Steps of Rome, San Francisco

Our daughter and others had told us that this was a great restaurant so we decided to have a family night out. We were seated upstairs in a small, hot and crowded room. Between the music and people talking at other tables, we could not hear each other and could not hear the waiter. There was a spinach salad special that 4 out of the 5 of us ordered. Bread, drinks, and water were brought to the table. Salads were delivered, and then we waited almost 1 hour for our dinner. No further bread was delivered and we were becoming hungry. We did not see our waiter again and even our water glasses became empty. When the meal finally arrived, portions were extremely small. My dish which was a pasta dish with smoked salmon was awful and very fishy tasting. The spinach salad special was almost twice the price of a regular dinner salad. We left the restaurant hungry and disappointed. We would never recommend this place to anyone.

The music was blasting and when we asked them very politely to turn it down just a little they turned it up. The food is great. Too bad the wiaters are complete A-holes. Unless you want to end up next to a table full of eight grade girls singing Bob Marley, do NOT come here.

Great atmosphere and good food make this place a hit. Authentic dishes that taste great and reasonably priced compared to the other Italian restaurants in the vicinity. But beyond the food is the great staff that are very engaging, giving the place a intimate, vibrant feel. Not to mention they encourage dancing anywhere, including on the bar. I've been on more relaxed weekday dinners, but the weekends are where the place shines, so make sure to try it then. I would recommend this as a great north beach locale. Stop by, grab some food, and enjoy the evening...and maybe dance on the bar.

Getting crazy in late night. Waiters danced w/ customers on the table, and made some joyful noise w/ plates. Awesome interaction w/ customers. So cool. Great dessert.

Our dining experience was not great at all, not sure why this place is so popular. Music is way too loud; food was okay, a little bland and watery with the sauce, definitely not great, service was so-so - food for the kids was brought out last and the place is way too crowded. We had the 'bridal shower' experience mentioned in another review with a drunken bride soiling the bathroom. Don't take your kids, at least not for dinner, the environment is pretty much inappropriate.

I wouldn't go back here again and again, except for the view. From the windows here you have a great vista of the Financial District and The Stinking Rose (a garlic-based restaurant, very colorful) across the street. This place is pleasurable, but it doesn't really stand out for me. A pretty day when I was there, and I was at peace, mostly.

Right on Columbus Ave in North Beach this small Italian restaurant is open late and is best for coffee, dessert and good conversation with friends. It's loud, festive Italian atmosphere matches the busy city street where you can dine outside on the sidewalk at tables for two. Great people watching. Less than $10 cab ride from Bart Embarcadero or Montgomery Street station.