Ristorante Cinque Terre THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Ristorante Cinque Terre

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Ristorante Cinque Terre

641 Vallejo St. (Stockton St.)
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-402-0895
Map
Cuisine: Italian
Neighborhood gem serves creative, flavorful Italian fare by former Ristorante Ideale chef.
Openings: Dinner nightly

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THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Ristorante Cinque Terre Restaurant Review:


Charming Ristorante Cinque Terre suffers from location-impairment---the only hope of walk-in traffic lies with people on their way to and from the Vallejo Street garages or those just released from the Central Police Station. But the food at Cinque Terre is far better than the mediocre fare of the North Beach strip tourist traps. Executive chef Juanito Hernandez, formerly of the much-lauded Ristorante Ideale, prepares flavorsome dishes like homemade chicken tortelloni in an aromatic wild mushroom and truffle oil sauce. Costoletta di maiale, baby-back ribs slow-braised in spicy tomato sauce, is reminiscent of a pork osso buco. And the fettuccine Cinque Terre, shellfish with ribbons of squid ink and white fettuccine in a spicy shrimp sauce, is one of the best black and white pastas in town. For dessert, the unique pumpkin panna cotta, delicate pumpkin-infused custard served with fresh berries and coconut sauce, is worth the visit alone. The off-the-beaten-path locale is quiet and romantic, with candlelight softly dancing off of earth-toned walls and service that is attentive but never intrusive. Cinque Terre is one of those neighborhood gems that make North Beach a dining destination for locals in the know.