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Trattoria Contadina
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Trattoria Contadina
8.2
Neighborhood stalwart since 1984 serving hearty, red-sauce favorites in a warm, compact corner space. The room hums with old-school hospitality and portions that encourage sharing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna al Forno, Gnocchi Gorgonzola, Chicken Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Family-run warmth with generous, classic Italian plates.
Who should go: Fans of cozy, old-school dinners
When to visit: Arrive near opening to avoid waits
What to order: Lasagna; Gnocchi Gorgonzola; Veal Scaloppine
Insider tip: Bar seats turn faster—perfect for two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Union and Mason can be tricky after 6pm; no valet service, but a small public garage is two blocks away on Green Street.
Dress code: Smart casual—think jeans with a nice shirt or casual dress; a bit of effort fits the date-night crowd.
Noise level: Moderate—lively chatter but still comfortable for conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating turns faster for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; early dinner around 5:30–6pm is also quieter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample pasta and antipasti options like caprese, eggplant parm, and gnocchi Gorgonzola.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize a few pasta dishes sans cheese or butter, but not a vegan-focused kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility—can substitute gluten-free pasta upon request, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate tables, warm lighting, and a family-run vibe make it feel personal without being too formal. Ideal for a comfortable, classic first dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are accepted but expect a wait on weekends. Arrive right at opening or after 8:30pm for the best shot at a quick seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—it’s a tight, cozy dining room better suited for adults or older kids comfortable with long dinners.
Best For
Better for: Heartier, old-school Italian comfort than trendier North Beach spots—perfect for those craving authenticity over flash.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern Italian or outdoor dining; this is all about cozy, classic charm.
Trattoria Contadina
8.2
Family-run since 1984, this corner trattoria serves a comforting, meaty lasagna alongside generous pasta plates. The intimate space and steady kitchen make it a go-to for classic Italian dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Roasted Yellow Pepper with Three Cheeses
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Long-running neighborhood trattoria with hearty portions and warmth.
Who should go: Couples and small groups craving classics
When to visit: Book weeknights; arrive early on weekends
What to order: Lasagna; Spaghetti & Meatballs; Seasonal salad
Insider tip: Ask about nightly pasta specials—portions are shareable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Union and Mason Streets; nearby garages at North Beach Garage or Polk-Broadway are the best bet after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual — dark jeans and a collared shirt or blouse fit the cozy-but-classic vibe.
Noise level: Moderate — lively chatter fills the room, but you can still hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation; small groups may be seated faster at the bar.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner only, and weeknights are easier to book.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta dishes and salads can be made meatless on request.
Vegan options: Limited — best to call ahead; sauces and pasta contain dairy and eggs.
Gluten-free options: Partial — gluten-free pasta available upon request, though the kitchen is not celiac-certified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit tables and neighborhood intimacy make it ideal for a relaxed, classic first date with real Italian charm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights before 6:30pm; weekends are fully booked, so reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — families are welcome, but the compact space and slower pace suit older kids or teens better than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Authentic, home-style pasta and a genuine neighborhood feel that beats trendier or tourist-driven Italian spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern twists or an expansive wine list — this is about old-school comfort and consistency.
Trattoria Contadina
8.1
Cozy trattoria on the Russian Hill edge with hearty, old-school pastas and red-sauce comfort. Reservations recommended; the room is intimate and fills quickly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle Bolognese, Chicken Parmigiana, Gnocchi al Pesto
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Neighborhood trattoria feel with dialed-in, comforting plates.
Who should go: Couples and small groups
When to visit: Weeknights; reserve on weekends
What to order: Pappardelle Bolognese; chicken parm; tiramisu
Insider tip: No patio—plan for the intimate indoor setting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight near dinner hours; best luck on Green or Taylor after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; locals lean polished but not formal—button-downs and dresses fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate; lively but intimate enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar fills early.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; some walk-ins seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—numerous pasta and antipasti options without meat.
Vegan options: Limited—ask to omit cheese or butter; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation; gluten-free pasta available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic lighting, close tables, and friendly service make it ideal for conversation and connection.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on early weeknights, but weekends and peak hours almost always require a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—space is tight and geared toward adults, though older children who enjoy Italian classics will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Classic, comforting red-sauce Italian fare in a genuinely cozy neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You prefer modern plating, outdoor seating, or large-group dining.
Trattoria Contadina
8.3
Family-run since the 1980s, this cozy corner spot plates hearty Roman-leaning classics and seasonal specials. A small sidewalk setup brings neighborhood charm to comforting pastas and braises.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni alla Contadina, Osso Buco (when available), Calamari Fritti
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Third-generation hospitality with steadfast recipes and warm service.
Who should go: Traditionalists craving hearty Italian
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid packed peak hours
What to order: Rigatoni Contadina; osso buco; fried calamari
Insider tip: Daily specials board changes—ask about slow-cooked braises.