Parma, it's all about being comfortable in a rustic and welcoming environment. The type of ambiance that's conducive for those easy conversations or ones you'll remember for a long time. I would've loved the bread to be served warm, but you know what? the outstanding garlicky-olive oil balsamic dip more than made up for it. The wine list looked reasonably priced but we decided to just stick with a glass of wine each. A light bodied Pinot Grigio was a crisp pairing to our appetizer, the prawns di parma. Grilled shrimp sitting atop a bed of sauteed spinach with a lemon-garlic sauce. I had the fettuccine alla papalina with fresh peas and proscuitto in a light cream sauce. I usually don't care for cream-based sauces anymore, but the prosciutto was calling my name. Pair that with sweet peas and you really can't go wrong. Their spaghetti carbonara with sauteed pancetta and shaved parmigiano cheese is a good choice as well. You'll leave this restaurant with a nice, warm feeling and more importantly, it won't even cost you an arm and a leg.
(4)
Jack M.

I walked in with my family around dinner time on a Saturday night and they seated us immediately. They have the best olive oil and balsamic vinegar I've ever had for the bread. Great service and it's rally quite in side. Excellent spot for a date!
(4)
Gloria H.

It's ok, not worth making a trip to the Marina for...with traffic and lack of parking. We had a glass of house cab and chianti each - $8? Food we had: insalata - $7.75 - it was nice that they splitted it for us risotto special - $15.95 - chicken and pea with saffron - ok seafood spaghetti - $17.95 - clams, mussels and shrimp - pasta and tomato sauce were ok. Service was attentive.
(3)
Rachel R.

I was looking for an Italian restaurant to take my parents and found this winner. I'm not sure I've ever been at a meal where all 3 of us cleared everything on our plates, but it happened for dinner at Ristorante Parma. The food was good, the waitresses and the setting were also enjoyable. This is at the very least a solid place to eat but I think most people will find it very tasty.
(4)
Eve C.

The whole experience was great. You are welcomed into the restaurant with a huge smile and immediately you feel at home.The food warms your soul and the bread with dip is pretty addicting. It's a neighborhood gem.
(4)
Vicky L.

4.5 stars rounded up. Everything about Parma says Italia. The inside is made to look like an old alleyway in Rome - rustic, romantic, and beautiful. The servers have many, many regular customers and all know them by name. The food comes in large portions obviously cooked by people know exactly what they're doing. Since Parma doesn't take reservations (open only for dinners and they're closed Sundays), we decided to head there right after work, around 6:30. The restaurant was maybe 1/3 occupied, so we scored a nice table in the back. Bread and a garlic-olive oil-balsamic vinegar bowl came out. The concoction is VERY garlic-heavy and also VERY yummy. We started off with the Gamberetti del Porto, which is essentially lightly-battered and pan-fried rock shrimp. Think popcorn shrimp, but with a lighter, more delicious batter and more tender, juicy pieces of shrimp. It came with a creamy garlic aioli dipping sauce, which was a good complement to the crunchy batter. Boyfriend ordered the insalata mista, which was just basic mixed greens and garlic vinaigrette. I would love to have the salad with maybe a few pieces of grilled shrimp, and that would be a great light lunch, as the dressing isn't your typical boring vinaigrette; garlic lovers would be pleased. I ordered the fettucine bolognese, which was some of the best restaurant-made meat sauce I've ever had. The meat was not cooked to a shriveled mess, and it was not watery at all. It tasted fresh, and the pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. Boyfriend had the lasagna, which WAS AMAZING. Wonderful combination of flavors, and it was a huge hefty portion. And I don't even like lasagna! Tiramisu ended my meal (of course, how can I NOT order tiramisu at an Italian restaurant?) - it was a good finish, not too sweet, airy and light. Chocolate-loving Boyfriend ordered the chocolate lava cake, which I found entirely too sweet and too heavy (keep in mind that I don't really like chocolate). But it's exactly what it sounds like - chocolate cake, with a molten chocolate center, and he loved it. I decided to round up to 5 stars because I already know that I would want to come back to try other things on their menu. Even though the restaurant filled up and the noise level rose towards the end, it doesn't have the pretentious feel that Capannina has (even though I love their food as well). So, congratulations Ristorante Parma, for transporting me back to Italy for an hour or so.
(5)
Ariel N.

Really yummy food! Good selection for even my picky boyfriend. Great service too with reasonable prices.
(5)
Tamara B.

My husband & I have been here a few times and it's always been great. Their Penne Salmone & Asparagi is absolutely FABULOUS. When you sit down they bring you bread w/ Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar & diced garlic to snack on... Very yummy.. (though I *do* wish that they'd put a liiiiiiittle less Garlic in the mix. Sometimes it's a bit much). The service is good & attentive-- my one complaint is that each time we've been we had to wait quite a few minutes before they finally brought our bill to us (this is even after we asked for it). Not necessarily a deal breaker though as we've never been in a particular rush and the tastiness of the food more than makes up for it. All in all, this is a fabulous Italian Restaurant, with great atmosphere, good prices & amazing food in a wonderful Marina/Chestnut Street location.
(4)
Rani C.

carbonara and beef carpaccio!
(5)
Kelsey K.

I have only been here once but I love Italian food and I cannot wait to go back already. In fact, I took home the leftovers for lunch the next day and I woke up wishing it were lunchtime so I could eat my leftovers already! So, we casually walked in around 8:30pm on a Friday night and they were able to accommodate our party of three in three minutes, tops. The servers were very European and they first brought us bread and a DIVINE mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and chopped olives to dip the bread in. Wow! It was sooooo delicious. My husband ordered the house Chianti and my mom ordered the house Cabernet wine. They were both very pleased with their choices. Two of us had eggplant parm and my husband had the penne with salmon. They warned us the eggplant parm would take about 30 minutes to prepare, but it was not more than 20. It was amazingly delicious. The red sauce was so tasty and light. It was a huge portion, so that why I had leftovers. I easily could of stuffed myself with this monstrous pile of eggplant parm, but I resisted and it was still delectable the next day. From the outside this place doesn't look fancy or glamorous, but it's a really cute authentic Italian place. The inside walls and displays of wine even makes it feel like you're in Italy. I'm so glad to know that Ristorante Parma exists!
(5)
Cincia H.

Got there at 5pm when they opened the doors since they don't take reservations. Cute and cozy, not great for large parties. Staff was friendly but seemed a bit rushed. Not a place to exactly feel you can have a totallly leisurely dinner and hang around to chat. But food was excellent! Great meatball, loved the carbonara and melanzane di parma. Veal piccata was delicious and tender. Corkage fee $20 Good prices and definitely will return.
(4)
Dan L.

I saw Carbonara on the menu and asked the waitress (sweet girl) if it was "real" carbonara - i.e., without cream like I had in Italy - it was my favorite dish there. It was, and the woman at the next table said it was the best dish on the menu. It was very good - though not exactly what I had in Rome: it had a very distinctive chicken stock flavor but was really tasty. Very good portion size, too, with generous use of pancetta. For dessert I got the chocolate raspberry cake which was excellent too. I'd definitely go back. The service was great - served by one "main" waitress and two other people and the food came quickly (and the place was full).
(4)
Jeanne C.

Really good food! Not too crowded coming in on a weekend night. Not very pricy either. All three very good things in my book. The food was hearty and delicious. All three items we got, we all enjoyed. Will come back again to get my Italian fix when I don't feel like going to North Beach!
(4)
Joanna S.

We started out with carpachio and garlic prawns. The carpachio was good but the prawns were great. For dinner we had the lasagna. This was the best lasagna I've ever had. I can't even describe how good it was because I am currently in a food coma. If you get a chance to come here, get the lasagna. It's amazing.
(5)
Erin T.

The bf and I actually planned to go to a wine bar down the street but found it closed for a private event so we wandered down the street to see what else we could find. We both love Italian so we stopped to check the menu and a passerby informed us "it's good!" so we figured it was worth a try. Definitely a good choice. The staff was really friendly and helpful (and I am pretty sure our waiter was actually Italian!) The garlic olive oil dip for the bread was definitely good, but the garlic is super intense. If you are on a date, make sure you both eat it! We ordered a salad and entree to share and both were great. The hearts of romaine salad was topped with grilled pear, which was a nice touch. We also had the Penne Romanoff with italian sausage and mushrooms. Yumm. It was so nice to find a great neighborhood spot on a whim. I would definitely return. One note: while this can be a nice date spot, there were also several groups, including a large group with some small children (one one crying child). So if you want t a really quiet spot this is probably not it.
(4)
Kaety F.

Love love this place, great food, perfect atmosphere. .The house selecte wine is always delicious.
(5)
Marby L.

Went here last Saturday night while visiting San Francisco. We were seated right away, a little warm in the restaurant, but we came out of a cold night so it wasn't surprising. Started with bread and the olive oil/garlic dip, delicious and a little spicy, hit the spot while we waited for salads. I got the Insalata Mista, very good, simple garlic vinigrette but delicious. Husband & daughter shared a Ceasar Salad for two, also very good. I had the Veal Piccata, it was done perfectly and very tender. Husband had the Saltimbocca al Romana, really, really good, sauce was amazing. Daughter had the Spaghetti Carbonara - I've never had it before and I don't know why, it was rich, filling, and also amazing. Daughter and husband shared the Torta della Nona, they loved it, I tried it, it was good but not my favorite type of dessert so I can't fairly rate it. We shared a half bottle of Ruggeri Prosecco, loved it! Now my new favorite in sparkling wine. Definitely don't miss this place, it's a winner!
(5)
Lesley B.

If you don't like italian food, go somewhere else. This place is great. Food is amazing. He got the salume plate appetizer, i got the house salad and we shared. Prosciutto wth melon, salame, roasted peppers....goodness. Rustic bread with super fresh garlic/olive oil/balsamic vinegar spread...i could eat that all day but eventually the garlic will start coming out of my pores. Entree, i had the lasagna...divine. Spinach pasta with a meat sauch that's soooo good. He had the penne with smoked salmon in a cream sauce....delish! Small, romantic atmosphere tops it all off. Cheers Parma! We shall return.
(4)
Carol T.

Food there was wonderful, pasta was made perfectly every time, oh yes, their bread with fresh garlic and olive oil is awesome!! Love it!
(5)
Michelle R.

DELICIOUS! And very hearty servings. They can get pretty busy, and don't take reservations, so get there early. I love that the owner and servers know us by name, it adds to the charm.
(5)
Paul M.

Loved the flavor. The appetizer sampler packed lots of flavor. From the salume to the grilled marinated eggplant to the bruschetta to caprese, the appetizer started our meal with great strides. Normally, we don't order lasagna at most Italian restaurants since we want to try other items, but our server strongly suggested it--and she was right: very tasty! Dessert gelatos were a great capper to the meal. Our server was one of the daughters of the owner. She knew the menu inside out and says she has been enjoying these dishes since she was a little girl. Her suggestions were fantastic. The surprise was the pricing. Parma was a great value. We look forward to visiting SF again and Parma will definitely be on our restaurant list!
(4)
Thomas N.

I've worked in an italian restaurant before so I'm pretty tough on italian places. it was a cute place to have a nice dinner with friends on a weeknight. we started with bruschetta and it was fine. then, we shared a few plates but I ate only the chicken marsala. it was served with string beans and mashed potatoes. REALLY good. dessert was tiramisu was really good too :) Grade: B
(3)
Jimmy M.

Nice small spot. Food was good and reasonable.
(3)
Erika C.

Why is it so hard to find a good Italian place? I had the salmon and asparagus pasta. It could've been better. It was bland; I tasted mostly cream. Good solid pasta is not easy to do. I definitely won't come back. There are too many places to eat at than to waste money on subpar pasta.
(2)
Nick L.

We dined there Saturday night. The ambiance was wonderful. Cozy but not dull. The food was fantastic. I had the lasagna which tasted home made the was my wife's mother use to make it. Good choices for chianti. All in all a perfect dining experience. The owner makes you feel like an old friend.
(5)
Jessica W.

Classic, delicious and affordable! Their gnocchi is my absolute favorite (I get bolognese instead of marinara on top). The gnocchi taste like little clouds melting in my mouth.
(4)
Tiffany T.

Came here for date night with the bf. Thanks to yelp, I found a decent Italian restaurant with yummy food! But be aware.. this place is in the Marina district which means parking is scarce!! This place is very cozy, a mom and pop place. Arrived and was seated in about 10 mins. As a bunch of other reviews have already said, their garlic vinaigrette & olive oil dip was DELISH! I'm NOT a garlic person at all.. my friends who know me know that i don't eat garlic.. or onions for that matter. But i decided to give the dip a try since i love bread with vinaigrette. It was addicting! I kept wanting more, no seriously.. you gotta try for yourself! Appetizer: We ordered the bruschetta. Very simple dish.. toasted baguette, tomato and basil infused with olive oil, pinch of pepper, and diced up garlic. Entrees: ME- I ordered the Penne Romanoff (penne with sausage & mushroom in red tomato sauce). This was very flavorful, but very heavy and meaty. I'm a sucker for sausage and mushroom (just like the toppings I would order on my pizzas!) so I went with this classic dish. I was only able to finish half my dish. HIM - The bf ordered the Spaghetti Vongole (spaghetti with clams, mussels, and shrimp in a garlic tomato sauce). Honestly.. I liked his dish more than mines. But don't get me wrong! I enjoyed both pastas!! But if I had to pick, I would choose the seafood pasta. Very yummy.. the seafood wasn't over-powering, jumbo shrimps, garlic tomato sauce was perfect. I would come here to order this again! Dessert: Ordered a tiramisu to share. Nothing special.. bleh.. Overall, I would definitely come here again when I am craving for pastas!
(4)
Daniel L.

Great dinner right around the corner from out hotel. Attentive services and great recommendations!
(4)
Chelsea E.

Absolutely delicious! Great low key ambience and friendly, efficient service. Reasonably priced though the portions are a little light.
(4)
Mark S.

Great food and great service. Affordable too. A win for the Marina.
(4)
O N.

Great food and good atmosphere. We got the tortellini, gnocchi, fusilli, and the lasagna for four people and they all tasted great. Except for the lasagna, portions were a little on the small side, but the taste (especially the sauces) made up for it. We will definitely go back.
(5)
Sina F.

TERRIBLE FOOD! I am an avid yelper and cannot believe some of the testimonials regarding the food/service here. First off, the food is completely AVERAGE/below average. I got ravioli and it was definitely the worst ravioli I have ever had coming from an Italian restaurant. My family did not like their dishes either as they said it was either way too salty or just felt like the dishes were not up to expectation. The service is terrible- the server was always in a rush and didn't recommend any meals on the menu. While I was there, the atmosphere was very kiddish.. LOTS of kids with people screaming. One man in particular was so drunk he started screaming at the top of his lungs scaring everyone. If you are looking for good italian food I wouldnt look at this place as it left a terrible impression on my family and I.
(1)
Petri Y.

Went here last night based on Yelp reviews and it certainly didnt let me down. Its a cute restaurant on Steiner in the marina, the restaurant probably has about 10 tables all together so not really a huge place but service was good and atmosphere was cute and charming. Its definetely authentic italian food, we had the procuitto and melon as a appetizer- this was so good and fresh, prociutto was just the right amount of saltyness combined with the perfect ripened and sweet cantelope it was heavenly. came with three huge, thick slices of melon and prosciutto. I ordered the spaghetti carbonara and my BF ordered the Prawn risotto with tomatoes and both were SO good. Came out pipping hot -my spaghetti had nice chewy little specs of carmelized panceetta and the pasta was perfectly cooked. THe risotto had a very creamy texture and tasted very different from mine, like the sea! they also have bread with this really good garlic dip with olive oil that they bring out and man is that tasty, although you do get garlic breath badly afterwards...but oh well! a couple next to me had i think chicken parm and it looked so good and another pasta i think fusili. the portions are great and very filling and tastes so yummy! my new favorite italian place, cant wait to come back and try their other dishes
(5)
Shirley H.

Came here for a bday dinner with a girlfriend of mine and i have to say the decor is so adorable and the food here delish. the complimentary bread was delish with the pasta. i don't think i remember what pasta i had ordered but i remember i had no left overs. i might come back here one day...we'll see.
(3)
Marta V.

We have had both large parties, and small dinner's here and the food is amazing. The Lasagna, and Gnocchi are amazing!!! The service is great as well, and desert menu they have there is a must try.
(5)
Carolyn H.

My husband and I love this place! We literally come here all the time and have consistently gotten great food and great service. It's one of our go-to restaurants for date nights or for entertaining visitors. Definitely worth a try if you haven't been there yet.
(5)
Zaneta C.

Best Italian restaurant in SF! My favorite entree on the menu is the Chicken Marsala. Wow! Absolutely delish!
(5)
Greg S.

Parma! Pasta! Parma! Pasta! I wasn't quite expecting the experience I had when we sat down for dinner at Ristorante Parma. Sure, it's a cute place. Small, cozy, with a nice classic feel. But the pasta blew me away! I'll dive right in and talk about it...I ordered the Fettuccine Bolognese. It didn't look like a lot of food at first, but that bowl seemed endless! And my oh my, the homemade pasta is one of the best I've ever had. Seriously! Looking around at the other dishes made me realize you can't order a bad dish here. Not possible. The broccoli soup was really great too, and next time I can't wait to try the lasagna. The bread and garlic/balsamic/olive oil dipping sauce was really tasty as well. Our waiter was really great...nice, funny, and charming. Very accommodating to our needs. I haven't eaten at too many place in the Marina, but after an experience like Parma, I hope to explore more! Thanks Parma!
(5)
Lynn V.

I had the Spaghetti vongole. It was a great dish for a summer night. Clams, mussels, prawns, on a bed of al dente spaghetti and marina sauce. It had the right amount of diced garlic which was very yummy. I was pretty satisfied with my meal, but the experience wasn't that great. It's basically a long narrow restaurant with an open kitchen in the back. One cool thing was that they kept their wine bottle collection on display over one side of the wall. Simple decor! We had a party of 6 and that was apparently too big for the place. It's very snug and cozy. Great for a date night, but any party beyond 4 is going to be a hassle. We had to wait outside because there wasn't even any standing room inside. They told us it would be 15 mins but we waited for 30. Service was very slow and I wasn't impressed with their menu.
(3)
JOHN O.

I have been meaning to write a review on Parma for a long time. This is my favorite neighborhood restaurant - incredible italian food, affordable, and the atmosphere and service are the best. My wife, young child and I go to Parma probably 2-3 times a month and can't say enough about the family that runs it; you only have to sit there for 10 minutes to see that nearly everyone they greet at the door is a long-time customer and friend. Now, the food. Best lasagna you'll ever have period. Carbonara is incredible, and if they have the lamb special it's about the best lamb you'll ever have...done in that simple yet amazingly delicious garlic and oil way. Everything is top noch and again is just a fabulous neighborhood restaurant; a place i'd rather eat at than really anywhere else in the city
(5)
A T.

The food is fantastic. This is a great little family run spot in the Marina. We love eating here, or even getting take out. That's the 4 stars. As long as the quality food remains the same, I think it deserves a good review. The -1 star is for the manager lady (even though it made our dinner a 1 star experience) with the sourest expression I have seen, and the rudest, couldn't care less attitude. Two nights in a row that we dined there, so it wasn't a one off. Hope the owners see this review.
(4)
Lisa M.

I hope I'm not giving away the best kept secret in SF for Italian food - but that is what Parma is. Amazing in every way. The lasagna is unbelievable, I wish I had some for dinner tonight! Beyond the amazing food is even more amazing service. So as much as I want all of you to avoid so I don't have to wait too long to get a table, the food is really amazing!
(5)
Alison M.

Very cute restaurant. The garlic/olive oil they bring to your table is SUPER yummy. I had the lasagna which was very yummy and a good size serving (double win). I'd say Parma or Delarosa are the places to go for Italian in the Marina.
(4)
Rachel H.

Had an excellent dinner here the other night for my friend's birthday! The ambiance is pretty nice, the interior is done all romantic-style. We had shrimps for the appetizer. They came with a really delicious sauce. Then, I had the tortellini with proscuitto. It was creamy and delicious, I really enjoyed it quite a lot. My only gripe is that it was pretty expensive for what it was. I feel like you could get a meal just as good, for cheaper, elsewhere.
(4)
Jeff P.

The waitstaff were a bit cool, which seemed contrary to the point of a charming little Italian restaurant. The decor was a faux Italian alleyway, complete with a windowbox of flowers, which on the whole I found charming. Food was fine, but nothing special. The gnocchi were overcooked, not al dente, and the sauce in the carbonara did not cling to the noodles. As a visitor from Seattle, I won't make any effort to return here, but I don't regret coming.
(3)
Fuji F.

When you walk in you immediately know the food is going to be delicious from the smells. I am a veal piccata lover and I was not disappointed.
(5)
Myla A.

I went here as a guest of a large party a few weeks ago, and we took up about half the restaurant. It's pretty tiny and was very packed, so I don't recommend this, but it was a special occasion, and I'm glad someone picked this place. The decor is very family Italian, and I kind of liked the classic look and cozy, warm feel. The menu is very simple, and a few in the party ordered the salmon special with saffron rice. We definitely enjoyed the wine from the list. We ordered the whole shebang - wine, apps, entrees, dessert. I loved the olives and the dip for the bread. I had seafood pasta that was generous and delicious. Lots of clams and a sauce with the right amount of sweet and acid. I'm assuming it was the owner who was flitting about the restaurant with clever quips for his patrons. He was hilarious and cute! I'd come back just to flirt with him; however, our server who seemed to be part of the restaurant's family should learn not to make frowny faces if she's frustrated. I could see that she was a bit frustrated with some of the indecisiveness of our large party, but should I really see that? I tried to be overly sweet and polite and ready whenever she was assisting me to let her know that I appreciated her dealing with our huge table. And everyone else in the restaurant seemed to be enjoying their food and the atmosphere just as much as us. Nothing but a good time. Overall, while I don't come to this neighborhood often, I would definitely make a trip if I wanted Italian. Warning: The chef is very heavy on the garlic, but I love it!
(4)
Michael C.

I went to Parma with a group of 8 people the other night and they were able to accommodate all of us in this reasonably small restaurant. I had walked by this place a bunch of times before but never curious enough to walk in. On a friends recommendation we did though and I was very impressed. The decor inside is amazing, very Italian! The food was also amazing and was the real highlight of this place. I had the Rock Shrimp Risotto and grilled prawns that were in a garlic spinach sauce. Everything was great, and this was by far some of the best Italian food I have had in a while. All that being said the prices were extremely reasonable as well, especially for the quality of food and the atmosphere.
(4)
Christine K.

A classic standard for affordable and good Italian food! Come early! This place does not take reservations, so if you come before 6pm you'll get prompt seating... after that, no guarantees! The staff is very friendly and food comes out promptly. There was some hiccups in our meal on Saturday (two appetizers came out when we just ordered one, the salads came out separately even though they were the same salad?, etc), but even so I still think the food here is great. We were a group of five and all of our entrees were delish: gnocchi (mmm...) 2 orders of the special- seafood risotto (so much seafood!) seafood linguine (again, tons of seafood!) tortellini with prosciutto and peas (yum!) The caesar salad and eggplant appetizers were something I could've done without, but the lightly battered shrimp and meatballs were delish! Hard to park and no reservations, but if you're looking for some good and affordable Italian eats then definitely stop by!
(4)
Linda C.

Randomly walked in and surprising got seated right away for a Friday night in the Marina. The service was excellent and the timing of the dishes came out perfectly, so we had time to rest in between but were not wondering when the next dish was coming. The food was overall okay, your typical Italian dishes. I think you can get better Italian food for cheaper elsewhere. Nothing really to make me want to come back. Well, maybe the garlic sauce for the bread.... - Prosciutto & Melon: cantaloupe & meat, pretty boring even though i love prosciutto - Mista Salad: way too much dressing and very small portion - Spaghetti Vongole: seafood not fresh; however, the was sauce delicious - Bread: not warm, dipping sauce was good & very garlicy
(3)
James T.

I had high hopes for this place and I thought it would live up to my yelp expectations. The place is pretty small and I was liking the decor and atmosphere. i was seated promptly and after ordering they brought out bread with a garlic/olive oil/balsamic dip that was freaking awesome. I've never had it with garlic and this was a great start. We had some fried rock shrimp as an appetizer and this really disappointed me. It was something like shrimp "calamari". the shrimp were small and the dish was not satisfying, nor did it live up to to my expectations. it was basically popcorn shrimp. The pasta I had was a special, linguine with meatballs. (you'd expect spaghetti and meatballs to be a staple wouldnt you?) The portion was very generous, but not overwhelming. The red sauce was very flavorful, as were the 3 large meatballs. This is a great place for a small group to have a long conversation Read: slow service, but is very welcoming, easy going, and a decent overall experience *aside from that shrimp*
(3)
Kelly O.

