Trattoria Contadina

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Rangiporo

Joined 5 years ago

Still a family feel with a friendly atmosphere. We've loved this place for many years. It's a great location-you can watch the cable cars go by as you dine-just a block or so off Washington Square.

The food is rich and hearty, just what you hope for in a trattoria, and there is a credible wine list (we opt for the Italian wines here which are reasonably priced and work with the foods).

Service is always friendly and you are made to feel welcome.

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rmsmith

Joined 5 years ago

Still think about it 5 years later. Wife and I went to SF for our honeymoon. Concierge recommended this restaurant, and after eating here took every recommendation they had. Best lasagna i've ever had. Wife is wanting to go back for our 5 yr anniversary. Wine list took a good 5 minutes to make up my mind.

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epaairnow

Joined 6 years ago

good italian choice for visitor. Found this on citysearch and recommended by hotel. Glad we took the chance. Home-made gnocchi and Italian meatballs with/linguini were excellent. Service was friendly. Place was crowded and loud but right off the cable car. Will visit again next time we go to SF.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Avoid the clamor of North Beach, while indulging your Italian food fantasies at this neighborhood trattoria.. In Short
The main dining room is decorated with linen tablecloths, vintage photos and a linoleum floor. A large selection of Italian dishes anchor the menu. Starters range from a traditional, melt-in-your-mouth eggplant antipasti smothered with creamy mozzarella, to a crispy bruschetta slathered with garlic-scented tomatoes. Fresh pastas include ravioli with sauteed porcinis and cream sauce. Entrees range from pan-seared monkfish to veal saltimbocca.

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natken

Joined 7 years ago

Best pasta dishes anywhere, great service. This is a great out-of-the-way spot so it avoids tourists on the weekend who are often crowding the streets just a few blocks away. Every pasta dish I've had here is amazing, and the waitstaff is kind and accomodating. Be warned there isn't much of a bar however so if you have to wait you may have to do so outside.

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ejgsf

Joined 8 years ago

A real bowl of pasta. I have never been disappointed with the food here. All of the pasta dishes are outstanding and the sauce is always fresh. The gnocchi is delicious and the specials are always tasty. The place is a little crowded and can get a little warm but it's very cozy and conveniently located to North Beach for a fun night out.

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weebee24

Joined 7 years ago

Cozy, Delicious, one of SF's best. I've been dining here for the past 3 years and it has never been anything but great! I've gone here with girlfriends, on dates, with coworkers - it is the perfect atmosphere for dining with all sorts of company. The stuffed peppers are amazing, but super rich with all the cheese and sauce. Bigger than normal portions, rich flavors, and attentive service make this a place you can really get your money's worth. One of my favorites!

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kattc

Joined 7 years ago

Great Italian -a little off beaten track of North Beach. Just ate here for the first time - loved it. The salads were delish, I had the clam & mussel appetizer for my entree - so good. It had the perfect amount of garlic & spice (if you don't like a lot of spice ask them to go easy on the red pepper flakes - I personally loved it). Two people had the Fettucine w/clams & prawns - so perfect & lemony. Another had a rigatoni w/pancetta, mushrooms, capers & some other stuff. It was really good. Wine list had a good selection. Wish they had a full bar but apparently that is coming soon. Service was also good. We were first seated upstairs but it was hot & stuffy - asked to be moved downstairs and they moved us with no fuss. Great place - will definitely be back.

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ediblecomplex

Joined 11 years ago

Piu- Piu! (More- More!). I have NEVER been disappointed with a meal here, in the six or seven years I have patronized Trattoria. We have had countless birthday celebration dinners here, once up to 30 people in the upstairs room, and for good reason! One of the best carpaccio di Manzo I have had so far, the filet mignon is always fragrant. The Pepperoni arrostiti con formaggio is such a comfort food for me, even though I'm not Italian and cheese is usually the last thing on my ethinc background's culinary list! Sweet bell peppers draped with three different cheeses are roasted in the oven to release their aroma beautifully, topped with a lusciously spicy tomato cream sauce.

The Pollo al Limone has the most wonderful lemon-caper-butter sauce- I prefer them to serve it alongside pasta. Vitello Scallopine is tender, flavourful and the marsala sauce is a delicious marriage of mushrooms, wine and seasonings. The Fusilli Pavarotti is a long standing favorite of years and years of dining here: the sun-dried tomatoes, proscuitto, chicken an zucchini all blooming together in a delicately creamy sauce.

You should come here, not just for the food, but for the segment of San Francisco history and charm too; look at all the autographed pictures on the wall (the Blue Angels dine there every year), enjoy the local charm of a cable car stopping outside the door. Just keep in mind the establishment is small, so you will leave the restaurant smelling like food.

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boisedale21

Joined 7 years ago

great food!. Tratoria Contadina has incredible food and a great neighborhood atmosphere - away from all of the tourists. Their pastas are fantastic and their wine list is also very good. It is a small place but there is a larger room in the back that is ideal for private parties or larger groups.