Important Update:The City Guide web experience will be sunsetting on April 28, 2025. Please visit our FAQ to learn more.The Stinking Rose
Italian Restaurant$$$$
North Beach, San Francisco
"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)
183 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- bagna calda
- garlic
- good for dates
- prime rib
- hot tubs
- (15 more)
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Wine, a big Italian meal and a triple espresso here never fail to result in happiness.
Mike WinstonJune 5, 2015Do yourself a favor – turn around a leave right now. Yes, everything's got garlic, but nothing at this expensive, kitchy, tourist trap is actually very good. Read more on WinstonWanders below! Read more
KareyNovember 15, 2010Get the Garlic Potato Soup one of the best things I have ever eatten. The garlic icecream tastes like mashed potatoes.Don't get it.
Love this place! We can't make a trip to the Bay Area without having dinner here.
SylviaJuly 2, 2012For garlic lovers, this is the place to go and dine. Don't miss their special bagna calda!
Kush ShuklaMay 1, 2010This is my favorite San Francisco restaurant. If you love garlic, garlic & garlic, then this is the 1 for U. It will definitely keep vampires away and also your lover!! Read more
Marie-Dominique RémionAugust 28, 2011The place is unbelievable! The lamb is good, the porc is absolutely exquisite! You need to have a taste of this!
Charlie PenaflorOctober 7, 2011Order #40: The 40-Clove Chicken. Before you leave, buy some garlic-flavored condoms. Don't use it though. You may never be intimate with your significant other again.
Bernardo EstrellaApril 11, 2015Never misses on good taste and a good stink afterwards! Jk. Just go with an entreé and a dish
Ricardo ChavarriaMarch 22, 2012Stick with the meats, they are, above and beyond, the best thing here! Bagna calda and pork chops are an un eatable combination!
Benjamin RoodmanAugust 15, 2015You're body will reject all the garlic fun in a few hours and the next morning.
Juan VargasNovember 2, 2012Great place, great food!! Everything's delicious. Garlic soaking in a hot tub is a must
Greyhawk68September 9, 2016Try the Artichoke Ravioli With Red Pepper Bacon Sauce (via @Foodspotting)
BravoNovember 29, 2010Everything on the menu has garlic. Very casual. It has a bistro feel. Food is really good. -Tracey Bloom, Top Chef
Diana H.April 12, 2011If you love garlic & are in SF you have to try The Stinking Rose! SO good, just make sure all going with you love garlic too!
Jasmine DouvilleFebruary 12, 2013I've been coming here for years... Expensive but if you love garlic this is your place!- Casey StutzmanOctober 23, 2011This place is awesome! 40 clove chicken is amazing and they have the best muscles I have ever had!
Tim BryanOctober 10, 2009Italian Anyone? Stinking Rose is an amazing restaurant in Little Italy - The Stinking Rose is a reference to a full head of traditional Italian roasted Garlic. Not cheap - but completely worth the pr
Christina Lopez BellOctober 26, 2013The Gilroy Garlic Ice Cream w/chocolate mole sauce is incredible.
Stuart R.January 3, 2012Deeeeeelish!!! Great vegan and vegetarian options. Tip: Not a restaurant for first dates. With that kinda breath, you won't get no play.
Naren NaidooSeptember 24, 2012Try the Garlic Brie - Brie wheel baked with garlic and served with herb crostini
Kevin KnutsonOctober 26, 2014The 40 clove chicken is amazing--just don't breathe on your friends after eating it.
Taylor PeckJune 15, 2011The braised pork rib was amazing. Melts in your mouth and is definitely worth coming back for!
Karissa LozenskiSeptember 17, 2012This place is no joke when it comes to garlic. The food was delicious, but warning, I tasted garlic for the rest of the night.
- J JohnJune 15, 2022The bolognese sauce tastes fresh out of a Ragu jar; embarrassingly sweet & bland. Tough to communicate with waitstaff when they can't understand what "bread & garlic spread" means in English.
Amanda YAugust 6, 2011Make reservations or be prepared to wait. The entrees are huge and everything tastes good.
Giovanna JonesMarch 26, 2016RUN!!! This place is disgusting, over priced, and has slow service! TOURIST TRAP! But if you do decide to take the plunge, the meatloaf is the only thing worth eating.
1,318 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
It’s chic to reek at this world famous dining mecca where they flavor the garlic with food. Colorful theme rooms & casual fun.
Closed until Noon tomorrow (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- Noon–8:30 PM
(415) 781-7673
View menu on https://www.thestinkingrose.com/menu1.html
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Free
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Music
No
Dining Options
Bar Service, Take-out
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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- 7.6
"Can't get enough of the lasagna calzone. Also the assorted cheese and salumi appetizer is excellent"
Dom - 7.4
"Proscuitto and pear starter is amazing, and their tiramisu is the best I have ever had."
Diana Heideman - 8.9
"First time back since Jan '16. Great improvement. Back patio is lovely. Even on chilly nights as they have lamps. Don't forget the salads they are great too."
Amy B
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- 9.2
"Excellent bookstore and with a rich Beatnik history. Photos of Kerouac et.al. abound."
California Girl - 8.8
"Atmosphere is always great here. Crowded yet cozy place to get away from the tourist traps of North Beach and enjoy a beer."
Michelle O'Riordan - 8.4
"Incredible range of desserts, including the finest cannoli I ever had. Great coffees, too."
Alex Jegtnes
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