The sign at Il Pollaio is like a Cubist 1980s video game design. Obviously, the restaurant opened in 1982. Not so obvious, they never made the blunder many establishments do of remodeling for the sake of remodeling. Fashions ebb and flow; that which is cool is timeless. I think Ralph Lauren said that. Michael Bauer, former SF Chronicle food critic said good things about this place. The staff at Il Pollaio wear t-shirts with Bauer's quote printed on them. I can't really remember the details of the encomiums, but it's not a bad article. You should read it. The Chronicle will allow you to look at a limited number of their pieces online. In the age of social media, the world has lost the professional dilettante. For all his faults, I wish Bauer would still do reviews. Perhaps he wasn't the most exploratory critic, or the best writer, but he's preferable to his successor, Soleil Ho. Not only is Soleil a hack, but a crusading hack, a hack on a mission. Back to Il Pollaio... It was founded by a man from a Calabrian man. That is, a Calabrian by was of Argentina. With his chickens, he merged his two backgrounds. The chickens are spatchcocked and grilled (over gas). Cooking a splayed animal over fire represents the Argentine. Giving the bird a rub with garlic, herbs and spices before grilling represents the Italian. It is honest, no frills cooking. The crispy skin is imbued with the flavor of the fire. The seasonings - olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme - add savory depth. Perfectly cooked, somehow, even the white meat is moist. The waiter gave me a plastic squeeze bottle filled with chunky, brick red sauce. It is the kind of sauce you find at Italian or Greek restaurants where the Mexican cooks have been given their freedom. That means more capsaicin. It is also the most affordable meal in North Beach. You can get a half chicken here for $16. In a neighborhood that sells spaghetti pomodoro for $23 a bowl, that is a bargain.
James Fitts
Great combo salad
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tony T.
Local unassuming family business with 12 tables. Incredible owner, food and ambiance. Had the entire chicken , delicious steak fries, garden salad and homemade lentil soup ...delicious! A bottle of the tasty Malbec to top it off. Grilled chicken seasoned and cooked well. Boneless ribeye seasoned and cooked perfectly with boiled potatoes on the side. Small staff and owner are so friendly and accommodating ... Look forward to returning !
Timber W.
I was introduced to this place through my fiancé and now its a regular dinner spot for us. It has a limited menu but so far everything we've tried has been great. The chicken is delicious and definitely what hooked me but I keep coming back for my favorite, the pork chops. They also have a special salsa for the chicken that is a must. Its a small spot so it would be difficult for very large parties but its a great spot for a date night or a few friends. The service is great, and the food comes out quickly.
Eddy Shern
I've visited this restaurant more than 100 times over the past years, every dish they brought to the table is delicious !
John S.
We read an old review in the San Francisco Chronicle (the local newspaper) written by a local food critic named Michael Bauer. Mr. Bauer said in this review: "The mothership of grilled chicken." After reading that, I knew I had to give this place a try. The service here is great. Always friendly and cheery. We weren't too hungry so we split a chicken breast grilled sandwich. We asked for no pesto but extra mayo. They made the sandwich perfectly to order. The chicken was so juicy and flavorful!
Joe Shea
Fair price and plenty of food. Fantastic
Anne F.
Our absolute, long-standing, favorite for grilled chicken/ steak/pork chops/sausages, and the best steak french fries (wide planks). It's almost a weekly staple for us. Super easy to drop in for a wholesome and supremely delicious dinner plate of a grilled item with potatoes and salad, or take out for a group. The staff have been with the restaurant for many years, and provide consistent and upbeat service.
Deniz Satik
Really nice, relatively affordable and comfortable place for roast chicken. The chicken was a bit overcooked for my tastes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jay R.
I was sad when I finished my plate of Lamb Chops because the deliciousness had come to an end. The quality of meat, flavor, tenderness, quantity and price are outstanding. A very comfortably casual place you could become a regular at. I plan to go back again and again.
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bean Salad, Marinated Eggplant, Whole Chicken Large Salad, Half Chicken with Choice of Salad
Coach Peter
Wow! What a great place! Paula was wonderful, chicken was great! Had the lamb second time in. Nice. Portions are large, and price is certainly better that most these days. Causal, fun place for eats on the main Columbus drag in North Beach. We will be going again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Whole Chicken Large Salad, Mozzarella Caprese, Half Chicken with Choice of Salad, French Fries
Jay Morgan
The chicken pesto sandwich was fabulous!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sean R
What’s better than a grilled chicken?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dick S.
