Pane e Vino

Another neighborhood gem! I've been going to Pane e Vino
for many years now and back when it was known as Via Vai.  The owners
closed their other location further down on Union St and combined the
two. This restaurant is definitely a place for solid Italian cuisine
combined with an authentic serving staff.

Now I've actually
played the "who has the best pizza in town" game and upon visiting the
classic favorites including Delfina and A16, I always come back to Pane e Vino for
their authentic, Italian thin crust pizza. It, truly is the best
you can find in SF. They've got about 15 different pizzas to select
from
and it's hard to go wrong. I've had the margherita, sicilliana, and
capricciosa and they're all winners. The capricciosa is probably one of
my favorites. It's loaded with mozzarella cheese, prosciutto,
artichokes, mushrooms, and olives ($15). If you're looking for
something
really special – get the quattro formaggi and add prosciutto. The
pizzas are a fairly good size, so remember to share! All the pizzas
range from $12-15.

They offer a wide range of appetizers including a delicious salata di
spinaci – a spinach salad with warm pancetta and eggs in a balsamic
olive dressing ($9). The antipasti platter $14) is more than enough for
a group to share. It has a great assortment of cured meats and house
marinated vegetables. Diners can also enjoy Italian classics including
bruscetta ($9), mozzarella alla caprese ($12), or fried calamari ($13).

Usually after a salad and pizza, my stomach only has room for a bit
more. I always have a tough decision here – primi or secondi. I love
Pane e Vino for their pastas and pizzas so usually don't stray too far
off from my favorites. For a simple, light pasta, I'll go with the
capellini al pomodoro fresco – angel hair pasta with fresh tomatoes,
garlic and basil ($14). When I'm looking for some warm, hearty pastas,
I go with the tagliatelle verdi alla bolognese – flat spinach and egg
noodles with this rich and meaty bolognese sauce ($15). I'll lick every
last bit of that sauce up with the bread!  The pappardelle alla
contadina is a close second on my list – wide egg noodle pasta with
chicken and porcini mushrooms in a light cream sauce ($15). And you can
never go wrong with their homemade lasagna. Look for it on the specials
menu!

For entrees, the rotisserie chicken is always a great value. The
salsiccia con polenta e peperonata – grilled Italian sausage, stewed
peppers and grilled polenta ($17) comes with flavorful sausage rolled
in a pinwheel shape. For the meat lover, there is a rib-eye ($29) and
veal chop ($29) available.

For desserts, I usually stick to the basics cheesecake and tiramisu ($6).

In terms of wine, the list is naturally Italian focused. If you don't
know Italian reds too
well, consider bringing your own ($20 corkage). Otherwise, they offer
some decent Chiantis by the glass or carafe. The house wine isn't too
bad either.

Whether you're
looking for a romantic date night, authentic Italian cuisine, casual
dinner spot, or just some good take out – keep Pane e Vino top of mind.

(415) 441-2111