The Stinking Rose, San Francisco

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The Stinking Rose, San Francisco

The Stinking Rose, San Francisco

The Stinking Rose, situated in the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach—locally known as Little Italy—is a one-of-a-kind dining destination that celebrates garlic in every form. Opened in 1991 by local restaurateurs Jerry Dal Bozzo and Dante Serafini, its tongue-in-cheek mantra “We season our garlic with food” captures the spirit perfectly. Housed in a vibrant space just off Columbus Avenue, the restaurant is instantly recognizable by its indulgent, garlic-drenched interior: red walls, black-and-white checkered floors, strings of garlic bulbs, retro kitchen décor—and even a mannequin donning a garlic-bulb hat

What sets the Stinking Rose apart is its daring menu, offering over 40 garlic-forward dishes. Classics like the 40‑Clove Garlic Chicken and Bagna Calda—a playful garlic hot‑tub dip—delight garlic lovers, while more adventurous items include garlic mussels, garlic-infused Dungeness crab, potato dishes, and even garlic ice cream. The bartending team embraces the theme with quirky creations such as the “Gartini” garlic martini—sometimes surprisingly divisive but always memorable.

The Stinking Rose’s fame extends beyond taste buds. It consumes approximately 40 pounds of garlic daily—about seven tons annually—and legend has it that rideshare drivers sometimes avoid the place due to customers' lingering garlic breath. Beyond the novelty, reviewers applaud the generous portions, lively atmosphere, and warm North Beach hospitality. Outdoor seating invites people-watching along Columbus Avenue, while inside, lively booths and intimate tables create a convivial vibe

For tourists seeking a fun, unforgettable culinary adventure in San Francisco, the Stinking Rose is a must-visit. It’s a boisterous ode to garlic culture—offering playful décor, bold flavors, and stories worth retelling. Whether you're a garlic enthusiast or simply curious about the city’s spirited dining scene, experiencing The Stinking Rose is sure to leave a fragrant—and delightful—impression.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Francisco. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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The Stinking Rose on Map

Sight Name: The Stinking Rose
Sight Location: San Francisco, USA (See walking tours in San Francisco)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in San Francisco, California

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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
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Chinatown Walking Tour

Chinatown Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Famous Architecture Walking Tour

Famous Architecture Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
North Beach Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
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Fisherman’s Wharf, by far one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist destinations, offers a mix of waterfront history, family attractions, and lively street scenes. Originally a working fishing port, the area has evolved into a hub of activity where visitors can still spot crab pots and fishing boats, though the focus today is more on entertainment, food, and sightseeing. Regardless of the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
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One such is the Castro Theater. This renowned landmark, which has been...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles

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