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Tosca Café, San Francisco, CA

Tosca Café

4.7
4.7
152 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 19 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively

A legendary hangout in North Beach since it opened in 1919, and even more so from the 1980's onward when Jeanette Etheredge took over Tosca. Locals including Willie Brown, Lars Ulrich and Francis Ford Coppola were regular fixtures, Hunter S Thompson wrote his column for the SF Examiner in the corner booth, Bono, Lauren Hutton, and Mikhail Baryshnikov played pool in the back room, singing Opera and drinking Tosca House Cappuccinos. When Restaurateur Anna Weinberg and Interior Designer Ken Fulk heard Tosca Cafe was closing they joined forces to save it. As the new owners and passionate fans of the original establishment their goal was to return Tosca to its rightful place as a San Francisco institution. As Mikey Rapin wrote in Bon Appétit magazine: “It’s the kind of joint Beats got bounced, Bono belted opera, and a bullet hole memoralizes the night an A-LIST actor disagreed with a rockstar's choice of music"

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Bar Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
  • Phone number
    (415) 986-9651
  • Website
    https://www.toscacafe-sf.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    We offer three distinctly unique private dining experiences at Tosca: Restaurant Buyout (up to 100 guests)Private Dining Room (18 guests)Chef's Lounge (8 guests) Please contact us for more information and to book your event. https://annaweinberghospitality.tripleseat.com/party_request/3262
  • Location
    242 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133-4509
  • Neighbourhood
    North Beach
  • Cross Street
    Broadway
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Experiences

  • TOSCA NEW YEARS EVE 2024

    US$171.65 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 31, 2024 only
    Ring in the New Year with elegance and ease at Tosca Cafe! Join us for a festive evening featuring a decadent five-course meal served family-style, thoughtfully designed to bring everyone together around the table. We have taken care of every detail so you can fully immerse yourself in the joy of celebrating—a night of great food, great company, and unforgettable memories awaits. Let Tosca be your destination for a truly special start to the year!

