Steps of Rome Rises Again: North Beach Welcomes Back a Legendary Restaurant
San Francisco’s North Beach is buzzing with excitement as Steps of Rome, the legendary Italian trattoria that left a gaping hole in the city’s culinary heart when it closed in 2011, triumphantly reopened its doors on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Located at 401 Columbus Avenue, the restaurant will continue with a similar concept and will even have the original chef who created amazing dishes over a decade ago. Under new ownership but staying true to its roots, Steps of Rome is ready to reclaim its place as a cornerstone of San Francisco’s Little Italy.
For decades, Steps of Rome was a North Beach staple, its Columbus Avenue location (formerly at 348 Columbus) a popular with locals and tourists. This was a restaurant that I regularly suggested to friends visiting from out of town if they were looking for not only good food, but also a great experience. Known for its lively, unpretentious vibe, the restaurant was a go-to for Italian food served in generous portions. Diners raved about classics like the Chicken Cacciatore and the Spaghetti Carbonara. It was famous for staying open until 3AM, drawing crowds for late night plates of pasta as well as World Cup viewing parties. Yelp reviews from the era paint a picture of a place where the food was as memorable as the atmosphere: “The Caffe was like stepping into a Roman street party—loud, fun, and always delicious,” one fan wrote.
The restaurant’s closure in 2011, announced by then-owner Scott Holley, was a gut punch to San Francisco. The prime Columbus Street space was put up for sale, and North Beach mourned the loss of a venue that had been a social hub for everything from bachelorette parties to cozy date nights. The closure was part of a tough period for the neighborhood, with economic pressures and changing dining trends challenging even the many businesses.
The Grand Reopening
Fast forward to 2025, and Steps of Rome is back with a vengeance. The grand opening on April 23 brought back memories of a few late night adventures I had all but forgotten. The new location at 401 Columbus, the former home of Cassava, which shuttered in November 2024, has been transformed into a warm, inviting space that blends old-school Italian charm with modern touches.
The reopening comes at a pivotal moment for North Beach, which has seen its share of restaurant closures in recent years including Kennedy’s Indian Curry House, which closed in February 2025. Yet the neighborhood is also experiencing a renaissance, with spots like Flour + Water Pizzeria and the revived Park Tavern drawing crowds.
What’s Next for Steps of Rome
For now, the restaurant will be open until 10PM as the staff works out the kinks, but they plan to be open later soon. There doesn’t seem to be any website or Social Media for the restaurant yet, but they should be live in the near future. San Francisco has had its ups and downs, but things like this are a good indicator that this is still the amazing city its always been.
