FINO — Restaurant in San Francisco

I was looking for an Italian Restaurant in SF. I wanted a place with real sauce. I am not fond of the CA West Coast Italian Restaurants with fancy meals that rarely come from Italy. I'm from NY and if it doesn't have tomatoes it ain't Italian.

I saw a lot of reviews and I have spent a lot of money at expensive Italian places in SF and have left disappointed. I was looking for a reasonably priced meal with good sauce and an Italian feel. I looked at the Menu Pictures on the reviews and Fino was close by and looked like it met my criteria.

I came to the right place. Upon entering an adorable young and beautiful gal seated me at a place at the bar as I was alone. The bar sat around 7 or 8 seats and there was only one place left. Everyone at the bar was drinking and ordering dinner. To get a table on a Saturday night is difficult as there is a line.

I sat down and the bartender, Jacob, offered to get a drink for me and I told him I wanted dinner. He returned quickly with a drink and a menu. I ordered the Linguine Bolognese.

I watched Jacob as he handled the entire restaurant's customer drinks and also served dinner to everyone at the bar. He smiled and enjoyed his role as Master of Ceremonies. Jacob is a true professional. The couple next to me sampled 3 bottles of wine before deciding and then they received their meal and it looked great. The atmosphere of the establishment is ideal for a cozy meal served by expert staff.

My Linguine Bolognese arrived and it was splendid. Everything I hoped for and more. Fresh bread with Olive Oil and herbs. A truly exceptional meal and I could not be happier. Or so I thought.

When I walked in to Fino and was being seated I noticed someone receiving a Blueberry Cheesecake. I said to myself, that's what I'll have for dessert.

After my meal Jacob asked if I wanted to see a dessert menu. I told him I knew what I wanted but I would peak at the menu anyhow. That is when I read about an Italian Light Custard dessert I had never heard of before. I inquired with Jacob and he told me it was a house specialty and quite nice. I decided to forego the cheesecake and went with the Zabaglione !

When the Zabaglione was delivered everyone nearby was astonished. Jacob brought a beautiful glass of fresh strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. Then the kitchen staff came out with a hot sizzling concoction of extreme beauty and poured it over the berries. (See Photo of the dessert and Jacob below). It was something to behold and I enjoyed it immensely. It was sort of a cross between a custard and a meringue made with a few wines (maybe sparkling), egg yolks, sugar and lemon juice. While I love cheesecake, I can certainly guarantee that Jacob taught me to open my palate.

I highly recommend Fino for a wonderful Italian meal, atmosphere and...

Fino Bar & Ristorante is a hidden gem that combines Italian flavors with impeccable service. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Fino promises an unforgettable dining experience.

The Pasta Perfection: Let's start with the food. Fino's pasta dishes are nothing short of divine. The Ravioli Tre Formagglo --with a creamy tomato sauce tossed with spinach--is a must-try. . It's quite possibly the best pasta I've ever eaten.

Impeccable Service by Charles: Now, let's talk about Charles--the heart and soul of Fino. As the owner, he exudes warmth and genuine hospitality. From the moment you step inside, Charles makes you feel like an honored guest. His attention to detail, personalized recommendations, and passion for Italian cuisine create an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, Charles ensures that every moment is memorable.

Elegant Ambiance: Fino's ambiance strikes the perfect balance between cozy and sophisticated. The dim lighting, rustic wooden tables, and soft Italian music transport you to a trattoria in Florence. It's an ideal setting for a romantic date night or a celebratory gathering with friends.

Wine Selection: Charles takes pride in curating an impressive wine list. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a novice, he'll guide you to the perfect pairing for your meal. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations--you won't be disappointed.

Reservations Recommended: Fino is popular, so I recommend making reservations in advance. The restaurant tends to fill up quickly, especially during weekends. Luckily, we were referred by a local resident and when we arrived, there was a table open for us!

In summary, Fino Bar & Ristorante is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience. Charles's dedication to exceptional service and the delightful flavors of Italy make Fino a standout in San Francisco's culinary scene. Yer at Louis Vuitton, thank you for the referral--I'm grateful for the introduction to this...

My visit to Fino was nothing short of spectacular, marking a dining experience that stands out for its authentic Italian flair and culinary excellence. From the moment we were seated, the ambiance of the restaurant enveloped us in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, setting the stage for a truly remarkable meal.

The highlight of our dining experience was undoubtedly the exquisite selection of dishes we ordered. The Pesto Tortellini was a revelation, with each bite bursting with the fresh, herbaceous flavors of pesto, perfectly complementing the tender, cheese-filled tortellini. It was an impeccable start that promised much and delivered even more.

Next, the Carbonara took us on a culinary journey to the heart of Italy. The pasta was cooked to al dente perfection, enveloped in a creamy, rich sauce that was flawlessly balanced, neither too heavy nor too light. The savory notes of pancetta added depth, making each forkful a delight.

The Caprese salad was a refreshing interlude, with ripe, juicy tomatoes and silky mozzarella cheese, drizzled with just the right amount of balsamic reduction and olive oil. It was simplicity at its best, showcasing the quality of the ingredients.

Our meal concluded on a high note with the Zabaglione. This classic Italian dessert was ethereally light, with a delicate sweetness and a hint of Marsala wine that lingered pleasantly on the palate.

Every dish at Fino was a testament to the chef’s mastery over Italian cuisine, combining traditional recipes with a touch of modern creativity. The service was impeccable, with attentive but unobtrusive staff who ensured our meal was a smooth and enjoyable experience.

In conclusion, Fino is a gem that offers an authentic taste of Italy, right here in our city. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or looking to explore it, Fino promises an unforgettable dining experience. Highly recommended for anyone seeking culinary delights that go beyond the...