Il cilentano Pasta Bar: Late-Night Italian Delights in San Francisco

Il cilentano has one glistening trait that helps it stand out against just about anywhere else in SF: it’s one of the few spots open late while still offering table service. Paired with some solid Italian pasta, and it makes for the perfect late-night eat. The interior is clean, albeit not particularly inviting; we sat next to the window to people watch the people walking by, which was romantic except for the harsh overhead lighting. Notwithstanding, the food was all solid. We enjoyed the fettuccine bolognese but the stand-out was definitely the spicy rigatoni paestum. The menu had some comically aggressive warnings on the backside, which I couldn’t help but imagined were provoked by an owner or manager having enough of customer bullshit. Indeed, it turned out our waiter was the owner, and he had a surprisingly charming no-nonsense vibe underneath his Italian accent. When asking for wine recommendations, he almost incredulously responded, “Everything on the wine list is worth getting, I’m the one that chose the menu.” It made us laugh, and the unfiltered confidence came off endearing. It turns out he was right — we DID enjoy the wines we ordered. I’ve bookmarked this as a place to return to next time I’m hungry, it’s late, and I feel like something more wholesome than bar food.

Love the design of their signage which is like a stamp. Perhaps these should be on US postage - they are more fun and colorful. Haven’t yet tried the place but I gaze at it from bus stop. Will make my way here soon.

Adorable little spot in North Beach that transports you right to Italy :’) The chef and owner is so charismatic and charming, and made us feel so welcome. Their pasta dishes are so down-to-earth, and a great option for when you’re just feeling like some traditional, homey italian food. I loved their carbonara, the beef ragu was so tender and flavorful, and the gnocchi perfectly pillowy. It’s also one of the few remaining spots in the city that gives you complimentary bread, which scores them a ton of points in my book. Will definitely be returning soon!

Seriously the best Italian food I had in the US so far! The sauce of the ravioli is so good I almost ordered a second serving. My friend ordered the carbonara and she said it was also amazing. Tiramisu was delicious and definitely worth trying. As someone who often feel American desserts are too sweet, the taste is quite delicate and really similar to the ones I had in Italy. I would definitely return if I travel to San Francisco again. Totally worth the high ratings!

We love the owner! This is my third time coming and I have always loved the vibes and the aura of the place! I was celebrating my 28th birthday and it was definitely a lovely place to come celebrate with! The owner wore the dinosaur party hats with us and it was just such a wholesome moment! All the food is always so good & the drinks are so delicious!!! I’ve always a ravioli or tortellini and they’ve always been so good! The tiramisu is to die for - if you’re a tiramisu person, this place is the bomb

I’ve lived in North Beach for three years, and I chose for this to be my last meal in the neighborhood. The food is over the top! The lobster ravioli and mushroom gnocchi are next level. They are delicious, and definitely worth the price! The first 5 times I came here, I got the carbonara, and it was the best carbonara I’ve ever had (no exaggeration, but I then started trying other dishes), but this last meal it did not hit nearly as good. I hope it was an off night because it was legitimately heavenly. The service is fine, I’ve come here many times, and I’ve tried to grow a report with the team, but it’s not worth it. I asked my waiter what he suggests as my last dosh in NB (after explaining I’ve been coming for years and basically tried everything), but he kept saying he couldn’t suggest one because he likes them all. I was definitely bummed he didn’t feed into the moment for me, but the food was still elite so I can’t complain. The atmosphere is nice, but always a bit dark, I ask to sit by the entrance to get more light.

Just a lovely place to get dinner. It’s all home made and santo is a lovely person. This is my go to spot for pasta in San Francisco. Could not recommend it enough. Fair prices and amazing dessert.

Went in for dinner and ordered the Fettuccine pacioccona and replaced with spaghetti instead of fettuccine to make it eggless as I'm allergic. The flavor was amazing and not rich - just the way we like it. My husband had Tiramisu and he said it was one of the best he'd ever had. Only complaint is the service. There was only one server (apparently he's the owner as well?) which is definitely not enough for a restaurant this size. Another guy was helping with bringing out the dishes to the table and clearing them out but he had such a zombie look the entire time like he just didn't want to be there. Not a very inviting atmosphere. You have to be ready to order as soon as you see the server and if you lose him you won't get another chance for like 15 min lol. He seemed to be making conversation at other tables but was pretty curt to us, not sure if our race played into this. If they stopped being so miserly and spent extra dollars on getting a couple more servers at least on weekends, I'm sure their mood would improve as well!