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Delarosa (Downtown/Yerba Buena)
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Delarosa (Downtown/Yerba Buena)
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Roman-inspired pizzas and pastas anchor this downtown staple, but the baked Lasagna di Verdure stands out for balanced layers, clean flavors, and a satisfying bake. It’s a go-to pre-show and business-lunch stop steps from Moscone with smooth pacing for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna di Verdure, Rigatoni all’Amatriciana, Polpette (meatballs)
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Vegetable-forward lasagna baked to order with precise layering.
Who should go: Downtown diners and pre-show groups
When to visit: Early evening before theater/convention rush
What to order: Lasagna di Verdure; amatriciana; meatballs
Insider tip: Request bar seats for fastest pacing when the lane gets busy.
Delarosa (Downtown/Yerba Buena)
8.0
Roman-style pizzas, crowd-pleasing pastas, and spritzes in a buzzy room steps from Moscone. Patio seating and shareable plates make it a low-stress, centrally located date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita with Burrata Pizza, Crab Arancini, Pappardelle with Pork Sugo
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Central, lively Roman-style spot with outdoor seating and a deep pizza lineup.
Who should go: Couples who want energy and easy reservations
When to visit: Early evening 5:30–6:30pm for minimal wait
What to order: Burrata Margherita; Crab Arancini; Pappardelle sugo
Insider tip: Request a patio table; it’s quieter than the communal interior.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearby garages at Moscone or 5th & Mission ($5–$8/hr). Street parking is scarce, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but many lean dressy given the date-night vibe.
Noise level: Lively. Conversation is possible on the patio, harder inside during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; fast turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pizzas, pastas, and antipasti are meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 pastas and some starters can be adjusted; pizza without cheese available.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pasta available; pizza dough not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The buzzy but not overly formal setting plus shareable dishes make it an easy first-date choice, especially on the patio where conversation flows better.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible. Weeknights and early evenings before 6:30pm usually have walk-in availability, but weekends almost always need a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. The menu works for older kids (pizza, pasta), but the atmosphere is geared toward adults and groups. No kids’ menu or play space.
Best For
Better for: Delarosa excels at group-friendly energy and outdoor seating, making it more casual and fun than upscale Italian date spots nearby.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, intimate dinner or strictly authentic Roman cooking, consider a smaller trattoria instead.
Delarosa (Downtown/Yerba Buena)
8.0
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
All-day Roman-style pies, pastas, and Italian small plates in a lively brasserie setting steps from Moscone. Consistent execution and a strong bar program make it easy for business dinners or pre-show eats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Diavola Pizza, Funghi Pizza, Arancini
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Roman-style pizzas with a full Italian menu and bar program.
Who should go: Pre-show and business-dinner crowds
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm or late after events
What to order: Diavola, Funghi, arancini to start
Insider tip: Bar seats are quickest; ask about daily spritz and amaro.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; nearby garages like 5th & Mission ($5–$8/hr) are most reliable. Street parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean business-dressy given Moscone and theater proximity.
Noise level: Lively and energetic—fine for groups, but can be challenging for quiet conversation during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; fills with Moscone and office crowds around 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—pizzas, pastas, and antipasti include several vegetarian-friendly options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 pizzas can be modified and a few small plates work with adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pizza crust and pasta available on request, though not celiac-certified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for lively, casual dates than quiet, intimate ones. The energy and bar scene create a fun vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but waits can be long on weekends and during Moscone events. The bar is your best bet for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy pizza and pasta, but the volume and bar crowd may not suit very young children.
Best For
Better for: Excellent for groups, business dinners, and pre-show meals with consistent service and cocktails.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, romantic setting or highly specialized pizza styles, consider alternatives instead.