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ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Tacos in San Francisco
Best Happy Hour Mexican in San Francisco
Best Late Night Tacos in San Francisco
Best Family Friendly Mexican in San Francisco
Best Date Night Italian in San Francisco
Best Lasagna in San Francisco
Master Critic Review
Modi Restaurant & Bar
8.4
Italian–Mexican mashup in the Transit Center corridor known for a rich birria lasagna layered with slow-stewed beef and stretchy mozzarella. Lively room, cocktails, and a pasta-leaning menu make it a post-work or date-night standby in SoMa/East Cut.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Lasagna, Paccheri with Wild Boar, Churro Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Fusion birria lasagna that actually balances Italian technique with Mexican depth.
Who should go: Pasta lovers seeking something different
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8 for best energy and seats
What to order: Birria lasagna, wild boar paccheri, churro tiramisu
Insider tip: Ask for bar seats for quicker service and a good view of the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking available at Salesforce Transit Center; limited metered street parking nearby fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean toward dressy-casual for evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation possible at tables but bar area can get loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially Fridays and Saturdays after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait; business crowds thin out by 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta and antipasti options, plus seasonal vegetable mains.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 marked options; modifications possible on some dishes.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available on request, though kitchen does not have a separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the fusion menu and lively but not overwhelming atmosphere make it a fun, conversation-friendly choice with a touch of uniqueness.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or for smaller parties; weekends require planning ahead, though bar seating is often open for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the menu skews adventurous and the room is geared toward adults. Older kids may be fine, but it’s not set up with kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Creative pasta dishes and a distinctive Italian–Mexican fusion concept you won’t find at traditional trattorias.
Skip if: You want a quiet, classic Italian dinner — the atmosphere is buzzy and the flavors are bold rather than traditional.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 10pm
Saturday12pm - 10pm
SundayClosed