Came here on a Friday group as a group of 4. We had an 8:00 reservation and we were seating immediately. The place was bigger than expected inside and it seemed fairly busy and bustling.
We started with a bottle of white wine at the recommendation of our waitress. That was where the good service ended, though. Once we asked for bread and chili oil, we started getting some serious attitude, as if those requests were incredibly demanding and outlandish. Thank goodness the food was good. The bread was fluffy but had some heavier flavors, almost like olive, to it. I couldn't get enough of it. The chili oil was perfectly spicy, more so than expected, and was perfect on the bread, pizza crust, and basically everything.
We started with the salumi, the burrata, and the summer squash salad. The salumi had three types of meat, an 'nduja served on bread, a prosciutto, and some kind of loaf style meat. The last one was my least favorite, but the other two were really good, especially the 'nduja. The burrata was perfectly creamy with sea salt on top, and I could have eaten this for days. I didn't try the bread that was served with it, as I prefer soft bread to toast, but the cheese was just awesome. The squash summer salad was light and refreshing and perfect for the sunny day we had Friday. The pecorino on top added a nice creamy factor, and the squash and other veggies were flavorful and crispy without being heavy. The olives added good substance and fat without weighing down the salad, and the mint tasted just like summer.
We ordered a bottle of red wine and two pizzas, the salsiccia and the funghi. Both were good, the funghi was better, but neither was outstanding. The spring onion on the salsiccia was overwhelming but the mushrooms on the funghi were well cooked and the flavors all went together nicely. Oddly, the pizzas were served completely uncut with a pair of scissors. While I appreciate being able to cut slices to your own size, it was messy and would have been nice to get at least a light pre-cutting.
For four of us, with tax and tip, we each paid about $55. While I enjoyed the meal, it wasn't as awesome as I wanted it to be, especially the pizzas. I'd like to come back and try some more of the small plates, but I probably won't be...
Read moreMediocre at its best … real disappointment. Just don’t go to save your money.
Had a high hope/expectation as it has such many James beard nominations. Wrong.
I visited with my friend as I was in SF for the weekend. The server had zero passions. For “Outstanding Wine Program Winner”, he couldn’t bother us much to give a recommendation. He said something and I agreed to get a carafe of it, before I read deep enough he pulled the menu out of my hand - not to mention he never said “hi welcome to join with us” or any sort of pitch: -1pt.
SERVICE We ordered two antipasti, pizza and pasta, they served EVERYTHING in under 10 minutes. How did you think we can eat all in one go? It’s not a chain family restaurant. While we were served everything pretty much rushed to be out of the place, couple next to us had plates/utensils replaced after their antipasto. So why I’m getting the different service from the same exact server?
FOOD Everything we got, was alright, but nothing fantastic. Considering it’s in SF, it’s pretty bad. Pizza (ROMANA)was rather “soggy” than juicy. Couldn’t tell if it was because of the dough or the amount of tomato sauce Pasta (MACCARONARA) was really “meh” for the price. The noodle is super chewy, which is good but didn’t go that well with the sauce. Two appetizers were good, but who can mess up asparagus? He added prosciutto to our smoked burrata without asking for it. It was charged on the bill as well. Definitely not worth $31.
I always have three metrics to measure the restaurant; price, food, and service(ambience). I’m okay to miss one element, but this place missed alll three. Too expensive for a mediocre food, and service was just too bad. Easy worst meal during 4 day SF trip. Wish I could get a refund but I’m totally fine by not visiting them again at all. I can only imagine owner/main chef have changed...
Read moreAs a San Francisco resident with Italian roots, this is one of my go-to spots, not just for the delectable cuisine but also for the incredible service provided by the amazing staff. Their pizza is the epitome of authentic Neapolitan-style perfection. I've dined here multiple times, and each experience has been nothing short of fantastic. From the classic Margherita to the flavorful Salsiccia, every ingredient used is of the highest quality. My personal favorite is the Romana, but for those who prefer milder flavors, the Funghi or Bianca would be excellent alternatives to the robust anchovy and hearty toppings on the Romana. When it comes to pasta, the squid ink tonnarelli and pappardelle al cinghiale are standout dishes, but the gnocchi is also remarkably good – a delightful vegetarian option. If you're in the mood for a meat-based main course, the tender and juicy Flannery NY Strip Steak is an excellent choice. This establishment is also a great spot for enjoying some wine and snacks, such as their delicious olives or pork meatballs. For a truly authentic Italian experience, try the fava e cicoria – but be prepared for an intensely bitter and hearty flavor profile. The service is consistently impeccable. The staff happily offers wine pairing recommendations and demonstrates a simple, friendly approach reminiscent of traditional Italian hospitality. It's worth noting that during busy weekend hours, the ambiance can become quite lively and noisy, which may not suit those preferring a quieter dining experience. However, the incredible food will undoubtedly make you forget about any surrounding commotion. On Fridays and Saturdays, making a reservation is highly recommended, as the restaurant tends to...
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