I wish I could give this place a 3.5 star. We showed up on Saturday night around 8pm and had to wait maybe 20 minutes for a table. This is a verrrry small restaurant!! We ordered warm olives as an appetizer and they were delicious. I had angel hair pasta with muchrooms and pancetta and the bf had veal piccatta. He thought it was good but a little bland. I thought mine was quite good. Pasta dishes were around $12-15. I didn't notice anything extraordinary about this restaurant. Oh - the only beer they have is Peroni and nothing else!
(3)
Kris W.

Loved everything about this place! Was in town for a 10k and this was receommded by our hotel concierge. It's a small restaurant, but high ceilings and charming ambience make it feel cozy and welcoming. The staff was WONDERFUL, food was WONDERFUL, and it was easy to be seated on a Saturday night at 7:30 which was a treat! We started out with the bruschetta...I recomment it and it's even better when you put their dipping concoction on it! We split a caesar salad, which was fantastic, and I'm super picky about my caesar's! Finally, main course - spaghetti carbonera with fried pancetta...OMG...YUM! My date had fettuccine alfredo with pancetta and peas. Both were delicious and a good portion! We did not have dessert or wine....our bill was just under $50...I would highly recomment this joint, it's a keeper!
(4)
Suzy M.

This place is OK. The service was friendly, but I have had better Italian food. The space is cute and inviting. We started off with the bruschetta. It was bland. I think it needed salt, or more acidity. So we ended up putting their garlic, balsamic, and oil sauce they serve with bread on it and it worked wonders! Next we split the spinach salad. The bacon bits were really really hard, It was so hard, I almost thought I was chewing down on a rock. Other than that, they didn't over dress it, so I was happy and it was served split so we didn't have to do it ourselves. After that, I had their version of eggplant Parmesan, and it was good. I wouldn't say it was the best, but I would order it again. My friend had the fusili with chicken and the chicken was dry, and the sauce not so exciting. But then again I don't really like cream sauce. I have a small feeling that the chicken might have dried out because we decided to order a salad after ordering our main dishes, so maybe it's our fault. Lastly we had the chocolate torte with raspberry sauce. It was tasty, and on the house. We wondered why they comped it, but we were totally hyped that they did.
(3)
Sunnie H.

I meet Brian Wilson here the day after they won the World Series, need I say more.
(5)
Carolyn K.

Oh man, this place is lovely. Small, quaint, cozy, and beautifully decorated... not to mention the absolutely nommyful food. Started out with bread with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and basil. It was seriously such an amazing combination; I'm surprised this is the first time I've seen a restaurant do it. The garlic and basil definitely gave it an extra kick. We got the Fusilli con Pollo, Risotto, and Penne al Salmone and Asparagus. All were excellent; the flavors were all so well done and the pasta was cooked perfectly. The chicken in the fusilli was tender and juicy, the sundried tomatoes were the perfect flavor (more on the sweet side), and the cream sauce was done perfectly. The penne had a lighter taste and was complimented by the heavier flavor of the smoked salmon. Risotta was creamy and delicious. Bottom line: Cute place to go with a small group of friends or with your date. Balanced and delicious flavors. Good sized portions. Go now.
(5)
Morgan F.

This is my first Yelp review ever - and I had to express my LOVE for this restaurant. I am a total Italian food addict, and this place is absolutely amazing. Eating in or taking it to-go, the pasta, meats, sauces and breads are always delicious. When you eat at the restaurant, the staff is super friendly and welcoming. It is a small restaurant that feels like it is straight out of a village in Italy. The wine selection is fantastic and prices are very reasonable. I can't say enough about this place. I have been 5 or 6 times and can't say enough about it!!!! Personal favorites: Lasagna, prosciutto with melon, and the fusilli with chicken.
(5)
Kianga H.

I am still learning more about Italian Food. But what I had was not bland, quite tasty. Beyond the food, the ambiance was great for romance. The servers were very attentive and even the owner sat down and asked about the meal, giving recommendations for the next time I come in. The restaurant was not expensive, lively and energetic, but not overly so. The noise level there was that of grown people having good conversations, not drunk people with no class screaming their heads off to get attention. Not an Italian food expert, but I bet it was not that bad to most. The prices were right, and the service was spectacular. I will be back. If good service and a small but good restaurant that is not full of itself is what you are looking for, then this is it.
(4)
Barbara H.

We arrived early enough to get a table for 3 immediately. My risotto (seafood) was devine. The veal picatta had good reviews as well. We did have a rather long wait between starters and our main course. A suggested tip of 18% or 20% with the suggested amounts was listed on our credit slip. This is the first time that I have seen this on a credit card slip. My brother who was treating us was not impressed. I prefer to decide on my own what the tip should be and not feel pressured. When did 18% become the bottom line?
(4)
Michael D.

Finding a consistent Italian restaurant in San Francisco is like trying to find hay in a needle stack, especially since all the big names in North Beach are out to gouge you. Enter Ristorante Parma: Nothing fancy, just old style recipes that let the ingredients and ambience do the talking. Their carbonara's smoky bacon, egg slathered pasta goodness will make you wonder why this place isn't charging Marina prices for this attentive take on Italian cuisine.
(4)
ben l.

Really enjoyed the food, service and friendliness of the folks there. We had friends from out of town (Beijing) and came here because of the reviews from other Yelpers. Our friend said from the bread and olive garden dip to the coffee. The olive oil, garlic dip was delicious. Everything was so good. We had: Polpettine della Nonna Homemade baked meatballs in a tomato sauce Grilled, marinated prawns on a bed of sautÃ©ed spinach with a lemon butter sauce Fettuccine alla Papalina Fettuccine pasta with proscuitto and peas and in a cream sauce Spaghetti alle Vongole Fresh mussels, clams and prawns in a garlic tomato sauce Spaghetti Carbonara Spaghetti with sautÃ©ed pancetta and shaved parmigiano cheese \ To top it off, it was our friend's birthday and they brought her a piece of their Tiramisu, out of this world lightness and taste. We definitely will be back!!
(5)
Aaron W.

My favorite italian in the Marina and possibly San Francisco! Lasagna is amazing and every pasta is fresh and tasty. Their bread and dip is top notch as is the service. Pricing is also within reason and the atmosphere is traditional and romantic. Check out Parma!
(5)
John G.

Loved this place. Great environment and the food was delicious. Gnocchi were cooked correctly and I went off the standard and had them in a carbonara sauce that was excellent. Dipping sauce was all garlic and great, though you might want to show restraint if this a date visit.
(5)
Simon the cat -.

I really enjoyed eating here. Was attending a birthday party with 13 people. Everything was on the OMG this is delicious scale. The shrimp appetizer was great as was the portabello mushroom. I had Chicken Parmesan, Two big pieces (not banged flat to make them look big) of moist chicken with spinach which was cooked just right and mashed potatoes. I did ask for a small bowl of marinara. But only because I like a lot of sauce. Some of the dinner items were kind of expensive. But mine was only $13.00 A deal which I would have gladly paid more for. Oh yea the eggplant looked really good too. This place is owner/family run. And I give it 5 stars + Simon the Cat
(5)
Christine P.

Ristorante Parma is a small restaurant in the Marina that serves your typical Italian fare. The Boyfriend and the Sister and I were nearby jonesing for Italian food and picked Parma based on Yelp reviews. The inside is small and cozy and seats maybe around 45 people, plus or minus five. They don't take reservations, but we walked in on a Thursday night at around 6:30 and there were plenty of tables open. The food is solid. The Boyfriend got the Veal Picatta, the Sister got the Fettuccini Bolognese and I got one of the specials - pumpkin ravioli. The veal was tender and well-seasoned, the fettuccini was perfectly cooked and the bolognese was meaty and hearty, just the way it should be. My pumpkin ravioli was delicious as well, but my only complaint is that it was too sweet. It was almost more of a dessert than a dinner. The pumpkin filling was rich and creamy so I could only eat a few pieces. The portions are Italian-style, meaning large - I saw a lot of people taking leftovers home. The dipping oil here, by the way, is REALLY garlicky! I loved it, but I still have the flavor in my mouth the morning after. For the price, portions and palate-pleasing flavors, I give this place four stars. I'm looking forward to trying the tortellini with veal, prosciutto and peas and the Lasagna Bolognese. It looked so good! Check here for the menu: themenupage.com/parmamenâ€¦
(4)
Alys D.

We could smell the garlic from the end of the block, causing my garlic-loving father to practically begin panting. Parma is a small, cute Italian restaurant that gives the impression of somewhere more expensive but is rather quite moderate in price; the entrees were around $12-16 and appetizers about $8-10. Of course, you can always rack up the bill with wine, but we'd gone for wine ahead of time like true champs. The salads and appetizers are a small pre-meal size to leave room for pasta, so get a few if you plan to share within a group. The gnocci with red sauce and the eggplant lasagna were both delicious, and I loved the marinated mushroom appetizer. We left feeling just right - not overly full. This is a nice place to have an early dinner - we were there around 5-6pm, and it looked like the room was really filling up when we left. The service wasn't necessarily fast, but it's Italian cuisine---it's about being with people and enjoying your time.
(4)
Tip S.

My parents used to take me here as a kid every other week. I loved it growing up. For the past maybe almost 10 years I have yet to walk back in. Why? No Clue. I took a lady friend here a few years back, but they were closed. So I stopped trying to reunite my taste buds here. The other night a buddy of mine wanted to have a group dinner, yelped this place. The lasagna ravings had him drag 5 of us here. I kept saying over and over, "I used to dine at Parma's alot when I was younger, it's amazing!" As the waiter took our order, I almost yelled the Mussels!, and Carpaccio(thinly sliced rare beef), Those things came out, they were absolutely delicious! I was a little bummed out about them not having the lamb filet. I ended up ordering the veal picatta. Which was just jaw droppingly good! My gf loved the place also. I can't wait to visit again!
(4)
Rob S.

Food was great, service was odd/off. as a person in the industry it was a little weird that you would see the owner eating and standing on the line since it was facing the tables. our server never checked on us and our food. while we were eating she sat down at a table two away from our and started texting, which is huge. I don't care if your texting just don't do it in front of your customers. she then had a new table behind us that were told the nights specials and never told us... oh well i hope they can see this post soon because it would help them, not hurt them. again awesome food especially the garlic balsamic olive oil.
(2)
Carrie A.

I adore this place. It all lines up: the cozy atmosphere, the friendly staff, the taste of home cooked food with wines to match. Went in on a FRI night for girls night. We just wanted to catch up in a place that allowed us to be ourselves and where we could hear one another. Our server got it. No pressure, didn't hover, but was attentive and there when we needed him. The owner is a gem and full of smiles. The food was rustic and real - not full of glitz. It was a great night. I will bring my family in when they come to visit.
(4)
Brittany T.

This spot wins for romantic dates. Love fills the air as soon as you enter. We went for Valentines day and they had heart shaped lobster raviolis. The owner even gave me a red rose as I was leaving. Probably the best carbonara I have ever eaten. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! If you want to impress your date or show a girl you love her, take her to Ristorante Parma!!!
(5)
Ashley D.

After a disappointing Italian food experience Friday night, the boyfriend and I went to Parma on Saturday night for redemption, and it did not disappoint! I've been to Parma dozens of times and always leave full and happy. Between the boyfriend and I, we have tried almost everything on the menu and have yet to taste anything less than excellent. Start off with the best ever-hard to replicate garlic dip and bread, follow it up with a Caesar salad, and order a heaping bowl of comforting pasta - you'll be completely content and set for the night (albeit on the couch digesting).
(5)
Barbara C.

I was underwhelmed with dinner. We chose the place because we were going to the magic theater and they recommended it on their website. However it was just so-so. The salad we had (romaine with gorgonzola and pear) was overdrenched in a not very interesting dressing, the salad leaves looked old. The pear was delicious, I just wished there was more of it. Our main courses were the gnocchi and the eggplant dish. The sauce on the gnocchi was very good, however the gnocchi were pasty and tasteless. The one highlight was the eggplant dish. It was cooked perfectly, the sauce was superb and the ratio between eggplant, sauce and cheese was just right. We didn't have dessert but the one we saw (at the table next to us) looked delicious. (and not a drop remained on the plate--so you know they liked it...) I was really hoping for something better.
(2)
Jamie O.

My fiance and I went here with two of our friends, who highly recommended this restaurant because the food sincerely tastes homemade and the service is incredibly friendly. We found that to be very true. The service was incredibly on point, friendly, humorous, and helpful. But, more importantly, the lasagna is seriously out of this world! We will definitely be going back. Between the four of us, we shared the veal wrapped in prosciutto, lasagna, and carbonara -- family style. Then, we all shared a slice of cheesecake and tiramisu for dessert. I recommend all of these dishes, but my favorite was definitely the lasagna and cheesecake (YES! I definitely cheated on my diet, but HEY we SHARED ;)). Also, their wine selection is really nice and reasonably priced. I haven't encountered really great Italian food in SF until coming here. :)
(5)
Alexa M.