I have been eating here for twenty years and it's been consistent and delicious every time. Ingredients are fresh and well prepared. The chicken and the lamb are standouts in my opinion. All the sides are very well done. Can't really go wrong here. The salsa/hot sauce is like no other in the city to. The owners and the staff are hard working friendly people. SF gem that's been rocking since 84'
The sign at Il Pollaio is like a Cubist 1980s video game design. Obviously, the restaurant opened in 1982. Not so obvious, they never made the blunder many establishments do of remodeling for the sake of remodeling. Fashions ebb and flow; that which is cool is timeless. I think Ralph Lauren said that. Michael Bauer, former SF Chronicle food critic said good things about this place. The staff at Il Pollaio wear t-shirts with Bauer's quote printed on them. I can't really remember the details of the encomiums, but it's not a bad article. You should read it. The Chronicle will allow you to look at a limited number of their pieces online. In the age of social media, the world has lost the professional dilettante. For all his faults, I wish Bauer would still do reviews. Perhaps he wasn't the most exploratory critic, or the best writer, but he's preferable to his successor, Soleil Ho. Not only is Soleil a hack, but a crusading hack, a hack on a mission. Back to Il Pollaio... It was founded by a man from a Calabrian man. That is, a Calabrian by was of Argentina. With his chickens, he merged his two backgrounds. The chickens are spatchcocked and grilled (over gas). Cooking a splayed animal over fire represents the Argentine. Giving the bird a rub with garlic, herbs and spices before grilling represents the Italian. It is honest, no frills cooking. The crispy skin is imbued with the flavor of the fire. The seasonings - olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme - add savory depth. Perfectly cooked, somehow, even the white meat is moist. The waiter gave me a plastic squeeze bottle filled with chunky, brick red sauce. It is the kind of sauce you find at Italian or Greek restaurants where the Mexican cooks have been given their freedom. That means more capsaicin. It is also the most affordable meal in North Beach. You can get a half chicken here for $16. In a neighborhood that sells spaghetti pomodoro for $23 a bowl, that is a bargain.
Great combo salad
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Local unassuming family business with 12 tables. Incredible owner, food and ambiance. Had the entire chicken , delicious steak fries, garden salad and homemade lentil soup ...delicious! A bottle of the tasty Malbec to top it off. Grilled chicken seasoned and cooked well. Boneless ribeye seasoned and cooked perfectly with boiled potatoes on the side. Small staff and owner are so friendly and accommodating ... Look forward to returning !
I was introduced to this place through my fiancé and now its a regular dinner spot for us. It has a limited menu but so far everything we've tried has been great. The chicken is delicious and definitely what hooked me but I keep coming back for my favorite, the pork chops. They also have a special salsa for the chicken that is a must. Its a small spot so it would be difficult for very large parties but its a great spot for a date night or a few friends. The service is great, and the food comes out quickly.
I've visited this restaurant more than 100 times over the past years, every dish they brought to the table is delicious !
We read an old review in the San Francisco Chronicle (the local newspaper) written by a local food critic named Michael Bauer. Mr. Bauer said in this review: "The mothership of grilled chicken." After reading that, I knew I had to give this place a try. The service here is great. Always friendly and cheery. We weren't too hungry so we split a chicken breast grilled sandwich. We asked for no pesto but extra mayo. They made the sandwich perfectly to order. The chicken was so juicy and flavorful!
Fair price and plenty of food. Fantastic
Our absolute, long-standing, favorite for grilled chicken/ steak/pork chops/sausages, and the best steak french fries (wide planks). It's almost a weekly staple for us. Super easy to drop in for a wholesome and supremely delicious dinner plate of a grilled item with potatoes and salad, or take out for a group. The staff have been with the restaurant for many years, and provide consistent and upbeat service.
Really nice, relatively affordable and comfortable place for roast chicken. The chicken was a bit overcooked for my tastes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was sad when I finished my plate of Lamb Chops because the deliciousness had come to an end. The quality of meat, flavor, tenderness, quantity and price are outstanding. A very comfortably casual place you could become a regular at. I plan to go back again and again.
Restaurantji Recommends
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bean Salad, Marinated Eggplant, Whole Chicken Large Salad, Half Chicken with Choice of Salad
Wow! What a great place! Paula was wonderful, chicken was great! Had the lamb second time in. Nice. Portions are large, and price is certainly better that most these days. Causal, fun place for eats on the main Columbus drag in North Beach. We will be going again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Whole Chicken Large Salad, Mozzarella Caprese, Half Chicken with Choice of Salad, French Fries
The chicken pesto sandwich was fabulous!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
What’s better than a grilled chicken?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have been eating here for twenty years and it's been consistent and delicious every time. Ingredients are fresh and well prepared. The chicken and the lamb are standouts in my opinion. All the sides are very well done. Can't really go wrong here. The salsa/hot sauce is like no other in the city to. The owners and the staff are hard working friendly people. SF gem that's been rocking since 84'