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The Stinking Rose

Italian Restaurant$$$$

North Beach, San Francisco

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The Stinking Rose

6.9^/10

750

ratings

"You have to try the garlic ice cream, it's unique and delicious."(27 Tips)
"Definitely try the Bagna Calda, absolutely delicious."(8 Tips)
"40 clove chicken"(5 Tips)
"It's quirky and unusual but a lot of fun for garlic lovers."(5 Tips)

184 Tips and reviews

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bagna calda
garlic
prime rib
good for dates
hot tubs
casual
baby back ribs
good for groups
restaurants
roses
trendy
chicken
dinner
fondue
soup
cute
great value
meats
skillets
pork chops
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Jamie DumbillJuly 4, 2016
Great prime rib. Pasta dishes tasty too. Get the signature garlic appetiser and scare off vampires for months. You will smell for so long after eating all the garlic in this place!
Upvoted 1 week ago
Amy YounghansMarch 27, 2013
Super cute place- if you love garlic! Everything is made with garlic, you can even find garlic ice cream on the menu! Definitely worth stopping in!
Mena MigallyAugust 27, 2014
Bagna Calda and Garlic Ice cream are must-haves for the full 'sting rose' experience! My baby back ribs / prime ribs were super moist and the garlic was strong but not overpowering.
ElifApril 18, 2022
Bagna Calda is a must, if you choose to come here! Very nice ambiance, service is very nice. Steak is really good especially with garlic sauce. Lower your expectations on the pizza.
Jennifer DaviesJuly 12, 2016
Th garlic dipping appetizer is delicious. You can get more bread if you'd like.
kelly figJune 11, 2013
fun atmosphere. the garlic olive oil for the bread was amazing. you can definitely fend off vampires after eating here. waiter was friendly and let me have a taste of the garlic ice cream.
Hermann BrandiNovember 25, 2016
The Halibut is very good. I tried the one with paprika and was delicious. I will try the one with garlic and basil. Sounds like a great combination.
Sarah VioletOctober 24, 2012
If you like vegetables the lasagna was really good. Yummy eggplant and Swiss chard! My friend asked about gluten free and they didn't offer very much. She basically got a 20 dollar plate of veggies
Adriana MartinSeptember 9, 2014
Amazing friendly service, made me feel at home. The garlic ice cream is fabulous. The fresh bread and the garlic sauce served with it makes the whole meal.
Jamie GenderJune 19, 2013
Garlic ice cream is really good! Especially after eating so much garlic, the sweetness of the cream with the caramel sauce really works nice together. :). Yum!
Tana BabcockAugust 29, 2016
Pasta portions are kind of small so if you're hungry make sure to get some sort of starter. The Dungeness Crab was the best!
Sarah W.September 14, 2011
If you like garlic come here. Do the bagna calda appy - it's delicious. A little cheesy and touristy but I loved it am glad we went on my sister in law's rec. Hubby loved the prime rib
ScottySauceAugust 15, 2011
Try the Bagna Calda, Italian Garlic Meat Loaf, 40 Clove Garlic Chicken and the Garlic Crusted Baby Back Ribs. For dessert you have got to try the Garlic Ice Cream w/ Caramel Mole Sauce for sure.
Percy CarrionDecember 4, 2013
Get the lamb! The calda bagna is overrated. The garlic ice cream is very interesting. I still don't know if it was sweet or salty! Great service. Recommended
Rob WMay 26, 2013
Everything on the menu has garlic in it right down to the ice cream & wine. The Garlic Spinach Fontina Fondue is a great starter plate.
Cheng YangJune 6, 2011
Death by garlic but who cares when it's so darn good. Mussels in sizzling skillet and zuppa de pesca soup - both must eat! Finish off with some garlic ice cream at the end Read more
Tormod VærvågenOctober 25, 2012
Nice lamb shank, rich on nutty garlic flavor. Friendly staff. The garlic ice cream was much better than you could expect.
Katie MuiJanuary 23, 2015
For all you spice aficionados: they have a good selection of hot sauces out front for your at-home garlicky needs.
JET MendezMay 12, 2012
The food here is awesome! The bagna calda tasted great with the bread rolls! It came with big heaps of garlic! You have to try the garlic ice cream, it's unique and delicious.
