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54 Mint Cucina Romana
$$$ · Italian

16 Mint Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 543-5100
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Outdoor Dining Mediterranean in SoMa Best Date Night Italian in SoMa Best Italian in SoMa Best Family Friendly Italian in SoMa

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

54 Mint Cucina Romana 8.4
SOMA
Vibes: Outdoor Dining Oasis Date Night Magic Business Lunch Power Players Trendy Table Hotspots
Roman trattoria on Mint Plaza with house-made pastas and a steady sidewalk patio. Locals come for cacio e pepe, grilled octopus, and a civilized glass of Italian wine before shows or downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes: Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Grilled Mediterranean Octopus, Bucatini all’Amatriciana
Scores:
Value: 6.8 Service: 8.3 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.9 Atmosphere: 8.4 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Authentic Roman cooking with a true plaza patio setup since 2009.
Who should go: Pasta devotees and downtown diners
When to visit: Golden hour for patio plus early dinner
What to order: Cacio e pepe; grilled octopus; amatriciana
Insider tip: Request a plaza-edge table for the calmest alfresco seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking on Mission/5th. Paid garages nearby at Mint Plaza and Jessie Square (~$6–8/hour).
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy with jackets or cocktail attire for evening.
Noise level: Moderate. Patio tables allow conversation, though plaza events can add background noise.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer on event nights at nearby theaters.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; reservations recommended for larger groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pasta dishes and antipasti are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – may offer 1–2 adaptable options, but menu is not designed for vegan dining.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pasta is available on request; some grilled mains are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The plaza patio and Roman trattoria vibe provide a romantic but relaxed setting, especially at golden hour.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays and early evenings, but tables on the plaza fill quickly—book ahead for weekends or pre-show dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. The setting skews adult with wine-focused service, but older children can be accommodated. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Roman dishes, a true European-style plaza patio, and a downtown location convenient for theatergoers.
Skip if: You want a fully vegan or budget-friendly menu—other SoMa options may be better suited.

Hours

Monday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Wednesday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9:30pm
Saturday5pm - 9:30pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm