Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MODERATE
L'Osteria del Forno ITALIAN A perennial favorite among in-the-kno w locals,
L'Osteria seems to hav e as many people lining up outside as ar e actually seated inside.
Once you have gotten a table, you'll appreciate the authentic, rustic feel in the cozy din-
ing room. The terrific Italian dishes, which rank among the best in North Beach, include
such delightful dishes as crepes filled with sautéed porcini mushrooms, ham, and bécha-
mel sauce; and succulent skewered lamb marinated in ginger, rosemary, and garlic. If the
kids are apt to be noisy, this tiny place may not be the best choice.
519 Columbus Ave. (btw. Union and Green sts.). & 415/982-1124. www.losteriadelforno.com. Reserva-
tions not ac cepted. Highchairs. Main courses $5-$19. No cr edit cards. Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sun 11:30am-
10pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-10:30pm. Closed Tues. Muni: Powell-Mason cable car to Union St., and then walk
2 blocks east, or no. 30-Stockton bus to Union St., and then walk 1 block east .
Trattoria Contadina Finds ITALIAN So you brought the kids to N orth Beach
and you just want a nice Italian restaurant where you can have a tasty, reasonably priced
meal? And each tiny restaurant is already full and the street is jammed with other hungry-
looking tourists? H ere's a hint: G et away fr om the cr owds and star t heading up U nion
Street (and I do mean “up”—the hill is quite steep) 2 blocks to this quaint, family-owned
eatery. Trattoria Contadina isn't exactly spacious, and you may still wait if you don't have
reservations, but the r estaurant does hav e more tables and a mor e welcoming feel than
many of its counterpar ts on Columbus S treet. I n keeping with the ma-and-pa atmo-
sphere, the food is hear ty and no nonsense. The linguini with co-o wner Anna M aria's
homemade Italian meatballs will take you back to your own childhood, and the spinach,
meat- and cheese-filled ravioli, ser ved in a por cini mushroom cream sauce, is rich and
delicious. There's no kids' menu, but the kitchen will happily serve up half orders at this
very family-friendly trattoria.
1800 M ason St. (at Union St.). & 415/982-5728. www.trattoriacontadina.com. H ighchairs, boost ers.
Reservations r ecommended. M ain c ourses $14-$27. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Sun-Thurs 5-9pm; F ri-Sat
5-9:30pm. Muni: Powell-Mason cable car to Union St., or no. 30-Stockton bus to Union St., and then walk
west (up) 2 blocks.
127
5
INEXPENSIVE
In addition to the options belo w, you can find a P asta Pomodoro in this neighborhood
(p. 137).
Gelato Classico ICE CREAM These tiny stores make gelato that's nearly as delicious
as what you might have in Rome. The gelato is so rich and creamy, it's best had neat. But
if you can't resist going all out, ho w about the “Coppa Carmelita, ” dark chocolate and
hazelnut gelato covered in a luscious caramel sauce?
576 Union St. (btw. Stockton and Grant sts.). & 415/391-6667. No credit cards. Cups $3.25-$4.65. Sun-
Thurs noon-10pm; F ri-Sat noon-11pm. Muni: P owell-Mason cable car t o Union St., and then walk 2
blocks east, or no. 30-Stockton bus to Union St., and then walk 1 block east.
Il Pollaio GRILL At Il Pollaio, located across the street from Washington Square
Park, a table by an open window, a fragrant roast chicken, and a mix ed salad speak of a
gentle end to a good day. In addition to the signature chicken, you'll also see steak, pork
chops, lamb chops, rabbit, and sausages on the grill. B eyond that, Il Pollaio offers a few
salads, soup , and just two sides: fr
ench fries and marinated eggplant. D
aily specials,
consisting of roasted meat with fries and a salad, ar e the way to go.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search