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Che Fico
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Che Fico
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Destination Italian taverna (since 2018) from chef David Nayfeld that pairs seasonal pastas and sourdough-crust pizzas with polished service. While upscale, the lively dining room and shareable dishes work for special family nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti pomodoro, Pepperoni pizza (sourdough crust), Chopped salad
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Seasonal, NorCal-leaning Italian with a James Beard-recognized chef.
Who should go: Families celebrating a milestone
When to visit: Early evening to avoid peak waits
What to order: Spaghetti pomodoro; pepperoni pizza; chopped salad
Insider tip: Ask about upstairs booths—they’re quieter for kids.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along Divisadero and nearby residential blocks; arrive early or use the nearby paid lot at the DMV lot after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many guests lean dressy for evening meals.
Noise level: Lively—buzzing dining room with music; conversation possible but energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes open faster.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early evening weekday dinners have minimal wait if booked ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample options including seasonal pastas, salads, and pizzas.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 adaptable dishes; staff can modify pastas or vegetable sides on request.
Gluten-free options: Partial—gluten-free pasta available upon request, though pizzas share the same oven.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works if you want an energetic, upscale setting; expect a lively room rather than quiet intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are occasionally possible early evening at opening, but reservations are strongly advised, especially for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—best for ages 8+ who can sit through a full-service meal; staff accommodates families and offers shareable dishes.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory family dinners, design-conscious guests, and those seeking chef-driven Italian fare.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, budget-friendly trattorias or quick-service Italian spots.
Che Fico
8.8
Cal-Italian tavern known for wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and a lively upstairs dining room. Reservations are competitive, but the kitchen delivers deeply flavored, seasonal cooking with polished service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe Pizza, Rigatoni alla Gricia, Chocolate Budino
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Destination Cal-Italian with a wood-fire focus and hard-to-get tables.
Who should go: Couples chasing buzzy, chef-driven Italian
When to visit: Early week or late seating to avoid peak crush
What to order: Chopped salad; cacio e pepe pizza; seasonal pasta
Insider tip: The bar seats often open first—walk in and ask.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in NoPa; nearby paid lots on Divisadero or Grove are your best bet. Valet not offered.
Dress code: Smart casual — stylish but comfortable. Jackets or dresses fit in, but upscale denim is common.
Noise level: Lively to loud during peak dinner hours; intimate conversations are easier at the bar or early seatings.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch — dinner only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several standout vegetarian pastas and pizzas, plus seasonal salads.
Vegan options: Limited — a few share plates and salads can be adjusted; not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some items adaptable; ask for gluten-free pasta or risotto options, but cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s one of SF’s most atmospheric Italian spots. The lighting, energy, and food quality all make for a memorable first impression, especially if you can score a corner or bar seat.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are tough on weekends, but bar seats and late-night tables sometimes free up after 8:30pm. Arrive early or check Resy cancellations day-of.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to noise and crowding. Teens or older children comfortable with upscale dining will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Che Fico excels in balancing high-end Italian cooking with an energetic, trend-forward atmosphere — ideal for dates and celebrations.
Skip if: Skip if you’re after a quiet, traditional trattoria or need easy parking and family seating.