(415) 674-8400
1838 Union St
San Francisco,
CA
94123
37.7979
-122.4295
Neighborhoods: North, Cow Hollow
Ottimista Enoteca'Cafe
What People Are Saying About Ottimista Enoteca-Cafe
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – An exposed wine cellar, marble-topped bar and soaring timber ceiling give this sophisticated wine bar an airy, open feel. The wine list offers 25 by the glass and 200 by the bottle options, mostly varietals from small, family-owned Italian and California producers. Even the seasonal small plates, such as artisanal cheese plates, truffled risotto, and fresh ricotta doughnuts with nutmeg sugar, are designed to complement the selection of vino. Weekend brunch options feature frittatas and savory parmesan French toast.
01/23/07
Great atmosphere, horrible food
by mraim
I had been wanting to try Ottimista for quite some time and finally got around to it last weekend. The atmosphere was great, the waiter was nice, and the wine was good (very overpriced). Then our food came. We started off with the ravioli. It is a good dish but is barely big enough to share. (3 smaller pieces) After that came the risotto. It was awful....soggy, overcooked, and the taste was off. We barely got through a couple bites. Our waiter never even asked how our food was. Our third dish was the panini. It was ok, but very bland and definately not worth the money. When our bill came I was shocked at how much our very mediocre meal cost. Needless to say I will not be returning.
- Pros: atmosphere
- Cons: food, price, no reservations
10/11/06
WENT FOR THE WINE, STAYED FOR THE FOOD
by actool
WOW! Ottimista is officially my favorite wine bar. The atmosphere is the best I've seen. We went with another couple and it was perfect for an intimate night on the town. Started off with 2 fabulous bottles of Italian wine and ended with the Ricotta Doughnuts. In between were great salads and an amazing artisan cheese plate. The waiter/bartender had great recommendations for pairings and knew his wine. Besides one rude customer with a chip on his shoulder, this place dominates. I will definitely visit Ostimitta on my next trip out West!
- Pros: Ambience, food and wine pairings, knowledgeable staff
08/08/06
Dissappointing
by mkrause1
I went to Ottimista last week with a few girlfriends expecting a nice exploration of Italian wines; however what we got was quite disappointing. The wine and food parings recommended by our waiter were "interesting," definitely not ones we will try again. The food selection was small and insufficient. The wine list was decent, and included many Italian wines that we were excited to try, however our waiter either did not know the list or was not willing to waste time making appropriate recommendations. What was suggested was far from what we described as our desired type, and we were given attitude when this was mentioned to our waiter. The decor is nice, and the place has lots of potential, however neither myself, nor my three girlfriends will be going back any time soon.
- Pros: Decor
- Cons: Service
The Details on Ottimista Enoteca-Cafe
Know Before You Go:
Not a big fan of wine? Order a cocktail from the bar--a full range of spirits is available.
Where to Sit:
An outdoor patio facing Union Street foot traffic is the place to be on sunny days and warm nights. Big groups can call ahead to snag the communal table inside, the only spot open for reservations.
The Extras:
Call about tastings and wine pairing dinners.
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