Il Borgo Menu

Il Borgo Restaurant Review:

When the fastidious Italian in-laws come to visit, we bring them here, and---as is usually the case on each candlelit table in the small space---every plate is licked clean. In a city of generally overwrought, soulless or expensive Italian-American cuisine, Milanese chef Sergio Fregerio maintains an inexpensive simplicity and authenticity at this unexpected Hayes Valley winner, reminiscent of New York’s Little Italy, Boston’s North End---or Rome’s Trastevere. Blistered, wood-fired pizzas are thin, crispy and decorated with simple, fresh tomato, mozzarella and basil. The chef’s specials include a first-rate, ne’er-too-salty fettuccine Bolognese, lingering artichoke ravioli in fresh salsa di pomodoro, and a “lasagnetta” dish of rolled noodles stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella. Portions and prices are just right, atmosphere is old-country-kitsch (murals and wax-covered Chianti-bottle candleholders) and service is old-fashioned nearly to a fault---native servers can be either obsequious or brassy, and a high Italian energy ricochets about the space along with the language. Desserts, however, are inconsistent, no matter how tempting the tiramisu. Note: The restaurant is cash only, but there is an ATM machine on the premises.