0 Followers
54 Mint Cucina Romana
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
54 Mint Cucina Romana
8.4
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.
54 Mint Cucina Romana
8.6
Roman-focused trattoria tucked into Mint Plaza serving house-extruded pastas and staples like tonnarelli cacio e pepe and carbonara. Since 2009, it’s been a reliable downtown date spot with a deep Italian wine list and cozy downstairs seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Rigatoni alla Carbonara, Supplì al Telefono
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Authentic Roman cooking with house-made pastas and a serious Italian wine list.
Who should go: Pasta purists and Italophiles
When to visit: Weeknights 6–7:30pm for calmer service
What to order: Cacio e Pepe; Carbonara; Supplì
Insider tip: Ask for a downstairs table for the most intimate setting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking around Mint Plaza, but availability is tough after 6pm. Closest garages are Fifth & Mission Garage (5 min walk) and Hearst Parking Center.
Dress code: Smart casual—dress shirts, dresses, or elevated jeans work well for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing but still possible to have a comfortable conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though service is quicker with smaller parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several antipasti and pasta options (e.g., cacio e pepe, seasonal vegetables).
Vegan options: Limited—pastas and mains rely on cheese and eggs; request customizations.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available on request, though prepared in same kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate downstairs tables and Roman comfort dishes make it ideal for a relaxed, polished first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weekdays or early evenings, but weekends almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—the atmosphere leans date-night and adult gatherings. Suitable for older kids who can sit through a full meal, but not geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Roman classics and a deep Italian wine list—stronger than many broader Italian spots nearby.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking quick, casual pizza or a loud, high-energy group setting—this is more refined.
54 Mint Cucina Romana
8.6
Roman cooking in a tucked-away plaza with handmade pastas, pinsa-style pizzas, and a serious Italian wine list. Dependable service and a calm dining room make it a downtown go-to before or after Yerba Buena events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe, Amatriciana, Pinsa Margherita
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Focused Roman menu with house-made pastas and a deep Italian wine list.
Who should go: Pasta lovers and pre-show diners
When to visit: Early evening before Yerba Buena events
What to order: Cacio e pepe, amatriciana, pinsa margherita
Insider tip: Request plaza-side tables for a quieter experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; metered street parking is limited, but Fifth & Mission Garage is a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—polished but relaxed; jeans are fine with a nice top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate—generally easy to hold a conversation, especially at plaza-side tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; book ahead for prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though outdoor tables may fill quickly in good weather.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several antipasti, pastas, and pizzas are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options, mainly salads and a few pasta dishes that can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta is available on request, though cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate plaza location and polished Roman menu create a romantic, low-key setting without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly during lunch or early evenings, but weekends and pre-show times often require reservations for guaranteed seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—best for adults or older teens. There’s no kids’ menu, though pizza and simple pasta dishes work for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Excellent for authentic Roman dishes, a strong Italian wine program, and a calmer alternative to busier downtown Italian spots.
Skip if: If you want large-group seating, a very kid-focused atmosphere, or extensive vegan options, you’ll find better fits elsewhere.
54 Mint Cucina Romana
8.6
Roman trattoria tucked into Mint Plaza serving pastas and secondi with attentive hospitality. It works for multi-generational dinners where adults want regional dishes and kids keep it simple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, Porchetta
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Regionally focused Roman cooking in a plaza setting with space for families.
Who should go: Families celebrating with classic pasta
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm for easier seating
What to order: Cacio e pepe, carbonara, porchetta
Insider tip: Reserve plaza seating for roomier, stroller-friendly tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Mint Plaza can be tough after 6pm; nearby garages like Fifth & Mission Garage are the safest bet. No valet offered.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and a button-down or nice top are fine, but many guests dress slightly up for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate; the dining room can get lively at peak hours, but families can still converse without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins sometimes accommodated on the plaza patio.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though business groups can fill tables between 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple antipasti and pasta dishes are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 dishes can be modified (e.g., tomato-based pastas, some antipasti).
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available on request, though prepared in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for family or group outings; while charming, the room can be noisy and less intimate than a dedicated date-night spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights, especially for outdoor tables; weekends are best reserved in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids’ portions of pasta are available, plaza seating is stroller-friendly, and the menu appeals to both children and adults.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Roman pastas like cacio e pepe and carbonara, plus a central plaza setting that accommodates families and groups.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or an extensive vegan menu — other spots nearby may serve those needs better.