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Tratto
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Tratto
8.1
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Girls Night Out Approved
Happy Hour Hotspots
Modern Italian in The Marker Hotel (since 2016) with a seasonal menu that often features a roasted-eggplant and ricotta lasagna alongside housemade pastas and cocktails. Stylish space suits pre-theater dinners and linger-worthy nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Eggplant Lasagna (ricotta, tomato, almond pesto), Pappardelle al Ragù, Fritto Misto
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Polished setting for a seasonal, roasted-eggplant lasagna and cocktails.
Who should go: Pre-theater and cocktail-first diners
When to visit: Pre-show 5–6:30pm or late evening
What to order: Eggplant lasagna, pappardelle, a spritz
Insider tip: Check the mid-week aperitivo hour for drink-and-snack deals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at The Marker Hotel (approx. $15–20); limited metered street parking nearby, fills quickly evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans acceptable with a polished top, many guests lean dressy for theater nights.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is possible but expect a buzzy, social backdrop during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; best to book ahead pre-theater.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated right away; occasional short waits if a convention is in town.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pastas and small plates, including the roasted-eggplant lasagna.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 small plates can be adjusted, but mains lean dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pasta available on request; kitchen accommodates substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The stylish setting, polished service, and strong cocktail program create a relaxed but upscale vibe for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early evening or late night, but pre-theater prime time almost always requires a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. While families are welcome, the atmosphere leans more adult-oriented with cocktails and business diners; best for teens rather than young children.
Best For
Better for: Trendy, polished Italian dining with strong cocktails and a central Union Square location.
Skip if: You’re seeking a casual, family-oriented Italian spot or strictly vegan options.
Tratto
8.1
Casual Italian trattoria with house-made pastas, pizzas, and spritzes, plus sidewalk seating ideal for a relaxed Union Square meal. Service is efficient for business lunches and pre-theater timing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe, Meatballs with polenta, Margherita pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: House-made pasta and pizza with efficient pre-show patio service.
Who should go: Business lunch and pre-theater crowds
When to visit: Late lunch or 5–6:30pm before curtain
What to order: Cacio e pepe; meatballs; margherita pizza
Insider tip: Request a sidewalk two-top for faster courses before a show.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking available nearby at Union Square garages; street parking is scarce and time-limited in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual; business attire common at lunch, theatergoers often a bit dressier at night.
Noise level: Moderate; lively buzz on the patio but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; earlier arrivals (before 6pm) improve odds.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated quickly; may be a short wait during peak business lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pastas, pizzas, and antipasti work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 dishes can be adapted (e.g., salads, pizzas without cheese).
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta available on request; staff can advise on suitable dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the sidewalk tables feel lively but not too formal, and the spritz-and-pizza vibe is relaxed while still polished.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at lunch or before 6pm, but evening pre-theater times fill quickly. Walk-ins should plan some flexibility.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids; the menu has approachable pizzas and pastas, though it’s not geared toward young children (no play space or kids’ menu).
Best For
Better for: Efficient service and spritz-friendly Italian plates right by Union Square, ideal for business meals and theater nights.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic hideaway or a fully vegan menu – other options may suit better.
Tratto
8.1
Modern Union Square trattoria pairing house pastas and shareable snacks with a strong cocktail program. Soft lighting and leather banquettes make it easy to linger pre- or post-theater.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arancini, Mushroom Pizza, Cacio e Pepe
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Pre-theater friendly Italian with polished bar program and cozy booths.
Who should go: Cocktail fans pairing bites before a show
When to visit: Pre-theater 5–6pm or late after 8:30pm
What to order: Arancini; mushroom pizza; cacio e pepe
Insider tip: Bar seats are first-come and perfect for two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public garages nearby on Geary and Mason; street parking is scarce and meters run late.
Dress code: Smart casual; theatergoers often dress up, but nice jeans with a blazer or dress works.
Noise level: Moderate buzz; bar is lively but tables allow for conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially pre-theater.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service geared for downtown workers.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pastas and pizzas are designed vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be adapted; ask server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the cozy banquettes and soft lighting set an intimate tone, while the cocktail list helps ease conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seats are first-come and often available for two; tables pre-show are harder but possible if you’re flexible on timing.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—this is more of an adult date-night or cocktail spot. Families with older teens may be comfortable, but there’s no kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Stronger cocktail program and more polished pre-theater setting compared to casual trattorias nearby.
Skip if: You want a quiet, family-style Italian meal—opt for North Beach classics instead.
Tratto
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Girls Night Out Approved
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Union Square trattoria known for shareable antipasti, house pastas, and Italian-leaning cocktails. A flexible choice for business lunches and theater nights with friendly service and extended hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe, Meatballs al forno, Focaccia with whipped ricotta
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Shareable Italian plates and cocktails in the theater district.
Who should go: Business diners and pre-show groups
When to visit: Pre-curtain early evenings or late after shows
What to order: Cacio e pepe; meatballs; focaccia
Insider tip: Counter seats are easiest for last-minute pre-show dining.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; nearby garages like Union Square Garage or Mason/O'Farrell are most convenient. Street parking is limited and tight around show times.
Dress code: Smart casual. Business attire fits in, but neat jeans and a nice top are common. Slightly dressy if heading to theater.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during happy hour and pre-show rush. Conversations are possible at smaller tables but can get loud with groups.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation around curtain times; later seatings after 9pm move faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick turnover makes it reliable for business lunches.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several antipasti, pastas, and pizzas are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – about 2–3 dishes can be adapted, ask server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta available on request; some shared fryer risk for antipasti.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, casual energy near the theater. Not an intimate spot, but good for a fun night out with cocktails and shareable plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait pre-show on weekends. Counter and bar seating are the best bets for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably so for older kids; menu has pastas and pizzas. No kids’ menu or high chairs, so less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Group dining, happy hour cocktails, and flexible pre/post-theater meals compared to more formal Italian spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or Michelin-level refinement—other Union Square Italian restaurants will suit that better.