Serafina is an intimate Roman-style Italian restaurant at 1701 Jones Street (San Francisco, CA 94109). It sits at the crest of Nob Hill where it meets Russian Hill. Owner Maurizio named it for his grandmother Serafina and her restaurant in Rome’s Trastevere district, where he began making pizzas at age fourteen. Travelers come for carefully plated Roman cooking, inventive fish dishes and a romantic neighborhood dining room.
What to Expect at Serafina
Chef Umberto runs a scratch kitchen built on house-made dishes and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu follows the Roman tradition of simple preparations done precisely. Expect pastas in the trattoria spirit of the Eternal City and seafood plates that show off the kitchen’s creative side. Servers recite daily specials, so ask before ordering. The wine list leans Italian and pairs well with both pasta and fish.
The dining room is small, elegant and candlelit in feel. It suits anniversaries and unhurried dinners for two. Outdoor tables on the Jones Street sidewalk offer a breezier alternative on mild evenings. Take-out and curbside pickup are available for travelers who prefer dinner back at the hotel. The kitchen welcomes questions about dietary needs, and vegetarian pastas are typically easy to arrange.
- Roman Kitchen: Home-style Roman cooking rooted in a family trattoria lineage in Trastevere.
- Fish Dishes: Inventive seafood plates are a house specialty.
- Daily Specials: Chef Umberto’s rotating dishes change with the market.
- Italian Wine List: A robust, Italy-focused selection built for pairing.
- Alfresco Seating: Sidewalk tables on a quiet hilltop corner.
Serafina at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1701 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94109 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Nob Hill / Russian Hill border |
| Operating Hours | Wed–Mon 5–10 PM; closed Tuesday |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (moderate to upscale dinner) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable cars a few blocks away; limited street parking |
| Official Website & Phone | serafina-sf.com · +1 415-874-1936 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
The room is small, so reserve through the official booking page, especially for 7–8:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. A 5 PM seating is the calmest option. Hilltop streets here are steep and parking is scarce. The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable cars stop within a few blocks, and rideshare drops at the door are the easiest choice. Check SFMTA for current routes.
Sidewalk grades around the block are significant, which challenges wheelchair and stroller users. Call ahead about entry and table placement. Before dinner, walk to Grace Cathedral and Huntington Park, about 10 minutes south. After dinner, head to the Lombard Street switchbacks or the cafés of Polk Street, both within roughly 10–15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Serafina open?
Serafina serves dinner from 5 to 10 PM Wednesday through Monday and closes on Tuesday. Early seatings are quietest, while weekend evenings book fastest.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are strongly recommended given the intimate room. Book online or call 415-874-1936. Walk-ins sometimes find space on weeknights.
How much time should I budget?
Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours for a multi-course dinner with wine. Allow extra travel time for the hills.
Is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress code, but smart-casual attire matches the elegant room. It suits couples and small groups best rather than young children.
When planning your San Francisco travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in San Francisco, pair this stop with standout local spots including Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, Museum of Craft and Design, Bistro Boudin, and Ina Coolbrith Park (0.2 km away).
