Not Delfina AGAIN.

[tartare]

I will be in SF (from San Diego) for the weekend of the 19th and wanted to dine at Delfina but by the time we had finalized our visit date, wasn't able to get a 7pm reservation (this will be my 5th time coming and 5th foiled attempt at Delfina). I'd love to wing it and just show up for the pizzeria and just wait, but this would never do for my grumpy, lovable father-in-law. So we need a reservation.

Help! I want a special and delicious meal - I will be bringing one of best friends for her first visit to SF.

What would be your backup restaurants to Delfina (price range and ambiance similar, location flexible) where I may be able to get a 7ish reservation for a party of 5 on Saturday, June 19th?

THANKS!

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Delfina Restaurant
3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[par8thed]

Very important clarification, since you're mentioning reservations and pizza...

Are you looking to dine at Delfina (the Italian restaurant), or Pizzeria Delfina (no rezzies, and pizza)?

[wolfe]

Clearly OP knows the difference.
wasn't able to get a 7pm reservation (this will be my 5th time coming and 5th foiled attempt at Delfina). I'd love to wing it and just show up for the pizzeria and just wait

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Delfina Restaurant
3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[par8thed]

I hope so... I've had one-too-many conversations with people that don't make the distinction, or that they are just unaware of Delfina the restaurant (since the pizza craze has made a Pizzeria Delfina well-known to out of towners).

When I previously read the OP's message, it sounds similar to "I want the pizza, and I can't seem to make a reservation, so maybe I'll just wing it and just wait".

[italyeats]

Worth the trip outside the city...Vin Antico on Fourth St. in San Rafael. New chef Ed Vigil formerly from Las Ramblas and Oleana walks the talk when it comes down to creating his dishes with all local and organic (see website). His Cal-Ital cuisine is amazing and delicious! Definitely a gem worth checking out. No other restaurant in San Rafael compares. A cool, hip, fun place to wine & dine and less expensive than comparable restaurants in the city!
Who needs to drive 1/2 hr. for a great meal when it's in your own back yard? It's even worth the trip if your coming from the SF. I'm from the East Coast, but always come to Vin Antico when I'm in town. Now that's travelling!

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Vin Antico
881 Fourth St, San Rafael, CA 94901

[BernalKC]

Delfina keeps some tables open for walk ins. If you can handle a wait, and especially if you are a party of two, just go there. Explain your reservation frustration to the maitre'd and see what happens.

And if it is an impossible wait, or you just don't want to risk the uncertainty, check out Farina, a block away. I see they have openings on the 19th as I write this.

[tranewreck]

Try Delfina's pizza place on California (near Filmore). Just have someone show up 30-45 minutes earlier to put your name on the chalk board and wait. They won't sit you without your full party but you can have a drink while waiting or some of your group can explore that area of Filmore.

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Delfina Restaurant
3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[Mix B]

How about Foreign Cinema? It is an old standby, food is always very good and has a strong local feel, and if the evening is nice it is lovely to sit outside. Plus they have a 7:30 res for 4 on Open Table.

Other Delfina-like options are Bar Bambino (though the res times are earlier or later) or Bar Tartine, they have a 8 pm res. I enjoyed their new, more casual menu on a recent visit, and the room is really comfy.

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Bar Bambino
2931 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Bar Tartine
561 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

[SteveG]

Sociale might be a good bet. Very agreeable environment that should charm any and all grumpy lovable fathers-in-law, delicious Italian food with a Californian sensibility much like Delfina, and a great little wine list.

Of the recommendations you've gotten, I think Sociale is closest in terms of type of food, quality, and price. The environment is quieter and more upscale than Delfina.

One drawback--your plan to get a 7 PM reservation on a Saturday means you will have to compromise on restaurant quality, or you need to compromise on timing. It would take a miracle to get what you want on both timing and quality. Sociale can seat you at 5:30 or 8:30.

http://www.caffesociale.com/menu-dinn...
The current menu:
ominciare

FRIED OLIVES
Fontina stuffed breaded olives, mixed baby greens
8.

ROMAINE AND TOASTED GARLIC SALAD
Basil, pecorino, smoked bell pepper vinaigrette
9.

WHITE BEAN CROSTINO
Arugula salad, shaved parmigiano-reggiano, lemon oil
9.

WATERMELON AND BURRATA SALAD
Basil, lemon zest, chile flake
10.

SEARED SCALLOP SALAD
Hearts of palm, mango, micro arugula, citrus reduction
11.

PIATTO MISTO
Prosciutto di San Danielle, pickled carrots, Bella di Cerignola olives,
La Prima, grilled bread
13.
to continue
continuare

SPINACH TAGLIATELLE
Brentwood corn, toy box tomatoes, garlic, spinach
16.

ENGLISH PEA RAVIOLI
Pea tendril beurre blanc
16.

MALFADINI AND CLAMS
Garlic, grechetto, chile flake, spinach
17.

MOREL MUSHROOM RISOTTO
Wild mushrooms, shallots, grana-padano
18.

PAPPARDELLE WITH BRAISED DUCK
Porcini mushrooms, peas, truffle oil
18.