Chris HardingMarch 12, 2013
I had a whole crab, it was delicious. Get the bowl of garlic ice cream. Your mind tells you no, but your body, your body tells you yes!
Keiron QJune 11, 2015
Garlic ice cream is surprisingly good. This place sounds like a gimmick but the food is top notch.
Hector A ParayuelosJune 17, 2015
The meatloaf is incredible, best I've ever had. Super tasty and moist!
Jaime MahoneyAugust 16, 2019
Garlic ice cream while not completely nasty upon consuming a spoonful, the after taste will surely make you regret you decision. 24hrs later after 2hrs of garlic my body is still in payback mode.
Roberto MarchiJuly 3, 2017
Do you like garlic?! This restaurant is a "must" for you!
CNNJune 5, 2015
The garlic fun is not limited to the food. The Stinking Rose's walls are adorned with animated garlic characters, and the restaurant is filled with garlic-themed collectibles. Read more
Greg CalApril 28, 2015
It's quirky and unusual but a lot of fun for garlic lovers. The garlic ice cream is revolting but it's a must try
Kate FurmanAugust 1, 2016
I recommend the garlic meatballs and 40 clove chicken. The free bread that they give you isn't that great, so don't fill up on those.
Christian Van Der Henst S.January 6, 2016
Garlic paradise. Try the garlic ice cream. It's big.
Naren NaidooSeptember 24, 2012
Try the Vegetable Lasagna - Layered past with mushrooms, eggplant, bell peppers and mozzarella cheese with a creamy tomato sauce and lots n lots of fresh Parmesan
Kyle MinorSeptember 11, 2023
On the dessert menu, there is a RGVT Cappuccino… that stands for Rum Vodka Gin Tequila… consume at your own risk! 🍹
Linda HobkirkAugust 7, 2014
Excellent food, fabulous service, wonderful atmosphere! Highly recommend:)
JoJo BeansMarch 19, 2011
Came here on a friday night, so thankful we had a reservation the place was packed! But the drinks apps and entrees came out one right after the other.... but food was AMAZING! Highly recommended!
Tim MesserschmidtSeptember 8, 2014
The Chicken & Asparagus pasta is delicious. Also make sure to get the meatballs as appetizers.
Curtis AllenJuly 22, 2015
Have more then 3 people? Ask for a booth on the north side of the restaurant, much more comfortable
Vick SmithMarch 11, 2011
British? Share 3 courses...the portions are generous! Have the straight cloves in oil you'll be surprised how sweet and tasty the garlic is. The lasagne is fantastic.
Wesley OngAugust 13, 2017
The Zuppa di Pesce and Black Linguine Clams were delicious
Greyhawk68September 9, 2016
Try the Roasted Garlic Potato Onion Soup (via @Foodspotting)
aprilkalinka ffApril 24, 2016
Good place but pastas are waaaay over cooked. My husband is italian so we know what is good pasta. This was not. I order meatloaf, and it was good. Just make sure to tell, not to over cook the pasta
Lindsay D.August 19, 2018
Wonderful food in a fun and funky atmosphere! A garlic lover's paradise!
Ally KazmuchaDecember 6, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Got the regular spaghetti and meatballs. It was great. For as packed as this place was, service was quick.
Tina StandleeFebruary 14, 2011
Great pastas. Clam pasta came with 25 full clams. Pesto pasta was made with sun dried Roma tomatoes; super sweet tasting. Quick service. Amazing food.
Kathren SammisJuly 27, 2013
Right when you walk in, it smells garlic-y and fantastic. The garlic goat cheese is a religious experience.
Greyhawk68September 9, 2016
Try the Garlic Ice Cream (via @Foodspotting)
Ryan KJanuary 7, 2015
Garlic everything! You think it wouldn't be good but it's a must try. Everything works!
Fredrik HolmDecember 13, 2015
The Fresh Tomatoes pasta is REALLY fresh and nice ! Recommended for a light lunch.
Fabio AndradeJuly 23, 2018
I liked the food and the famous ice cream of garlic , it’s great
Gail HughesFebruary 28, 2013
It was a great place. Atmosphere, food and Cakebread Chardonnaybia the best. Can't wait to come back!!
Duane MowrerMarch 30, 2018
The best place on Earth if you like garlic. The salmon is especially good.
Chef FrytzNovember 4, 2013
I can vouch for the Italian Meatloaf. The garlic ice cream (huge serving) is a must!
Ali AndersonNovember 30, 2014
Very touristy but still pulls off awesome Italian dishes; lives up to the garlic reputation.

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