 Owner Umberto Gibin's razor-sharp tie and impeccable suit match the precision of this two-tiered restaurant's expansive charm and style. The unique, warm-yet-luxe setting soars with exposed brick, deep red-padded booths, comfortable, offset dining areas and an exhibition kitchen. Carrara marble glistens from the floor (even in the elevator) and throughout the front-of-house bar area, while details such as a restored, antique meat slicer atop the bar and a rough-hewn chef’s table lend notes of authenticity and rusticity. Simple, regional Piedmontese and Ligurian flavors are invoked so well here by chef Staffan Terje that a native might shed tears of hope. Try all of the house-cured salumi at once and revel in the joys of rich salame al barolo, fatty and fennel-infused lonza, and the memorable ramekin of smooth, shredded ciccioli (pork pâté). House-made pastas here soar with their gravy-like sugos---the pappardelle with braised short-rib ragù and roasted chanterelles makes a person wonder how other places get it wrong. A pork shoulder al latte (in milk) served with salty polenta and Savoy cabbage smells and tastes like somebody's nonna came, cooked and left. A separate bar menu and a short but well-chosen list of Italian wines and cocktails cull a lively after-work crowd, many of whom leave teetering a bit on their expensive high heels. Flavorful expense-account lunches are also sure to please. |
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Set the mood for love by reserving a table at one of the Best Romantic Restaurants in San Francisco, or view our list of Valentines Restaurants to find out which restaurants are offering unique menus just for February 14. Also, see who sets the standard for seductive dining across the country with our Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. list.