Quite the cozy family owned restaurant in the middle of fratty Marina. Absolutely lovely service. The ambiance is very small and dim, perfect for an intimate dinner. Nothing pretentious...just true and flavorful Italian dishes! They don't offer pizza, but the pastas are great. I recommend the fusili, the fettucine bolognese, the bruschetta for appetizer and the chocolate molten cake for dessert.
(4)
Geralyn H.

We chose Ristorante Parma for our final dinner in San Francisco and it was perfect! Great atmosphere and on a Tuesday night in April, the place was barely half-full. We started with the Affettati di Salumi and Prosciutto Con Melone. Excellent. My son had the Lasagna Bolognese based on other reviews here and it was as good as promised. I had the Gnocchi Pomodoro -- I love gnocchi and these were as light as I have ever had. My husband enjoyed the Spaghetti alle Vongole. I had one taste of son's Chocolate Lava Cake. Yum! We would definitely come back again if we visit San Francisco in the future.
(5)
Wendy L.

If I could, I would give this place 3.5 stars but 4 stars it is (given the lack of partial star functionality). Even though it was a Monday night, I'm always wary of going to highly-rated (by Yelp standards) places that don't take reservations. Luckily, there was no wait (though by the time 8 p.m. rolled around, there were a number of people milling about). So, you should definitely go early (and I think they may take reservations for big parties as I saw a big table that looked quasi-reserved). It's a small, cute little place with reasonably priced entrees and yummy garlic and balsamic vinegar dipping sauce. I was SO hungry and just chowed; I don't typically like bread much but that dipping sauce would probably make anything taste good. For my entree, I got the (non P.C.) veal tortellini with pancetta cream sauce (nothing like a two-meat entree). It was definitely tasty, though not out of this world. My friends were happy with their dishes too - salmon and asparagus pasta and the fusilli with chicken. The wine menu had a wide range of prices for cheap-os like me. :-) The service was mixed. My friend and I were waiting for another friend, and she was a bit late looking for parking; I don't think the restaurant was particularly thrilled that we were waiting. But generally, the older gentleman (who seems like he's the owner) was very nice, though the waiter was a little spacey and unintelligible. The service didn't affect the experience much or the food. If you are in the 'hood, I would definitely stop by. It's a good place to have a casual meal without dropping a lot of cash, but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here.
(4)
Joe B.

I like Italian food but lately I think I have become tired of it. However, my friend told me about this restaurant and I decided to give a try. Surprisingly, I can affirm that the best lasagna is here! Do not look for it any more because it's not going to happen. These are big words because I really don;'t even like lasagna. The sauce that comes with this dish at Parma really makes the lasagna literally melt in your mouth. They have a few other good items too, however, they do not get even close to the one I mentioned. The garlic pizza is a good option too and for dessert make sure to get the Tiramisu. It is their finest dessert. After my first experience I decided to try it again, I took with me a big group of picky eaters and they said the restaurant was good but not as good as I said it was going to be. I do not know whether it was me the one who was exaggerating or if it's them that whine about everything. During my second time I had the spinach salad and for main course the Gnochi. Both were superfresh and service was friendly and warm as usual. They saw we were starving and really tried to get us a table quickly (those are the things that matter!). It is a very good bet for a nice inexpensive dinner, other restaurants offer similar food quality but the prices are different. One thing I would like to see at Parma is to see more wines by the glass so that I can try new ones in the future. Overall It was a good experience, I am looking forward to my next visit.
(4)
Robyn P.

My boyfriend and I came across this restaurant randomly one night when looking for somewhere to eat. We settled on this place when a little old italian man who was eating inside told us that the sauces they make were great. Their food was really good. They have one of the best caesar salads I have ever had. I ordered the eggplant parmesan and it was delicious. A great portion, too. My boyfriend ordered the fettucini with cream sauce and it was good. The sauce was light and the noodles were fresh. The service was up to par... The waiters were on it when we needed water, and that is really an important factor when I am judging the quality of my server. I definitely plan on going back here.
(4)
elaine c.

Love, Love Parma. Food is great and so is the service. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)
I. O.

Parma is the kind of neighbourhood restaurant that makes you ~love~ San Francisco and spoils you when in other perfectly good (but necessarily inferior, jajaja) culinary cities! Parma is family owned and doesn't take reservations as everyone mentioned. That said, I've rarely had to wait more than 5 minutes and usually there's no wait!! The Gnocchi & Lasagna simply divine ... Last night I added a new fave to the rotation, the Spaghetti a la Carbonara, unnervingly delicious & deceptively simple. The ambiance is cozy and warm and the wall/decor has a rustic hewn look! A resounding 5 Stars!!
(5)
Sonia C.

Small menu of simple food that wasn't particularly well-executed. The homemade fettuccini in my vongole was way to mushy and needed more bite. The chicken marsala that I tried was decent but unmemorable. Portions were manageable, and everyone at my table finished their food, but no one raved about anything.
(3)
Mason P.

This is by far the best Italian restaurant place I've ever been too. The place doesn't look like much on the outside. In fact I bet you'll drive past it and either miss it or go "uh, is that it right there?" Once you go inside it's like going to Italy. The waiter was Italian, the decor and the general atmosphere was very Medditerranian. The ambiance was very fancy and well done. No dress code though thankfully. Don't be too cheap because if you let prices scare you here, you may not get the full experience. And trust me, while you're there, you want the full exerience. I ordered the lasagnia. It was this medium sized 4''x4'' square chunck of lasagnia. IT WAS A JOYGAMS OF THE MOUTH. It had many layers and as you cut down with your fork, you could see all the lairs and actually the part you cut off will stay aligned as you put it in your mouth. Make sure to eat slowly too. Slowly. You'll absorb more flavor and it'll last longer too.
(5)
Jack M.

My girlfriend found this place on yelp last night Given the price, awarding this restaruant more than 2 stars just doesn't sit well with me. The food was ok, a bellyful at best. Nothing seemed fresh or vibrant. Seasoning of the food was lacking or absent altogether. The carpaccio was pretty good. The balance of flavors was nice. The antipasto misto was standard salame and marinated fare out packages and jars. I thought the cantalope was pathetic given that we are in the middle of summer where beautiful vibrant melons are easily gotten if given the care. The portabello was so unappealing I didn't even recognize it before close examination. The spagetti carbonara tasted like a low calarie prepackage imation of the actual dish. No strong garlic, egg, cream, parmesan or pancetta flavors. The Chicken Marsala was by far the most disapointing part of the meal. The chicken breasts were unseasoned and overcooked. I couldn't tell if they were fresh or frozen. The wine sauce was off the mark as well. It felt like they took shortcuts with thickeners and it ended up tasting processed. The mushrooms were presliced and prepared haphazardly. The potatoes that accompainied the dish were pretty good but the sauteed spinach was embarrassingly bad. The menu advertised the entree as served with potatoes and vegetables of the day. Again if unsalted spinach is the vegetable of the day in the MIDDLE OF SUMMER I can only conclude that the owner is either lazy or doesn't care about trying to get his hands on the best product that he can. Cheap product, lack of attention to detail and extremely dusty lint-filled walls shows me that the owner is content with mediocrity and I feel compelled to let people know. If you're looking for fresh, inspired Italian, look elsewhere.
(2)
Christine N.

There are so many restaurants in San Francisco, I always feel an itsy bitsy guilty when I go back to the same one instead of trying something new. BUT but but ... I can't stay away from Parma! Heck, I came here for dinner on Friday and, not only did I want to get a to-go order for a midnight snack, but I wanted to come back for dinner on Saturday (I didn't do any of the above, but I wanted to ...) I ordered my favorite pasta dish of all-time - the Romanoff. If you like vodka sauce, you gotta try it. Of course, before eating my main course, I filled up on their incredible bread+garlic+balsamic+olive oil concoction and their paper-thin prosciutto wrapped canteloupe. I also fell in love with a new dish - their Spaghtti Carbonara is the BEST CARBONARA I've ever had!! Most carbonaras are too creamy and heavy, but this one was so light and tasty! When I return to Parma next Saturday, I'm going to have a lot of trouble deciding between the Romanoff and the Carbonara. Oh well, maybe I'll just order both. Life's short ... right?
(5)
Marisol C.

I had read all the wonderful reviews, but we decided to go to Delarosa (around corner) because they had a full bar. The wait was 1 1/2, so I mentioned PARMA to my party. We walked over to PARMA, to see how long was the wait, so an older gentleman was standing by the door. He said "How many" I said, "Well, we just want to know what the. . ." By this time he was moving us to a table inside the restaurant. We all thought, "Well, I guess we're eating here" The food was delicious. The pasta melts in your mouth. I kept asking for sides of pesto sauce because it was so incredibly good. I think I drank it. The server was helpful in ordering wine. We didn't want to leave, it was like heaven. I would go to San Francisco just to eat here. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
(5)
Steph M.

Disclaimer:// LONG PRAISE FOR THIS PLACE. BEWARE. I'm not a huge fan of Italian food just because it's SO HEAVY. Pasta sauces and entrees become sickening after a while.... But holey bajeezes this place is great!!!!! It's by far the best Italian food I've ever had in the city :D My friend knows the owner, so we got VIP treatment when we arrived. Angela, the owner's daughter, immediately came out to greet us and say hello. She was uber friendly and goofy. Just like family. First came the bruschetta. Fresh tomatoes atop a buttery, lightly toasted, slice of baguette. YUM! Next came the bread and balsamic vinegar with oil. They dump a heapful of garlic to make it extra spicy. The sour balsamic vinegar plus the spicy garlic really gave me dragon breath, but it was allll worth it... this is DELICIOUS!! For 5 people, I think we had 4 refills of bread!!! :D Next came our appetizers. My friends got the Caesar salad... which is DELICIOUS. The dressing is home made and you can actually taste the anchovies. My friend got extra dressing on the side and I could see that it was whipped and mixed to perfection. They're not messing around!!!! this is the best Caesar dressing I've had yet. Beats bottled crap 10x over!! I got the tomato & basil with mozzarella. I'm a huge fan of cheese and this mozzarella was fresh and stringy. :) Next came our main courses: They ran out of the eggplant Parmesan, which I hear is the best dish in the restaurant... BOO FOR ME! But I had the chicken and sun-dried tomato fusilli in a light cream sauce. They weren't lying when they said light. I can't tell you how many times I've had cream sauce in my pasta and it's completely drenched in gooey cream. The pasta was al dente, tossed in the light cream sauce (tasted milky versus fatty) and then put on the plate.. not too much, but just coated on the pasta. fcking delicious... :) I licked my plate clean. My friends ordered the fettuccine and the lasagna. Each deserves its own description: The Fettuccine was hand pulled--you could taste the egg and the stringy texture that fettuccine is supposed to have. The cream sauce was also very light for the pasta. It definitely trumps all other fettuccine in the city. The Lasagna was AMAZING. Normally, when you order lasagna, they have a large dish of it in the back, they cut you a square, and then they microwave that shit and slap it on a plate. HERE, they prep the ingredients beforehand and make it when you order it. Then they bake it in the oven. When it comes out to you, the tomato sauce has a crispy crust.... when you put your fork into it, it breaks exactly where you slice it. Normally, when I cut my fork into lasagna, it pulls with it all its insides and the sauce, cheese, etc. (which is also usually watery), just spills all over the plate. This doesn't. This stays intact. HINT: Ask for extra meat sauce--it's delicious!!! Did I mention it is made with real mozzarella and Parmesan cheese? Leave the ricotta and weird stinky cheese out of it!! (I love the stuff, but too much of it is always gooped in lasagna). P.S. The Chianti is fantastic... It's not tart like the other wines, but smooth and easy to drink (uh oh!!) In a nutshell--food made to order, al dente pasta in its true perfection, and worth a million trips over. I'm taking the rest of my friends here for our next night out. The Italian friends I was with were all raving about how the restaurant smelled like "grandma's" and how the food tasted so much like home-made. Thank you Angela & crew... for the best meal I've had in a long time. P.P.S. HELLO TO THE HOT BOYS AT THE NEXT TABLE. CALL ME!!!!!!! :)
(5)
Elizabeth J.

I kinda don't want to tell you about this place because its that good and I don't want to have to wait longer. With that said, you HAVE to go here its soo tasty. Huge portions, amazing staff, great prices, awesome wine selection. Everything is so delicious, my favs Prawns Pescatore with angel hair pasta, Spaghetti Carbonara yummy! ahhh so great.
(5)
Jessica T.

