Best Authentic Restaurants in North Panhandle / USF

The people who run this restaurant are so accommodating and eager to please. Food is very good with lots of options from which to choose. I love their pita bread and the house-made condiment that comes with it. The dolmas are excellent. The location is really convenient to Union Square and to the SF Playhouse. Be sure to try one of the desserts.

Service, quality, flavor: all impeccable. The gardiniera was so perfectly balanced, fresh and interesting with celery, radish, and fennel. I knew it would be great, but was even better than that. My table mate who doesn’t generally care for anything pickled was blown away. The chicories were gorgeous, colorful, and delicious. The tagliatelle was absolutely stunning both texturally and depth of flavor. Tiramisu and chocolate budino are exquisite, truly. Save room for dessert. I loved the NA passion fruit cocktail and sparkling blanc de blanc. Such a treat to have something n thoughtful and delicious for folks who aren’t drinking. It’s a beautiful dining room. I sat on the banquet on the south wall and felt like I was under a spotlite. A little less overhead light intensity would take it from a 9 to a 10.

Amazing dining experience for my husband's birthday. Daria was our server and was excellent. We loved her suggestions on the menu as well. We enjoyed the octopus (best I've ever had), lamb meatballs, Gigantes, Smelt, and the goat stew to finish. We were absolutely stuffed and definitely slept like babies! Everything was stunning. I've heard such wonderful things before coming here, and they had exceeded my expectations.

Worth the hype! Experienced a Christmas miracle by snagging the last rez for two on Christmas Eve at Elena’s at 11:30 a.m. Fun seat mates, great staff (thanks Jordan!), delicious craft cocktails, superior ahi tacos and maybe the best Branzino I’ve ever had. My husband loved the pozole - not too spicy. Highly recommend. 💫

We had a terrific experience dining in our new neighborhood French spot, which just started serving dinner. The night was cold and stormy, so soupe à l'oignon, roasted lamb shank (incredible), and a solid boeuf bourguignon were just the ticket. The wine pairing was lovely, and the service very friendly and unobtrusive. Can't wait to go back.