Delfina

(415)552-4055
3621 18th. St.
(bet. Guerrero & Dolores)
San Francisco, CA
(Mission district)

Price: $$-$$$
Rating: 8 (Rating & price key)
Last visit: 04/09/05

Great Italian fare at reasonable prices for the quality (they're not inexpensive, however!). Our party of 6 is the largest the restaurant can accomodate, and even then we were a little cramped and our waitress had a some trouble getting the plates to the far reaches of the table.

Food-wise, everyone was happy with what they got. My appetizer of salt cod, served in a ramekin with crispy flatbread, was very flavorful, and despite its name, not overly salty. Diane's appetizer of proscuitto and artichoke with bruschetta was definitely my favorite, though, with a nice complex blend of tastes and textures.

For an entree, I had mushroom gnocchi, a slightly oily rendition, but quite flavorful, especially the mushrooms. I'd have liked more of the shrooms, although the gnocchi was plentiful.

The ambience is much louder than I prefer - it was difficult to have a conversation with Sarah, two seats over, without shouting, and the service, while cheerful and helpful, was not as polished as at some of the other upscale restaurants in town.

All in all though, a satisfying meal washed down with a nice Berrington? Pinot Noir. Certainly worth a visit, especially mid-week when parking might suck at least a little bit less.