Rustic Italian charm. Ristorante Parma is the kind of place that you wriggle a little bit in your seat, excited and tempted to order more than you should. The relaxed sigh follows naturally, as you take in all of the homey yet elegant atmosphere, amidst wafts of authentic Italian cooking. We were getting ready for the Circa event, so didn't have a ton of time to pick apart the menu and listen to specials. We jumped right in. The waitress was extremely attentive and took our orders promptly. Knowing we were on a tight schedule, she made sure to speed everything up. The balsamic, garlic, dipping oil oil and soft Italian bread, - was a nice way to tie our appetites over as we waited for our appetizers and main dishes. The fresh mozzarella cheese starter with drizzled pesto and basil leaves, appeared and disappeared in no time. And not to be out-done - our main dishes were just as rich with flavor. I ordered the chicken and sun-dried tomato pasta dish with a light cream sauce. The sauce was superb. Our check came just as smoothly as the rest of the meal. And the price made me a little warm inside. A fitting price for a lovely meal with excellent service.
(4)
Lindsey C.

Ristorante Parma, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 1-Rarely is there a wait. And believe me, I go here A LOT. 2-Family owned and operated. Angela and her younger sister (name is escaping me at the moment) are the friendly and helpful waitresses, dad is the owner and often host. 3-The garlic/balsamic/olive oil they serve with the bread is fantastic. 4-I love the chicken fusilli and my bf swears by their chicken parm. Meatball Tuesdays are also a must if you're into that kind of thing. 5-The Pasetti Testarossa is a great affordable bottle that I can only seem to find at Parma. It's a dry, red Italian wine and it's delish. 6-Chocoloate molten lava cake. Need I say more? It was surprising to find such a gem of a restaurant in the Marina, sandwiched in between a motor inn and Korean BBQ with a very modest exterior. However, delicious food, reasonable prices and the super great staff have made Parma one of my very favorite restaurants in the entire city.
(5)
Jeff B.

Overal recommendation- This restaurant is great if you don't want to wait for the more popular restaurants in the Marina on the weekend. Warning: Expect it to be overly loud. I found the food to be tasty, but much more expensive than what it was worth. The waitress that we had, Angela, was kind, efficient, and attentive. Positives- - Glass of Pinot - Cesar salad (despite the price and small serving) - Chicken Marsala was tasty - Spaghetti Carbonara was also delicious - a 25% off coupon for our next visit Negatives- - LOUD - Insane amount of garlic in the oil mixture ( I do not know what you people are talking about) - Too expensive for what you get
(3)
Nickie L.

This place is cute and quant and the food was yummy. Was nice to go to with my Aunite and Cousin after a day of playing in the city and would also make a romantic date setting. Little places like this always have the best food.
(4)
Michelle N.

This place is wonderful! It doesn't look like much from the outside but once you walk in the ambiance is perfect for a warm and delicious Italian dinner! Their pastas are delicious as well as their veal. I especially love the spaghetti with pancetta and Parmesan it is simple but delicious! Can't wait to come back!
(4)
Nish N.

A nice and family friendly Italian restaurant smack dab in the Marina, but without the stereotypical fratboy drama. Nothing fancy, really, but good and honest pasta, flavorful and zesty sauces, fresh ingredients. I'd recommend this as a good place to catch up with a friend, or enjoy a quiet night out. Most of the clientele besides us looked like regulars, 30-50, but everyone was enjoying themselves, and that's ageless.
(4)
sam b.

Parma restaurant has been a staple in San Francisco's Marina district for decades. The owner (who btw is a mix of Lucky Luciano and Fank Sinatra) is originally from Italy and runs the restaurant with a long time staff and his daughters, who are lovely. The lasagna is the best I have ever had (and I am Jewish so you can guarantee I've done my fair share of Italian) all pastas, vegetables, meats and sauces are fresh as can be, and the bread and garlic/olive oil you are met with upon sitting down is a bankable prelude to a guaranteed world class, authentic, Italian meal. Fantastic food. And not to mention, it is all done in a small, quaint, neighborhood environment. With so many choices in the highly competitive, diverse and evolving Marina dining scene, Parma delivers an authenticity, quality, and local, neighborhood experience unmatched for decades. Kudos to a Classic.
(5)
Duke K.

Solid italian. Great warm service. Nice value.
(4)
Phil L.

Been on the hunt for a great Italian restaurant for 1 year - tried many. There are just sooooo many average Italian restaurants in town. Parma is different. Food is great - they had a real baked cheese cake to top it off. The whole experience was very solid and right in the Marina. It's the sort of place where I look forward to going back in a few weeks and trying different dishes.
(5)
Rob S.

Found this place on Yelp and gave it a shot. Delicious food and friendly staff! Highly recommend the portabello mushroom appetizer, the lasagna, and the chocolate lava cake for dessert. The dipping sauce with the bread was delicious as well! Tried the bruschetta...was okay, but not fantastic. Great atmosphere too. I will definitely come back here!
(5)
Matt H.

This place is awesome. The wife and I stumbled in after a bus ride back from Napa where we were drinking wine all day (tasting? puhleeeze). We were wandering around the Marina, where we got dropped off, looking for somewhere to dine. I don't know how we ended up here but I'm glad we did. I had a salad that was pretty good but details forgotten. The chicken parmigiana I had though, was bar none the best I've ever had. Light, not greasy, tender chicken with the most perfect and amazing sauce. Wow. We went in early so we didn't even have a wait. I'll definitely be going back.
(5)
Emily C.

The food wasn't bad, a little bland, but I left feeling disappointed that there wasn't anything on the menu I couldn't/haven't made at home. The service and decor are fine, but overall Ristorante Parma is lacking that little spark that makes a restaurant special.
(2)
Jennifer N.

I was excited for a night out and after checking the yelp reviews (as I always do), I was confident we were in for a good meal. The service was great, the garlic/olive oil to dip the bread in was delish. The house wine not too shabby. Hubby, baby and I were excited about the main meal. Unfortunately, it fell below par. Better pasta sauces and risotto have come out of my own kitchen. Big disappointment since we don't eat out that much. Won't be back though the staff and establishment was nice and friendly.
(2)
Chelsea R.

When I was 13, I went to Italy with my family, and ordered the same thing almost every night for two weeks. Spaghetti con pomodoro. It was so good (and so distinct from America pasta sauce!) that I couldn't imagine wasting a meal on something else. Ever since, I've been looking for the same delicious, slightly sweet tomato sauce in the states, with no luck. Until, that is, I stumbled upon Ristorante Parma with my parents who were visiting for the week. We all had pasta dishes, so I can't vouch for anything else, but it was hands down the best Italian I've had in years. I don't go out for Italian often, but when I do this is where I'll be heading.
(4)
Tim M.

Went to this restaurant a couple of years ago. Loved it...small, fun, family originated and quite tasty. I had always wanted to venture by again...and finally got the chance last weekend. Came in a on Saturday night at 8ish pm. Plenty of open tables and we were seated immediately. Now here is the rub: Service was Horrible. I do believe our waitress was the owner's daughter. She could have cared less about giving good service. After we ordered, there was no follow through, she disappeared, mistake on the order (One salad to share - not two small ones), never checked in to see if we were interested in Coffee(espresso) or desert (Yes, please!) For a $100 meal (with a marginal bottle of $39.00 Chianti) it was a very disappointing experience. Too bad, the food was good...the service (or lack of there of...) was the nail in the coffin. Mom always said: "If you going to do something...Do it right or don't do it all!!"
(2)
Natalie L.

A Lasagna craving brought us here. Parking is horrendous. It's HUGE....it's like a brick. The food is decent for the price. It's a cute neighborhood restaurant....and even on a Thursday night, people were waiting out in the cold. The service isn't spectacular, but they were real nice. I can't say that the chicken Parmesan or the Lasagna were mind blowing....but it's not bad. I'm not much of an Italian connoisseur so...who am I to say. They have this amazing olive oil w/ balsamic + garlic for your bread......the girl next to our table didn't even have any! Too bad for her...she missed out. If ONLY she was a friend....I would have asked if we could have her share. I love the set up of the place.
(4)
Beth S.

Ristorante Parma is the perfect place to comfortably relax and dine on freshly, homemade, Italian cuisine. Within San Francisco's huge hotel and dining industry, Ristorante Parma prevails in bringing the comfort of Italian home-cooking and friendly service/atmosphere to each person who steps inside Parma's doors.
(5)
Mindy S.

Dine-in or takeout, the food here is always great. Heavy use of garlic (which I love, but may bother some), decent prices, and really great servers. Not the biggest portions, but the bread and garlic oil help to make up for that. There is often a line on weekend nights, but they are very fast with call-in orders.
(4)
C B.

We chose this restaurant for 2 reasons: because it had Italian food, and it was kid-friendly. We went there for my birthday dinner after a hike around Land's End (which I also highly recommend). We started with the olive oil dip and bread, bruscetta appetizer and portabello mushroom appetizer. Bruscetta was more tomato-ey than flavorful, but we added some olive oil/garlic spread to it and it was very tasty. We then had 2 glasses of the pinot noir along with the portabello mushroom, which was grilled and coated with olive oil and balsalmic vinegrette and it was delicious! For dinner, I ordered the Chicken Parmesean and my husband ordered the veal picatta. Chicken Parmesean tasted as expected. It was good, not soggy or mushy. My husband liked the veal picatta, but it wasn't the best he ever had. The highlight of our meal was what we ordered for our toddler, the gnocci in tomato sauce! Really outstanding! The best gnocci we both ever had! We even made sure to take the rest home for leftovers. We ordered dessert to go, and the cheesecake was light and fluffy, very good and the chocolate-raspberry cake was delicious! My compliments go to the restaurant staff. It felt like a fancy restaurant, without the upscale pricing. They also had a family friendly environment and embraced our 19 month old son, while he was able to sit through the entire 1.5 hour meal! Locals came in to pick up their take out, and other tables had a real genuine small town feeling with staff members. Overall, a great experience. We will return without any hesitation- with toddler in tow. Thanks Ristorante Parma!
(4)
Hannah M.

Food was amazing, full of flavor. Great customer service! Definitely will come back again next time we're in San Francisco.
(5)
Erin L.

We ended up at Ristorante Parma on a Saturday night sort of at random. I'm skeptical about Italian restaurants that have stereotypically Italian decor-- the walls sponged to look old, the photos of Tuscany, the trailing ivy-- but this one happened to have an available table for two and we were starving, so we took a chance. Good thing we did! Service was quick and friendly. The dining room was cozy on a cold and foggy night. The food was divine. I ordered the fettucine alla paplina, with peas and prosciutto in a cream sauce. It was delicious-- the cream sauce was light, not too rich and didn't overwhelm the perfectly crisp and salty prosciutto and the tender peas. My husband ordered the fusilli con pollo and remarked on the freshness of the pasta and wonderful flavor of the sauce. We were both completely happy with our entrees. I will say that I wish there was a better list of wines available by the glass here. There were only a couple of options and the Pinot Grigio I reluctantly chose wasn't fantastic. However, we totally enjoyed our food and thought the service was quite good. On the night we were there, the owner sat at the entrance to the restaurant, personally greeting and seating each diner, which was really charming. The waiters and some of the guests conversed in Italian. We liked it. I'd return here the next time I'm in the neighborhood.
(4)
Joseph T.

This is a very nice Italian restaurant in the Marina. The food is very fresh, well prepared and the right quantity. Rolled into Ristorante Parma around 9pm on a Monday night, so wasn't surprised to find it wasn't full. This is a good thing, because its really just a small, fairly narrow room. The waiter wasn't the greatest, completely forgetting to take our main course order, but this wasn't a problem as the owner swung by to check up on us. We were deep in conversation anyhow. Other reviews have mentioned the fresh bread with garlic and olive oil, which was very nice. We also ordered the Trio Misto, which is mozzarella, tomatoes and peppers. Also very nice. For the main course, I had the Penne Romanoff, it was amazingly delicious. The portions were a regular size, so thankfully no waste. The vodka sauce mixed with sausages, mushrooms and tube pasta really was impressive. They have a pretty decent wine list, with Italian and other wines. We just wanted drinks by the glass, so they offered us the varieties but no mention on the brand. I opted for the chianti, and my date got the pinot noir. Both were really nice, but I would have liked to choose the wine (and know the price-per-glass). The food was amazing, the place had a good atmosphere. Final bill came to $56, and they have a "recommended tip" for either 18% or 20%. Please don't do that, it really shows you think your customers are idiots.
(4)
Tammy L.

