30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Farm to Table Restaurants in San Francisco
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in San Francisco
Best Lasagna in San Francisco
Best Seafood in San Francisco
Best Italian in San Francisco
Master Critic Review
La Ciccia
8.6
Sardinian stalwart where seasonal Bay Area seafood and produce meet bottarga-kissed pastas and bold island flavors. Attentive, informed service and a deep Italy-focused wine list make it a reliable pick for intimate dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti with bottarga, Malloreddus with spicy sausage, Octopus stew
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Singular Sardinian menu with meticulous sourcing and serious wine pairings.
Who should go: Pasta devotees and Italian wine lovers
When to visit: Book early; prime times fill weeks ahead
What to order: Bottarga spaghetti; malloreddus; octopus stew
Insider tip: Ask for off-menu Sardinian pours to match bottarga.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Church Street—arrive early to find a spot along side streets or use the paid lot at 30th & Church. No valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual; locals tend to dress neatly for date nights—jeans are fine if paired with a collared shirt or nice top.
Noise level: Moderate; lively buzz but still suitable for conversation across a two-top.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation; the small dining room fills quickly.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; dinner-only service starts at 5:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pastas and starters feature vegetables and cheeses with rich Sardinian flavors.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes include cheese or seafood, but kitchen can adapt a few items on request.
Gluten-free options: Partial—select seafood and meat dishes work well gluten-free, though pastas are traditional wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice for a first date if you want something intimate and authentic. The cozy dining room, attentive service, and exceptional wine list make it memorable without being pretentious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible only early in the evening or very late; walk-ins often wait at least an hour. Booking a week or two ahead is strongly advised, especially Fridays and Saturdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—the menu and intimate setup cater more to adults. Older teens with adventurous palates would appreciate the food.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Sardinian dishes with uncompromising sourcing and deeply knowledgeable wine service—perfect for those seeking a distinctive, regional Italian experience.
Consider Alternatives If: You’re looking for casual pizza or quick pasta; the menu is focused, serious, and designed for diners who appreciate long meals and complex flavors.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5:30pm - 9:45pm
Wednesday5:30pm - 9:45pm
Thursday5:30pm - 9:45pm
Friday5:30pm - 10pm
Saturday5:30pm - 10pm
SundayClosed