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Uva Enoteca
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Uva Enoteca
8.2
Lower Haight trattoria (since 2008) doing straightforward antipasti, pizzas, and pastas with a tight Italian wine list. Calm room and shareable plates work well for families who like to split and sample.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meatballs al sugo, Margherita pizza, Cacio e pepe
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Neighborhood Italian with dependable pastas and low-key energy.
Who should go: Families who share plates
When to visit: Early dinner for easiest seating
What to order: Meatballs; margherita; cacio e pepe
Insider tip: Order an extra focaccia—kids love dipping in the sugo.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Haight and Steiner is available but fills quickly after 6pm; metered until 10pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual but neat—jeans and sweaters are fine; families and locals keep it relaxed.
Noise level: Moderate – lively chatter from families but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pastas, pizzas, and antipasti are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – one or two dishes can be modified; ask staff for olive-oil substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Partial – gluten-free pasta available on request, though not a dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for relaxed neighborhood dinners than romantic first dates; cozy but often busy with families.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – early arrivals before 6:30pm typically find open tables; later hours may require a short waitlist.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – high chairs available, staff are patient with kids, and simple dishes like margherita pizza are popular with children.
Best For
Better for: Sharing antipasti and casual family-style Italian meals in a neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking a romantic or upscale ambiance—opt for Che Fico instead.
Uva Enoteca
7.9
Cozy Lower Haight enoteca serving Southern Italian plates, orecchiette, and pizza with a thoughtful wine list. The intimate back room and warm service make it a reliable, low-key date option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe, Diavola Pizza, Meatballs al Sugo
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Intimate enoteca with Southern Italian staples and well-priced wines.
Who should go: Couples seeking cozy, conversational dining
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for calmer service
What to order: Orecchiette; diavola pizza; meatballs
Insider tip: Ask for staff wine pairings—by-the-glass list rotates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight after 6pm, but some luck on Waller or Pierce nearby.
Dress code: Smart casual; date-night attire fits the cozy wine-bar vibe, but jeans and a nice shirt work fine.
Noise level: Moderate—lively hum from the bar, but back tables stay conversational.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; the small room fills early.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; dinner only, typically no wait after 8:30pm on weeknights.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several antipasti and pasta options—clearly marked on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and modified pasta dishes possible on request.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility—gluten-free pasta available but pizza crusts are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate lighting, small tables, and low-key pace make it ideal for relaxed conversation without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins can score a seat early or late evening, but reservations are smart on weekends given the small dining room.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—no kids’ menu or space for strollers, better suited for adults or older teens comfortable in a quiet setting.
Best For
Better for: Cozy dates and casual wine nights where service feels personal and food stays consistent.
Skip if: You want big group seating, trendy buzz, or extensive vegan and gluten-free choices.
Uva Enoteca
8.2
Neighborhood enoteca in the Lower Haight known for southern Italian plates and a rotating pasta program. The boar bolognese lasagna and tight wine list make it an easy, un-fussy pasta night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Boar Bolognese Lasagna, Stuffed Shells, Puccia Bread
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Southern-leaning enoteca with a rich, boar bolognese lasagna.
Who should go: Pasta-and-wine date nights
When to visit: Early evening to avoid the dinner rush
What to order: Boar lasagna; stuffed shells; puccia bread
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal pastas before committing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Haight and Fillmore is limited but free after 6pm; no valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual—dark jeans or a casual dress work well for a date night setting.
Noise level: Moderate—lively buzz but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early weekday dinners often seat immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several antipasti and pastas can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—ask about modifications; one or two dishes can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—some gluten-free pasta options available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. Dim lighting, a compact dining room, and well-curated wines make it ideal for a relaxed first date without pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes if you arrive before 6:30pm or late evening. The small space fills quickly on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—best suited for adults or older teens due to its wine-bar format and limited seating.
Best For
Better for: Intimate dinners and casual wine nights with thoughtfully executed pasta specials.
Skip if: You’re seeking large portions, a loud group spot, or extensive vegan offerings.
Uva Enoteca
8.1
Lower Haight enoteca serving Southern Italian-leaning small plates, pastas, and a smart Italian wine list. Intimate lighting and bar seating make it easy for solo sips or low-key dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orecchiette with sausage and rapini, Meatballs al sugo, Roasted cauliflower with anchovy
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Wine-first approach with a concise, dialed-in cucina menu.
Who should go: Wine-centric diners sharing small plates
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 for a quieter bar seat
What to order: Meatballs; orecchiette rapini; seasonal veg
Insider tip: Ask for a half-pour flight to explore unfamiliar regions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; can be tough after 6pm. Allow extra time or use nearby paid lots on Haight or Divisadero.
Dress code: Smart casual; dark jeans and a nice top fit the room’s slightly dressy wine-bar vibe.
Noise level: Moderate – music and chatter fill the space but still conversational at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; the bar can often seat singles sooner.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; opens late afternoon for early dinner and wine service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several antipasti and pastas are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 options depending on specials; staff can adapt a few plates.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation – some dishes can be adjusted, but pasta is traditional wheat-based.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the low lighting, bar seating, and relaxed pace create an intimate but unpretentious setting ideal for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible for one or two people if you arrive early; groups should book ahead, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly – it’s more of an adult wine bar environment, best suited for teens or older if dining early.
Best For
Better for: Wine pairings and cozy solo or couple dining – stronger ambiance and wine depth than larger trattorias.
Skip if: You’re seeking large entrées, kid menus, or broad vegan options – this is a focused enoteca experience.