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CIAORIGATOB+Worth Trying

Name: CIAORIGATO
Address: 111 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102, San Francisco, United States
Rating: 4.6

111 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102 · Italian restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (133 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Inventive Italian-Japanese fusion with striking design and lively service; flavors often delight but can be polarizing and salty, with premium pricing and occasional service coordination hiccups.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

CIAORIGATO delivers creative Italian-Japanese fusion with striking design appeal and strong service energy, but inconsistent execution—particularly saltiness and tempura quality—prevents higher grades. The concept excels when flavors align; when they miss, the premium pricing feels less justified. Best for adventurous diners who embrace the fusion concept and can overlook occasional coordination lapses.

Restaurant Summary

Set within Hotel Bijou by Union Square, CIAORIGATO delivers a lively room with design-forward style and an open kitchen that feels like part of the show. Guests rave about the warm welcomes and energetic staff, with one diner noting, "the room looked stunning and service brought great energy." Expect a crowd that spans travelers, theatergoers, and locals drawn to its bold fusion idea. The cooking leans adventurous and chef-driven: think uni tagliatelle, miso-and-clam pasta, and okonomiyaki-style pizza. When flavors click, they are memorable; when they miss, feedback cites saltiness or sweetness running high. Bread with truffle-honey butter is a near-universal hit, while mackerel, tempura, and a few cocktails draw mixed notes. This is a menu for curious eaters who appreciate creative pairings more than strict tradition. Families can make it work thanks to pizza and pasta, a wagyu burger, and shareable plates, even if there is no dedicated kids menu. Conservative palates may prefer simpler choices like the margherita, rigatoni bolognese, or skewers. If your crew is adventurous, explore the fusion side; if not, stick to the comfort options and you will still have a good time.

At a Glance

Distinctive Italian-Japanese fusion with striking interior design
Standout staples like Focacciapan and several pastas
Execution varies; some dishes run salty or overly sweet
Cocktail delays and coordination hiccups reported
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

Italian-Japanese fusion menu
Design-forward art deco interior
Open kitchen theater
Tableside Fiorentina flambé

What People Love

Playful fusion that surprises
Design that feels special
Friendly servers who guide choices
Shareable plates for trying more dishes

Points of Concern

Seasoning balance can be inconsistent, with reports of oversalted fish and tempura
Service coordination lapses, especially with cocktails and pacing
Pricing is genuinely expensive ($25-32 pastas; steaks higher) which may surprise casual diners
Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$70-95 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For conservative eaters: Shiso margherita ($22), Ciaorigatoni ($25), yakitori di pollo ($20).
For fusion lovers: Uni tagliatelle ($32), okonomiyaki pie ($26), tempura misto ($22 if you like richer batters).
For groups: Itameshi tagliere ($36 for 2) and share a steak.

Perfect For

Pre-theater dinner with cocktails
Date night in a design-forward space
Adventurous group sharing plates
Bar dining for solo guests

Location Insights

Area: Bustling downtown hotel-and-shopping district catering to visitors, theatergoers, and business diners.

Safety: Urban core with mixed foot traffic; some guests note nearby Tenderloin edges but busy, well-lit main blocks.

Nearby: Inside Hotel Bijou near Union Square, theaters, bars, and retail; convenient for pre-show dining and cocktails.

TenderloinThe Tenderloin is a gritty, vibrant neighborhood with a rich cultural history and a growing number of eclectic dining options ranging from affordable ethnic eateries to trendy new restaurants. The area is known for its urban challenges but also for its authentic, diverse food scene and nightlife.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday17:00–22:00 Tuesday17:00–22:00 Wednesday17:00–22:00 Thursday17:00–22:00 Friday17:00–22:00 Saturday17:00–22:00 Sunday17:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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