Trattoria San Francesco

This restuarant is Italy - it's not pizza, it's not fake parmigano, it's family. It's people cooking for themselves and inviting you to join ... and eating in the kitchen. It's hearing Italian spoken in the background generally followed by lots of laughter. It's people saying thanks for coming.

The food is good - it's as simple as that. It's well served, well priced and tastes delicious. I should know, I've (literally) just come back from eating there. The choice is good, the portions (typically Italian) copious and, they ask if you want to eat now or wait a while between courses - no fast food here, no trying to get rid of you to get another punter seated.

Is it swank - no. Is it chic - definitely no. Would I go back - in a heartbeat.

I'm sure you could find better ... if you spend time looking. You could probalby find cheaper ... but frankly, why bother. Wander in one day. If I'm wrong you'll have wasted just 1 hr of your life. You'll have been well fed and you'll never have to return.

But I guarantee you will.

BTW: I never give 10's in any review - so an average 9 is pretty good, for me
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

I was really looking forward to eating at this restaurant and having read all f the reviews I thought it would be great.

I often find that Italian restaurants are either a 'hit' or a 'miss' and sadly I would say this is a miss.

The food was below average and did not feel authentic. Compared to other London restaurants it doesn't seem overpriced, but given the quality of food I would not say it was not value for money. The desert menu was served on a plastic laminated sheet and looked like the sort of menu you would get in a tacky restaurant in a tourist resort.

The night I went it was overstaffed so we felt 'watched' for some of the evening as its only a small place.

I hate to be mean (especially as its family run and I would normally 100% support this) but this place just did not cut it for us.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 3
Friday, February 08, 2008

went here last night with a friend, very friendly service and the food was good, its like being in your favourite italian mothers kitchen, just good wholesome tasty food.

my only niggle with this place was the £2 the charge you for bread and butter, when they have already put the bread on the table before you even get there, which feels abit sneaky.

Overall def recommend this place and would go back
Comment on this reader review

Melissa C
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Sunday, December 23, 2007

A lovely, cosy, friendly place to eat and chat. We enjoyed making the acquaintance of fellow diners and conversing with staff, giving the evening a chilled-out family feel. Nothing was too much trouble and the food was just delicious - and reasonably priced.
Comment on this reader review

Jen
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, October 22, 2007

San Francesco Restaurant is in my heart,I've worked there...the staff is wonderful,but the real precious thingh is Mr Italo,a gentleman,a perfect boss and a lovely person.
Comment on this reader review

Francesca
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Been there so many times and each and every time the food was tasty and well served in one wrod "wonderful"!

Tables really close to each other but with Italo (the owner) all the customers become like a big Italian family having lunch. Don't go there if you don't like happy genuine places!
Comment on this reader review

Stefano (Authentic Italian)
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, April 18, 2007

I went with my husband and warned them that we had to be at the theatre in 40 minutes - they assured us this wouldn't be a problem and indeed it wasn't.

The two courses came swiftly yet without the conveyor belt feeling sometimes given and the staff, who are mostly older, heavily accented men were charming. They took time to explain dishes and chatted to us about which show we were going to see. We got the impression that nothing would be too much trouble so long as we were happy.

The food was tasty, straightforward and pretty good value. If I had one complaint it would be that the tables are very close together but then again the restaurant owner told me I was 'bella' so I think I'll let them off! Will definitely go again.
Comment on this reader review

Beth Williams
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, March 12, 2007

Love this place! It is a small family owned and operated ristorante run by Italo Muro. I am in London twice a year and wouldn't miss this for the world. The food is great and you will be treated like part of the family by the staff and Mr. Muro.
Comment on this reader review

Dr. Craig Smith
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, January 07, 2007

The food was average, but not great. The service was so slow and the waiter was crashing into me every time he came round. Apalling. Never go there with people you like.
Comment on this reader review

Stefan
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Monday, December 18, 2006

My wife and I have been dining with Signore Muro at his restaruant for years. No trip to London would be complete for us without the great food and excellent service at the San Francesco. It is simply great!
Comment on this reader review

Dr. Craig Smith
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, December 18, 2006