I went to Osteria for dinner tonight. Osteria is a fairly small neighborhood italian restaurant located in Pacific Heights at the border of Presidio Heights (corner of Presidio and Sacramento). Street parking is all that is available and it is generally difficult but not impossible.
The restaurant presents as a single room holding approximately 40 people. While from the street the restaurent looks fairly non-descript, the interior is well lit and inviting in a clean modern Tuscan style. Most of the patrons are older monied residents of the area.
The wine list while quite limited is very reasonably priced. Corkage is $10 per bottle.
Courses are very reasonably priced for this part of the City. Artichoke hearts and shrimp in a basil dressing ($8) is surprisingly enjoyable with clean fresh and direct flavors that exemplify italian cuisine. Classic french cuisine makes an unusual appearance as sole meuniere ($15). The sole was generously portioned and the sauce was balanced and not cloying (as it often can be). Veal tortellini was freshly made and the sauce was much more authentically italian then one generally fins in the states. Again, it was reasonably priced at $12.
For three with tap water and bringing one bottle of wine in the cost was only $97 after tip. Extremely reasonable for Pacific Heights. Service was efficient and friendly. Three glasses of Graham's Six Grapes Port were provided at the end of the meal on the house.
The restaurant is exactly what one looks for in a quality high level neighborhood restaurant. Its reasonable prices only make it more attractive. Recommended.
[ 05-02-2002, 10:19 PM: Message edited by: JonesWineNo1 ]