Menu

Antipasti

  • House-Made FocacciaUS$14.00

    garlic, parmesan, local herb oil

    • House-Marinated OlivesUS$10.00

      citrus, rosemary, celery

      • Caviar BitesUS$11.00

        • Charcuterie PlateUS$35.00

          prosciutto, salametto, parmesan

          • Calamari FrittiUS$18.00

            old bay, tartar, spicy cocktail sauce

            • Tosca Meatballs

              pork, beef, spicy tomato sauce, basil, parmesan

              • 5 PiecesUS$24.00

            Insalata

            • Chicory & EndiveUS$18.00

              lemon anchovy vinaigrette

              • BurrataUS$21.00

                heirloom tomatoes, pesto, grilled levain

                • PanzanellaUS$22.00

                  mozzarella, red onion, tomatoes, croutons

                  Primi

                  • Pesto TagliatelleUS$28.00

                    basil, lemon, pine nuts

                    • Lumache Alla VodkaUS$27.00

                      calabrian chili cream, pecorino, fresh basil

                      • Spicy Shrimp TrofieUS$34.00

                        white wine, tomato sauce, breadcrumbs

                        • Pappardelle BologneseUS$29.00

                          beef, parmesan basil, chili breadcrumbs

                          • Bucatini Alla GriciaUS$32.00

                            guanciale, black pepper, parmesan, pecorino

                            Secondi

                            • Eggplant ParmesanUS$28.00

                              marinara, mozzarella, shaved parmesan

                              • Seared SalmonUS$36.00

                                spinach, cherry tomatoes

                                • Chicken ParmesanUS$32.00

                                  buffalo mozzarella, marinara sauce, basil

                                  • Pork SaltimboccaUS$40.00

                                    prosciutto di parma, garlic, sage

                                    • 14oz C.A.B Grilled RibeyeUS$59.00

                                      sautéed mushrooms, red wine jus

                                      Contorni

                                      Side dishes

                                      • Wild MushroomsUS$12.00

                                        shallot, green onion

                                        • Sautéed SpinachUS$12.00

                                          lemon, butter, chili flakes

                                          • Crispy PotatoesUS$12.00

                                            salsa verde

                                            • BroccoliniUS$12.00

                                              garlic, shaved parmesan

                                              Cocktails

                                              • That's AmoreUS$16.00

                                                gin, blackberry, lavender, lime, sparkling

                                                • Buona SeraUS$16.00

                                                  vodka, pomegranate, cranberry, cynar, beet, lemon

                                                  • Mambo ItalianoUS$16.00

                                                    tequila, amaro, citrus, basil, black walnut bitters

                                                    • Tosca NegroniUS$16.00

                                                      gin, campari, sweet vermouth

                                                      • The HustlerUS$16.00

                                                        rye, sweet vermouth, amaro, orange

                                                        • ParadisoUS$16.00

                                                          mezcal, passion fruit, lime, mandarin, black sea salt

                                                          • Coldest WinterUS$16.00

                                                            rye, sherry, pineapple, rosemary, lime

                                                            • House CappuccinoUS$16.00

                                                              bourbon, cognac, chocolate, steamed milk

                                                              Sparkling Wines

                                                              • GL Bollicini | Veneto, Italy NVUS$13.00

                                                                Prosecco

                                                                • Domaine Carneros | Napa, CaliforniaUS$98.00

                                                                  • Delamotte Brut | Champagne, France NVUS$152.00

                                                                    Chardonnay | Pinot Meunier | Pinot Noir

                                                                    • JL Vergnon 'Conversation' Grand Cru Brut | Champagne, France NVUS$150.00

                                                                      Chardonnay

                                                                      • Collet Brut | Champagne, FranceUS$120.00

                                                                        Meunier | Chardonnay | Pinot Noir

                                                                        • Bollinger, 'Special Cuvée', Brut, Champagne, France MVUS$165.00

                                                                          • Veuve Clicquot 'Yellow Label' Brut | Champagne, France NVUS$198.00

                                                                            Pinot Noir

                                                                            • Pierre Gimmonet 'Rose de Blancs' | Champagne, France NVUS$170.00

                                                                              Chardonnay | Pinot Noir

                                                                              Rosé Wines

                                                                              • GL Freixenet | Veneto, Italy 2021US$13.00

                                                                                Traditional Veneto Grapes

                                                                                White Wines

                                                                                • GL Terlato | Friuli, Italy 2022US$15.00

                                                                                  Pinot Grigio

                                                                                  • GL Societa Agricola Olianas | Sardegna, Italy 2023US$14.00

                                                                                    Vermentino

                                                                                    • GL La Sibilla 'Campi Flegrei' | Campania, Italy 2023US$16.00

                                                                                      Falanghina

                                                                                      • GL Davis Bynum 'River West Vineyard' | Russian River, California 2022US$18.00

                                                                                        Chardonnay

                                                                                        • Pighin | Friuli, Italy 2022US$58.00

                                                                                          Sauvignon Blanc

                                                                                          • Ciro Picariello | Campania, Italy 2021US$74.00

                                                                                            Greco di Tufo

                                                                                            • Rocca Felice | Roero, Piedmont, Italy 2023US$60.00

                                                                                              Arneis

                                                                                              • Marisa Cuomo 'Furore' | cCsta d'Amalfi, Campania, Italy 2021US$105.00

                                                                                                Falanghina Blend

                                                                                                • Frank Family | Napa, California 2022US$72.00

                                                                                                  Chardonnay

                                                                                                  Red Wines

                                                                                                  • GL Erste & Neue | Alto Adige, Italy 2021US$17.00

                                                                                                    Pinot Nero

                                                                                                    • GL Fattoria Monsanto 'Monrosso' Chianti | Tuscany, Italy 2020US$16.00

                                                                                                      Sangiovese

                                                                                                      • GL Pertinace | Langhe, Piedmont, Italy 2021US$18.00

                                                                                                        Nebbiolo

                                                                                                        • GL Bonanza 'Lot 7' | California NVUS$16.00

                                                                                                          Cabernet Sauvignon

                                                                                                          Beer

                                                                                                          • Peroni | ItalyUS$9.00

                                                                                                            • Ballast Point 'Sculpin IPA' | San Diego, CaliforniaUS$9.00

                                                                                                              Last updated: December 28, 2024

                                                                                                              What 152 people are saying

                                                                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                                              Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                                              4.7
                                                                                                              4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                              • 4.6Food
                                                                                                              • 4.8Service
                                                                                                              • 4.5Ambience
                                                                                                              • 4.2Value

                                                                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                              Loved For

                                                                                                              • San Francisco

                                                                                                                Great for fine wines

                                                                                                              Review summary

                                                                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                              Tosca Café offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing" food and "impeccable" service, perfect for special occasions. Guests love the "old world" charm and cozy ambiance, enhanced by live music. While some mention noise levels, the pasta dishes and attentive staff make it a must-visit San Francisco institution.

                                                                                                              152 Reviews

                                                                                                              1. Jen

                                                                                                                VIP

                                                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                                                27 reviews

                                                                                                                3.0

                                                                                                                27 reviews

                                                                                                                Dined on December 19, 2024

                                                                                                                1. Overall 3
                                                                                                                2. Food 3
                                                                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                                                                4. Ambience 2
                                                                                                                Way too loud. Love the old time feel. Good is ok.