Parma is an extraordinary dining experience! Every dish on their menu is excellent. How do I know? My bf and I dine here once a week so we've tried almost everything. If you love pasta then this is your joint. Try the Spaghetti Carbonara or Spaghetti Vongole. Both super yummy! They don't take reservations so try to go early. If there is a line, order a bottle of wine while you wait because it is worth it!
(5)
Anelya S.

My second attempt to visit this place was pretty much successful! Couple weeks ago based on the yelper's reviews I dragged group of my friends there to discover that they are not open on Sundays! Why, oh why didn't I read "hours of operation"? :) Well, first I would like to tell that my review is not affected by any means by the cute Italian waiter there, I will notice only that service was good. For my lonely dinner I ordered pasta dish - "Fettuchine alla Papalina" with fresh peas and prosciutto and glass of Chardonnay. Then usual bread and oil came out, but WAIT instead of regular oil and vinegar on my table -- that was served in a little deep dish, with lots of fresh chopped garlic, I totally assure you you will eat all of it! My fettuccine was cooked al dente, and the sauce was tasty. I liked the interior and music. Nice dinner place when you want to treat yourself to not that expensive Italian dinner. With Tip I paid $28.
(5)
Edi B.

This place is small and in about 20 minutes (7pm-ish) it went from empty, to packed, with people waiting outside in the rain. This is a decently priced Italian restaurant with good portion size and deliciously flavored food! It's family run and it shows. The pasta is made fresh, service is friendly and the atmosphere is warm and cozy. Super garlicky vinegar and oil dip at the beginning of the meal served with bread must be eaten in moderation or you'll ruin your appetite! I went with coworkers and between 4 people we paid about $120 for 4 entrees, 1 salad, a bottle of Chianti and all the bread you can handle. Considering the location and ambiance this seemed like a pretty good deal! Fusilli con Pollo was creamy yet light with sweet undertones from the honey used to grill the chicken. My coworker ordered the lasagna and graciously let everyone sample a bite... decadent! Slightly browned cheesy goodness packed with flavor! I can't wait to go back... the only down side... I still smelled like garlic the next day from the dipping sauce. Which is not necessarily a bad thing!
(4)
Elaine S.

Any restaurant that makes you feel like out are outside the Marina gets a good score in my book. Ristorante Parma has an authentic Italian feel to it, you feel like you are dining in an outdoor palazo. The house wine was decent, not amazing, but not bad either. The lasagna was huge & was definitely way better than Stoffers. The gnocchi was very good, it definitely cured my gnocchi craving. Dishes are huge, can definitely be split between two people. I will definitely be back, when I am craving some good pretty reasonable Italian food and do not feel like going far.
(4)
Junglist S.

Stumbled upon Parma randomly one day. Decent service and decor. Good sized portions. The specials always seem to be pretty good. Can definitely get filled up but usually theres no wait. Just solid food all around. Pasta is cooked well and the cream sauces are indulgent, as they should be. Whenever I need a cream pasta fix, Parma is my go-to place at the moment.
(4)
James L.

It's been a couple hours since my meal there, and even now that I'm alone in my apartment, I'm still gushing over how good it was. I had the lasagna bolognese (meat lasagna), and it was unquestionably the best lasagna I've ever had. Even half way through eating it, it was beautiful, with every layer still perfectly stacked on the plate, on my fork, and in my mouth. I was impressed by the visual of it, but don't worry, the thing you'll be most impressed with is are all the flavors. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Based on this meal alone, I think I can confidently say that Ristorante Parma is my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. The only fault I have with the place is that my water ran out and was not replaced. Normally, I automatically knock one star for this, but the amazing quality of the food itself could not possibly be justified by anything less than an indication of perfection. I can't wait to go back and try their other pastas and desserts.
(5)
Christine C.

Loved this place. Environment was great and the food was delicious.
(5)
C C.

This place is very cozy. The food is very good. The portions are big! I recommending splitting dishes such as the lasagna and eggplant parm. The restaurant is usually full but the turn over is pretty quick. The staff is very attentive. The Cesar salad is awesome! Great place!
(5)
Lisa L.

The Marina = old men who work in romantical Italian restaurants (and then go to the Matrix for drinks - haha jk!) The food here is absolutely delicious. Just the right size serving - not too much and a little over average, your stomach should leave satisfied. We both got just pastas with a red sauce, but I highly advise getting the lasagna. (It looked and smelled amazing!) The restaurant is SMALL so large groups are not advised. People watching is hard in this restaurant with mirrors everywhere and not too many places to turn if you get caught. Warning: VERY friendly waiter. I had a hand on my back EVERYTIME he came by - to welcome us, to take our order, to ask us how our food was, the give us the check, to welcome us back in the future... Other than the overly friendly, typical European older gentleman waiter... things were fabulous! Let the Maya and Lisa eating frenzy continue!
(4)
Elliott J.

I don't like to give a 5 unless I am amazed. I was amazed. I wanted to show some friends from out of town a different neighborhood in SF, the marina. I searched on yelp for wheat pasta, since that is what I was in the mood for. After reading the reviews I said this is a great place. Thank you yelp, this was a great place. Everyone enjoyed their food. If I need to find one negative, I can say it took a while for the food to come out, but it didn't bother us, quality takes time, and good conversations flowed as we waited. Very good wheat pasta con pollo. I highly recommend if your looking for good Italian in the marina area.
(5)
Jasmine F.

Allow me to start out by saying that I am refraining from exhaling out of the fear that I might (a) inadvertently asphyxiate my cat and/or (b) cause my plants to wither and die. So. Much. Garlic. Now, let me emphasize that this is not a bad thing--not even close. Garlic is God. Phenomenal flavor, cancer-fighting properties. What's not to love? But I digress. The food at Parma is solid, though not the best Italian I've ever had--but then, you're not paying those prices. It's rustic, tasty, and authentic...Not that I've been to Italy in recent times, but the service is certainly authentically European (slow). It adds to the charm, but don't go if you're in a hurry. Back to the food. The bruschetta is fresh and flavorful, though not as rich as I like it on its own. HOWEVER, add Parma's unspeakably awesome garlic-balsamic-olive oil spread/bread dip and you've got a superb appetizer. We also tried the house made fettucini bolognese, which was clearly fresh and cooked to perfection. The flavors were not as complex as I'd like, but still pleasant. The lasagne was right on. Delicious, crispy baked mozzarella, homemade pasta, and tangy meat sauce. One preference would be a meat-free option here. Cost for one app, two pastas, two beers, two glasses of wine, tax, and tip: $77
(4)
Trixie D.

Not so great. Very generic with understaffed floor. Will not be going back.
(2)
tyler g.

The food is alright - above average I'd say. But for the price, the portions are too small and it's kind of like you're with the people sitting next to you.. I like that they change the tablecloths after each party leaves - though it's kinda wasteful.
(3)
Chris I.

Location can be a blessing or a curse. For Parma, it's a little bit of both. Nestled on Steiner just south of Isa and Bistro AIX, it's kinda like the red headed stepchild of the block. I have passed by the place too many times to mention on my way to someplace else. I must apologize to Parma for the egregious calumny. My grandfathers should both rise from their graves and knock me into the middle of next week for walking past an Italian restaurant to dine at a whorish purveyor of small plates and a French inspired California eatery. I promise to say 100 Hail Marys as a penance. I finally walked into Parma for a Friday night meal. First tip for visiting Parma: they don't take reservations, so get there early or be prepared to wait. We got lucky and scored a table right away. The interior is a little cheesy, but I enjoyed it. They have gone for the "crumbling ruins" look that so many Italian restaurants espouse. (Is there a chapter in restaurant design text books that dictates the interiors of Italian places must have either crumbling ruins or a fake clothes line? I really want to know this.) The space itself is very small and boxcarish, but Parma makes it work. We started with a Caesar salad for two. This was the only part of my Parma experience that I did not enjoy. It was all lettuce and dressing: no shaved Parmesan and no anchovies. I need my anchovies!!! After that, everything else was excellent. Second tip when dining at Parma: avoid the dipping oil if you are on a date numbering in the single digits. The garlic in the oil comes in staggering amounts. This is fine if you are with a significant other or a very old and dear friend. If you are on a first date and want the evening to continue...STAY AWAY. I had the gnocchi. The portion was excellent as was the sauce. I have written about the dangers of gnocchi in the past, and Parma understands what a gut buster this dish can be. They keep the portion filling without being overwhelming. I sampled my girlfriend's fettuccine bolognese. The noodles were very, very good. We finished off the meal with some Italian cheesecake. Awesome! Some of the best cheesecake I have had on the West Coast. (It still is a mere shadow of my Nona's cheesecake, but it will suffice.) Next time you're walking down Steiner on the way to one of those other places, do yourself a favor and go to Parma instead.
(4)
Mehul P.

I'm a fan of quiet restaurants where you don't feel cramped (basically, the opposite of Mission). This place is it. The Penne Romanoff is out of control. The tiramisu: not so much, way too sweet. Bottom line: I'd go back.
(5)
Genevieve B.

We went twice and had bad service both times. The first time they seemed to be seating people out of order. Same with the second time. They seated a couple before us that we were pretty sure got there after us. They also seated the couple after us (who had "talked" to the host) at a much better table than our table. We ordered an app (antipasto) and mains. Service was slow. We did not get our mains until the couple that was seated after us was leaving the restaurant. I don't know if they ordered an app, but an antipasto plate should not delay the meal 30-40 mintues. I don't know what the trick is here, but I own't be going back a thrid time to find out. Also, food was good but not amazing. When we reheated leftovers, grease was out of control....
(1)
Candice S.

I LOVED this place!! Such a cute, quaint little Italian restaurant right in the heart of the marina! This local hotspot doesn't take reservations and seems to always be pretty busy, so make sure to come early or in for a later dinner. The owner is this sweet Italian man who makes you feel like family, the moment you walk in the door. The authenticity and richness of the food are fantastic compared to all those mainstream Italian chains. Meal prices were very reasonable and the candlelight made our dinner very intimate. I had the corkscrew pasta with chicken in a garlic cream sauce. Every bite was a savory piece of HEAVEN! I definitely recommend it! Ciao BELA!
(5)
Jason K.

If you live in the neighborhood of Ristorante Parma, I could perhaps understand being a repeat customer if you're lazy and don't want to venture too far, but there are clearly better places to get basic Italian food. While I realize that I am basing my opinions on a small sample, the only thing memorable from my experience was bland food. Despite the 4-star Yelp reviews, I suspect that Marina diners feel the same way based on how quickly one can be seated during peak hours on Saturday night. Here is what we had... Artichoke Ravioli - cream sauce was goopy and without much flavor, the ravioli couldn't be distinguished as being fresh and was probably frozen or packaged. Penne Aribiatta - where's the red chili, where's the heat?? The sauce was more like a marinara, the garlic tasted like it may have been partially from a jar and it was clearly over sauteed. Caesar Salad - the "salad for 2" consists of 2 small plates of caesar-dressed romaine. No croutons. No anchovies. $14.95. Ouch. Bottle of Sangiovese - was quite good though I don't recall the vintage. If you can't distinguish b/w good and bland Italian food, you'll likely find this place acceptable however, if you have higher expectations, you'll be disappointed.
(2)
Danielle K.

We recently went here while visiting SF. I enjoyed eating here quite a bit. Small little place but definately good food :) We went around 8pm on a Saturday and were seated immediately. I loved the bruschetta and my bf and I shared the carbonara and it was very tasty and enough for the both of us! My friend ordered the gnocci and enjoyed it as well. Reasonably priced. Good food. Not so quiet atmosphere but I'd come back again.
(4)
Jason R.

I guess people's expectations of what should constitute good Italian have made mediocrity acceptable. I'm still looking for an affordable Italian place that wows me, and Ristorante Parma wasn't it. What's the deal Italians? Mexicans can do it. So can the Chinese. Thais do it everyday. Man, even the French do it in SF.
(3)
K. M.

The veal chop wa spretty bland but just ok... But the lasagna my girlfriend had was off the hook! GOOD!
(3)
Tiffany M.

Parma has become one of my favorite Italian joints in the city! This discrete & narrow restaurant's exterior doesn't seem to do it justice- making it seem a little cheap on the outside, but once you step inside you come to discover that the candlelit interior is cozy and inviting. The rust-colored tiles and rustic walls make you feel like you slipped into Italy for the evening. The peek into the kitchen is also a nice touch. The servers are friendly Italians, setting the scene for an authentic restaurant, and the pasta dishes are amazing! I tend to order the Chicken Penne Vodka dish w/ red sauce pretty often, but I recently "lived life on the edge" and went for something different- the Chicken Fusilli w/ sundried tomatoes & cream sauce, which turned out to be delicious! The bread that's served could be warmed up a bit as it was served cold, but the yummy olive oil/vinegar dipping sauce w/ garlic makes up for it. My wine selections here have been satisfactory, but I can't recall them as being that notable. I wish Parma was open for lunch, but I can also understand that it's more so designed for an evening dining destination treat. Mmm!
(4)
Leila S.

