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Circolo La Taverna was established in 1958 by the Italian Consul General Pierluigi Alvera with Louis Petri, Roland Pierotti, and Sylvester Andriano as a cultural dining club to promote the relationship between Italy and San Francisco. Named in homage to the United States ambassador’s residence in Rome, Villa Taverna and the alley in which it resides, have a rich and varied history as diverse, complex, and artful as San Francisco itself.

The Venue

Over one hundred years ago, the Villa was the studio of famed sculptor Ralph W. Stackpole, and attracted prominent artists such as Henri Matisse, Diego Rivera, and Frida Kahlo (who lived at the Villa) and dignitaries from around the world.

Hotaling Place was re-named in 1906 for local distiller and businessman Anson Parson Hotaling, whose successful distillery was located on nearby Jackson Street. In the fire and earthquake of 1906, the San Francisco Fire Department wanted to create a firebreak along Jackson, aiming to demolish the originally constructed buildings. Hotaling’s distillery manager convinced them otherwise, salvaging the historic and unique architecture along Hotaling Place and Jackson Square. The buildings along the alleyway, including 27 Hotaling, were originally constructed using timbers from Barbary Coast-era abandoned ships. The space, now occupied by the club’s formal dining room originally housed stables in the late part of the 19th century. Black iron horse-headed hitch posts mark the now registered San Francisco Landmark.

In the early part of the 20th century, Hotaling Place sustained its position as an artist retreat, adjacent to Montgomery Street’s lovingly nick-named Monkey Block”. This bohemian hangout included studio space for famed local painters, writers, and sculptors such as Jack London, Mark Twain, Ralph Stackpole, Diego Rivera, and Frida Kahlo.

At the time, the brick walls seen in the main dining room stood bare, framing a dirt floor and exposed beams, the ideal uninterrupted setting for sculptors and painters. Stackpole resided in the studio spaces along Hotaling Place and often played host to Rivera and Kahlo. Stackpole’s sculpture ‘Industry’ can be seen at the entrance to the former San Francisco Stock Exchange building on Pine Street and a replica of his eight-story tall figure of peace ‘Pacifica’ can be seen at the entrance of San Francisco City College on Phelan Street.

The Club

Since the Club’s founding in 1958, generations of prominent San Franciscans have enjoyed the Villa’s exquisite cuisine, world class wines, fascinating members, and array of unique club events.

After Villa Taverna was founded in 1958, it quickly gained the attention of local politicians, businessmen, and notable San Francisco families. While the club was known for its discrete and stylish ambiance, and traditional Italian food, the Villa Taverna did not have its own kitchen until the 1990’s.

From 1960 until 1990, the club operated as a private dining room with San Francisco’s most popular Italian Restaurant, Doro’s, located next door at 714 Montgomery. Doro’s, known for its lavish decorum, long martini luncheons, and traditional yet upscale Italian cuisine, lent itself perfectly to cater to the club. In 1990, after Doro’s was sold, the club was fitted for its own kitchen that has shown a fine marriage of traditional Italian food and newly inspired San Francisco cuisine.

The modern era of the club has welcomed the addition of a new Bar, an array of intriguing speakers and musical guests, and a gracious selection of rare and sought-after wines. The carefully selected kitchen staff has brought with it an artfully masterful cuisine likened to that of any notable restaurant in San Francisco. While these exciting changes have marked a progression in the club, the local ambiance, personalized service, and historical decorum that members have come to expect and enjoy will remain trademarks of Villa Taverna for years to come.