Zuppa - South Beach

Let me preface this - I'd (John) had a couple birthday shots of Hornitos prior to landing here for my bday dinner. This is a happenin' Italian spot owned by the same couple that owns The Globe. We were here on a recent Thursday night, and it was packed with a great, diverse crowd and lots of energy.

The design is great, a 2-story warehouse/loft style place that fits in well with the 'hood. But you have to not mind the European style of sitting CLOSE to your neighbors. Interesting conversations that people have though. We didn't visit the upstairs but I hear it's small and cool - about enough room for 2 tables of 6 or so. There is a small cozy bar, but not really a good "bar scene". Good enough though to kick back as you're waiting for a table.

Anyhoo, like most new restaurants we'd heard about as many 'Hated it' as 'Loved it' comments. We'd give it a solid 7.5. We had excellent service, were seated right on time (suggest getting a resie so you don't wait forever, especially since the bar is pretty small & jammed), and had a great meal - started with a Romaine salad and funghi pizza (oh yeah, and a Kir Royale), then an awesome, if a little salty, Pork Ragu pasta followed by, unfortunately a pretty boring chicken dish. We took it in a doggy bag and donated it to a local dude in South Park. 

Great wine list, it's all Italian so can be a little daunting if you don't understand wines from that region. That said, the sommolier seemed to have a decent handle on it, and there is a wide range of prices...you don't have to break the bank. Oh, and if you're there during the week, ask for Dave to be your waiter, tell him John and Janine sent ya.

Zuppa
564 4th Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 777-5900

Comments

[Shari]

Shari recommends the Pig raguuuuu!! Oh yeah, and the Di Bufala Pizza. And a rockin' glass of their Nero D'Avola to wash it down