PICI WITH VENISON BOLOGNESE
Pork, veal and venison Bolognese, parmigiano-reggiano
18.
to concentrate
conCentrare

POLLO PAZZO
Field to Family bone-in, half petite chicken, Brussels sprouts, marble potatoes, roasted garlic confit
24.

PAN SEARED PETRALE SOLE
Cherry tomatoes, asparagus, fingerling potatoes, lemon beurre blanc
24.

SEARED DUCK BREAST
Pecorino and sage potato torte, Bing cherry onion jam
25.

WHOLE OVEN ROASTED BRANZINO
Sunchokes, pea tendrils and sunflower seeds
27.

GRILLED RACK OF LAMB
Polenta cake, Muscat grape compote
28.

KOBE BAVETTE STEAK
Peppercorn marsala demi-glace, arugula, parmigiano-reggiano and fennel dusted fries, salsa rosa, salsa verde, salsa rosa
28.
to complement
Complimentare

Polenta fries with parsley and parmigiano-reggiano
6.

Butter beans and pea tendrils
5.

Grilled asparagus
6.

Broccoli rabe with olives and chile flake
6.

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Delfina Restaurant
3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Sociale
3665 Sacramento St., San Francisco, CA 94118

[CarrieWas218]

Alamo Square Seafood - very under the radar and consistently good food can practically always seat a party of five on a Saturday night.

I was there last Saturday and enjoyed a spectacular $7.95 house paté starter and an entrée of seared Mahi Mahi with ramps, fingerling potatoes, a perfect brunoise, and a great light saffron sauce. Not sure why this restaurant is not recommended more often.

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Alamo Square Seafood Grill
803 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94117

[tartare]

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.
This helps a lot.

[Cynsa]

Try La Ciccia
or Restaurant Cassis for the House Specialty Lasagne:
http://www.restaurantcassis.com/Cassi...

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La Ciccia
291 30th Street, San Francisco, CA 94131

Restaurant Cassis
2101 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

[vulber]

While I haven't been to La Ciccia (but it's certainly on my to-try list), it seems that it wouldn't have the same "local ingredients" feel that Delfina has, as it looks like they import most of their ingredients from Italy; for a similar Delfina experience, to me, it would seem more to find a place that mirrors Delfina in its local ingredient sourcing rather than its cuisine

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La Ciccia
291 30th Street, San Francisco, CA 94131

Delfina Restaurant
3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[SteveG]

I think you're pretty far off-base on La Ciccia's sourcing, outside of wine, olive oil, and certain cheeses.

I doubt La Ciccia has larger group reservations on opentable--it's worth calling direct.

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La Ciccia
291 30th Street, San Francisco, CA 94131

[vulber]

Sorry, just going by what they said on their web site

[Robert Lauriston]

La Ciccia gets most of its stuff locally, but they're not very similar to Delfina.

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La Ciccia
291 30th Street, San Francisco, CA 94131

Delfina Restaurant
3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[chaddict]

According to La Ciccia's chef, it took him and Chris Cosentino to get bottarga imported into this country. Before them, niente!

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La Ciccia
291 30th Street, San Francisco, CA 94131

[CarrieWas218]

I don't know about that - I've had bottarga at Oliveto several years ago and at another restaurants in Los Angeles that escapes my memory at the moment...

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Oliveto Cafe
5655 College Ave., Oakland, CA 94618

[chaddict]

Totally believe you. Just that the chef said he and Cosentino are responsible. Maybe bottarga specifically from Sardinia? Dunno? Who cares? Ghana!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wolfe]

Vulber aside there is no reservation available for 5 at La Ciccia within 2 hours of 6:30 on the 19th per open table.

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La Ciccia
291 30th Street, San Francisco, CA 94131

[pauliface]

Try calling Jackson Fillmore.
They are on opentable, but may not reserve parties of 5 except over the phone.

[Mr_Happy]

Range maybe? Similar type of food, around the same price, and also in the Mission.

[vulber]

Range only has availability at 8:30 and 5:30

Did an OpenTable search, and two came up that were of note:

Blue Plate, which has a cozy atmosphere (and even an outdoor area), slightly cheaper than Delfina, and offers "upscale comfort food" - delicious, although if you're going with someone who gets grumpy at long waits, they might also be turned off by the idea of gourmet meatloaf.

Another one is Isa in the Marina, which offers innovative French/California food. It has a great ambience, including a little back heated patio. Some really delicious combinations.

Also, if you want seasonal Cal-Italian, try Flour + Water for reservations the day of - even if they appear booked up for 2 months, they often release slots the day of.

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Delfina Restaurant
3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Blue Plate
3218 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

[Gustavo Glenmorangie]

I agree with Range. Never had anything but a superb meal there.

But, forget Open Table. Call. Open Table never has prime time reservations. Why would a restaurant pay Open Table when they are going to fill up anyway. All OT is good for (for a place as popular as Range) is to fill up the dead spots. Thus: 5:30 and 8:30.

Really, call them.

Also If the OP is relying on OpenTable for the Delfina reservation, he/she should call Delfina.

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Delfina Restaurant
3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

[vulber]

delfina doesn't use opentable