S.F. Bay Area
San Francisco Restaurants
Rose Pistola ****

532 Columbus Avenue
between Green & Union
North Beach
415-399-0499

Cuisine: Northern Italian/Seafood

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Description & Atmosphere
This popular North Beach gem makes it well worth the drive into San Francisco. You can feel the energy and buzz when you walk in the door. We were introduced to Rose Pistola years ago by friends Jim & Gail, who, like us, appreciate great food and fine wine. Today, it still remains one of our favorite North Beach restaurants.

The crowds at this stylish Italian bistro speak for themselves. Sleekly designed with modern decor, low ceilings and large windows facing out onto Columbus Avenue, the restaurant has a bustling bar area, an attractive split dining room, counter seating overlooking an open kitchen and a young, lively atmosphere.

Food
If you want to try a unique appetizer, we recommend the Chickpea Farinata with Caramelized Onions,Olives & Sage — it's similar to a very flat pizza and tastes delicious. The Zucchini Chips (photo above) are sooooooo good too!

As far as Seafood entrées, we like the Roasted Fijiian Escolar Fillet and the Yellowtail Jack Fillet with the Chef recommended Wild Chanterelles & Potatoes. The Mixed Braised Shellfish (Clams, Mussels & Shrimp) is another winner. Fabulous Pasta dishes include the Gnocchi with Chanterelles & Thyme, and the Tagliarini with Lamb Sugo & Gremolata. And you can't go wrong with any of the Wood-Fired Thin-Crusted Pizzas — they're all light and tasty.

Ask the waiter for some of their amazing Breadsticks while you're waiting for you meal — hands down, they're the best in the city! Normally, they are only available in the bar seating area.

Save room for one of their yummy desserts. We recommend Rose's Chocolate Budino with Whipped Cream — a delightfully light, "no-flour" to-die-for chocolate cake, and the fabulous Lemon Semifreddo with Mandarincello Sauce.

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