328638 Mon Sep 25 01:57:35 -0700 2006 10 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 1899536 Hey all - Coming up from LA in about a month and am debating these three Italians for Friday night(1st time to Chez Panisse on Saturday!). I would love your expert insight into the pros and cons of Incanto, Quince and Delfina, especially those of you who have been to all three. Am leaning towards Incanto but you can convince me otherwise. Loved last trip: Canteen & Oliveto Liked: Coco500 I hope you all feel lucky to live in such a great chow city. Thanks in advance for the help. Mon Sep 25 01:57:35 -0700 2006 39879 scurvy 1 1899662 Quince-refined atmosphere, wonderful food that is delicate, unique and an experience everyone should have. wonderful service, dimly lit. Incanto-approachable, sustainable, comfort food, more norther than southern. lots of plates to share, great service, great wine Delfina-great service, good food. i find it slightly disappointing these days as their quality/ingenuity seems to have gone downhill just a bit. it is a wonderful place to eat, but for me their menu doesn't change enough. It is still a great destination for out of towners. My vote for a special dinner is Quince, then Delfina and Incanot tied up. Have fun and report back! Mon Sep 25 03:10:02 -0700 2006 1899536 14119 Doodleboomer 1 1900408 If you loved Oliveto, you'd probably love Incanto as well. Similar style. Great wine list and by-the-taste/glass/quarto selection. Mon Sep 25 15:52:06 -0700 2006 1899536 11369 Robert Lauriston 1 1900752 I really loved the food at Quince but found the atmosphere a bit staid. Not really stuffy, just too quiet and not very festive. I was there for a birthday celebration and it was a little too serious, even though we were all serious eaters. I think part of it is the location and the crowd, a bit tony and frankly old for me (I'm 36). There is a world of difference between Delfina and Quince. Delfina is a more raucous and casual vibe, if a little less serious about the food. Mon Sep 25 17:45:27 -0700 2006 1899536 41818 Grubbjunkie 2 1900779 Incanto's sort of in-between. Noisy and lively at peak hours, can be quiet later in the evening though less so on Friday or Saturday. Mon Sep 25 17:56:43 -0700 2006 1900752 11369 Robert Lauriston 1 1901784 Not that I think this would or should sway your decision, but my hairstylist, whose boyfriend is the guy from Jack Falstaff, told me that he is going to be assisting the chef of Incanto when they compete for the title of... Iron Chef! They fly to NY for the filming in October. So that might be a fun reason to go to Incanto, heh. (and good luck to them!) Mon Sep 25 23:23:19 -0700 2006 1899536 29802 dunstable 1 1901798 Quince #1 then Incanto over Delfina, if only for the much better reservations & seating experience. Delfina is just much more awkward and unwelcoming. Incanto is seldom completely full, and even if they are, Mark is much better at making you feel welcome and appreciated. Mon Sep 25 23:26:45 -0700 2006 1899536 11191 foodiegrl 1 1902006 Delfina unwelcoming? Anne Stoll is a great hostess...how many unwelcoming experiences have you had at Delfina? Tue Sep 26 01:01:36 -0700 2006 1899536 10125 Frosty Melon 2 1902018 It sounds like she meant the general experience of getting a table, not just the server's demeanor. I agree that they're quite accomodating there, but I also agree that it can often be a royal pain to get seated and all that. Owing to their popularity, it can't be helped (and considering that, they do a fantastic job), but I can see how that might be irritating. Tue Sep 26 01:08:43 -0700 2006 1902006 29802 dunstable 2 1902050 It's the overall experience. Once you are ensconced in your table, Anne's powers become evident, but crowds, lack of any waiting space and a chaotic reservation system make it a bit harrowing to get to your table. IMHO, Incanto's "landing approach" is much more welcoming and refined. Also, the aluminum chairs & wooden benches at Delfina are v.v. uncomfortable. Tue Sep 26 01:23:32 -0700 2006 1902006 11191 foodiegrl 1 1902405 In Delfina's favor, I had huckleberry gelato last Friday that was one of the best desserts I've ever eaten. Tripe alla Fiorentina was mighty good, too. Tue Sep 26 04:40:38 -0700 2006 1899536 17327 rootlesscosmo