Reviewer: Foodnut.com Venticello 1257 Taylor (at Washington) San Francisco, CA 94108 415-922-2545 |
By Patrick McDermott
Why did we dine here? – Venticello is one of those restaurants that was within blocks of where we use to live, but we never found the time to visit. The place has been here for decades, right next to the cable car line.
Insider Tip – Make reservations as this is a tiny restaurant. Dress up or else the Maitre’d will make snide remarks.
Cuisine – Italian
Location – Nob Hill, San Francisco
Service – Venticello had fair service, where we had to hail the server several times.
Verdict – Venticello is definitely a romantic neighborhood restaurant that is popular with the local and older set. The food here is ok, better Italian can be found at places like A16, Perbacco, and other restaurants.
Signature Dishes – Pasta, veal scallopini.
Venticello’s Menu has a hand full starters, four pasta dishes and eight meaty entrees. Not many options for vegetarians.
Picks:
Their hot bread and homemade garlic dip was excellent.
MINESTRA DEL GIORNO ($9) Soup of the Day – Split pea with Ham was a huge bowl of thick soup along with chunks of ham.
SPAGHETTI CARBONARA ($18) Spaghetti in a Pancetta Cream Sauce consisted home made noodles with a somewhat thick cream sauce. Clearly their specialty is pasta.
AGNELLO AI FERRI CON SALSA DI FUNGHI ($26) Rosemary Marinated Grilled Lamb Tenderloins with a Sweet Mushroom Chianti Sauce included five good size medallions of quality lamb. No gaminess and some nice vegetables accompanied the dish.
OK: (Order if you like this dish)
FIOR DI LATTE ALLA BRESAOLA CRUDO ($10) Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella & Italian Bresola
Pans: (We would not reorder these dishes)
None
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