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                                                                                                              2. Emily

                                                                                                                VIP

                                                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                                                9 reviews

                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                9 reviews

                                                                                                                Dined on December 15, 2024

                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                Tosca remains one of my absolute favorites in San Francisco. The space, food, service all excellent. The night we went was Santa Con (ooops) + a huge private birthday party in the back room so it was bonkers, but the team did everything they could to keep it going! Will go back soon.

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                                                                                                              3. Ronald

                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                18 reviews

                                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                                18 reviews

                                                                                                                Dined on December 15, 2024

                                                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                                Great food and service - but the place is LOUD. If you hope to converse with your dinner companions we suggest you take a sign language course prior to your meal!

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                                                                                                              4. Sean

                                                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                                                13 reviews

                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                13 reviews

                                                                                                                Dined on November 23, 2024

                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                I've always love the food at Tosca, and have been coming here for over a decade. I was more impressed than usual last night with the service. We were a table of 9 people and felt like we were being taken care of by friends who anticipated what we needed. Can't wait to return.

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                                                                                                              5. melanie

                                                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                                                8 reviews

                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                8 reviews

                                                                                                                Dined on November 13, 2024

                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                my girlfriend is here for work for one week and she was craving pasta. while getting ready i opened up the open table app and did a search for “italian restaurants” - tosca cafe was the first option so i chose a 7:15pm reservation. i jumped in my car and drove over to the city from oakland and picked my friend up in union square. we quickly found parking nearby and rocked up to tosca. not quite sure what to expect, we found this cozy dining room with candles on each table and an inviting service team. our waitress was sylvia and she was THE BEST! we started with calamari and caviar pillows. sylvia recommended the parpadelle bolognese and the bucatini and they were both a hit! the atmosphere is very cozy and old world. there was also live music playing. my friend and i thoroughly enjoyed our time at tosca cafe. thank you to the gentleman at the front desk for the nice table we really appreciated it.

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                                                                                                              6. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                Dined on November 10, 2024

                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                This Italian restaurant is a true gem—perfect for a night out when you want to dress up and feel fabulous. The warm lighting, elegant decor, and soft Italian music create an upscale yet inviting atmosphere. The food is exceptional, each dish beautifully crafted. Service was attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience. It’s lively, stylish, and absolutely worth a visit for any special night out.

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                                                                                                              7. Robert

                                                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                Dined on October 27, 2024

                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                Everything was great. But it was very loud which made hard to talk.

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                                                                                                              8. Chria

                                                                                                                Seattle

                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                Dined on October 26, 2024

                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                Great service. Wonderful lighting and atmosphere. Loved the focaccia and chicken parm! Excellent!

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                                                                                                              9. S

                                                                                                                VIP

                                                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                                                21 reviews

                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                21 reviews

                                                                                                                Dined on October 26, 2024

                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                Had an absolutely terrific experience here with both the food and service. Special shoutout to one of our servers (Davis) and the entire waitstaff!

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                                                                                                              10. Camala

                                                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                                                Dined on October 20, 2024

                                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                Service was impeccable, food amazing. Really love this SF institution :-).

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                                                                                                              FAQs

                                                                                                              Tosca Café is rated 4.7 stars by 152 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                              Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                                              Make a reservation

                                                                                                              2 people
                                                                                                              7:00 p.m.
                                                                                                              Booked 19 times today
                                                                                                              Experiences are available.
                                                                                                              Google Map for Tosca Café

                                                                                                              242 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133-4509

                                                                                                              Dining areas

                                                                                                              Additional information

                                                                                                              • Cross Street
                                                                                                                Broadway
                                                                                                              • Neighbourhood
                                                                                                                North Beach
                                                                                                              • Hours of Operation
                                                                                                                Dinner Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Bar Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
                                                                                                              • Price
                                                                                                                $31 to $50
                                                                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                                                                Italian, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Cocktail Bar
                                                                                                              • Dining style
                                                                                                                Casual Dining
                                                                                                              • Dress code
                                                                                                                Smart Casual
                                                                                                              • Parking details
                                                                                                                None
                                                                                                              • Payment Options
                                                                                                                AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                              • Additional
                                                                                                                Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine
                                                                                                              • Website
                                                                                                                https://www.toscacafe-sf.com/
                                                                                                              • Phone number
                                                                                                                (415) 986-9651
                                                                                                              • Private party facilities
                                                                                                                We offer three distinctly unique private dining experiences at Tosca: Restaurant Buyout (up to 100 guests)Private Dining Room (18 guests)Chef's Lounge (8 guests) Please contact us for more information and to book your event. https://annaweinberghospitality.tripleseat.com/party_request/3262
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