Located in the vibrant North Beach district of San Francisco, Il Pollaio has earned its reputation as a culinary gem. This Italian eatery, tucked away at 555 Columbus Avenue, specializes in remarkable chicken dishes, particularly the char-broiled variety that patrons rave about. With a commitment to fresh, quality ingredients, even the simplest items shine. Gnome Chomsky describes the chicken and split pea soup as “the best of the best,” while Claudia K M highlights the “juicy and flavorful” grilled chicken complemented by a delightful bean salad and marinated eggplant. The ambiance strikes a balance between casual diner charm and fine dining, with art adorning the walls that enhances the inviting atmosphere. The restaurant fosters a sense of community, where regulars feel at home, as noted by Krishin Asnani, who enjoys the hearty and flavorful combination salad. With reasonable prices—like the signature Il Pollaio Hamburger for $13 and delectable salads from $2—every dish, from the chunky french fries to the zesty mozzarella caprese, is a testament to simple yet rustic Italian cuisine. For locals and visitors alike looking to indulge in healthy, Italian fare, Il Pollaio is an essential stop!
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves healthy options
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Photos
Reviews For Il Pollaio
Gnome Chomsky
May 30,2025
The best of the best. The chicken, the spilt pea soup, the pan fried zucchini.... Il Pollaio never disappoints. Been coming here for 10 years and looking forward to 10 more. Shout out to Paula who’s beyond awesome.
Leftover Treasures
May 1,2025
It's such an amazing restaurant. The food is always delicious and fresh. The prices are very reasonable. Every dish is a winner.
Claudia K M
Apr 29,2025
Il Pollaio in North Beach is a culinary gem! Their grilled chicken steals the show—juicy and flavorful. The bean salad and marinated eggplant elevate the experience with a burst of freshness and delightful textures. The simplicity of the menu lets the quality of ingredients shine, offering a wholesome and indulgent dining adventure. Whether you're a local or visitor, Il Pollaio is a must-visit for those craving delicious, healthy fare in the heart of North Beach.
Krishin Asnani
Apr 20,2025
Il Polliao, an eatery on Columbus Avenue with no airs, specializing in chicken at affordable price; it cultivates a neighborhood even as its interior reminds me of Edward Hopper’s somber Nighthawks. Their art hangings and festoons lend it life, making it a place of regulars like me and you. As a vegetarian , love their combination salad ; simple and hearty but fresh and flavorful; the service is convivial. It may look like a diner but it’s food quality is of a fine restaraunt.
Mark Zine
Apr 10,2025
Several lunch items interested me, but since their specialty was char-broiled chicken I went with the chicken sandwich. Huge sandwich, on a big roll, plus plenty of pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. The 3-Bean salad and steamed potatoes yummy as well
Manish Kumar Bera
Mar 22,2025
Food is simple and tasteful. Unlike other Italian restaurants which fill their food with cheese and refined flour, this restaurant is a breath of fresh air. My order included the soup of the day (minestrone soup), a green salad, and some grilled chicken. All of the dishes were excellent.
Cooper Sinclair
Mar 3,2025
Simple wins in most cases - and the sts the case with this gem. I ordered a half chicken and fries, and it didn’t disappoint. Also, for SF a good value at 20. 5 Stars.
Sô Cô La
Feb 19,2025
We was at China town and crave for some steak. Normally we would eat at Tad's but we wanted to try somewhere new, and we were not disappointed. The restaurant was not big, but cozy. The waitress was super friendly and professional. We ordered more than we could eat but the food was really good. 2 soups, 1 salad, 1 fried, 1 medium rare steak, half of grilled chicken. They were served along with some bread and salted butter. I'm glad we found out about this place. They have rabbit and lamb, maybe we would try them the next time we go there. Overal, cozy, good services, good food, price is quite fair for everything. Definitely would come back for more. Also I learned Italian during covid, so sitting in a Italian restaurant in Italian town hearing Italian was a very nice experience for me.
Reviews For Il Pollaio