I've walked by this restaurant numerous times and each time I remind myself that I've been meaning to try it. Almost 2 years later I finally did and if only I had tried it sooner! It's a cozy, quaint and low key little Italian place with consistently good food and reasonable prices. I've enjoyed all the dishes I have tried so far and look forward to tasting new things if I can get past ordering the same three things on their menu! Small disclaimer, they go heavy on the garlic (which I love) but don't suggest it as a first date spot unless of course you're trying to keep a safe distance!
(4)
Christine K.

I just moved to San Francisco, and this was my first dinner out with my boyfriend after moving. We felt like Italian and stumbled on Ristorante Parma. We had to wait a few minutes to get a table, but we were in no rush- and in total we only waited about 5 minutes. The food was great- We had a cesaer salad to start and then I had beef carpaccio and my boyfriend went with a pasta with chicken and sundried tomatoes. We both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. The price isn't too bad either, which is a plus! Service was quick and attentive too. The crowd was a bit older when we arrived, but about mid-way through the meal, a lot of younger people started coming in. I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you want a good meal at a fair price.
(4)
Rebecca O.

The bf and I have Parma in heavy rotation because we both completely love this cozy and inviting neighborhood restaurant. The family that owns Parma always greets us warmly, which makes it even more enjoyable to dine here regularly. The food is cooked perfectly and everything we've ordered is ever so flavorful. I have been consistently impressed with how amazing the food is from start to finish. The gnocci is my absolute favorite, but the tiramisu is to die for - and I don't even like tiramisu, seriously!
(5)
Tom M.

Best Bruschetta Ever. The bread is just soft enough. Also, super-tasty vodka sauce.
(5)
D. A. E.

We were a party of 9, mixed oldies/teens and wanted to eat at 6.30pm. So I arrived at 6pm to investigate a table as this is a small place. (They don't take reservations as "people reserve and don't show up - so said the elderly gentleman acting as maitre d') There were three empty tables along the wall and I asked him if we could use these. He was most unpleasant and said he needs at least 4 tables and he could not seat us. His ungracious attitude and off hand manner were insulting, so even though I'd arrived half an hour before the rest of the party to try and organize an early dinner for all of us, he was not prepared to even wait and see if another table cleared in the interim half an hour. I don't care how trendy/hot/fantastic your restaurant is, but taking care of customers or prospective customers is also important. We left feeling so awful. We had a marvellous meal at Isa next door, which though also small, the owner said we could have a table for 9 as long as we left before the after- threatre crowd arrived. The difference in attitude was really evident and we can only speak highly of Isa, which obviously has customer's interests at heart and only served to emphasize how unpleasant Parma's maitre d' was. Look at it this way, we spent $488, which could have been Parma's gain had even one person working in the place made an effort to be welcoming and kind.
(1)
Angela N.

too. many. yummy. things. to. pick. from. this place did not disappoint and is among the best spots for italian food in SF. i chose the the special risotto with asparagus and cannot wait to sample the rest of the menu.
(4)
Mark J.

Went here last night for dinner with my girlfriend - no res with no wait - nice. Ordered pretty simple stuff - some gnocchi, chicken risotto special, and a salad... Food was very good - spinach salad was a bit lackluster - but not a real issue. Service was prompt and friendly but it was a little toasty in the small quarters of the restaurant. All in all, pretty good italian and a place I'd go to again.
(4)
G W.

Authentic and gorgeous Italian food. Has the hole-in-the-wall charm. The antipasti plate is great and fantastic pasta dishes. I always look forward to dining out at Parma.
(5)
Julie M.

The gnocchi is probably the best I've ever had. Equally delicious is the prosciutto and melon. Oh yeah, and I can't forget the bread and olive oil with lots of garlic. Mmmm, my mouth waters just thinking about it. Get here early or be prepared to wait as this place is tiny and does fill up.
(5)
Judy C.

It's been a couple of years since I dined at Parma's, last night's dinner proved that it is still a place worth driving the distance for. The garlic/ balsamic vinegar/olive oil spread that comes complimentary with the bread is itself an appetizer worth paying for. Their pasta dishes (all priced under $20) are your familiar Italian recipes but cooked just right - al dente with homemade sauces that compliment not overwhelm the palate. The warm and cozy atmosphere makes this place both a find for friendly get togethers and romantic dates. Only minor drawback is they don't accept reservations. Food - 4 stars Ambience - 3.5 stars Value - 5 stars Service - 4 stars
(4)
Ellen C.

This place is amazing!! Admittedly the seating area is a bit small and they don't take reservations so it could take over an hour to get a seat but it's absolutely worth the wait. But beware, the amount of garlic that you will consume here may kill you or at least any vampires you know, and maybe even a few friends. The pros: 1) Staff - I think it's family-owned. The daughters are the wait staff, the father walks around the restaurant and does the owner duties -- chatting with patrons, being social, being happy, being fun. The ladies do a wonderful job at making sure everything is as needed and they are on top of their game. If you need something, they get it for you, no questions asked. 2) Atmosphere - Fantastic. The crowd must help the ambience but it's just a lively, cozy feel in there. 3) Food - Delicioso...I cannot explain how delish it is. Everything was so good starting from the bread and their garlic oil dipping sauce to the entrees. We had a large party so we ordered quite a variety of things and everything was perfectly made and so flavorful -- no dish was lacking in rich flavor and texture (in case you want to know what we ordered, go to the bottom of my review -- I don't want to bore everyone else who doesn't care!) 4) Prices - For the food you get, the atmosphere you're in, the staff, their prices are pretty good. The cons: 1) Parking - it is very, very difficult to find parking in that area. They do have a parking lot that charges a flat $10 fee nearby though if you're willing to cough it up. 2) Wait - since they don't take reservations the wait can get long. But we arrived with a group of 8 and a baby @ 6pm and we just made it before it got super busy. They say that they get busy around 7-7:30 so if you can make it around 6, you'll be okay with the wait time. This is definitely a must try!! I am coming back soon! What we ordered: Bruschetta - very good. Grilled/baked to perfection with just the right amount of olive oil & tender tomatoes. Lasagna - huge portions, very cheesy and saucy, just the way I like it. Eggplant parmigiana (or something along those lines) - Not bad, resembled the lasagna in presentation but not something I'd probably get again only b/c I enjoy my meat. Spaghetti w/ Sausages - the sauce was amazing, lacked large chunks of sausage but had a good amount of ground sausage scattered around. Salmon & Asparagus Penne - sooo good. The cream sauce is to die for, the smoked salmon has just the right amount of saltiness to balance the creaminess, the pasta, and the tender asparagus stalks. Amazing! Seafood Spaghetti - very good. The sauce is fantastic, making the seafood taste divine. The clams and mussels were cooked to just the right level so they're not rubbery but not raw. Chicken Corkscrew Pasta - pretty good, a darker sauce and a little saltier than the others but still very tasty and balanced.
(5)
lin b.

Best lasagna on the planet!
(5)
Annie C.

Delicious food and warm atmosphere! Softly lit and just a handful of tables inside....you feel like you are in your own little Italy. To start you off, they serve you the softest warm bread with a little olive oil mixture. Pasta sauce is fresh and just the right tastiness. But we had two red sauced dishes which tasted pretty similar. So, if you're gonna sneak bites from each other, then you should choose different sauce types. Another great spot in the Marina...it looks inconspicious, but it gets packed!
(5)
Emahlee H.

I finished my whole plate. I even mopped up all the sauce with a piece of...dare I say it...BREAD! Who ever started that whole "Women are never supposed to finish their plate" deal? I mean come on, we get hungry too and believe it or not, we also have to eat. I enjoyed every last bit of my Ravioli stuffed with porchini mushrooms in a rich decadent cream sauce. Oh yeah, not only did I devour my entree but I devoured the dessert too. No shame, no shame
(5)
C V.

Loved the copious amount of garlic in the oil and balsamic vinegar served with the bread. We had one of the specials tonight, Petrale Sole for $24.95. It was served with a white wine & cream sauce. It was tender and very tasty. We also had the Veal Picata for $21.95 sauteed with another really good sauce of butter, lemon, white wine and capers. And there was plenty of garlic leftover from dipping the bread to spread onto any bite I wanted too. Heavenly. We walked in without reservations on a Friday night at 6 pm and were seated immediately. By the time we left, the place was full with people waiting to be seated. Parking was not an issue for us as our hotel (Cow Hollow Inn) is right next door with it's own parking lot.
(4)
Elizabeth D.

My friend loves this place, so my husband and I went with her and her boyfriend for dinner last year. I had some type of pasta dish (I think it was a Penne Arrabiata or something similar) and my husband and my friend's boyfriend had a spagetti bolognese. Both of the guys had major stomach problems afterwards (read: incredibly bad diarrhea )! My friend and her guy go back again, he orders the same dish, and again- major irritable bowel problems! I can't believe he was stupid enough to order the same thing, but hopefully the rest of you Yelpers will not! The rest of the food seemed okay, but I can't give more than 2 stars to a place where you get minor food poisoning twice!
(2)
Ken G.

Ok, I have only been to Italy once and it was a bluuuuuurrrr. But if I had to imagine what it would be like to eat at a small ristorante in a town then walk in R. Parma and look around?? I go for three (3) things: 1. Penne pasta w/ Salmon, Asparagas & red sauce (it is on the menu with a creamy sauce) so they work with ya!! 2. The wine great selectio of inexpensive reds- ummmm... 3. Chocalate cake with chocalate pudding oozing out of it!! YEAH!! Oh, fourth thing it won't set ya back a paycheck like the ones in North Beach...It's loud so go with a good attitude and you'll have fun. The older guy at the door owns it, his Harley is parked down the street (seriously) and his daughter works there as well. Ciao!!
(4)
Nancy B.

Not enought seating but if you have to wait it never takes too long! I freakin love this place. I have started recommending it to everyone. I live in North Beach and I go to this place for real authentic Italian food. The service is perfect, they will make you anything you want, its inexpensive, and completely enjoyable. DO NOT ATTEMPT to kiss anyone after you eat here, unless they are the one dining with you. GARLIC LOVERS this is the place for you!
(5)
Julia J.

my entree was flavorless. i had the fusilli with chicken and cream sauce. i did something i've never had to do to a pasta dish before, i added salt . lots of it. i had bites of my friends mushroom risotto, which was decent, and my husband's romanoff was pretty basic and boring. the bruschetta was tasty though - amazingly crisp yet soft bread (the roof of my mouth was in tact afterwards, and hardly any crumbs in my lap). the garlic and vinegar/oil dip was yummy but VERY powerful (i swear i could tast it the next morning after a vigorous tongue brushing). what really bugged me: there were six of us dining and we ordered two relatively expensive bottles of wine throughout our dinner. our server did not check on us after our food came and never refilled our wine glasses. i always feel so tacky when i pick up the bottle to serve it (maybe it's the self-concious lush in me). that was pretty lame of him. not too loud, and a pretty cozy environment. nothing special though.
(3)
Jess S.

I totally loved it!!! After living in Italy, I've not had good Italian food in America. Well, on a recent date I went here and was totally floored from beginning to end. The wine was very good. I had chicken marsala which was excellent. The owner is a doll and he came over and talked to us...what a perfect night! **Update...just went again, this time we took my parents and they really liked it too...perfection!
(5)
Kelly H.

I'm adding a star for consistency. I've now dined here 4 times and each time has been wonderful. Every dish I've tried so far is excellent and all my guests seem to love the place as well. Keep it up, Ristorante Parma!
(5)
Krista G.

I feel betrayed by my Yelp community. Restaurants like Delfina have 4 stars... this place is not even on the map compared to them. It's mellow (bordering on bland) very American style Italian food. My expectation -- solid, tasty American Italian food (lots of bolognese, cheese and a solid red sauce) My results -- great wine at the suggestion of the waiter (Testarossa del Abruzzo, I believe at about $38 for the bottle). The balsamic dipping oil was every bit as good as everyone said. Just make sure your whole table eats it otherwise you'll offend them with your breath! Bruschetta was okay... tomatoes were in season.. but not very tangy. Our other appetizer was an assortment of shrimp, mussels, and clams in a tomato broth that tasted a lot like tomato soup. I was still feeling positive and hopeful for the entree. From least appealing to most - the chicken parmesan was dry, rubbery and uninspired. The penne romanoff that Connie c raves about was also mild -- no prominent acids from the tomato or fennel from the sausage. The lasagna was actually really good. I don't know that I would trek back up that way for it..but definitely the most successful dish. I believe our waiter was Italian... a sign to me was that he never came back to ask how things were. He just kept progressing us through the meal. The most excited he got was about the wine -- we believe that was because he had the most control over it and was genuinely excited. Negative Nelly, signing off.
(2)
Eric C.

