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Flour + Water
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Flour + Water
8.7
Modern Italian pastas made with NorCal ingredients, executed with precision in a lively Mission dining room. The tight, seasonally shifting menu rewards pasta-first ordering and a glass from the savvy list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli cacio e pepe, Agnolotti del plin, Tagliatelle bolognese
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Pasta craftsmanship backed by a deep seasonal pantry.
Who should go: Pasta-focused diners and wine lovers
When to visit: Early evening or late slots to avoid peak waits
What to order: Cacio e pepe; agnolotti; tagliatelle ragù
Insider tip: Bar seats are best for watching the pasta pass and faster walk-ins.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Mission is limited, especially after 6pm. No valet service is offered—plan for rideshare or nearby paid lots.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many opt for slightly dressier attire given the lively scene.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible but the room hums with energy, especially during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Not offered—dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward pastas and antipasti rotate seasonally.
Vegan options: Limited—typically one or two dishes can be adapted; check with servers.
Gluten-free options: Limited accommodations; gluten-free pasta is not standard, but some dishes can be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The intimate yet buzzing room, craft pasta, and thoughtful wine list make it ideal for a date-night setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—walk-in bar seats are the best bet. For main dining, reservations are strongly recommended, especially weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The menu and atmosphere skew adult-focused. Older kids may enjoy pasta, but it’s not set up with children’s amenities.
Best For
Better for: Handmade pasta execution and a seasonally inventive approach that sets it apart from more traditional Italian spots.
Skip if: You want large menus with pizza or heavy entrées—this is a pasta-centric experience with focused choices.
Flour + Water
9.0
Flour + Water serves creative dishes with an Italian-inspired menu, handmade pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, and seasonal antipasti.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezzalune, Cacio e Pepe Pizza, Taleggio Scarpinocc
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 9.4
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Innovative Italian dishes with a focus on handmade pastas and seasonal ingredients.
Who should go: Food enthusiasts looking for a refined dining experience.
When to visit: Evenings for a special occasion or romantic dinner.
What to order: Mezzalune, Cacio e Pepe Pizza, Taleggio Scarpinocc.
Insider tip: Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be difficult to find, especially after 6pm. Valet service is available for $12.
Dress code: Smart casual, jeans are okay but lean towards dressier attire for a refined dining experience.
Noise level: Moderate - ideal for conversation, but can get a bit lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, highly recommended to book ahead.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, but reservations are still advised.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated vegetarian menu section available.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan options are available, including pasta and pizza adaptations.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area to accommodate gluten-free dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it’s perfect for a first date. The romantic ambiance, fine dining, and intimate setting make it ideal for impressing someone special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s highly unlikely to get a table without a reservation, especially on weekends. Make sure to book ahead to avoid long wait times.
Is it kid-friendly? While the restaurant caters to adults looking for a refined dining experience, it’s not particularly kid-friendly. It’s best suited for date nights or special occasions.
Best For
Better for: Flour + Water excels in providing a luxurious, high-end dining experience with a focus on handmade pasta and innovative Italian dishes, setting it apart from other Italian restaurants in the area.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a casual dining experience or a family-friendly atmosphere, consider other options.
Flour + Water
8.3
Mission favorite for handmade pastas and seasonal Italian dishes; early reservations work for families who want a polished meal without formality. Service is smooth and the kitchen nails texture on every noodle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Agnolotti dal Plin, Tagliatelle al Ragù, Cacio e Pepe
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Meticulous handmade pasta with bright, seasonal sauces.
Who should go: Families seeking polished pasta night
When to visit: Book early evening for a calmer room
What to order: Agnolotti, tagliatelle ragù, cacio e pepe
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu kid-friendly pasta portions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots can be scarce around dinner, especially on weekends. Try Harrison or 20th for better luck—no valet service available.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests wear jeans or casual dresses, but it leans stylish given the Mission crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—buzzing at peak hours but manageable for family conversation before 7pm.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation; early evening tables go first.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, but dinner slots fill via Resy within hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pastas and antipasti are vegetarian, and the menu changes seasonally to include new options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes may qualify depending on current menu; servers are accommodating with substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free pasta, but gluten-free starters or salads available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a relaxed but stylish spot with great energy. The open kitchen adds warmth, and the service feels polished without being stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for walk-ins early or late, but the main seating fills quickly. Bar seating opens some flexibility for smaller parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—staff can do half-portions of pasta and provide high chairs, though it’s best before 6:30pm when the energy shifts more adult.
Best For
Better for: Best choice for families who appreciate chef-driven pasta without needing a white-tablecloth vibe. Service and quality exceed most casual Italian spots.
Skip if: If you need gluten-free pasta or a quiet dining room—look toward Noe Valley or Marina Italian restaurants instead.