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Hippo
Master Critic Review
Hippo
8.8
Tucked behind a former post office, Hippo is chef Matt Molina’s Cal-Italian dining room with handmade pastas and wood-grilled mains in a tall, buzzing space. It sits at the intersection of neighborhood hangout and destination date-night, with a menu that changes often but leans heavily on seasonal produce and technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hippo house rolls with honey butter and sea salt, Tagliolini with duck ragù, Ricotta tortelloni in lemon butter
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: James Beard–decorated chef-driven Cal-Italian with standout pastas in a lofty room.
Who should go: Date-night planners and small groups ready for a longer meal.
When to visit: Prime-time reservations; later seatings feel more relaxed and cozy.
What to order: Hippo rolls, a duck ragù pasta, one wood-grilled shared main.
Insider tip: Plan a bar-seating visit for a more casual, walk-in-friendly experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking dominates—it's free but can be tight on York Blvd after 6pm; give yourself 10–15 minutes to circle. No valet offered.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean elevated—nice jeans, button-downs, and dresses fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but peak hours bring a happy buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins; bar seats are your best bet.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—Hippo operates dinner only, but weekday dinners typically have shorter waits than weekends.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options—seasonal veggie starters and one or two pastas are typically vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 1–2 dishes max, often requiring small modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally GF options and a few pastas can be prepared GF, but no dedicated GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The warm lighting, polished service, and shareable plates create an intimate but not stuffy setting—perfect for a first date that feels special but relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. Walk-ins are accepted, especially at the bar or for later seatings after 8pm. Arrive early on weekends if you’re set on a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. High chairs aren’t typical and the menu skews adult, but well-behaved older kids or teens should be fine. Not ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Handmade pastas, wood-fired entrées, and a neighborhood-meets-date-night vibe—more refined than nearby casual Cal-Italian spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, a kid-focused environment, quick service, or extensive vegan options.