Now that I suddenly find myself with much more free time (hello fun-employment), I’m starting to tackle my impossibly long list of SF restaurants I’ve wanted to try. If only dining out didn’t directly conflict with my ability to stay unemployed for some time. But ah, that’s something to worry about for another day.
One Italian restaurant that’s been on my list is Itria in the Mission. From Chef Daniel Evers (Al’s Place, Cotogna) and partner Min Park (Omakase Capital), Itria first caught my eye when they started offering pizza to-go last year. I saw the rave reviews come in, and I’m not sure why my pizza fiend self didn’t get my hands on a pie asap.
The brief pizza concept was soon replaced by their original vision of a modern pasta and crudo bar – fresh pasta, bright raw fish, a refreshing glass of wine, say no more! And what a fitting way to continue celebrating my birthday month.
The meal started off with a fantastic raw Hokkaido scallop dish, full of zippy lemon brightness. I savored every acidic bite.
I was happy to see sweet Nardello peppers on the menu, and their distinctive texture was nicely contrasted with crispy fried butter beans and a generous shaving of ricotta salt.
Next were the fresh pasta courses – perfectly al dente and with incredible sauces. I’m still dreaming about the corn agnolotti, which was bursting with peak summer corn sweetness. The eggplant mezzaluna was also pasta perfection, with silky and creamy fresh tomato pomodoro.
Lastly, a well-balanced, roasted peach panna cotta ended the meal. It came out with two candles, as we were celebrating two birthdays.
I enjoyed the meal with a bottle of pinot noir from my cellar. The service was also excellent – so lovely and friendly. My only regret is not doing the tasting menu which comes with all the crudos and a few pastas, next time!
