Ristorante Milano, San Francisco

Why did we dine here? – Ristorante Milano is a long time neighborhood gem of an Italian restaurant situated on Russian Hill in San Francisco. We had not been here for decades and decided it was time to return and see how their food compared to other Italian restaurants in the City.

Insider Tip – Make reservations because the restaurant is tiny. Take public transportation or Uber as parking is hard.

Cuisine – Italian
Location – San Francisco Russian Hill
Opened – 1989

Service – Ristorante Milano had warm service from the waiter through to the busboy and owner, Aldo Blasi. This is one of those neighborhood restaurants that treats people well, causing a ton of repeat business.

Verdict – Ristorante Milano is a cozy and highly recommended restaurant for those looking for solid Italian cuisine in San Francisco. While it may not have the cache of Perbacco or Cotogna, they have their own clientele that just keeps coming back.

Reservations are not difficult unlike some of the flashier hotspots. After a meal, take a walk down Polk street for a drink or some window shopping.

Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Yes. 1 Hour? Maybe.

Ristorante Milano Signature Dishes – Calamari, pasta especially the Gnocchi.

Ristorante Milano’s Menu is surprisingly versatile. There are many starters, pasta dishes, and entrees. A specials sheet is drawn up with seasonal dishes.

Website Ristorante Milano Menu

Ristorante Milano Food Picks:
Great warm focaccia bread with quality olive oil.

Calamari alla Griglia ($15) grilled Monterey Bay squid, cannellini bean salad – a signature dish that everybody orders, and we can see why. Definitely one of the best versions in the City. Tender Calamari that is cut into large soft chunks along with well cooked beans. A must order.

Fettucine al Sugo di Carne alla Milanese ($19) house made fettucine with Milanese meat sauce – is a classic dish that is larger than most. Lots of tender meat that has been cooking for hours, along with house made egg noodles.

Spaghetti al Sugo di Carne alla Milanese ($19) dry eggless spaghetti with Milanese meat sauce – uses the same sauce as the fettucine, but substitutes a premade pasta that still hit the spot. It could be more al dente though.

Tonnarelli alla Capricciosa ($19) house made thin pasta, porcini mushrooms, cream, Italian sausage – is also a signature dish. Regualar pasta along with spinach pasta in a rich creamy sauce. On the heavy side, but heavenly flavors.

OK: (Order if you like this dish)
None

Pans: (We would not reorder these dishes)
None

Do you agree with our review? Have you found other similar restaurants that are better?

Ristorante Milano Overall Rating: (Very Good 2.5)

Come Back?

Food Rating:	(Very Good)
Service Rating:	(Very Good)
Atmosphere Rating:	(Very Good)
Value Rating:	(Very Good)

Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Below/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary

Alcohol:	Beer, Wine
Attire:	Casual
Parking:	Street (Hard)
Reservations:	Yes