This place was a pleasant surprise. Went there because we were catching an improv show in the Marina. It's a pretty 'old school', family owned kind of a place - relatively small, no frills but quaint setting. Service was good. We had no problems getting seated on a Saturday night at 7 (it was labor day weekend). I enjoyed my chicken marsala - the sauce had a nice 'kick' to it. I really wanted to try one of the pastas, because they looked scrumptious. But it was low carb night for me, so I will have to go back another time.
(4)
Kristi K.

It was Saturday night and we needed some good food, fast. Our timing must've been perfect because we didn't have to wait to be seated (which was fortunate for all involved since I was hungry). We started off with generous slices of proscuitto over melon. As far as main courses go, I seem to be drawn to ravioli when I see it on the menu and this was no exception. Stuffed with mushrooms and bathed in a white cream sauce, oh yessss... What I liked best about Ristorante Parma, aside from the food, was the lack of pretense. The patrons, some of whom looked to be regulars, were quick to smile and seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves.
(4)
Robyn F.

Not a bad restaurant, but there's really nothing special here either. I had homemade fettuccine with vongole. It was tasty, but not memorable. I was also still a little hungry after eating.
(3)
Jonathan I.

We cleared our plates! The staff was great, sort of a service by committee style, I'm not to sure who are real waiter/waitress was, but the result was great because our cups never ran dry and there was always someone nearby to help. Great pasta choices for reasonable prices. Very cozy one strip seating, but our elbows were not bumping up against anyone. Would recommend to anyone in the area. Enjoy.
(5)
Alex G.

I must have walked by this place 50 times without actually seeing it. Pretty small but still doesn't feel cramped. I did go a little early on a Monday night so it was not very crowded. I am giving four stars for the interior feel, food and location to my house. I had the gnocchi with a tomato sauce. This was the first time i have ever tried gnocchi so don't really have anything to compare it to, but i thought it was quite good. I could not finish the serving (which is unlike me) because it was very filling. My girlfriend went with the fettucini alfredo. I gave it a little bite and thought it was great. Next time i would most likely go for that dish since at home we don't eat creamy sauces very often. My dad picked a wine for us that was very good and our glasses never went empty with the waiter being attentive without being OVER attentive. The service staff as a whole was not particularly friendly but in no way rude. The dipping sauce for the break was excellent but as others have said very garlicky. When we ordered dessert my dad wanted some coffee but for some reason they were completely out even though it was only 7:30pm. The "ruins" interior could have been cheesy but it wasn't. Overall, I chose this place for its location and would go there again for some good filling Italian food.
(4)
Allen R.

Searching for Mom's lasagna ever since you left home? Go here. Order the Lasagna. You won't be disappointed. I don't know how the other dishes are as I always order the lasagna! The staff is friendly, service great and the ambiance excellent. Go here on a date, with family or a friend.
(5)
M'ia K.

We were a group of 4 on a Monday night and this place was totally PACKED!! I kept calling in the afternoon and they didnt' pick up their phone, which led me to suspect that they were closed for business. Thankfully, not the case- they just don't take reservations... and they don't seem to really have to! Surrounded by so many beautiful and trendily-clad boys and girls, I definitely felt a little out of place, but the staff was friendly to us-- they really seemed to know every other couple who walked in the door! We thankfully got a table for 4 near the window and the service was pretty good, considering we were newbies to this place. The server forgot to bring us our appetizer, so that was on the house (since it arrived with our meals... it was nice of them to do that, but not necessary...) The -1 star is b/c of the parking situation,which can be pretty bad, and for the slight feeling that you get because you're 'not a regular' at this local neighborhood joint. The food was excellent- sadly, we didn't leave room for dessert! Thanks to you yelpers for suggesting this place!!!
(4)
Cinds C.

I'm not always super impressed with Italian places, I mean really, if you screw up spaghetti and meatballs, reconsider your line of work! With that said, when I have a meal as amazing as dinner was at Parma, then it's definitely something worth sharing! The whole atmosphere was really nice, I could see it being a good date place, I went with 4 friends which was fun too. I thought the wine was a little pricey, but the dinner prices were completely reasonable. We had the special which was yummy risotto with scallops, an amazing angel hair pasta with mushroom and pancetta in a red sauce that was delish. My boyfriend had the penne which he loved and the simple spinach salad even was to die for! It was definitely crowded, but we had no wait and the food would've been worth it anyway.
(4)
Morgan M.

I was craving carbonara and went to this place after reading the reviews of its carbonara on Yelp. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the whole experience. Thoughts: 1. Carbonara is an inherently sinful dish. This was some of the driest I've ever had, without that lusciously creamy, delicious, calorie-laden coating one expects. I got the feeling they were trying to make a low calorie version, which just doesn't work. Some things are meant to be guilty pleasures, and carbonara is one of them. 2. The walls were full of dust bunnies. Look in some of the holes in the walls - holes right next to your face as you're eating - and you will quite honestly see rather large clumps of dust. The biggest I saw was about the size of my thumbnail. Gross. 3. Hideous fake flowers? In San Francisco? Seriously? 4. The oil/balsamic/garlic dip for the bread at the beginning was really good. Overall, I was completely underwhelmed. A couple bright spots, but not enough to make up for the "diet" carbonara.
(2)
josie z.

Okay, so the food is good -- at best. But the atmosphere makes this place a potential 4-star. But I don't want to get carried away. Especially because I don't often Yelp while still imbibed. Nothing really set this place apart, other than the proximity to my house, the superiority of vegetarian selections to L'DeAngelo, the family vibe of the host and wait staff, and the ever important Marina clientele to satiate my people-watching appetite. If you're running short on Marina restaurants, check this place out. If you're new to the area wait a few months. The food is tasty (though I had to add quite a bit of salt -- my own personal vice) and the portions are massive. I'll be back, but unfortunately it won't likely become a regular on the Marina-eats rotation.
(3)
ChubbyBunny I.

A step up from the neighborhood Italian cafe and into the cozy dim atmosphere of a reliable Italian restaurant. The best thing here is that it's priced in a very level way. It's not 'cheap eats on the fly' but it's an easy and delicious restaurant in that below $20 a plate range that won't kill your wallet until you pile on the better wines or the espresso and deserts. This is a great place to split a pasta dish and an entree. It's the perfect stealth date restaurant because there is no trend, no buzz, nothing but good food, and a nonchalant romance that the owner will play up for you once it's noticed that you're macking on someone new. But be warned, horndogs! This isn't the place you want to go with your date when you're looking for the hot sex or on the booty call. This is the place you take them when you want to show that you've got a modicum of class, when you want to show your gentility and talk about something over the white cloth while trying not to drip olive oil on your good shirt. Plan to drop them at the door with a chaste kiss (albeit a garlicky one but as long as you're both eating you'll be fine) very shortly after the meal. Then, you can unbutton your pants once you've turned the corner and bask in the carby cheesy creamy fatty glow of a fine meal and plan for your next step in sweeping one off the good ones (the toes tingling, fluttery, does my butt look big in these pants?! kind of date) off their feet.
(4)
Janel A.

Parma is a great restaurant to go to, whether you're on a romantic date or catching up with some old friends. It has a charming interior and the Italian man who owns the place is always very welcoming, and makes me feel like I'm back in Italy. The wine is great -- the server will always recommend a great bottle (not top price). I had the most delicious pasta dish that had the perfect kick to it. It's good for groups of 4 or less, or even to grab some take out and enjoy at home in front of a movie. The owner will even chat with you while you wait. Oh, try not to sit too close to the door, cause when it's crowded, you'll feel like people are standing at your table (waiting for a table to open up), and when the door opens, you'll be chilled with a big gust of wind.
(4)
Norman B.

3 and a half stars, really but as others have rounded up, I'll round down. Lovely atmosphere and very friendly service, in a US fashion, rather than Italian (but that's no bad thing, really)! The thing is that the Italians fawn all over you, make you feel really special and introduce an element of chaos into the proceedings, which is great on vacation, but not in the middle of SF. The food was perfectly pleasant but it seemed to me to be pretty well mainstream US-Italian and I was looking for something a bit more real Italian. There are plenty of fake Italian restaurants in the area, so it was slightly disappointing that the menu did not feature more challenging dishes: it's not as though authentic Italian is particularly weird - it's just that they use slightly different (tastier/less bland) ingredients and slightly different preparations from what has become the US standard. In foodie heaven like the Marina, I'm sure the market must be there for it. As I said, the food was pleasant but the atmosphere and service promised much more.
(3)
Sonia C.

You can have A16...I'll take Parma. How nice is it to walk in and be greeted warmly? How nice is it that I know if I order the Fettucini Bolognese that it will come perfect? And when the Petrale Sole is the fish of the day...decisions, decisions. Watch out for that garlic dipping sauce - it's pretty addictive. Always a good meal. And never pretentious!
(4)
Markus H.

Parma picked a great location - nice walking neighborhood with other restaurants right there. And the ambiance/decor is really attractive - we felt comfortable there surrounded by lots of beautiful young people, every table was taken at 7:30 p.m. on a Monday night, so obviously is popular. The service was good too. BUT - the food was less than average: - we ordered a couple of different salads, they were just average, and the +- price tag of $8 for what looks like a $2.50 side salad disappointed. - we ordered three different pasta dishes and all three were just a step above cafeteria quality - visually, aroma wise, taste wise, and with regards to the ingredients. The sliced mushrooms in the spaghetti sauce look like they came out of a can, tomato sauce ditto. And flavors just very boring and flat. My suggestion - they've got the location, they've got a great looking attracive place, they have friendly and fast service - get yourself another chef and you're #1!
(2)
Erin M.

A bit loud inside. Much to her chagrin, I ended up yelling at my mom a few times just to be heard. This is balanced by the fact that I like the small, intimate dining room...probably no more than 10 tables. So, with a little noise, R. Parma is a solid dinner choice. Entrees were not overbearing, just great, fresh flavor. The server suggested the night's linguine with meatballs, perfect al dente pasta and three large, flavorful, not-greasy-at-all meatballs. Well-priced too. Should have gone somewhere spendier with the mama in town!
(4)
Jacquie M.

I've been going to Parma for years now and everything I have ordered is SOLID. Not only that, but the service is excellent (shout-out to Angela!) and they will do anything to accomodate your needs -- like say you bring in a picky eater with completely neurotic requests/eating habits (Mom) or asking to have the linguini with meatballs turned into an appetizer with just the meatballs (me) -- and they do it with a smile. The bread is great, the garlic/balsamic/olive oil spread for the bread is great -- but most of all, the Penne Romanoff is G-REAT. I've gotten many other dishes but the Penne Romanoff is my go-to dish. The other night, I ordered it with whole wheat pasta (you can substitute any pasta for whole wheat for $2) and it tasted just as good. Other stand-outs are the Chicken Parmesan and the Spaghetti Carbonara. They don't take reservations but I've never had to wait long. Not a good place for groups but we have brought a group or two in there and they have accomodated us the best they can. I kind of want to blow off The Raveonettes concert now and go there tonight. Great.
(5)
Mitzi C.

Cute neighborhood italian place. I really like the garlic/balsamic/olive oil dip they bring you. Good pastas and salads. The fettucine bolognese was really yum!
(4)
Mandy M.

Parma reminds me of Italy -- it's a good place to slow down, sip a glass of vino, and enjoy the good life! Service is consistent and friendly -- you feel part of their little Italian family. Food: Get the Lasagna Bolognese. It's the best lasagna I've every had. The piece is huge so, unless you are a linebacker or have the metabolism of a wolverine (or want it for lunch the next day), split it with someone else. To be honest, I've never tried anything else as a main course -- it's that good.
(4)

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Address : 3314 Steiner St
San Francisco, CA, 94123
Phone (415) 567-0500
Website https://www.sfparma.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :5:30 pm - 10:00pm
Mon : 5:30 pm - 10:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

Claim Restaurant

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

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Ristorante Parma

3314 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA, 94123

Ristorante Parma Menu

Antipasti

Salads

Pasta

Secondi Piatti

Off The Grill

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Ristorante Parma

Antipasti

Salads

Pasta

Secondi Piatti

Off The Grill

Desserts

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